Top 5 Retirement Destinations in Canada

As baby boomers embark on retirement, you do not need to leave Canada to find the perfect retirement destination. Across Canada, there are tremendous options to consider.

This article will explore five cities - Victoria, Kelowna, Mississauga, Quebec City, and Moncton - that top the retirement location list. Let's start in beautiful British Columbia and work our way to Canada's breathtaking east coast.

Victoria, B.C.

Top 5 Victoria Area Attractions

• The Butchart Gardens

Open year-round, these 55 acres of gardens feature endless flowers, fragrances, tours, and entertainment. 

• Chinatown

Canada’s oldest Chinatown, you’ll find a variety of restaurants, courtyards, historic buildings/sites, theatres and Tam Kung Buddhist Temple – the oldest Buddhist Temple in Canada

• Whale watching tours

With its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, numerous companies offer tours to get out and see the world’s highest concentration of killer whales and other whale species

• Golf Victoria

With a climate that promotes golf year-round, Victoria is a golfer’s paradise. Victoria is the start of the Vancouver Island Golf Trail, a 250km stretch up the coast that features 11 picturesque courses

• Butterfly Gardens

A rare, tropical paradise, Butterfly Gardens is home to more than just butterflies – you’ll also find flamingos, tropical birds, geckos, frogs, turtles, tortoises and the like

Victoria Weather

According to currentresults.com, Victoria has, by definition, a warm summer Mediterranean climate. In fact, Victoria has the highest daily temperature average in Canada.

Victoria only has about 15 days per year where the minimum temperature reaches 0°C or below. On the flip side, Victoria averages 283 days per year where the daily high will reach 10°C and above, including 95 days where that high hits 20°C.

Due to the high-for-Canada temperatures, the frost-free period in Victoria will last an average of 211 days, from the final spring frost to the first fall frost.

Victoria Demography

Victoria has a population of 80,017, with the Greater Victoria area coming in at 344,615 (2011 Census – likely higher now). European Canadians make up the majority of the population. Victoria is known for having a large retiree population. Retirees make up close to 20% of the population.

‘’The Garden City’’, Victoria is the capital of beautiful British Columbia and is located on Vancouver Island.

Other Victoria Information & Places of Interest

• According to the Canadian Medical Association (2015), Victoria has 654 general/family practitioners, plus another 558 doctors who specialize
• http://www.tourismvictoria.com/ is the best place to find festivals/events, plan trips, find things to do and look for hotels/B&Bs for visitors
• As BC’s capital, the Parliament Buildings feature prominently over the Inner Harbour
• Plenty of walkways and parks through the city, with majestic views both within the city and on the coast
• Beacon Hill Children’s Farm, IMAX theatre, ziplines and other activities to appeal to children and grandchildren
• Museums, including: BC Aviation, Craigdarroch Castle Historic House, Maritime Museum of British Columbia and Royal BC Museum

Kelowna, B.C.

Top 5 Kelowna Area Attractions

Located at the heart of British Columbia’s famed Okanagan region, Kelowna is a renowned retirement destination for those from both BC and across the country.

• Okanagan Lake

One of the top features of Kelowna, along with the weather, people can live along Okanagan Lake or access it and enjoy the walkways along beach, spend time relaxing on the sand, swim, canoe or visiting with others

• Vineyards & Wineries

With so many orchards in Kelowna, and throughout the Okanagan, vineyard and winery tours are a popular choice of activity, as the valley represents the second-largest (200+ wineries) wine region in Canada

• H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre

Canada’s largest municipal waterpark features an Olympic length pool, wave pool, river run, waterslides, a kid’s spray park (a grandkid’s Heaven) and 12,000 square feet of fitness & cardio space, amongst other things

• Okanagan Foodie Tours

A new culinary experience, Okanagan Foodie Tours takes you on a guided walking and tasting tour while learning local artisan, cultural and historical facts

• Big White Resort

Rated #1 by Ski Canada Magazine for ‘Best Family Resort’, ‘Best Grooming’ and ‘Best Snow’ at the 2016 Best of Skiing in Canada Awards, Big White transforms in the summer and provides walking trails and chairlift rides, for those looking to enjoy the views of mountain flowers and lush nature

Kelowna Weather

Kelowna boasts four seasons annually, yet is considered to be a dry climate. The average daytime high during July and August is 27.4°C. For December and January, the average low is -7.7°C. Kelowna trails only Victoria and Abbotsford for highest average temperature in Canada.

