9 Best Quebec Towns For Retirees
Bienvenue à la retraite! Welcome to retirement!
Québec offers a unique blend of serene natural beauty, European character, and modern culture, making it a top choice for retirement. With world-class medical facilities, affordable housing, and independent living communities, the province is home to numerous small towns that are perfectly suited for seniors. French-inspired architecture, scenic landscapes, and lively local culture create the ideal balance of peace and convenience. From lakeside retreats to panoramic mountain vistas, Québec has a town to match every retirement lifestyle. Here are nine excellent options for Québec towns that are suitable for retirees, with populations under 50,000. Note: prices listed below are in CAD.
Magog
Located in the Greater Sherbrooke area of the Eastern Townships, Magog combines small-town appeal with spirited community life and endless opportunities for recreation, culture, and relaxation. In summer, residents can enjoy a scenic dinner cruise on Lake Memphrémagog with Escapades Memphrémagog, while winter brings skiing and snowshoeing at nearby Mont-Orford. Residents and visitors can easily explore the downtown core on foot or by bicycle. From casual coffee shops like Café Les Estries to upscale restaurants like Pinocchio, serving refined French cuisine, there is a variety of options for wining and dining.
The town also hosts numerous festivals and events, including the popular Memphrémagog Arts Circuit, where local artists showcase their paintings and sculptures across multiple venues. Healthcare needs are well supported by Magog Hospital, located in the town center, which provides 24/7 emergency services along with specialized care. Housing options in Magog are attractive for retirees, with single-detached houses sitting slightly above the provincial average at a median listing price of around $580K, and a range of downsizing-friendly condos available for an average of $370K.
Amqui
Amqui is a small town in Eastern Québec, located at the base of the Gaspé Peninsula in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. Situated at the confluence of the Humqui and Matapédia Rivers, it offers a quiet, rural lifestyle ideal for those looking to retire in a peaceful small-town setting. Seniors with a passion for fishing can enjoy catching salmon in the Matapédia River, while outdoor enthusiasts can experience the beauty of nature year-round at the Parc régional de la Seigneurie-du-Lac-Matapédia, presenting several easy-to-intermediate hiking trails and footpaths with stunning views of Lake Matapédia and the valley. The Club de golf Revermont offers senior leagues for experienced golfers and lessons for those wanting to learn.
Amqui also offers a diverse dining scene, from La Captive, a casual microbrewery known for its local beers and hearty meals, to chic independent cafés and bakeries. For social seniors seeking a cozy place to gather, spots like Libellule Café Gourmand feature specialty coffees and freshly baked pastries in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Healthcare in Amqui is easily accessible, with Hôpital d’Amqui providing emergency services, diagnostics, and long-term care, alongside a range of family medicine and specialty clinics. With average home prices under $200K and numerous assisted living options, retirees can find comfortable, affordable housing in the area.
Baie-Saint-Paul
Situated in a valley on the Northern shore of the Saint Lawrence River, Baie-Saint-Paul is a picture-perfect town in the Charlevoix region. With panoramic mountain views and the Gouffre River winding through its scenic downtown, this small town offers stunning natural beauty and a vibrant cultural atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a retirement retreat. Baie-Saint-Paul is one of the cultural capitals of Canada, most notably for its contemporary art museum, Musée d'art contemporain de Baie-Saint-Paul, and as the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil. Known for its rich cultural programming, the town hosts music festivals and symposiums throughout the year, including Le Festif! de Baie-Saint-Paul and the Symposium of Contemporary Art.
For lovers of food and agrotourism, the town highlights the region’s finest local products, including Charlevoix cheeses, artisanal charcuterie, wild honeyberries, and locally produced wine. Le Mouton Noir, a rustic riverfront bistro serving French cuisine, serves a menu made with seasonal ingredients. Just a few minutes' drive from the downtown hub, there are peaceful beaches, parks, and waterfront trails, such as Boisé du Quai Park, on the St. Lawrence River. Baie-Saint-Paul Hospital, centrally located in town, is a full-service medical facility offering 24-hour care and emergency services, and median listing prices for single-detached homes are around $370K, well below the provincial average.
