11 Best Places To Retire In Alberta
With stunning vistas, extraordinary mountain trails, and over 312 days of sunshine per year, living in Alberta will quite literally make your days brighter. Spend your golden years immersed in beauty as you transition to a slower pace of life in one of the most affordable provinces to live in Canada. From the Rocky wonders of Canmore to the picturesque parks of Airdrie, discover the 11 best places to retire in Alberta today.
Canmore
For retirees looking to enjoy the beauty of Banff without the crowds, Canmore is an exceptional alternative. Surrounded by the Rockies, this outdoor haven offers endless cross-country skiing, skating, and hiking opportunities. Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park serves as a prime location for year-round activities. The Canmore Engine Bridge, built in 1891, provides breathtaking views, adding to the town’s charm.
Admire the works of Canadian artists in Art Country Canada Canmore Gallery, where soapstone carvings, original paintings, limited-edition prints, and giclee are held. Canmore General Hospital is also located here, offering Home Care, Orthopedic, Social Work, and other services, as well as fulfilling volunteer activities. Canmore Seniors Association hosts social events, indoor and outdoor activities, and learning opportunities for adults 55 and older. This is an excellent way to meet new friends with like-minded interests for a membership fee of only CAD 45 per year.
Chestermere
Thirty minutes east of Calgary lies Chestermere. If you enjoy small-town living but would like to access the amenities of Alberta’s biggest city, then this is the destination for you. Not to mention its proximity to Chestermere Lake; this city truly has the perfect location. Anniversary Park is a lovely spot to unwind on a sandy beach, enjoy a scenic stroll by the water, or plan a picnic. After a day out, retirees can sit back and relax in the Lakeshore Spa, known for its luxurious skin treatments and massage therapies.
Plus, with a Crime Severity Index rate of 40.3, as per the 2023 Crime Canada Report, you can feel comfortable knowing Chestermere is one of the safest cities in Alberta. Chestermere Community Health Centre is located here, while Rockyview General Hospital, ranked 3rd on Newsweek’s Best Hospitals in Canada 2019 list, can be reached within 30 minutes.
Sylvan Lake
A nature lover’s paradise, Sylvan Lake is an excellent choice for retirees who appreciate a peaceful lakeside environment with easy access to urban conveniences. Sylvan Lake Park has a lovely beach and offers boating, water-skiing, and paddling opportunities. Seniors can also see magnificent views of the water from Rotary Lighthouse Park. For a different experience, Red Deer, home to the iconic Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and over 110 kilometers of trails in the Waskasoo Park System, is about 20 minutes away.
As for amenities, Sylvan Lake Community Health Centre offers specialized services in town, including Home Care, Occupational Therapy, and the Seniors' Mental Health Program. Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre is also nearby; it offers Specialized Geriatric Services, with a focus on providing consultations and medical education for adults 65 and older.
Cochrane
In the foothills of the Rockies lies Cochrane, a stunning town in Bow Valley. With a 24.5% population growth rate from 2016 to 2021, Cochrane was ranked 11th on Canada’s Fastest Growing Municipalities list by Statistics Canada. Out of the 32,000 residents, more than 5,000 are above the age of 65, indicating a strong social environment for seniors. Thus, one can spend time in various places, such as Mitford Park, which has trout-filled ponds and skating opportunities. Another hotspot is Big Hill Springs Provincial Park, known for its cascading waterfalls, shallow creeks, and abundance of wildlife. Connect with nature like never before at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, where various tours are available to meet with and learn about these animals.
Cochrane Community Health Centre offers several services, including Cardiology and Home Care. Calgary’s Foothills Medical Centre, with a 24/7 Emergency department, can also be reached within 32 kilometers. For any other needs, Calgary is just 30 minutes away, so seniors can always reach the big city.
Fort Macleod
Known for its rich history and cultural landmarks, Fort Macleod has plenty to offer. Retirees here can discover fascinating spots like the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a World Heritage Site since 1981, which preserves more than 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo culture. For more history, check out the Fort Museum, home to over 11,000 artifacts and a remarkable archival collection. On the other hand, nature lovers can see the clear lakes, captivating waterfalls, and spectacular mountain views of Waterton Lakes National Park, a jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a day out, Stronghold Brewing Co. is the best place to relax, offering quality brews on historic Main Street.
Fort Macleod is also within 50 kilometers of Lethbridge, one of Alberta's biggest cities. Residents can access major amenities and explore the charming downtown area, filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and cultural opportunities. Fort Macleod Health Centre has a long list of services in town, including a 24/7 Emergency department. Plus, with an average selling price of CAD 325,000 as per Calgary RE/MAX REALTORS® in March 2025, living here is quite affordable.
Okotoks
For retirees looking for a blend of modern conveniences, outdoor beauty, and rich history, Okotoks is an excellent choice. Located just 30 minutes south of Calgary, it offers stunning landscapes, a tight-knit community, and top-tier amenities. Golfers will love D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club, a picturesque 18-hole course surrounded by rolling hills and scenic reservoirs. History buffs can explore Okotoks Erratic Big Rock, a massive geological landmark with cultural significance to the Blackfoot people.
