10 Best Places To Retire In Ontario

Between breathtaking natural scenery, low crime rates, and high-quality healthcare facilities, there are many great places to retire in Ontario—a province home to over 250,000 lakes and nearly one-fifth of the world’s freshwater supply! With access to the stunning Presqu'ile Provincial Park, the beautiful beaches of Lake Huron, and the architectural gems of Elora, rest assured you will find an area that is both fascinating and safe to call your next home. If you would like to escape the big city hassle and switch to a more peaceful pace of life, explore these small, serene towns and mid-sized cities.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Whether the charming 19th-century village center, dozens of quaint shops and boutiques, or world-class wineries like the Peller and Konzelmann Estates draw you in, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a picturesque town with plenty to see.

Travel 220 years back in time to learn about Canadian history at The Fort George National Historic Site. See extraordinary concerts and performances at the Shaw Festival Theatre. You will also want to get your taste buds ready—there is a reason why this town was nicknamed the Culinary Capital of Canada, as Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to many incredible eateries.

With a population of only 19,088 residents, you will be thrilled to call this haven your next home. Situated by the Canada-US border, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a convenient 45-minute drive from Buffalo, a popular destination for food, shopping, and architecture. Not to mention Niagara Falls, one of the biggest waterfalls in the world, is only 25 minutes away—a wonderful place to take the grandkids.

Collingwood

The outdoor adventure town of Collingwood is an eye-catching place to retire. Located on the southern shores of Georgian Bay, dip in the refreshing waters and get-kissed in spots like Sunset Point Beach. Collingwood Arboretum, known for its gorgeous greenery and peaceful pathways, and Cranberry Golf Course, with its challenging layout and beautiful sights, are perfect places to spend the day.

Drive twelve minutes west to explore Blue Mountain Village, renowned for its captivating cobblestone streets, shops, and eateries. Take the family skiing and hiking down the Blue Mountain trails, or discover the true meaning of relaxation in Scandinave Spa, where you can unwind in thermal baths surrounded by the forest.

A slower pace of life and small-town charm draws retirees to Collingwood. Expect a strong community in this friendly town of 26,819 residents. The area is home to the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital, along with after-hours medical clinics. Plus, with a variety of home styles available, ranging from rustic cottages to extensive retirement communities, new condominiums, and houses, this is a great place to find your dream property.

Innisfil

On the western shores of Lake Simcoe lies Innisfil, a small town with a perfect location. 47,968 residents have access to popular spots like Innisfil Beach Park, where you can go swimming, boating, or ice fishing, and The Nature Preserve at Friday Harbour, for stunning land-to-lake trail walks. A 15-minute drive north will take you to the big city of Barrie, while a 90-minute drive south will take you to the major city of Toronto.

Thanks to the low crime rates, being 44% lower than the national average, Innisfil is a secure spot for retirees. The Royal Victoria Health Centre in Barrie and Southlake Regional Health Centre are close by and offer comprehensive medical services, in addition to local medical clinics and wellness centers.

There are plenty of recreational programs being offered for seniors. Between skating lessons, fitness classes, dancing, and yoga, retirees are encouraged to exercise their minds and bodies while socializing and forming close connections in the community.

Owen Sound

This hidden gem is truly a nature lover’s paradise. Located by Georgian Bay, locals of Owen Sound may have access to beaches—but the real treasure is the waterfalls. Weavers Creek and Jones Falls are beyond breathtaking, as well as Inglis Falls, which can be reached by foot or car. The city also lies at the foot of the jaw-dropping Bruce Peninsula, where you can find waters so crystal-clear that you will think you are in the tropics.

The median selling price for a single detached home in this haven is $625,000, which makes living here more affordable than other cities in Southern Ontario. You will feel secure knowing Brightshores Health System offers 24-hour emergency services, and Owen Sound Medical Centre has a team of well-trained staff caring after locals.

Owen Sound has a population of 21,776 residents, roughly 27% of which are 65 and older. Seniors are invited to join the annual Springfest 55+ Games, to connect with others and strengthen their minds and bodies. Activities like darts, ladder golf, mini golf, horse-shoeing, and more are offered.

Bracebridge

What some refer to as cottage country, an increasing number of retirees are calling their future home. In the heart of Muskoka, discover Bracebridge—a growing, picturesque town of 18,132 residents. Between iconic waterfalls, fabulous trails, and a warm, welcoming community, you will never want to leave.

This lake lover’s paradise, located on the eastern shores of Lake Muskoka, is recognized for its natural beauty. The iconic High and Wilsons Waterfalls are must-sees. Water enthusiasts will love boating, kayaking, and fishing in the area, while putters can work on their aim at the Muskoka Highlands Golf Links. In the winter, see fire artists work their magic at the iconic Fire and Ice Festival or go Nordic skiing down the nearby trails.

With a crime rate that is 34% below the national average, you will feel safe and secure living here. Not to mention the town has a strong healthcare system featuring the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, along with other clinics and family practitioners in the area.

