Main street in Gananoque, Ontario. Image credit Todamo via Shutterstock

9 Best Towns In Ontario For Retirees

Ontario offers a wide range of charming towns that balance affordability, healthcare access, and a relaxed pace of life, making them ideal for retirement. While cities like Toronto or Ottawa can soar over $1,000,000 CAD for detached homes (the Toronto area average is now over $1.1M CAD), many smaller communities offer similar amenities at a fraction of the cost. Discover nine of the best towns in Ontario for retirees, each with populations under 50,000 and plenty of things to see, do and enjoy, and with home prices that in most cases are more accessible than in major urban centres.

Cobourg

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Cobourg is a delightful small town known for its sandy beach and lively arts scene. Cobourg Beach is a favourite spot for summer festivals and relaxed strolls along the boardwalk, while the Art Gallery of Northumberland, housed inside Victoria Hall, showcases regional and Canadian art in an elegant historic setting.

Downtown Cobourg, Ontario. Image credit Roy Harris via Shutterstock

For outdoor lovers, Cobourg Conservation Area provides peaceful riverside trails and birdwatching opportunities. Healthcare is strong here thanks to Northumberland Hills Hospital, and retirement residences like Rosewood Estates Gracious Retirement Living add to Cobourg’s appeal. The average home listing price there currently hovers around $880,000 CAD (according to Royal LePage), a much more attainable price point compared to Toronto.

Pembroke

Situated along the Ottawa River in the Ottawa Valley, Pembroke is a welcoming town. The Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre highlights the region’s logging and settlement history, while the Pembroke Waterfront Park and Marina offer walking paths, river views, and summer concerts. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Algonquin Trail, a multi-use path perfect for cycling and leisurely walks through town. Healthcare is anchored by Pembroke Regional Hospital, and seniors benefit from retirement residences such as Carefor Civic Complex Retirement Home.

Homes in Pembroke remain notably more affordable than Ontario’s urban centres, often listing well below the provincial average. The average home price in Pembroke is approximately $475,000 CAD, making it an appealingly affordable option compared to Ontario’s provincial average and major city markets.

Stratford

Stratford is best known for its world-class theatre scene and photogenic downtown streets, perfect for retirees who love culture and walkable neighbourhoods. The internationally renowned Stratford Festival hosts performances of Shakespeare, musicals, and contemporary plays each season. The town’s Shakespearean Gardens offer beautifully landscaped grounds inspired by plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. Nature complements Stratford, with the Avon River winding through town, a peaceful place for walks and swan watching.

Healthcare is anchored by Stratford General Hospital, and residences such as Cedarcroft Place Retirement Residence provide comfort and community. Home prices in Stratford average around $680,000 CAD, still far below Toronto’s averages.

Lindsay

As the main hub of the Kawartha Lakes region, Lindsay combines small-town charm with a strong sense of community. The historic Downtown Lindsay district features independent shops and cafés, making it a pleasant area to explore. Active retirees will enjoy the Victoria Rail Trail, a former railway line converted into a recreational path for walking and cycling. The town is also home to the FLATO Academy Theatre for Performing Arts, which brings concerts, plays, and community productions to the area year-round.

Boardwalk by the water in Lindsay Ontario Canada. — Boardwalk by the water in Lindsay, Ontario.

Residents benefit from Ross Memorial Hospital, a full-service healthcare facility, and lively retirement communities like Adelaide Place Retirement Community. The average list prices of homes in the Kawartha Lakes is $860,000 CAD.

Goderich

Often called “the prettiest town in Canada,” Goderich sits on the shores of Lake Huron and is known for spectacular sunsets. Goderich Main Beach draws swimmers, sunbathers, and walkers. The octagonal Courthouse Square is a downtown hub packed with boutiques, eateries, and seasonal markets. For a dose of local history, the Huron Historic Gaol offers a window into 19th-century prison life. The town is backed by Alexandra Marine and General Hospital and includes retirement residences like Harbour Hill Retirement Community.

Downtown Goderich, Ontario. Image credit: helgidinson via stock.adobe.com

The average listing price in Goderich is about $650,000 CAD, keeping it comfortably below the million-plus averages seen in Toronto and Ottawa, and underscoring its appeal as an affordable lakeside retirement choice.

