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 has three beaches and a boardwalk for those who crave gorgeous sunsets, as well as a scenic, picturesque retirement destination. The Maitland Trail Association maintains a trail with a former railway bridge that offers beautiful views of Goderich Harbor, giving seniors awesome scenery while they hike or bike. Goderich's downtown area includes historic Courthouse Square, where concerts and a weekly farmer's market take place.

Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich is a full-service, primary care hospital ideal to serve the needs of seniors. Retirement communities in Goderich include Goderich Place, with various levels of care; Meneset on the Lake, an adult-oriented community; and The Bluffs at Huron, a waterfront community for independent living. The MacKay Centre for Seniors provides social, recreational, and volunteer opportunities for those aged 55 and over. Goderich is about 100 kilometers from the larger cities of Kitchener and London, making travel between the towns easy.

Port Perry

Located on the southern shores 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, 29.5 percent of whom are age 65 and over. Median home prices in Port Perry are $1M, and monthly rent averages around $2,200. Retirees choose Port Perry due to its strong sense of community, scenic beauty, and small-town feel.

Port Perry presents seniors with numerous activities. The Scugog Shores Museum Village contains 11 historical restored buildings full of artifacts that can be toured. The town is home to the Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel, which has table games and hosts entertainment. Each fall, the Port Perry Fair brings the townsfolk together, celebrating agriculture and featuring musical performances.

Lakeridge Health Port Perry is a full-service community hospital in town. Retirement villages for seniors in Port Perry include West Shore Village and Port Perry Villa, both of which offer independent to assisted levels of living. The Port Perry Seniors Club provides programs and services to those aged 50 and up.

Innisfil

Situated on the western shore of Lake Simcoe, and also referred to as South Simcoe, the serene, secure town of Innisfil has a population of 43,326, 16.8 percent of whom are over the age of 65. Innisfil is just 15 kilometers south of the larger city of Barrie and 100 kilometers north of Toronto for those seeking city amenities. Home prices are a bit higher, averaging $950,000, but rent is more affordable at around $2,000 monthly.

Innisfil has its share of outdoor space to please retirees. Innisfil Beach Park has beaches, fitness equipment, and sports fields. Innisfil is also home to the Cookstown Heritage Conservation District, 14 blocks downtown, including buildings from 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 offer swimming, sunbathing, and walking trails. The Ganaraska Forest, southern Ontario's largest forest, is nearby and provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing, and nature appreciation. Culturally, Port Hope has live professional theatre at the Capitol Theatre in the downtown area. The Port Hope Farmers Market sells local produce and wares on Saturdays.

Community Health Centres of Northumberland is located in Port Hope and serves community medical needs. The Northumberland Hills Hospital in nearby Cobourg is just 15 minutes down the road for more serious medical needs. Retirement living options in Port Hope include Levante Roseglen Village, The Tower of Port Hope, and Regency Long Term Care Home. The Town Park Recreation Center hosts the town's 55 and over senior organization, with exercise, swimming, recreational, and social programs.

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 lovers will appreciate that Stratford has more parkland per capita than any other city in Canada, with downtown Arboretum Park being a popular one for residents and tourists alike. For culture lovers, Stratford hosts the Stratford Shakespeare Festival from April through October and the Summer Music Festival from July to August.

Stratford General Hospital is available to serve the needs of seniors and other townsfolk. The Stratford Lakeside Active Adults Association, an organization for those over the age of 55, provides activities, services, and events. Many retirement residences exist in Stratford, such as River Gardens, Chartwell Anne Hathaway, and McCarthy Place. These offer living options from independent to assisted to 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.

Situated between the cities of Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie, Elliot Lake is full of hundreds of kilometers of trails for biking, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and ATVing. An 18-hole championship golf course, Stone Ridge at Elliot Lake, and a ski resort, Mt. Dufour, are also found here. Two beaches, Spruce Beach and Spine Beach, are within walking distance of the downtown area. You may also opt to visit Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can view gorgeous water lilies and abundant 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 consists of two beaches, Victoria Park Beach and West Beach, features a boardwalk, swimming, Cobourg Marina, and picnic areas. Cultural events and live performances are held at the historic Victoria Hall. Cobourg is specially designed for active seniors, with its Seniors Activity Centre for adults ages 55 and over offering programs and community connection, and the Ontario Senior Games Association's District 12, providing opportunities for seniors age 55+ to compete in games such as 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.