Peterborough

If you are looking for a mix of city and country living, Peterborough is a fantastic spot to retire. Known as the Gateway to Cottage Country, the area is filled with lavish lakes, lush forests, and rushing rivers.

Along the shores of the Otonabee River, you can visit Riverview Park & Zoo, Canada’s only free accredited zoo. Riverview is the perfect place to take the grandkids for your weekend adventures. The non-profit Art Gallery of Peterborough also showcases contemporary pieces from both local and international artists. Enjoy live music at the Peterborough Musicfest, or head on a prehistoric journey at Canada’s Dinosaur Park.

Home to 85,263 residents, you can feel secure knowing there are many retirement communities and medical facilities available, such as the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Peterborough is also conveniently located between the major cities of Toronto and Ottawa, which makes accessing big city facilities, attractions, and events easy.

Elliot Lake

North of Lake Huron, one of the Five Great Lakes of North America, you will find Elliot Lake—one of the most popular cities in Ontario for retirement. Residents have access to inexpensive housing, high-quality infrastructure, and extensive natural beauty.

You can expect to see stunning routes with cascading waterfalls and ancient lakes at the Trailhead pavilion, eye-catching panoramic views from the Fire Tower Lookout, and historic artifacts at Elliot Lake Museum. There are also several species of animals at the Sheriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, including birds, moose, painted turtles, wolves, snowshoe hares, and more.

42% of 11,768 residents in the city are 65 or older, which makes Elliot Lake home to Canada’s third-largest concentration of people 65 and up. The median listing price for a home was only $226,367 CAD in November 2024. St Joseph's General Hospital Elliot Lake also has an emergency room that is open 24 hours every day.

Elora

Did you know Elora was once called “Ontario's Most Beautiful Village“ by Canadian artist A.J. Casson? With its 19th-century limestone architecture and famous Gorge, there is a reason why this haven is often referred to as Europe away from Europe.

In the Grand River Valley, you will find the Elora Gorge Lookout, renowned for its scenic water views. Make your way to Victoria Park to wander through trails and see the Elora Gorge Falls. You can also find shops, workshops, galleries, and events at the Elora Centre For The Arts, where lovely exhibits are on display.

Elora is quiet and peaceful but is certainly a growing town. In 2021, the Elora-Salem area had a combined population of 7,868, which is expected to reach 13,000 in 2041. The major city of Toronto is only a 1.5-hour drive away and is accessible by GO Transit bus routes. Groves Memorial Community Hospital and Guelph General Hospital are both nearby if medical services are needed.

Brighton

If you are searching for a slice of Canadian paradise, head over to Brighton. This picturesque town is located near Presqu'ile Provincial Park, recognized for its 2.5-kilometer beach—one of the longest sandy beaches in Ontario—where the water often looks turquoise under the sun.

Here, the Timber Ridge Golf Course features challenging greens in a well-kept setting. The whole family will love Cricklewood Farm, famous for its fun corn mazes, pumpkin patches, apple orchard, and fresh produce market. Not to mention, Brighton Senior Center hosts immersive programs to help you stay active and build close connections, including holiday events, Zumba and tai chi classes, a walking club, lunches, games, and day trips.

You can feel safe in Brighton, knowing the area’s crime rate is 47% lower than the national average. 12,269 residents enjoy the laid-back small-town charm, living in a close community setting. Quinte Health Trenton Memorial Hospital is only a 15-minute drive away, featuring a 24-hour emergency department. There are also several medical clinics in Brighton, including Telemed and the Lakeview Family Health Team.

Sarnia

Between the tantalizing turquoise waters of Lake Huron, the easy border access to the USA, and the fascinating historical museums, there are plenty of reasons to love Sarnia.

Get sun-kissed at Canatara Park, where you will find one of Canada’s Blue Flag Beaches—earned for their strict commitment to water quality, safety, and environmental criteria. Travel millions of years back in time as you discover dinosaurs at the Stones 'N Bones Museum, along with fossils, minerals, and gems. See a fascinating show at the Imperial Theatre, choosing between drama and comedy performances, musical theater, or rock and classical music.

Sarnia also boasts an excellent healthcare system. Bluewater Health has a Specialized Geriatric Program designed to support seniors in the aging process. There are also numerous medical clinics in the city to support its 72,320 residents. Sarnia is affordable compared to other cities in Canada, with an average home selling price of $524,651 CAD.

Fill the moments that matter with beauty, culture, and captivating adventures as you step into the next stage of your life. Between the world-famous waterfalls of Niagara, the gorgeous greenery of Collingwood, and the exquisite architecture of Elora, there are many incredible places to retire in Ontario. In addition to the slower pace of life, high-quality healthcare facilities, and low crime rates, these towns make excellent choices for retirement. Now is the time to escape the stress of the big cities and transition to a more peaceful pace of living so you can make amazing, unforgettable new memories in your future home.