Ontario's 6 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
Despite being Canada’s most populous province, Ontario boasts a remarkable variety of small-town experiences that are perfect for retirees seeking a quieter life. Stretching from the rugged shores of Lake Superior to the fertile farmlands bordering the Great Lakes, Ontario boasts ample opportunity for leisure, community involvement, and a satisfying retirement lifestyle.
While house prices are consistent across the map, retirees will typically find housing and living expenses lower than in large metropolitan centers such as Toronto or Ottawa. Safety is another strong point, with Canada’s low crime rates being very much the norm in these destinations. Healthcare, too, is very consistent across Ontario thanks to a publicly funded system that extends to these smaller communities through a network of hospitals and clinics offering first-rate services when needed.
Add to this the pleasant pace of life, scenic locales, and plentiful opportunities for community involvement, and you’ll find endless reasons to consider these six Ontario towns in your retirement planning.
Gravenhurst
Situated in Ontario’s lovely cottage country region, Gravenhurst has a population of around 13,000 residents and is well-known as the “Gateway to Muskoka.” It’s home to the Muskoka Wharf where the historic RMS Segwun, the oldest operating steamship in North America, takes passengers on cruises across Lake Muskoka to see the luxurious summer homes along Millionaire’s Row.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Gravenhurst offers easy access to kayaking and boating across the three major Muskoka lakes, as well as great hiking on Hardy Lake Trail. The town’s Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site pays tribute to Dr. Norman Bethune, a pioneering physician who became a national hero in China after tending to troops during the 1930s. Speaking of doctors, Gravenhurst residents benefit from access to South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in nearby Bracebridge, a full-service hospital offering emergency and diagnostic care. The Gravenhurst Seniors Club is great place to hang out and features everything from low-impact fitness classes to craft workshops.
As for housing, Gravenhurst has a steady supply of single family dwellings available within walking distance of the town center, and retirement communities such as Granite Ridge cater specifically to older adults, with onsite amenities like communal dining and wellness programs. For those looking for a first-rate retirement home, The Alexander Muskoka Residence offers both independent- and assisted living programs with spectacular views over the steamships and Muskoka Bay.
Collingwood
Collingwood is located at the north end of the Niagara Escarpment on the southern shores of Georgian Bay, a huge body of water connected to Lake Huron. Home to a permanent population of over 26,000 people, attractions include the lovely Collingwood waterfront, once a bustling shipbuilding center and now reimagined with walking trails, parks, and an arboretum. For winter sport enthusiasts, nearby Blue Mountain Resort is Ontario’s top ski destination and offers first-rate skiing, snowboarding, and other snow-based adventures.
Healthcare needs are met by Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, a facility that offers 24/7 emergency care, diagnostic imaging, and a growing range of outpatient services, including those required by seniors. Programs for retirees are plentiful at the Collingwood Public Library and the Collingwood Leisure Time Club, the latter a popular seniors group focusing on social interaction and activities. There are also numerous volunteer opportunities, from the Collingwood Trails Network where retirees can help maintain walking paths, to My Friend’s House, a local women’s shelter.
Retirement complexes like Raglan Village provide tailored services, including assisted living units, physiotherapy, and an active social calendar. Like Muskoka and other popular leisure destinations in Ontario, house prices on the water or near the ski slopes can be higher than provincial averages.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Located in the Niagara Region (home to Canada’s top tourist attraction, Niagara Falls), the pretty town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has long been a popular place to retire to. Home to 19,000 residents, NOTL, as locals call it, is considered one of Canada’s prettiest towns for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. It’s also famous for its vineyards, with properties like Peller Estates and Reif Estate Winery offering tours and tastings year-round.
Having access to cultural attractions such as the Shaw Festival is another plus for retirees in NOTL. Running from April to October, this popular event features productions of George Bernard Shaw plays and other classics, all within strolling distance of the downtown area along Queen Street. NOTL is also a shopper’s paradise with boutique stores like Greaves Jams & Marmalades, in operation since 1927, and attractions such as the Niagara Apothecary, a heritage pharmacy museum established in the 1820s.