Sutton
Retire in a wine lover’s paradise. Sutton is part of the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route, which connects more than 20 vineyards across the Eastern Townships. Offering a mix of beautiful mountainous scenery, rich heritage, and community living, Sutton is a peaceful small town perfect for retirement. For year-round outdoor enthusiasts, the Sentier du Village-Montagne offers five kilometres of scenic trails that link Sutton Village to the mountain, perfect for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. From early summer to fall, the Mount Sutton chairlift allows riders to experience the scenic landscapes at an altitude of 2230 feet.
Sutton is also home to specialty boutiques, inviting cafés, and restaurants that highlight the region's culinary talent. Auberge Sutton Brouërie is a welcoming microbrewery and restaurant known for its hearty dishes and craft beers. Meanwhile, wine enthusiasts can visit Vignoble Domaine Bresee, a family-owned and operated local vineyard known for its stunning scenery and welcoming tasting experiences, or venture out to one of the surrounding vineyards on the wine route, less than half an hour away. For medical care, Sutton offers several small clinics and family practices, while the Brome-Missisquoi-Perkins Hospital in Cowansville, just a 25-minute drive away, provides full hospital services. While the average home is priced a bit higher than the provincial average at around $580K, the cost is justified by Sutton's mix of amenities and natural beauty.
Cowansville
Combining the scenic beauty of the Eastern Townships with access to excellent healthcare and essential services, Cowansville is a great retirement option. Situated on Lac Davignon, the town provides the opportunity to enjoy water activities such as canoeing and kayaking, hiking trails, and other recreational activities at the town's Nature Center. The Sweetsburg historical sector brings distinctive character and timeless charm to Cowansville. Its Loyalist heritage is reflected in the area's impressive architecture, with grand Victorian-style residences lining both Main Street and South Street/Rue du Sud.
For history lovers, Cowansville also offers museums, art galleries, and historical murals, and The Bruck Museum presents visual arts exhibitions and garden sculptures, as well as tributes to the area’s rich heritage. Downtown Cowansville features a blend of cozy and refined dining options, with a strong focus on local ingredients and flavors. Casual spots like Rendez‑Vous Café serve up relaxed bistro fare and classic French comfort food, while Fusion d’Asie offers more upscale international cuisine. Seniors will value the convenience of having the Brome-Missisquoi-Perkins Hospital nearby, which provides 24-hour emergency care, and the median house listing price for a single-detached home is lower than the provincial average at around $425K.
Rimouski
For city dwellers seeking a quieter place to retire, Rimouski offers the perfect balance of an urban center with the essential amenities while preserving the charm and atmosphere of a small town. Located in Maritime Québec along the lower St. Lawrence River, Rimouski lies about 300 kilometres east of Québec City and offers a beautiful marina, Marina de Rimouski, with slips for rent, as well as lessons, clubs, and social activities for members. Scenic trails and walkways, such as the Sentier Le Littoral, wind along the river and offer year-round outdoor activities. The network includes nearly 5 kilometers of cycling paths, 7.5 kilometers of hiking and snowshoeing trails, and 5 kilometers of cross-country ski tracks, making it easy to enjoy nature in every season.
At the heart of the city, Rue Saint-Germain is filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques and local shops. Librairie Boutique Vénus is a bookstore and boutique that caters to mature readers, featuring a carefully curated selection of literature, local crafts, and unique gifts. The street features a diverse selection of restaurants to suit a range of tastes, including Losange, an award-winning “Bib Gourmand” bistro known for its traditional Québec cuisine with a contemporary twist. Residents of Rimouski have access to comprehensive, 24-hour medical care at the centrally located Rimouski Regional Hospital, and homes go for an average of around $365K, while the median listing price for condos is less than $300K.