Annually, Kelowna receives over 2,000 hours of sunshine and 366mm of precipitation (rain and snow combined).

Kelowna Demography

Kelowna has a population of about 125,000. Kelowna is the most prominent city in the Okanagan. Other notable cities and communities within the Okanagan include Penticton, Vernon, West Kelowna (Westbank), Peachland, Summerland and Osoyoos.

As one of Canada’s top retirement destinations, the average age of residents is higher than the vast majority of cities in Canada.

Other Kelowna Information & Places of Interest

• According to the Canadian Medical Association (2015), Kelowna has 246 general/family practitioners, plus another 239 doctors who specialize
• http://www.tourismkelowna.com/ is a top resource for finding calendars on events, things to do, places to stay, travel and dining
• Kelowna International Airport is one of the 10 busiest airports in Canada
• Community theatre and symphonies are prominent
• W.R. Bennett Bridge, the only vehicular crossing over Okanagan Lake, is also the only floating bridge in Canada

Mississauga, Ontario

Top 5 Mississauga Area Attractions

• Port Credit

The serene ‘’Village on the Lake’’ along Lake Ontario, Port Credit is home to several parks, walkways, festivals, events and boat shows throughout the year

• OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack

The only venue in Ontario to host both live Thoroughbred and Standardbred race year-round, OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack also boasts 2,500 slot machines and other table games, along with a handful of dining options

• Square One Shopping Centre

With 360 stores, Square One Shopping Centre is one of the top retail venues in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and is an attraction to residents, as well as visiting family and friends

• Back-Nine

A premier indoor golf simulator facility, you can work on your golf game year-round, as well host gathering and get-togethers in their banquet and meeting rooms

• Mississauga Celebration Square

Formerly Civic Square, the Mississauga Celebration Square has been reconstructed and is now home to over 60 free events throughout the year, as well as an outdoor skating rink, media screens and dining

Mississauga Weather

Mississauga has a moderate climate, with high humidity. July and August combine for an average temperature of 20°C while the coldest months, January and February, combine to average -6°C. Temperatures will max out around 30°C and bottom out at -15°C.

Mississauga Demography

Mississauga itself has a population of 713,443 (Canada 2011 Census). It is part of the GTA.

Mississauga is a culturally diverse city, with a large Asian population. This diversity is evident through the festivals and events in the city and the many different types of cuisine offered.

For those retirees who like to vacation or have family & friends visit, Toronto Pearson International Airport is located in Mississauga.

Other Mississauga Information & Places of Interest

• According to the Canadian Medical Association (2015), Toronto has 5,742 general/family practitioners, plus another 6,826 doctors who specialize
• https://www.discovermississauga.ca/ is the best resource to find up-to-date special offers, see & do, stay, dine, shop and get around information
• Enjoy days on Lake Ontario with a host of fishing charters and yachts
• Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, Fantasy Fair, Putting Edge, Wild Water Kingdom and Playdium are just a handful of attractions for visiting family - especially those with kids - to enjoy
• Mississauga Waterfront Festival, voted one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals ten years in a row, has hosted artists including: Sam Roberts, Jann Arden, Tom Cochrane, Chantel Kreviazuk, Colin James, Kathleen Edwards, Suzie McNeill and Bruce Cockburn
• Outdoor activities including: fishing, boating, golf, walking paths, hiking trails and lake-side relaxing
• https://www.discovermississauga.ca/images/zoo/get-around/maps/waterfront.pdf is a link to the waterfront trail map

Quebec City, Quebec

Travel and Leisure magazine ranked Québec City as the #1 Best City in Canada to Visit in 2016.

Québec City is one of a handful of world cities to merge Old World and New World so exquisitely. With such a unique history, it’s no wonder Québec City is a top retirement destination for so many Canadians.