Healthcare here is supported by the Niagara Health network, including the nearby Niagara General Hospital for emergency services and specialized clinics. The Niagara Region’s Seniors Community Programs offer social events, fitness classes, and day trips, making it easy for retirees to stay active and connected, while volunteer opportunities abound, from guiding tours at Fort George National Historic Site to assisting with horticultural projects at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.
While house prices are generally high here, those looking to settle down permanently without buying real estate should look into retirement communities like the nearby Chartwell Orchards Retirement Residence with its well-designed suites, onsite healthcare support, and organized recreational activities.
Owen Sound
Situated on the shores of Georgian Bay an hour west of Collingwood, Owen Sound is a great choice for those seeing a pretty small town environment in which to hang their hat. Home to a population of just over 21,000, it, too, was once a busy shipping port for grain and lumber and is now considered a great choice for retirees. Cultural highlights include the Tom Thomson Art Gallery celebrating the life and work of the famed Canadian painter associated with the Group of Seven.
Nature lovers appreciate nearby Inglis Falls, a breathtaking cascade formed by the Sydenham River, while Harrison Park offers walking trails and birdwatching points. The waterfront consists of a three-kilometer long walking trail that’s fun for a stroll. In August, the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular fishing derby draws anglers to Owen Sound Bay from across Ontario. Volunteer roles are plentiful, including at the local library and the Billy Bishop Museum, dedicated to the famous World War I flying ace who once lived in Owen Sound.
As for senior healthcare needs, these are provided by Brightshores Health System’s Owen Sound Hospital with 24-hour emergency care, cancer services, as well as a rehabilitation department. For retirees wanting to stay active in the community, the Active Lifestyles Seniors' Centre offers art classes as well as educational programs. Several retirement communities operate in town, including Levante Kelso Villa which features private suites and in-house medical support if needed.
Stratford
The town of Stratford (population just over 33,000) is an ideal retirement location for those who enjoy world-class theater. The famous Stratford Festival runs from April to October and features Shakespearean plays and contemporary productions across multiple venues, including the state-of-the-art Festival Theatre. Stratford also honors its heritage through sites like the Stratford Perth Museum, set in a heritage building with exhibits about the area’s history. Outdoors, the Avon River winds through the town, offering scenic riverside walking paths, rowboats, and a resident population of swans that have become local icons.
For their healthcare needs, residents rely on the Stratford General Hospital, a facility equipped with a critical care unit ad well as extensive diagnostics and rehabilitation services. Seniors looking to stay active can join programs hosted by the Stratford Lakeside Active Adults Association at the Stratford Agriplex, including computer literacy workshops. Volunteering is easy to find, with opportunities ranging from ushering at the Stratford Festival to helping out at the Local Community Food Centre.
Retirement housing options include stately old homes that some older adults value as B&B operations, many within walking distance of the downtown core. Another option is Cedarcroft Place Retirement Residence which provides assisted living units, daily meal services, and social events like movie nights.
Brighton
Brighton, a charming town located along the shores of Lake Ontario, has a population of just over 12,000 and is a great spot for wildlife and nature lovers to consider. It’s best known for Presqu’ile Provincial Park, a popular spot for birdwatchers wanting to observe migrating waterfowl, especially during the spring and fall. The park also hosts an Annual Waterfowl Festival each March, featuring guided walks and educational seminars about local wildlife. Brighton’s main street, Prince Edward Street, is lined with longstanding businesses such as Lighthouse Books, a locally owned bookstore popular with residents.
Healthcare options include the Trenton Brighton Clinic and the nearby Quinte Health Trenton Memorial Hospital, about a 20-minute drive away and offering emergency services and specialized care. Retirees can stay connected through the Brighton Senior Centre, offering regular card tournaments, potluck dinners, and even wellness checks.
As for housing, retirement communities such as Maplewood focus on aging-in-place options, with assisted living units and on-call medical staff. A good supply of single family dwellings are also available here, with median prices being similar to those of most smaller Ontario towns.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right retirement spot in Ontario involves balancing the cost of living, healthcare access, and personal interests. Median house prices in each of these smaller towns reflect those of most communities across the province, and usually seem affordable to retirees who have sold family homes in bigger population centers such as Greater Toronto. So, while affordability isn’t usually a consideration for those considering retirement in these six towns, access to medical facilities, social activities, and volunteer programs are what really counts.
