9 Best Towns In British Columbia For Retirees

British Columbia, Canada, is a top retirement destination because of its high quality of life and relatively mild climate. The country's third most populous province offers a nice mix of city life and wilderness, and retirees can choose to live by the ocean or a lake, as well.

Many retirees choose to escape the Vancouver area because of its bustle and head to more relaxed locations like Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, the Okanagan, the Shuswap, and the Kootenays. All of these regions offer something unique, making them worth a look as you determine where to retire.

Parksville

Vancouver Island is a great place for retirees because of its mild climate and welcoming community, and Parkville is at the top of its list. This seaside town is best known for its long stretches of sandy shoreline, which are perfect for peaceful walks or family visits.

Popular spots retirees can check out include Parksville Beach and Rathtrevor Beach, both offering spectacular ocean views and easy walking paths. Retirees also enjoy staying socially active at the Parksville Seniors' Activity and Drop-in Centre, which hosts games, dancing, exercise programs, and regular meet-ups that build connections in the community. For those who love golf, nearby courses like Brigadoon Golf Course are worth playing.

On the healthcare side, residents can use the Oceanside Health Centre right in town, while the larger Nanaimo Regional General Hospital is only a short drive away. Parksville also has several retirement communities, including Stanford Seniors Village, making it a comfortable choice for retirees.

Peachland

Peachland is a lakeside town in the heart of the Okanagan Valley with warm summers and mild winters. The community sits on the shores of Okanagan Lake and has a scenic boardwalk where retirees can watch the boats or take in the mountain views.

For outdoor adventure, Hardy Falls is a short, accessible hike with rewarding waterfall views. Wine lovers will also appreciate being close to renowned vineyards like Hainle Vineyards Estate Winery and Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards.

While Peachland has a small-town feel, seniors will find support at the Peachland Wellness Centre, which has community programs and services. Residents can also drive about half an hour to Kelowna General Hospital for more advanced healthcare whenever necessary.

Sechelt

Sechelt is a relaxed seaside town on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast. It combines ocean views with a small-town feel, making it an excellent option for retirees looking for a peaceful lifestyle.

Residents love strolling along the Sechelt waterfront or exploring the scenic Sechelt Inlet, both of which are perfect for peaceful walks and fresh ocean air. Nature lovers can also spend time at Porpoise Bay Provincial Park, which has gentle trails and sandy beaches.

There is a decent art scene in Sechelt, too, with galleries like Elle Bee Art Studio showing off the community's creativity. The Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre has fitness classes and hobby groups for older adults.

Healthcare is available at the Sechelt Hospital, so retirees do not have to travel far for care. Seniors can also live at local retirement communities like Totem Lodge.

Oliver

Oliver is a friendly town in the South Okanagan that attracts retirees with its sunny climate and slow pace of life. Wine lovers will have time to explore the District Wine Village, a one-of-a-kind spot with multiple boutique wineries and restaurants all in one place.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, the International Hike and Bike Trail runs along the Okanagan River. It is a scenic and accessible route for walking or cycling. Nearby, Tuc-el-Nuit Lake is a peaceful place to relax or fish during the warmer months.

Oliver also delivers peace of mind when it comes to healthcare, with the South Okanagan General Hospital providing local medical services. The Heritage House Assisted Living Residence is also an option as retirees age.

Comox

Retirees can choose Comox for a relaxed coastal town on Vancouver Island. Its friendly atmosphere and oceanfront setting make it an appealing place to slow down while enjoying plenty of activities.

A favorite pastime is strolling along the Fisherman's Wharf, where you can watch boats or head to a nearby restaurant for some of the freshest seafood available anywhere. History lovers will want to visit the Filberg Heritage Lodge & Gardens, a historic estate surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds that host seasonal festivals and markets. For golf enthusiasts, Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community is a top-rated course with gorgeous mountain views.

Healthcare is well supported in the region, too, through the North Island Hospital Comox Valley campus. Retirees seeking community living options will also find comfort and convenience at the Berwick Comox Valley retirement community, making Comox an inviting place to retire.

Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot Springs is a beautiful village known for its natural hot springs and peaceful lakefront living. This small community provides a slower pace of life surrounded by mountains and water, and is perfect for those looking to relax throughout their golden years.

Retirees can unwind at the Harrison Hot Springs Public Mineral Pool, a local favorite that is open year-round. Strolling along the lakeside promenade is a daily activity for many locals, as it provides breathtaking views of Harrison Lake. For the more adventurous, boating or kayaking on the lake is a fun way to stay active and connect with nature.

The town has the Village Health Centre for primary care, and more advanced services are available at Chilliwack General Hospital, just a short drive away.

Powell River

Powell River is an affordable community with a vibrant arts scene on the Sunshine Coast. The community has the ocean on one side and forests on the other, giving residents all kinds of recreation options.

Locals enjoy spending time at Willingdon Beach and Millennium Park, both perfect for picnics and community gatherings. For those who enjoy light hikes with great views, Valentine Mountain Park has accessible trails overlooking the town and coastline. Outdoor enthusiasts can also head out kayaking on Desolation Sound, a world-renowned destination with sheltered waters that is only a short drive away.

The Powell River General Hospital supports local healthcare needs. The community also has retirement living options like Kiwanis Village, giving seniors a safe and comfortable place to call home.

Trail

Trail is a mountain town in the West Kootenays with a strong community spirit and scenic surroundings. It sits along the Columbia River and has plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Retirees can take peaceful walks or hikes on the Columbia River Skywalk. Gyro Park is a favorite local spot for swimming and community events during the warmer months. The Trail Museum & Archives provides a fascinating look at the area's heritage for those interested in history and culture.

The Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital serves the region with healthcare. Seniors looking for independent living options will also find comfort and connection at Rose Wood Village.

Salmon Arm

The shores of Shuswap Lake are home to Salmon Arm, a popular retirement destination in British Columbia. Its stunning backdrop and welcoming atmosphere give retirees the perfect mix of relaxation and activity.

A must-see is the Salmon Arm Wharf, the longest curved inland wooden wharf in North America. It has some first-class birdwatching and is a great place to relax for a couple of hours. History lovers will want to experience the R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum, which shows off the town's past with interactive exhibits and restored buildings. The community comes alive each summer during the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival, too, attracting music lovers from across the region.

The Shuswap Lake General Hospital supports local healthcare needs, while retirement communities like Lakeside Manor provide comfort and security.

Retire in British Columbia

Retiring in British Columbia is a dream for many because the province is so spectacularly beautiful. It is also massive, so figuring out where to settle for your golden years could take some time.

Fortunately, it is tough to go wrong when you retire in British Columbia. All you have to do is determine if you want to live by the ocean or a lake and narrow it down based on your favorite activities, because chances are you will find them in this incredibly vast and scenic province.