9 Best Towns In Ontario To Retire Comfortably
Ontario is Canada’s second-largest and most populous province, being home to more than one-third of Canada’s total population. It is bordered to the east by the province of Quebec, to the south by the United States, and to the west by the province of Manitoba.
Ontario is both Canada’s economic hub and a major force in national politics due to several factors: its significant share of the country’s natural resources, a diverse industrial economy, influence from Toronto, the provincial capital, and Ottawa, the national capital. Consequently, Ontario is Canada’s wealthiest province, with the average cost to buy a home in August 2025 priced at around $800,000.
However, retirees will find housing and living expenses lower than in bustling metropolitan areas such as Toronto and Ottawa, as well as access to medical services, the outdoors, and everything else loved about Ontario in these best towns for retirees.
Port Hope
Port Hope is a charming small town located on the shore of Lake Ontario. It is a senior-friendly town, with home listing prices around $780,000, and opportunities to suit every lifestyle. The Municipality of Port Hope has over 55 programs and services ranging from arts to fitness for adults and older adults. Retirees can enjoy the scenic Port Hope Waterfront Trail, which presents pleasing views of Lake Ontario and passes through the historic downtown area, featuring over 270 heritage buildings.
Since Port Hope is located in Northumberland County, it is close to Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg, which offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including emergency and intensive care, medical and surgical care, as well as palliative care.
The Tower of Port Hope Retirement Residence is conveniently located in town, offering respite and short stays, assisted living, and independent living, making it accommodating to each retiree's needs and lifestyle. They provide daily housekeeping, personal laundry services, on-site dining, and hold monthly activities.
Collingwood
Collingwood is a popular choice to retire for outdoor enthusiasts looking for year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. It is located on the shore of Georgian Bay, an extension of Lake Huron. Sunset Point Beach is an excellent location for retirees to stroll along waterfront trails in the summer months. Alternatively, active retirees can enjoy skiing in the winter, as Collingwood is the gateway to Blue Mountain Ski Resort, which remains open year-round for hiking trails, golf, and relaxation at the spa.
Collingwood also has a variety of historic and modern properties to choose from, with the average price costing around $780,000. The north end of town is home to the downtown area, featuring more historic homes, and the south end features more contemporary homes.
The Collingwood General and Marine Hospital is an 84-bed acute care facility located in Collingwood, with emergency care, diagnostic services, and both medical and surgical inpatient units. Bay Haven Care Community is the only retirement community in Collingwood that offers both retirement home and long-term care home living options, with each option providing 24-hour caregiver availability.
Innisfil
Innisfil is a great destination for those who want to live in a smaller, less crowded community with country charm. It boasts a diverse real estate market of detached homes, semi-detached homes, row houses, and condos, with the average price costing $740,000. Innisfil Beach Park is a great place for retirees to enjoy boating, swimming, or relaxing by the dock at Lake Simcoe.
Innisfil launched a Mobile Seniors Active Living Centre due to an increase in older adult demographics. They host several events, including dance, arts and crafts, and fitness activities, which are held at various venues around town, such as the Cookstown Library and Community Centre.
Due to Innisfil’s close proximity to Barrie, many residents use the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre for medical needs. They offer a diverse range of care services, including emergency care, laboratory services, and treatment clinics. Lakeside Retirement Home provides personalized services tailored to each resident’s needs, with opportunities for residents to participate in a variety of activities.
Cobourg
Cobourg is a senior-friendly town located approximately 100 kilometres east of Toronto, making it an ideal place to retire for those seeking easy access to the amenities in a big city. Cobourg also boasts significantly cheaper real estate than Toronto, with the average home price at $660,000. Cobourg Community Centre has a variety of activities for seniors, including fitness classes, arts and crafts workshops, and social clubs. The Cobourg Public Library also has book clubs and educational workshops for seniors.
Northumberland Hills Hospital, located in Cobourg, offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including emergency and intensive care, medical and surgical care, and palliative care. Victoria Retirement Living is conveniently nestled in the heart of Cobourg, providing wellness services, monthly entertainment, and daily leisure activities.
