7 Welcoming Towns to Retire in Ontario
Ontario, Canada, is a popular destination for retirees, including those from within Canada and those from other countries. Small towns in Ontario offer charming, affordable communities that welcome seniors. From idyllic lakeside retreats like Goderich to hamlets like Stratford, which are rich in history, Ontario's small towns are filled with picturesque scenery, necessary amenities, and a slower pace of life. Seniors will appreciate the quality of life that they can experience in these welcoming towns in Ontario.
Goderich
An adorable town on the eastern shores of Lake Huron, Goderich boasts natural beauty, historic homes, and a great quality of life. The town's population is 7,881 as of 2021 (per the Statistics Canada Census), with 32 percent of the population over the age of 65. Median home prices are $649,000 (according to OJO Canada Ltd.), and monthly rent averages $1,500.
Goderich features three beaches and a boardwalk, perfect for those who enjoy stunning sunsets, and is also a scenic, charming retirement spot. The Maitland Trail Association maintains a trail with a former railway bridge that offers wonderful views of Goderich Harbor, providing seniors with beautiful scenery while they hike or bike. Goderich's downtown includes historic Courthouse Square, where concerts and a weekly farmer's market are held.
Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich offers comprehensive primary care, making it well-suited to meet seniors' needs. In Goderich, retirement options include Goderich Place, with various care levels; Meneset on the Lake, an adult-focused community; and The Bluffs at Huron, a waterfront community for independent living. The MacKay Centre for Seniors provides social, recreational, and volunteer activities for those aged 55 and above. Located about 100 kilometers from Kitchener and London, larger cities, Goderich offers easy travel connections.
Port Perry
Situated on the southern shore of Lake Scugog, just minutes from the larger cities of Oshawa and Whitby and an hour from Toronto, Port Perry is a small town with a population of 9,553, of whom 29.5 percent are age 65 and over. Median home prices in Port Perry are $1 million, and average monthly rent is around $2,200. Retirees prefer Port Perry for its strong sense of community, scenic beauty, and small-town atmosphere.
Port Perry offers a variety of activities for seniors. The Scugog Shores Museum Village features 11 restored historic buildings filled with artifacts that visitors can explore. The town also hosts the Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel, which offers table games and entertainment options. Every fall, the Port Perry Fair unites the community to celebrate agriculture and enjoy musical performances.
Lakeridge Health Port Perry is a comprehensive community hospital in town. Retirement communities for seniors in Port Perry include West Shore Village and Port Perry Villa, both offering independent to assisted living options. The Port Perry Seniors Club offers programs and services to those aged 50 and older.
Innisfil
Located on the western shore of Lake Simcoe, also known as South Simcoe, the peaceful and safe town of Innisfil has a population of 43,326, with 16.8 percent over the age of 65. Innisfil is just 15 kilometers south of the larger city of Barrie and 100 kilometers north of Toronto, ideal for those seeking city amenities. Home prices are slightly higher, averaging $950,000, while rent remains more affordable at around $2,000 per month.
Innisfil offers ample outdoor activities for retirees. Innisfil Beach Park features beaches, fitness stations, and sports fields. Additionally, Innisfil hosts the Cookstown Heritage Conservation District, a 14-block downtown area with buildings dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre has an Innisfil campus and a larger center in Barrie. Lakeside Retirement Residence provides levels of care from independent to assisted living. The Mobile Seniors Active Living Centre has free recreational and social programs to seniors.
Port Hope
Port Hope is an agricultural town in Northumberland County, southern Ontario, on Lake Ontario and the Ganaraska River. With a population of 17,294, 28 percent of whom are age 65 or over, this small town attracts retirees with its historical architecture, thriving arts community, beautiful harbor, and scenic parks. Median home prices are a bit higher, at $800,000, but rent is more affordable at $1,494 per month per the Canada Mortgage and Housing Association (CMHC). Port Hope is about two hours from Toronto.