Gananoque

Known as the “Gateway to the 1000 Islands,” Gananoque offers retirees a scenic riverside lifestyle with access to world-class boating and natural beauty. The town’s 1000 Islands History Museum introduces visitors to the region’s cultural and natural heritage, while the Gananoque Boat Line provides unforgettable cruises through the islands themselves. For a leisurely day on land, Joel Stone Heritage Park features waterfront walking paths, gardens, and a swimming area that locals love.

Colorful buildings in Gananoque, Ontario. Image credit JossK via Shutterstock

Arts and culture thrive too, with performances at the Thousand Islands Playhouse, one of Canada’s most respected small-town theatres. Healthcare is anchored by the Gananoque and Area Health Services, with Kingston General Hospital only 30 minutes away, and retirement options like Carveth Care Centre, making the town an appealing choice for seniors seeking both tranquility and community. Detached homes are currently selling for an average of $630,000 CAD, which is well below the major city averages, reinforcing the town’s appeal as an affordable option for retirees.

Brockville

Perched on the St. Lawrence River, Brockville boasts both scenic beauty and heritage. The Aquatarium is a standout, offering interactive exhibits about the ecology and history of the river. The Brockville Railway Tunnel, Canada’s first railway tunnel, is now an immersive light-and-sound walking attraction. St. Lawrence Park provides riverfront picnic space and scenic strolls. Healthcare is covered by Brockville General Hospital, and seniors can live comfortably at Chartwell Rosedale Retirement Residence.

Fulford Memorial Fountain in Brockville, Ontario. Image credit JohnInNorthYork via Shutterstock

Real estate in Brockville tends to be moderate for Eastern Ontario and often more accessible than in major urban centers, another plus when evaluating affordability. The average MLS listing price is about $550,000 CAD.

Midland

Situated on Georgian Bay, Midland is known for its waterfront scenery and strong ties to Indigenous and early Canadian history. The Sainte-Marie among the Hurons historic site provides an immersive look at French and Huron-Wendat life in the 1600s. Little Lake Park is a gathering place for festivals, leisurely walks, and lakeside relaxation. Midland also features striking outdoor art, including the celebrated murals and the recreated Huronia Museum’s Huron Village.

Healthcare is supported by Georgian Bay General Hospital, while residences like Tiffin House offer a range of retirement living options. The average listing price of a home in Midland is approximately $680,000 CAD, making it a comparatively affordable town on Georgian Bay.

Huntsville

Nestled in Muskoka’s forested region, Huntsville is ideal for retirees who love nature. Arrowhead Provincial Park is famous for its winter ice-skating trail and summer hiking routes. In town, the Algonquin Theatre hosts concerts, plays, and community performances. The Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, a public art trail, celebrates Canada’s iconic painters in an accessible way. Huntsville is served by Huntsville District Memorial Hospital, and retirement communities like Muskoka Traditions Retirement Residence round out its appeal.

Main Street in Huntsville, Ontario. Image credit Elena Berd via Shutterstock

Muskoka typically commands higher real estate prices in peak seasons, but Huntsville still offers value when compared with the high-cost Greater Toronto Area. The average listing price of a home in Huntsville is approximately $1,000,000 CAD, but condos are considerably cheaper at around $500,000, bringing retirees the option to appreciate Muskoka’s lakeside charm.

The Seven Wonders of OntarioPoint Pelee is a Peninsula in southwestern Ontario which was commissioned as a national park in 1918.

Finding Your Perfect Retirement Town

These nine Ontario towns prove that retirement doesn’t have to mean sacrificing culture, healthcare, or natural beauty if you choose wisely. Whether you are drawn to lakefront serenity in Cobourg, theatrical magic in Stratford, or the island gateway charm of Gananoque, each community offers a welcoming pace of life paired with strong local amenities. What sets them apart is the balance between quality of life and cost: housing prices remain far more attainable than in Toronto or Ottawa, allowing retirees to enjoy comfort, connection, and a rewarding lifestyle in smaller-town Ontario.

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