For seniors who enjoy nature, the nearby Sheep River Provincial Park offers mountain views, hiking trails, and cross-country skiing. The park is home to elk, deer, caribou, and sheep, making it an excellent spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Safety is another major benefit, as Okotoks has a Crime Severity Index of just 41.0 (2023 Canada Crime Report), making it one of Alberta’s safest places to retire. Healthcare needs are met by Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre, while High River General Hospital, offering 24/7 emergency services, is just 23 kilometers away.
St. Albert
Located just northwest of Edmonton, St. Albert is a charming and culturally rich city that offers retirees a peaceful, suburban feel with access to big-city amenities. The city’s mix of attractions will keep you busy, from St. Albert Botanic Park with its exquisite roses, lilacs, peonies, daylilies, and lilies to the magnificent Musée Héritage Museum set along the Sturgeon River. Extraordinary shows are regularly performed at Arden Theatre, where music, comedy, dance, film, and family programming provide entertainment throughout the year. The St. Albert Farmers’ Market offers a fantastic shopping experience, with approximately 275 vendors from across Alberta selling fresh produce, artisan goods, and specialty products.
Quality healthcare is easily accessible, with Sturgeon Community Hospital offering 24/7 Emergency services, including Cardiology, Fluoroscopy, Respiratory, and more. For those with additional health concerns, Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, ranked among Canada’s Best Hospitals in 2024 by Newsweek and Statista, is just a short drive away.
High River
Named one of the Top 10 Best Places to Live in Canada by Moving Waldo in 2023, High River was ranked eighth on the list. Various factors were considered, including low crime rates, affordability, and access to parks and recreational facilities. Legendary landmarks, such as Maggie’s Diner, a famous filming location for CBC’s Heartland series, add charm to the town. The Museum of the Highwood, housed in the iconic High River train station, holds over 45,000 artifacts, archives, and photographs covering thousands of years of history.
High River General Hospital provides Emergency, Physiotherapy, Continuing Care, and Respiratory Therapy services, ensuring quality healthcare for retirees. Several picturesque towns are within an hour’s reach, including Diamond Valley, Alberta’s newest town, established on January 1st, 2023. Fine arts and crafts can be explored at Bluerock Gallery, featuring nearly 200 local artists while fishing in the Sheep River makes for an excellent day trip.
Medicine Hat
Affordability remains a major draw, with real estate averaging CAD 491,000 (as of March 2025, according to Calgary RE/MAX REALTORS®). Compared to Calgary’s average of CAD 734,605, Medicine Hat presents a budget-friendly option. Nearly 20% of the population is 65 and older, according to the Government of Canada (October 2024), reinforcing its reputation as a senior-friendly city. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the trails of Echo Dale and Kin Coulee Park. At the same time, nature lovers will appreciate hundreds of exotic butterflies, turtles, fish, and birds in the Windmill Garden Centre’s Butterfly House.
Medical needs are well-covered, with Medicine Hat Regional Hospital offering 24/7 Emergency services, Pain Management, Intensive Care, Physiotherapy, and Geriatrics. Fun Fact: Medicine Hat is roughly 1.5 hours southeast of Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to some of Earth's most significant dinosaur fossil discoveries, dating back 75 to 77 million years.
Camrose
Escape to a city known for its sunny weather and relaxed pace of life. With an average of 320 sunny days per year, Camrose is one of the best places to retire in Alberta. Seniors looking to enjoy peaceful outdoor spaces can take in the fresh air at Mirror Lake Park or unwind by the water with a treat from OleO’s Ice Cream Castle. Bailey Theatre, one of Alberta’s oldest live performing arts theatres, originally opened in 1911, continues to host a variety of live music, comedy, Shakespeare, opera, and film performances.
Literary enthusiasts can browse for gems at the award-winning Camrose Public Library. At the same time, those looking to stay active will find plenty to enjoy at The Mayer Aquatic Centre, which features exercise classes, a hot tub, and a steam room. Healthcare is easily accessible, with St. Mary’s Hospital providing 24/7 Emergency services and a range of medical treatments. The Camrose and District Senior Centre Society fosters a strong sense of community by offering activities for adults 50 and older, including Dance, Table Tennis, Tai Chi, and Floor Curling.
Airdrie
For retirees seeking a slightly larger city with a small-town community feel, Airdrie provides the perfect balance. Amenities are easily accessible, with Main Street’s Towerlane Centre shopping mall and the 20-acre Nose Creek Regional Park, a scenic spot in the heart of downtown, offering relaxation and recreational opportunities. Healthcare is well-supported by Airdrie Community Health Centre, which provides 24/7 Urgent Care services, while Calgary’s world-class hospitals are just a short drive away. Retirees looking to stay active and engaged will enjoy Genesis Place, a top-tier recreation center offering fitness classes, public swimming, skating, drop-in sports, and gym time.
Takeaways
Your golden years are an excellent time to discover fascinating new places, and Alberta is full of them. Between breathtaking mountain vistas, gorgeous glacier lakes, and multi-million-year-old dinosaur fossils, Canada's Sunshine Province is quite extraordinary. With a sunny climate and comparatively low housing prices, this is an incredible destination to call home. Whether you prefer the scenic lakes of Chestermere, the historic artifacts of Okotoks, or the unique landmarks of Fort Macleod, get ready to fill your days with adventures in one of the best places to retire in Alberta.
