Retire in Canada

"Retirees in Canada can enjoy a wealth of cultural attractions, recreational opportunities, and nightlife activities. There are numerous cultural festivals such as the Calgary Stampede, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the Quebec Winter Carnival. There are also a variety of outdoor activities, ranging from hiking and skiing in the Rockies, to kayaking and surfing along the coast. For those looking for a more relaxed pace, there are tranquil gardens to explore, quaint towns to view and maritime towns to explore. There is also an active expat community in Canada, with many retirees from Europe, Asia and the United States. Local communities often offer social and recreational activities for expats, such as book clubs, wine tastings, and dance classes. There are also many nightlife activities to explore, with some cities offering vibrant nightlife scenes. With its beautiful landscapes, wide-ranging cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife, Canada is a great place to retire," commented one retiree living in Canada.

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Canada is finding affordable housing. Another is managing health expenses and access to health care, particularly for those on a fixed income. Retirement planning can be a daunting task and with the cost of living in Canada steadily increasing, it can be a challenge to save the necessary amount for retirement. Those retiring may also find it difficult to adjust to a life without a job and access to a steady stream of income. Additionally, navigating through the multitude of programs and policies available to support retirees can be an overwhelming task," said a person in Canada.

"The most rewarding aspects of retiring in Canada include being able to spend quality time with one's family and enjoying Canada's clean air and stunning natural beauty. Furthermore, retirees can benefit from a range of government benefits, such as Old Age Security, which can provide a comfortable level of financial security. Additionally, retired individuals often report that having more time to pursue favourite leisure activities, such as gardening, painting, woodworking and reading, is incredibly fulfilling," explained one retiree living in Canada.

"Healthcare services in Canada are comprehensive and accessible. Canadians have access to a range of services including doctor and hospital visits, diagnostic and screening services, prescription medications, and clinical preventive services. The Canadian public health care system is funded through taxes, and covers essential health services for all Canadians, regardless of income or medical history. Canada also has a supplementary private health care system which allows individuals to purchase additional coverage or access services that are not covered by the public system," commented one retiree living in Canada.

"I live in the Comox Valley, which is on the east side of Vancouver Island. We have a thriving newcomers organization called the Comox Valley Newcomers Club. The website is www.cvnewcomers.ca. It has close to 200 members. You can remain in the club for up to 3 years. Once you have been in the club for 1 year, you can also join one of Newcomers Alumni groups, which also have about 200 members in total. These groups are for women only (we tend to be more social than the men), but there are some regular events that include spouses and partners. There are no children allowed. The membership is mostly age 50+. Events include weekly walks, hikes in summer, snowshoeing and skiing in winter, pickleball and bike outings. There are regularly scheduled lunches, pub crawls, appy nights, and also impromptu events like an evening at the theatre, day trips to Victoria or the north island, etc. Membership dues are $30 per year. In addition that, each of the municipalities in the Comox Valley (Cumberland, Comox, and Courtenay) have fantastic programs through their recreation centres. You can sign up for art classes, dancing, hiking, yoga, piano, the list is endless. I've been here for a year and made more friends in that short time than I ever thought possible. I'm part of a weekly card playing group (I rarely played cards before coming here), I have lunch once a month with 15-20 gals, and I go on weekly walks where you find women with your pace and strike up a conversation. Frankly, it's hard to not meet people here," said one retiree in Canada.

"Most things happen in, on or around Okanagan Lake which divides Kelowna and West Kelowna. There are two waterfronts with walkways. Music in the park on Friday evenings during summer. Festivals, street parades, wine tasting, cherry picking, beaches, parks, bears, hiking, mountain biking," commented one retiree living in Kelowna, Canada.

"I joined the Newcomers Club in my area. This is not the Welcome Wagon. Every member must be new to Canada within the past 2 years and we all help each other. It's marvelous! This is where those special life-long friendships are formed. Here's a few suggestions that are working for me: Take classes. Learn to play squash; join a running, rowing, or pickleball club. Get a part-time job doing something fun. Join a church, a knitting group, a soccer club. There are a million ways to put yourself out there. Just keep smiling and DO talk to strangers. (Don't listen to your mother.)," explained one retiree living in Canada.

