9 Safest Towns In The Maritimes For Senior Living
If you are looking for a low-key, safe, and community-orientated place to settle down in the Maritimes of Eastern Canada, you are in the right place! We have conducted our research and have come up with the nine safest towns across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island—each offering its unique spin on maritime history, coastal delight, and sensibility. Whether you are drawn to the colorful appeal of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, or the tranquil seaside of Rothesay, New Brunswick, each town prioritizes convenient healthcare services, recreational activities, and low crime. Let’s see if we can find somewhere that fits your needs.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Lunenburg is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its colonial-style architecture and strong maritime culture. The town is highlighted by its low crime rate, sitting 14% below Nova Scotia and national averages, ensuring a secure atmosphere for senior residents. Healthcare professionals at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital are dedicated to seniors' health and quality of life; specialized senior care programs include memory assessments, blood pressure checks, strength testing, and home safety evaluations. The community fosters an active lifestyle with senior-friendly activities such as the Lunenburg Farmers Market and the opportunity to explore the Bluenose II Schooner, a replica of the original Bluenose Schooner, famous for its racing victories in the fishing industry. In Old Town Lunenburg, the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and St. John's Anglican Church provide seniors with immersive cultural experiences, such as walking tours of Gothic revival architecture and interactive exhibits of the town's fishing legacy.
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Wolfville is located in the picturesque Annapolis Valley along the Bay of Fundy, renowned for its farmland and vineyards. Wolfville provides a secure setting for seniors, with a 39% lower crime rate than the national average, suggesting an environment where residents can enjoy an active lifestyle. Accessible healthcare through the Eastern Kings Community Health Centre is available, and seniors can receive specialized care through the Seniors LINCS Program, which helps maintain independence. Seniors can also participate in Wolfville’s diverse recreational activities; the Acadia University Art Gallery showcases exhibitions highlighting the region's artistic heritage, including works by The Group of Seven and Atlantic Canadian artists. History enthusiasts will enjoy the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site exploring the Acadian People’s legacy. To reconnect with nature, the Blomidon Look-Off offers panoramic views of Annapolis Valley. Reservoir Park is a cherished community green space ideal for strolls, picnics, birdwatching, and waterfowl observation.
Kensington, Prince Edward Island
Kensington, on Prince Edward Island, has long been an escape for Calgarians, but it's also an ideal place for seniors seeking a peaceful setting close to amenities and a close-knit community. Known for its low crime rates, 14% below the national average, the town provides a sense of belonging for retirees. Although Prince Edward Island is the smallest Canadian province, it's home to the Kensington Health Centre, one of the best medical care facilities in the Maritimes. For specialized support, the Seniors Surfers Club of Kensington and Area offers programs and activities for older adults, such as classes, crafts, quilting, exercise, and social gatherings. More social activities include the Farmers Market, where visitors access fresh local produce and handmade crafts while out and about in the community. Whether experienced or novice, gardeners can enjoy Ross’ Place Community Gardens, connecting to the earth and like-minded people. Local walking groups like Island Trails organize walks and hikes throughout Prince Edward Island via the Facebook page “Island Walking Trails.” The town's historic charm is featured in landmarks like the Kensington Railway Station, a gathering spot with shops and a restaurant, and the Haunted Mansion, offering Victorian-era walking tours.
Quispamsis, New Brunswick
Located along the Kennebecasis River, Quispamsis is known for its natural beauty and modern amenities, which are ideal for seniors looking for a peaceful and active environment. Sitting 31-48% below the national average in total, violent, and property crime, Quispamsis is one of the safest towns in the Maritimes for seniors. The Quispamsis Health Centre provides essential and specialized services, while the Saint John Regional Hospital offers geriatric and restorative care for acute and chronic health concerns. For more social interaction, The Kings Way Care Centre improves participants' physical, emotional, mental, and social abilities, supporting retirees seeking engagement. The Quispamsis Community Centre runs the “Forget Me Not Club,” which offers weekly activities for individuals with dementia. Quispamsis’ landmarks, from Meadowbrook Park to the Kennebecasis River, offer walking paths, waterfront views, and recreation like wildlife viewing. Local documented wildlife includes the Bohemian Waxwing, Belted Kingfisher, Ruffed Goode, and Blue Heron, which create a vibrant place for seniors to live and thrive.
Old Brighton, Charlottetown
Old Brighton is a small neighborhood in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, with a strong sense of community and one of the friendliest towns in the Maritimes. Well-kept streets and a low crime rate, 51% lower than the rest of Prince Edward Island, create an upscale vibe with tree-lined streets and proximity to Charlottetown Harbour. The largest healthcare facility on Prince Edward Island, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, provides specialized senior care, including the Provincial Rehabilitation Unit, Ambulatory Care Services, and Palliative Care. Historic charm and modern convenience are complemented by Old Brighton’s walkable streets, local shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks. Victoria Park offers a scenic waterfront area for relaxation and afternoon strolls, while the Charlottetown Seniors Active Living Centre provides social programs, fitness classes, and educational activities. History buffs will love Beaconsfield Historic House, offering guided tours of a preserved Victorian home, and for a night out, the Confederation Centre of the Arts hosts performances and exhibits, such as Anne of Green Gables—the Musical.