Top 5 Québec City Area Attractions

• Parc Linéaire de la Rivière-Saint-Charles

With 32km of beautiful walking trails running along the St. Charles River, you’ll come across numerous park areas, waterfalls, wildlife, flora, and historical sites

• Changing of the Guard

Aside from a hiatus between 1939 and 1945, the Changing of the Guard ceremony has been running daily from June 24 – Labour Day since 1928 on the Citadel’s parade grounds

• Art Galleries

The European influence of Québec City can be manifest through the volume and style of art displayed at venues throughout the city

• Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand

A city steeped in musical talents and varying genres, Edwin-Belanger Bandstand hosts 25 free shows every summer (June – August)

• ComediHa! Fest-Québec

A celebration of all forms of comedy, including stand-up, theatre, music, improv, comic strips, variety shows, fictional series and movies, ComediHa! Fest is a top international comedy tour that comes to Québec City every June

Québec City Weather

According to currentresults.com, Québec City has about 166 days a year when the minimum temperature is at 0°C or below. Conversely, there are 183 days a year when the maximum temperature hits 10°C and above.

July (average high of 25°C) and January (average low of -16°C) represent the warmest and coldest Québec City months, respectively.

Québec City Demography

As of 2015, Quebec City had a population of 540,994. Including the metropolitan area, the population was 806,400 (2011 Census).

French is the native language of the vast majority of Québec City’s population. That said, a large part of residents are bilingual. With tourism playing such a prominent role in the economy, especially in the summer months, don’t hesitate to visit Québec City if you’re not a French speaker.

Québec City is a religious place, with over 90% of the population being Roman Catholic.

Other Québec City Information & Places of Interest

• According to the Canadian Medical Association (2015), Québec City has 1,098 general/family practitioners, plus another 1,467 doctors who specialize
• http://www.quebecregion.com/en/ is a great resource for exploring, traveling, accommodations, restaurants and deals
• Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec’s new pavillon Pierre-Lassonde
• Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain
• Enjoy watching the animals at the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
• Aquarium du Québec, home of 10,000 marine creatures
• Take the Charlevoix Rail Transit to see spectacular mountain and river vistas

Moncton, New Brunswick

Top 5 Moncton Area Attractions

• Cape Enrage

Awarded the #1 view in Canada by Frommer’s, a travel products and services company, this view is found east of Fundy National Park along route 915

• Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is home to the highest tides in the world. You can literally walk on the ocean floor then, later, see it immersed with over 100 billion tonnes of water when the tide comes in

• Magnetic Hill

Magnetic Hill provides an optical illusion that water and cars move uphill. Put your car in ‘’N’’, sit back and enjoy the hill carrying you up it

• Fundy National Park & Kouchibouguac National Park

Both National Parks are within an hour drive from the city

• Resurgo Place

Resurgo (latin for ‘I rise again’, which is the motto of the City of Moncton) Place is home to the new Moncton Museum and the Transportation Discovery Centre

Moncton Weather

Despite its proximity to the sea, Moncton’s climate is, for the most part, continental. This means the climate will have a wider range of temperatures and see less rainfall than an oceanic climate.

Moncton averages 166 days per year with precipitation. Separately, it averages between 105 and 131 days without frost, through the summer months. According to currentresults.com, there are an average of 293 days per year when the high will meet and/or exceed 10°C. Essentially, despite starting the day with a bit of frost, temperatures do rise throughout the day to a fairly comfortable spot.

Moncton Demography

Stemming back to its roots in the 1600s, when it was first settled by Acadians, Moncton has always been a diverse place. In fact, in 2002, Moncton became Canada’s first official bilingual (English and French) city.

Affectionately nicknamed ‘’Hub City’’, Moncton serves as a central location for New Brunswick, as well as the Maritime provinces as a whole. Moncton itself is nearly half bilingual. Greater Moncton is inclusive of Dieppe, about three-quarters Francophone, and Riverview, which is over 90% Anglophone. Fredericton, NB, Halifax, NS and Charlottetown, PEI are all within 260km of Moncton, making it the hub of the Maritimes.

Other Moncton Information & Places of Interest

• According to the Canadian Medical Association (2015), Moncton has 251 general/family practitioners, plus another 232 doctors who specialize
• Seniors’ specific page on the city’s website to keep you in the know on community events, activities and theatre http://www.moncton.ca/Residents/Seniors.htm
• 20-minute drive to the beach
• Outdoor activities including: golf, walking paths, hiking trails, fishing and concert venues
• Champlain Place – Atlantic Canada’s largest shopping mall
• Close drive to Confederation Bridge – the world’s longest bridge over ice covered water
• Magnetic Hill attractions, including water park and zoo