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April 25, 2024

Looking for the top 10 places to retire in Canada

Where are the best places to retire in this country?

According to CTV’s Christi Dabu, recent research from Sotheby’s International Realty Canada came up with a Top 10 list – and Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto didn’t make the cut.

The cities on the list are deemed to be top retirement destinations because of “breathtaking naturescapes, top health-care facilities, and diverse and welcoming communities,” notes Sotheby’s in the CTV article.

Topping the ranking is Victoria, B.C., the article begins.

“A mild climate, beautiful beaches and ocean views are among the reasons Victoria is a popular place to retire in Canada,” the article notes. “B.C.’s capital suits those with an active lifestyle. It has golf courses as well as dozens of parks and gardens.

Next up, also in B.C., is Parksville, the article continues.

Known as “Canada’s retirement capital,” the community “has the highest concentration of seniors per capita,” CTV reports.

Parksville “also meets the needs of those who want to enjoy the outdoors. Located on Vancouver Island, its mild climate year-round means retirees have plenty of opportunities to golf and visit parks, as well as to go boating, kayaking and more on the Strait of Georgia,” the article explains.

Making the top three a B.C. sweep, next comes the Okanagan Valley.

“Spending leisurely days of retirement in wine country is another attractive option. And the Okanagan Valley has year-round outdoor activities, such as boating on Okanagan Lake and skiing at ski resorts,” the article notes, citing Sotheby’s research.

In fourth and fifth place are two Alberta cities.

“Calgary was ranked one of the world’s top five most livable cities and is one of the few cities on the list that are among Canada’s most populous,” the article notes.

Sotheby’s states in the article that “with a vibrant culture, access to top healthcare facilities, and more sunshine year-round than any other part of Canada, Calgary is a popular spot for those looking to retire in a vibrant and bustling city.”

Nearby Canmore, Alta. is noteworthy for its “breathtaking scenery in Canada’s Rocky Mountains,” and offers “year-round recreation” with a “thriving arts scene and a welcoming community.”

In sixth place is Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.

“Close to Toronto and New York state, this town is the heart of Ontario’s wine country. Along with access to more than 50 wineries throughout the Niagara region, this town has a vibrant culture and many galleries,” the article reports.

In seventh place is Canada’s capital, Ottawa.

“Canada’s capital city is considered ideal for those who want an urban environment with historic charm. Ottawa has some of the country’s top health-care facilities, scenic parks, museums, galleries, and entertainment venues,” CTV reports.

Quebec City, with “rich history and European charm,” Fredericton, with “tranquil tree-lined streets” and “charming Victorian architecture” and Halifax, with “breathtaking natural scenery and a friendly community,” round out the list.

Now, all you need to do to prepare for a Top 10 retirement destination is to start saving!

If you are a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to retirement saving, a great and handy toolkit is the Saskatchewan Pension Plan. Open to any Canadian with registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) room, SPP does all the heavy lifting, investing your savings in a low-cost, professionally managed pooled fund. When it’s time to start retirement living, SPP’s options include a lifetime monthly annuity payment or the flexibility of the Variable Benefit option.

Check out SPP today! 

Join the Wealthcare Revolution – follow SPP on Facebook!

CTV

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