Moncton, New Brunswick
Moncton, New Brunswick, is a vibrant hub balancing urban lifestyle with innate beauty, a welcoming community, and accessible amenities, creating a place where seniors can thrive. Moncton’s total crime rate is 23% lower than the national average. The Moncton Hospital and Chaleur Regional Hospital provide specialized senior care, including geriatric services and chronic disease management. For senior recreation, the Moncton Seniors Activity Centre organizes social gatherings and fitness classes, offering opportunities to stay active. The Moncton Market, open year-round, offers fresh local produce, artisan products, and a warm social atmosphere. Parks like Centennial Park and Riverfront Trail are perfect for daily walks, creating a connection to nature. Fun cultural landmarks like Magnetic Hill provide an optical illusion and surrounding beauty, while Resurgo Place is an interactive museum highlighting the region's transportation heritage. One of the most notable attractions is the Moncton Famous Trolley, an iconic part of Moncton’s history.
Coverdale, New Brunswick
A serene rural town, Coverdale, New Brunswick, provides well-maintained public spaces and is uniquely an equestrian community. Coverdale's total crime rate is 27% below the national average, enhancing its popularity among seniors. A 20-minute drive away, the nearest healthcare facility is the Moncton Hospital, providing geriatric care and chronic disease management. For recreation, seniors enjoy the Coverdale Recreation Centre, which organizes fitness programs, social events, and educational workshops. Unique to Coverdale, Unbridled Healing, offered by Coverdale Counselling and Consulting, provides equine-assisted sessions ideal for older adults seeking therapeutic activities. The course helps mobility, balance, and mental well-being through gentle interaction with horses. Mental wellness can also be found in nature; the Riverfront Trail offers walking paths along the Petitcodiac River, creating a relaxing atmosphere with the sound of water, while Fundy National Park provides trails like Shiphaven Trail along the Bay of Fundy and interpretive programs on local wildlife, geology, and Indigenous history.
Rothesay, New Brunswick
Rothesay is a scenic riverside town offering seniors a dynamic lifestyle with modern amenities, rich history, and stunning maritime views. Pedestrian-friendly streets and well-lit public spaces create a safe environment, adding to the low total crime rate of 19% below the national average. Close health services include the KV Health Centre, which provides preventative care. Saint John Regional Hospital, only 15 minutes away, offers geriatric rehabilitation and palliative care—creating secure measures for seniors. Only found in Rothesay, the Rothesay Hive Age-Friendly Club is a community space dedicated to keeping older adults in the loop, providing classes such as digital literacy, gentle yoga, music programs, and painting. The town’s history is celebrated at the Rothesay Living History Museum, showcasing projects such as “Rothesay, New Brunswick: The First 150 Years”—a book detailing the town's history and the founding communities. The Lighthouse Loop offers more steps into Rothesay's seafaring past, just outside the town, providing panoramic views of the Bay of Fundy. The loop provides seniors with a peaceful way of travel, whether on foot, bike, or by car. Recreationally, Rothesay hosts Senior Bowling nights at the Rothesay Bowling Club, a fun way to engage in lighthearted competition.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax, Nova Scotia, has a reputation for its welcoming community and inclusivity to seniors at various social events such as festivals, markets, and volunteer opportunities. With a below-average total crime rate and a livability score of 84 out of 100, Halifax is a leading choice for seniors in the Maritimes. Seniors can access healthcare facilities at the Halifax Infirmary and Northwoodcare, which offer various levels of car service, such as independent living and palliative care. Halifax provides a long list of recreational activities suitable for seniors, such as the Public Gardens, a Victorian garden with walking paths—ideal for daily strolls. Run by the Halifax Regional Municipality, the Seniors’ Active Living Program helps seniors maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle with walking clubs, educational meetings, and fitness classes. The Halifax Seawall offers harbor views, scenic walking trails, and opportunities for bird and wildlife watching. Cultural enrichment is thriving with the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and Citadel Hill, an iconic national historic landmark showcasing an 18th-century star-shaped fortress with views of Halifax. Historic tours help visitors engage with the military history and the role Citadel played in defence—a must-visit for seniors wanting to immerse themselves in Halifax history.
Each of these Maritime towns offers a diverse infrastructure that provides safety, spectacular views, and a welcoming atmosphere for seniors. From strolls along the seaside to having engaging educational classes at your fingertips, cultural enrichment and sociability are leading factors in each of these towns. The region offers a slow and fulfilling pace of life—with abundant recreational activities to enhance all of the necessary ingredients to have a happy and high quality of life. The Maritimes are the ideal place to set down roots to embrace your next chapter!