Beaches on Lake Ontario in Port Hope provide swimming, sunbathing, and walking trails. The Ganaraska Forest, southern Ontario's largest forest, is nearby and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing, and enjoying nature. Culturally, Port Hope features live professional theatre at the Capitol Theatre in the downtown area. The Port Hope Farmers Market is open on Saturdays, selling local produce and goods.
Community Health Centres of Northumberland is situated in Port Hope, providing local medical services. For more serious health care, residents can visit Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg, only 15 minutes away. Port Hope offers retirement living options such as Levante Roseglen Village, The Tower of Port Hope, and Regency Long Term Care Home. The Town Park Recreation Center hosts the town's 55+ senior organization, offering exercise, swimming, recreational, and social activities.
Stratford
A quaint, laid-back town on the Avon River in southwestern Ontario, Stratford has 33,232 residents, 21.4 percent of whom are aged 65 and over. Stratford lies between the cities of London and Kitchener and is about two hours from Toronto. This town has great natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community spirit. Median home prices in Stratford are $669,000, and rent averages $1,504 monthly.
Outdoor enthusiasts will value that Stratford has more parkland per person than any other city in Canada, with downtown Arboretum Park being a popular spot for both residents and visitors. For those interested in culture, Stratford hosts the Stratford Shakespeare Festival from April through October and the Summer Music Festival from July to August.
Stratford General Hospital is accessible to serve seniors and local residents. The Stratford Lakeside Active Adults Association, for those over 55, offers various activities, services, and events. Stratford features several retirement residences, including River Gardens, Chartwell Anne Hathaway, and McCarthy Place, providing a range of living options from independent to assisted and full care.
Elliot Lake
Surrounded by 4,000 lakes, Elliot Lake has quickly become known as a great retirement destination. Its population is 10,998, and people aged 65 and older make up 40 percent of the population, more than in almost any other urban area in Canada. The lower median home price of $226,000 and affordable average monthly rent of $875, combined with the large percentage of seniors living in the town, draw many to spend their retirement years in Elliot Lake.
Located between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie, Elliot Lake offers hundreds of kilometers of trails for biking, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and ATV riding. It also features an 18-hole championship golf course, Stone Ridge at Elliot Lake, and a ski resort, Mt. Dufour. Two beaches, Spruce Beach and Spine Beach, are within walking distance of the downtown area. You can also visit Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see beautiful water lilies and plentiful wildlife.
St. Joseph's General Hospital in town can handle most medical care needs. Elliot Lake Retirement Living has a few facilities in the area, accommodating those who need independent or assisted living residences. The Renaissance Active Living Centre serves those aged 45 and up by offering recreational, social, and physical activities.
Cobourg
A small, historic town on Lake Ontario, Cobourg, has a population of 20,519, 34 percent of whom are 65 and over. Seniors are drawn to Cobourg's waterfront location, cultural attractions, and active lifestyle. The median home price is $730,000, and monthly rent averages around $1,325.
Cobourg Beach, which includes two beaches—Victoria Park Beach and West Beach—features a boardwalk, swimming areas, Cobourg Marina, and picnic spots. Cultural events and live performances are hosted at the historic Victoria Hall. Cobourg is specially designed for active seniors, with its Seniors Activity Centre for adults age 55 and over offering programs and community connections, and the Ontario Senior Games Association's District 12 providing opportunities for seniors 55 and older to compete in games like lawn bowling, walking, swimming, and cards.
Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg has a full range of medical services. Retirement housing options with various levels of care include Palisade Gardens, Victoria Retirement Living, and Rosewood Estates.
Retire to the Great White North
Ontario's friendly small towns beckon to those who are planning to retire. Whether you prefer towns with access to lakes and rivers, such as Port Hope or Stratford, or communities like Eliot Lake, with a large percentage of seniors, these small towns have everything you need to enjoy your retirement years. Head to the Great White North and make a new home in one of these welcoming towns.
