Canada consistently ranks among the best countries in the world for retirees, and the nation truly excels when it comes to offering seniors an idyllic, carefree lifestyle. But where are the best places to retire to in Canada? MoneySense has compiled a list of Canada's retirement havens in 2018, scoring them on 10 key categories, including amenities, safety and taxes to weather, arts and community and health accessibility. So, read on to find out the 30 finest retirement locations in Canada.

Alberta's largest city is ranked 30th best in Canada for seniors and is one of nine locations in The Princess Province that feature in the top 30. Renowned globally for its quality of life, Calgary scores highest on amenities and public transport, which are nothing short of excellent. Not only that but in 2015 the city had the most millionaires per capita in Canada.

Flush with oil money, this well-heeled city that straddles the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan tops the wealth and economy category. Lloydminster may be an affluent locale, but housing is refreshingly affordable, a major plus for the over-65s. Five miles drive from Calgary, Lloydminster is much smaller with a population of just over 20,000.

Boucherville is one of six places in Quebec to land a spot in the top 30. This charming Montreal suburb, which is steeped in history, is a wonderful place to retire. It scores highest on wealth and economy, and home affordability.

The former industrial town in eastern Ontario may be fairly small, with just over 13,000 inhabitants, but is noted for its thriving cultural scene and its open, welcoming residents. Healthcare is also considered top-notch in the town.

Just 15 minutes down the road by car, nearby Carleton Place also offers outstanding healthcare accessibility, and the town is similarly noted for its warmth and friendliness. Crime, which is another hugely important consideration for retirees, is refreshingly low and recreation opportunities abound.

About an hour's drive from Toronto, Whitby is a pleasant place to live for retirees and according to local officials “combines a small-town atmosphere with the sophistication and amenities of a large urban centre”. The town, which is situated on the north shore of Lake Ontario, also rates high on healthcare accessibility.

Another town that's a relatively short drive north from Toronto, but this time in-land, New Tecumseth is a good all-rounder. The town is in the top 25% of all Canadian cities for both weather and healthcare.

The historic Ontario town of Newmarket, which is also situated about an hour's drive from Toronto, is in the top 25% places for low crime, as well as weather and healthcare. It has risen up from 56th place in 2017 to its entry in the top 30 for 2018. 

This municipal district in northeast Alberta scores second highest in the country on wealth and economy. Oil money flows freely in the location yet housing is affordable, as are general living costs.

Staying with municipal districts, eastern Ontario's The Nation, which encompasses several towns, is famed for its wetland trails. The district has a lot more going for it besides, including super-low crime, affordable housing, hassle-free healthcare and relatively low taxation.

Seniors are well catered for in Whistler. In fact, the skier's paradise is heaven for retirees. One of two places in British Columbia to make the top 30, it scores very high in numerous categories, from taxes and arts and community to wealth and economy and public transport.

Dubbed the “Botanical Arts City”, St. Albert near Edmonton is one of Alberta's best places for retirees. As well as its nature-orientated, arty vibe, the city has very affordable housing and living costs.

Yet another town in the Greater Toronto Area, King has a calming rural atmosphere despite its fairly close proximity to Canada's largest city. A moneyed place, King scores highest on wealth and economy.

Located across the St. Lawrence River from Quebec City, Lévis has a picturesque old part too, but prides itself for its friendlier, more villagey feel. Other advantages for retirees include the city's exceptionally low crime rate.

Canada's biggest city scores highest in the country in the amenities category, which is hardly surprising given its immense size. Other areas in which the city excels include public transport and its weather.

Fort St. John in northeastern British Columbia is an attractive place for retirees thanks to several crucial factors. In addition to being the most tax-friendly location in the top 30, the city ranks second highest for home affordability.

Situated on the banks of Lake Huron, Saugeen Shores has plenty to offer seniors, including boundless outdoor recreation activities and flourishing local arts and culture, but the prosperous town scores highest on wealth and economy.

Though officially a town in its own right, Mont-Royal or Mount Royal is located in northwest Montreal. The plateau neighbourhood has a wonderful arts scene, strong community, decent public transport, and more.

Alberta's third largest city after Calgary and Edmonton is ideal for retirees who want to live in a booming, well-to-do location but don't want to be stung by excessively high house prices – the city scores notably high on wealth and economy and housing affordability.

Camrose, which is around 150 kilometres southwest of Red Deer, is also a very affordable place for the over-65s. Property prices are generally low and living costs tend to be very reasonable. Adding to its allure, the city is a hub for recreation and leisure.

If safety is the number one priority, Halton Hills, which nestles on the northwestern edge of the Greater Toronto Area, is a great place to move to. A haven of peace and tranquility, the pretty town has a low crime rate.

As is the case with Mont-Royal, Saint-Lambert is located across from Montreal on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, but has the edge on its neighbour when it comes to retirement-friendliness, scoring higher in several categories, notably wealth and economy and public transport.

Culture vultures may want to plan a move to Westmount. This upscale suburb of Montreal ranks highest in the top 30 on arts and community. The neighbourhood also bags favourable scores in the public transport and healthcare accessibility categories.

Deep in the Rocky Mountains, this fantastic Albertan resort town has more than its fair share of senior-friendly pulls, including breathtaking scenery, year-round recreation and leisure activities, and low pollution levels.

Yet another place in the Greater Toronto Area to make the top 30, Milton neighbours Halton Hills, and is almost as safe and serene – it has the second lowest crime rate in the round-up. Be that as it may, Milton beats Halton Hills when other factors are taken into account.

Lacombe in central Alberta scores impressively high in the wealth and economy category but homes in the city are surprisingly cheap to buy – Lacombe has the third most affordable house prices in the top 30.

By the same token, the off-island Montreal suburb of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville scores high on both wealth and economy and the affordability of its housing, not to mention in the arts and community category.

Russell, which is located in the northeast corner of Ontario, is ranked third best overall, but the delightful township scores highest in terms of home affordability and the extremely low crime rates.

Secret places to move for a low-tax retirement

Canada's capital rocks the number two position. The perfect place for retirees who enjoy urban living and cultural activities, Ottawa has first-class amenities, exemplary healthcare and ever-reliable public transport.

But the capital is pipped to the top spot by Oakville in Ontario. The beautiful waterside town, which sits half-way between Toronto and Hamilton, scores especially high in the wealth and economy, amenities, safety and weather categories.

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