A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in Ontario

 

Plan Your Ideal Retirement in Ontario

Suppose you’re looking to prioritize spending time in the great outdoors during your retirement but also enjoy metropolitan areas for shopping and dining. In that case, the Province of Ontario may be perfect for you!

The province is leading Canada in the growth of the 55+ age group, with the number of seniors forecasted to double in the next twenty-five years! The interest in active older adult communities in Ontario is growing, especially in cities such as Ottawa and Toronto.

Ontario is the largest of Canada’s provinces in population and the second largest in land area, so there’s lots for seniors to explore! The region is teeming with history, with many local indigenous communities and plenty of museums, points of interest, and other resources for learning about the past.

It’s long been a favorite among seniors for its incredible natural vistas, which include mountainsides, lakes, and bays. Ontario offers 55+ adventurous adults opportunities to stay active and healthy by biking, hiking, birdwatching, and more! Like much of Canada, winter sports are popular in Ontario, whether outdoor adventures like skiing, sledding, and snowboarding or indoor activities like curling and ice skating.

The Great Lakes region is perfect for seniors looking for cool summer temperatures and natural beauty to explore. Snowbirds who spend part of the year in warm weather destinations such as Florida and Arizona can spend the summer months exploring Lake Superior and Lake Huron, plus Lake Ontario and Lake Erie in the southern reaches of the province.

You’ll find many ways to travel from Ontario, including four international airports! Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Ottawa International Airport (YOW) international airports offer direct flights to destinations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and worldwide.

The Hudson Bay in northern Ontario features cruise ports for nearby vacation options during retirement. Ontario stretches to the US border, encompassing popular destinations like Niagara Falls and connecting with the northern states of Minnesota, Michigan, and upstate New York.

 

Regions and Areas of Interest in the Ontario Province

Ontario’s highly diverse regions ensure an ideal place to live for just about anyone. The province features ways for seniors to stay active and learn about history no matter where you plan to spend your retirement.

Southwestern

The reasonably mild climate of Southwestern Ontario makes the region well-suited to agriculture, which means you can always enjoy a farm-fresh meal at a local restaurant.

Towns in this region, including Nanticoke, London, Sarnia, and Waterford, have great breweries and wineries. Around this area, you will find lakeside beaches and forests that are great for hiking.

Niagara

Home to Niagara Falls, the Niagara region of Ontario is a growing destination for 55+ active adults, which means many attractions, stores, and dining options.

Nearby, you’ll find suburbs like Grimsby and Pelham with a more small-town feel. Welland lies along both railways and waterways. Fort Erie has major historical landmarks from the War of 1812, and Vineland is full of orchards and vineyards.

Hamilton-Halton-Brant

The beautiful landscapes and cultural and historical sites of Hamilton-Halton-Brant make it an appealing location for retirement!

High-end shopping districts await in Georgetown and Oakville, and Burlington is home to a sizeable botanic garden and an art gallery.

Huron-Perth-Waterloo-Wellington

The Huron-Perth-Waterloo-Wellington area has an outstanding cultural scene, beautiful beaches, and exciting markets. Communities like St. Mary’s, Kitchener, and Goderich are in this region.

Greater Toronto

Greater Toronto is defined by its proximity to the large metropolis city of Toronto, which has a diverse population and a nationally recognized sports scene.

Nearby towns like Brampton and Mississauga offer easy access to Toronto's attractions. Seniors love taking public transportation into the city for dinner or a Maple Leaf game, all for a more affordable cost of living and with a more laid-back, historic feel!

York-Durham-Headwaters

York-Durham-Headwaters has a booming culinary scene, nature parks, and trails just north of Toronto.

Notable towns in this region include Unionville and Port Perry, historic neighborhoods with parks and festivals, and Oshawa, the center of Canada’s automobile industry.

Bruce-Grey-Simcoe

With stunning landscapes and natural wonders, the Blue Mountains and bayside Wasaga Beach in the Bruce-Grey-Simcoe region are ideal for outdoorsy types looking to stay active!