"There are lots of social activities in and around where I live. For example, University of Toronto offers all kinds of courses, lectures, classes, etc., which anyone can take," said one retiree in living in Toronto, Canada.

"Expats living in Canada often join clubs or activities that are of personal interest to them, such as a language group, sports leagues, or a book club. Other ways to meet people in Canada include attending festivals or cultural events, visiting community centers and libraries, or taking part in volunteer activities. Additionally, joining an expat network or organization can provide connections to the local community, access to helpful resources, and support from like-minded individuals," explained a retiree in Canada.

"Career based and military, University town, medical center, lots of sports, especially water, boating and cycling Very musical town -lots of muscians/venues," explained one retiree living in Kingston.

"To different extent, life in Toronto evolves around work, family, socializing, sports, and just life in general," said one retiree in living in Toronto, Canada.

"It is important for expats to research their options carefully before retiring in Canada. Those who plan to emigrate should make sure they meet the qualifications for Canadian permanent residency and verify that their desired income source is recognized in Canada. Additionally, they should familiarize themselves with the Canadian healthcare system, as well as applicable tax regulations and responsibilities. Additionally, retirees should know the various ways to stay connected to family, friends, and colleagues abroad. Lastly, they should explore the vibrant cultural offerings and travel opportunities available in Canada," said a retiree who moved to Canada.

"Try to get a job prospect first, rental properties are scarce and pricey compared to rest of Ontario. They want a resume for the most menial jobs. They are pretty strict about a lot of stuff. Good bus system, don't need car," said one retiree in Kingston.

"Plan ahead and make sure you find a place to live BEFORE coming here, there is a major housing shortage in Ottawa as of Aug 23rd 2002..," commented one retiree living in Ottawa, Canada.

" Paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, boating and other water activities are popular on the St. Lawrence River and many local lakes. Baie de Beauport is a beach is nearby Beauport that has summer day camps, food trucks, yoga and more. There are several golf courses located within a half hour of Quebec City. Tennis players can play at Tennis Montcalm (tennis & squash), Tennis Victoria and several other tennis clubs. Quebec Yacht Club is located at 1225 Boulevard Champlain and offers a few membership options, summer camps, a pool and a restaurant. There are a number of public pools in Quebec City. Indoor pools include Piscine Lucien Borne, Ferland Community Center, Piscine Wilfrid-Hamel. Outdoor pools include Piscine Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, Piscine du parc du Musee and Marina Saint-Roch. Locals embrace winter. Carnaval de Quebec (aka Winter Carnival) is a long-running carnival that starts in late January or early February and lasts about 10 days. Au 1884 is a toboggan slide situated on the Dufferin Terrace next to the Chateau Frontenac that is open all winter. There are skating rinks at Place d'Youville, Plains of Abraham and a number of other locations. Ice hockey, figure skating, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice fishing and snow shoeing are all very popular in the Quebec City area. ," remarked one retiree in Quebec City.

"In Canada, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, trails, and sports fields. Parks often feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and outdoor fitness equipment. Beaches provide a great place to swim, sunbathe, and take part in water sports. Trails are popular for walking, running, and biking, and many offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Sports fields are available for a variety of activities, such as soccer, baseball, and tennis. In addition, many cities and towns have public pools, skating rinks, and community centres that offer a variety of recreational activities," explained one retiree living in Canada.

"People living in Canada typically buy groceries from supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers' markets. Other shopping can be done at department stores, malls, and specialty stores. Online shopping is also becoming increasingly popular in Canada," explained one member in Canada.

" We visit Marches Public Market, specifically the Jean-Talon Market. It has so many fresh and freshly-prepared options. You can eat there and then bring home all kinds of wonderful culinary delights. We had delicious crepes that happened to be gluten free, some fresh sausage. Just shopping at this market may make you feel like you're living a vibrant, fulfilling, and healthful lifestyle. We also visited a Boulangerie Le Marquis sans gluten. Excellent. The GF Croissants were amazing. ," said one retiree in Montreal.