Sainte-Rose-Du-Nord
For those looking for a secluded spot to retire, Sainte-Rose-Du-Nord is a tiny fairytale-like village tucked into a valley on the edge of the Saguenay Fjord. Immersed in a setting of rolling hills and gentle coastline, the village features scenic trails and footpaths perfect for hiking and biking in summer, as well as snowshoeing during the winter. Located on the north shore of the Saguenay River, it is an ideal destination for fishing enthusiasts year-round and is especially famous for its ice fishing. For those who enjoy group activities, Aventure Rose des Vents offers guided experiences such as kayaking, electric biking, and cross-country skiing.
While the village has only a handful of options, it boasts a unique mix of boutique shops and local eateries. Among them is Apicurieux L’Atelier, a honey shop and café offering honey tastings and homemade sandwiches. Another favorite in the summer is Rose Café, a popular spot with both locals and visitors for its fresh, locally-inspired dishes and stunning views of the Saguenay Fjord. Healthcare in the village is limited to occasional community clinics, but residents have access to comprehensive, 24-hour medical services at Hôpital de Chicoutimi, just a short drive away. With average home prices around $170K, Sainte-Rose-du-Nord offers retirees an affordable lifestyle surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Mont-Tremblant
In the heart of the Laurentian Mountains, Mont-Tremblant is a wonderful place for seniors and retirees seeking to combine natural beauty with a vibrant yet laid-back lifestyle. The small city offers stunning mountainous scenery, clean air, and access to several lakes within a ten-minute drive from the peaks. Although best known for its skiing and snowboarding in winter, Mont-Tremblant is a year-round destination.
In the pictorial pedestrian village at the base of Mont-Tremblant, shoppers can browse curated European fashions at Ludivine or indulge in French-inspired gourmet treats at Maison Fayard, making the district a hub for unique finds in a lively atmosphere. Dining in Mont-Tremblant is a highlight for retirees who enjoy international fare and social outings. La Petite Cachée is a cozy restaurant known for its refined atmosphere and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, while sEb L’Artisan Culinaire offers creative, locally inspired meals and global wines in a romantic cottage setting.
Although Mont-Tremblant does not have an emergency medical center, several full-service hospitals are available within an hour's drive. As for affordability, this popular destination is consistent with the provincial average, with median listing prices of just over $500K for houses and around $430K for a condo.
Saint-Georges
Retirees seeking a small city that offers modern amenities and essential services without the congestion of larger urban centers like Montreal will appreciate the quieter pace of Saint-Georges. Located in the Beauce-Sartigan Regional County Municipality, it sits approximately 100 kilometers south of Québec City. The Chaudière River flows through the urban core of Saint-Georges, providing opportunities for water activities like canoeing and kayaking, and outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the city's network of trails, including eight kilometers of scenic paths at Parc des Sept-Chutes, perfect for hiking and cycling in the warmer months, and snowshoeing or cross-country skiing during winter.
Downtown Saint-Georges features a blend of specialty shops, independent boutiques, and well-known retail stores. For those who enjoy cooking with fresh, high-quality ingredients, Les Pères Nature is a specialty grocery offering fine artisanal products sourced both locally and internationally. Along 1st Avenue, dining options range from modern rustic pubs like Rock Café to international spots like Amir, known for its flavorful Lebanese cuisine. Hospital Saint-Georges provides comprehensive medical services, including an emergency department and specialized medical units, and with the average home priced around $220K and a variety of assisted living options available, retirees in Saint-Georges enjoy an affordable, convenient lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an English speaker seeking an anglophone community, a lifelong Québécois, or someone eager to practice French, Québec offers an unmatched mix of beauty, culture, and convenience that makes it an ideal retirement choice. Its small towns strike a balance between peace and connection, with excellent healthcare and recreational opportunities close at hand. From lakeside destinations to mountain retreats and historic centers, these nine towns showcase the province’s finest retirement options.