Spend your retirement hiking, biking, and exploring nature in Kincardine, Midland, Barrie, Collingwood, and Thornbury.

Kawarthas-Northumberland

Kawarthas-Northumberland features hiking trails and quaint local businesses, with an extensive craft beer, wine, and cider scene. Towns like Brighton, Cobourg, and Port Hope have a tucked-away charm.

Southeastern

Southeastern Ontario features 55+ communities in Bath, Amherstview, Napanee, Picton, and Kingston, many of which offer residents access to natural beauty and outdoor activities like biking and golf.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a central entertainment hub for seniors, with a diverse population and many great spots to shop and dine on international cuisine.

Attractions like music festivals, large ice skating rinks, and the NHL’s Ottawa Senators are all draws for 55+ active adults who want to stay busy during retirement.

Haliburton Highlands

Best known for its natural attractions and wilderness centers, Haliburton Highlands is a top choice for active seniors in Ontario!

Immerse yourself in nature on canopy tours and wildlife walks near the trendy town of Arnprior, home to upscale stores, restaurants, and museums.

Algonquin-Muskoka-Parry Sound

Algonquin-Muskoka-Parry Sound is the cottage country of Ottawa, thanks to its quaint vibes and abundance of wildlife.

The region’s archipelago is ideal for kayaking, and towns like Huntsville have walkable downtowns with local shops and annual festivals.

Northeastern

The vibrant cultural scene of Northeastern Ottawa is only matched by its history, as the region has a large indigenous population and many educational museums near historic sites.

The industrial town of Sudbury offers seniors easy access to beautiful lakes and waterfront views.

Sault Ste Marie- Algoma

Sault Ste Marie and the region of Sault Ste Marie- Algoma are located along the Michigan coast at the Canada-US border.

The area is a transportation hub with many lakes, historic locales, and art galleries, resulting in a vibrant local culture!

Northwest

Seniors who retire in Northwest Ontario will live among older buildings, showcasing historic architecture with a small-town vibe.

Small cities like Kenora offer 55+ adults who love the water seemingly endless opportunities to stay active by hunting, boating, and fishing.

 

Enticing Things to Do in Ontario Year Round

There are dozens of ways to stay active in Ontario, many of which are well-suited for seniors.

Participate in activities like biking, hiking, and canoeing on warm days. On colder days, visit the community gym or clubhouse to stay warm. Adventurous seniors can also try winter sports, a beloved pastime for Canadians!

Activities Located Within 55+ Communities

Suppose you’re looking to live an active lifestyle during your retirement. In that case, you can’t do much better than Ontario’s senior communities, which are filled with options for residents to enjoy right on the property!

Master-planned 55+ communities offer seniors ways to stay fit, group activities, and fellowship with like-minded community members.

Join in With Indoor and Outdoor Fitness

Staying active during retirement is easy in Ontario, as 55+ senior communities offer access to walking and biking trails on the property and outdoor activities like tennis and pickleball.

If you’d prefer to work indoors, check out properties that have their gym and provide guided exercise classes, making staying healthy convenient in any season!

No Need to Shovel Snow With Low-Maintenance Living

Many 55+ active adult communities in Ontario were designed with the needs of seniors in mind, including the desire to live a low-maintenance lifestyle.

While it snows in the winter months throughout Ontario, many senior communities include property maintenance, such as lawn care in the summer and snow removal in the winter.

Stop by the Community Clubhouse

Mingle with members of your community as you make use of the services provided by your community clubhouse.

Master-planned communities for seniors often employ an Activities Director who organizes group exercise classes plus interest groups for activities like dancing and book clubs. Stay mentally and physically active in the property’s rec center, where there’s always a way to get involved!

Venture Off-Property for Fun & Excitement

While there are many things to do within Ontario’s 55+ communities, many more ways exist to stay active off-property. Try winter sports, gamble at a casino, or plan an international vacation - the choice is yours!