Stratford
Stratford is an appealing place to retire due to its affordability in contrast to nearby cities like Waterloo and London, with the average cost of housing at $620,000. Retirees will enjoy relaxing in the prize-winning Shakespearean Gardens, which feature water plantings, soothing lighted fountains, native trees, and ornamental plantings. The Stratford Agriplex hosts the Stratford Lakeside Active Adults Association, which offers a variety of activities, services, and special events for adults aged 55 and over.
For healthcare requirements, the Stratford General Hospital is partnered with the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance and has a full range of medical programs and services. McCarthy Place Retirement Residence provides customizable care services tailored to each resident's needs and lifestyle. They also have the largest suites out of any retirement home in Stratford, ensuring maximum comfort.
Brighton
Brighton is located on the shore of Lake Ontario and offers a safe environment and quality lifestyle for retirees with affordable real estate at average home prices of $640,000. Presqu’ile Provincial Park is popular for active seniors, with a sandy beach, opportunities to view migrating birds, and a boardwalk that allows access to the largest protected marsh on the north shore of Lake Ontario. The King Edward Park Community Centre holds meetings for the PROBUS club of Presqu'ile, a social club for retired and semi-retired individuals. They organise social events such as wine tours, boat cruises, and trivia nights.
Healthcare in Brighton is available at the nearby Quinte Health Trenton Memorial Hospital, which offers primary and some secondary care to patients, as well as a range of clinical and diagnostic services. Legacy Brighton Retirement Living gives additional support to retirees who require it. They provide an array of care, ranging from minimal daily housekeeping to hands-on services such as medication management.
Huntsville
Huntsville is regarded as the “adventure capital of Ontario” due to its terrain and climate, making outdoor activities accessible year-round. It is more affordable to buy a home there compared to larger cities in Ontario, with the average house price at $620,000. Retirees can enjoy access to Arrowhead Provincial Park, which is a short 10-minute drive north of Huntsville and features campsites, sandy beaches, and hiking trails.
Huntsville is a senior-focused community with many resources for seniors available at the Canada Summit Centre and Active Living Centre. Such activities include arts workshops, fitness programs, and aquatic classes. Muskoka Landing Retirement Lodge is located in the heart of Huntsville and has personalized care and services to residents with year-round views of Fairy Lake. Healthcare is provided by Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, which offers both inpatient care and outpatient services.
Goderich
Goderich is a welcoming community to retire in, located on the shore of Lake Huron. It has a small-town charm and affordable real estate with house prices averaging at $500,000. Retirees will enjoy wandering the uniquely octagonal-shaped downtown core, Courthouse Square, which is home to over 140 businesses and services for retirees to enjoy. For more leisurely relaxing, retirees can enjoy the main beaches in Goderich, such as Goderich Main Beach, where you can relax on the sand or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk.
Retirees can enjoy social, recreational, and volunteer opportunities at the MacKay Centre for Seniors, which encourages retirees to remain active and independent in the community. For retirees who require additional assistance, Harbour Hill Retirement Community offers customizable care based on each retiree's needs with apartment-style suites. Alexandra Marine and General Hospital provides regional healthcare services for residents of Goderich.
Owen Sound
Owen Sound is an idyllic community supported by a modern healthcare system and strong police and fire services. It boasts a lower cost of living in comparison to other cities in Southern Ontario, especially regarding real estate, as house prices average at $440,000. Retirees can enjoy spending an afternoon at Harrison Park, which offers more than 40 hectares of streams, trails, gardens, playgrounds, forest, and green space in the heart of Owen Sound. Alternatively, the Tom Thomson Art Gallery exhibits the work of emerging and professional artists.
The Active Lifestyle Seniors’ Centre has socialization, programs, and activities that encourage healthy lifestyles and independence for adults aged 55 and over. Levante Kelso Villa offers residents a wide range of services and amenities to ensure senior living is stylish and comfortable. Healthcare is provided by Brightshores Health System and is equipped with a 24-hour emergency department and ambulatory care.
Retire Comfortably in Ontario
Ontario’s towns have many appealing qualities for retirees. Whether that means accessible healthcare, affordable housing, lakeside living, or an abundance of activities and groups to keep you busy in retirement. Change the scenery from sprawling metropolises like Toronto and Ottawa and enjoy retirement in one of these charming, small-town Ontario communities.