Try a New Winter Sport

Canada is known for its winter sports, and Ontario is no exception. Favorites like snowboarding, skiing, and snowmobiling are all popular outdoor activities, alongside indoor options like curling and ice skating.

Winter sports are a great way to try something new and stay active during the colder winter months.

International Travel is Easy From Ontario

Are you planning a retirement full of vacations to far-off destinations worldwide? If so, Ontario is the perfect spot for you, as many local travel hubs allow for easy international travel.

Take a cruise around Hudson Bay or across the Atlantic Ocean, or fly from one of Ontario’s international airports to explore tropical paradises around the globe!

Enjoy Ontario’s Casinos

Ontario is home to more than 70 casinos, which can be found all around the province, with many clustered near metropolitan areas. Whether you’re playing the penny slots or trying to win big, casinos are a fun and exciting way for seniors in Ontario to spend their time in retirement.

 

Why Ontario is So Popular With Retirees

Ontario is an excellent choice for 55+ empty nesters considering retirement, thanks to its extensive offering of ways to stay active! Ontario has everything from outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and golf to indoor attractions like gambling at casinos.

Canada’s most populous province also offers retirees convenient access to travel hubs and excellent medical facilities near its 55+ communities. For nature-loving seniors, Ontario also has lakes, bays, and waterways perfect for boating, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, or just relaxing and enjoying retirement!

 

Types of Senior Community Options Available in Ontario

Ontario features a variety of 55+ and all-ages communities designed to suit every preference, budget, and lifestyle. Seniors can find everything from single-story, free-standing homes to luxury apartment rentals with fantastic city views and easy access to public transportation.

If living in a waterfront community appeals to you, lake-front communities often come with docks, community clubhouses, and maintenance staff, leaving retirees plenty of time to enjoy fishing, sailing, and exploring the shoreline.

Communities available in Ontario that are geared toward seniors are age-restricted, 55+ communities, graduated care facilities, and more!

Golf Course Communities

Ontario’s master-planned golf course communities offer retirees direct access to the course and the perfect location for their new home!

Putting greens, driving ranges, and clubhouses are standard in this community style. Private resident access, age restrictions, pro shops, and private dining are additional amenities commonly found when purchasing a new home for retirement in an Ontario golf course community.

Manufactured Homes Communities

Manufactured home communities are an ideal way to stay close to bustling cities without paying high rates for rent or mortgage.

These homes hit the sweet spot for seniors between being budget-friendly and offering the perfect space. Downsizing empty nesters in Ontario can save on housing costs and allow them to spend more on staying active when they retire in a mobile home community!

Luxury Apartment Rentals

If you’re seeking a low-maintenance, all-inclusive retirement, Ontario has luxury apartment rentals available for seniors.

Apartment rentals are spacious and fully equipped with modern appliances. Properties offer top-tier amenities like fitness facilities and gate access. Luxury apartments located near cities like Toronto also include nearby shopping and dining, plus the ability for seniors to take public transport, limiting the need for a car!

Condominium Communities

Those who prioritize maintenance-free communities in Ontario are often interested in condominium (condo) communities, which offer the freedom of having your own space without the inconvenience of exterior property maintenance. Condominiums allow the “right-sizing” 55+ seniors to live near friends, family, shopping, and places of worship.

Some Ontario condos also offer city views from high-rise one-, two-, or three-bedroom units, which are especially beautiful in the evening!

 

Budgeting for Ontario’s Cost of Living

Ontario is Canada’s second largest province in terms of its size, offering 55+ seniors a wide range of community types and pricing options for a new home during their retirement.

Many age-restricted communities have lower housing costs than renting or purchasing property. At the same time, empty nesters can consider budget-friendly mobile homes and condos located near cities and in locations with natural beauty.  

More costly residences often balance out with easy access to public transportation and amenities like nearby dining and shopping. More affordable areas are near outdoor attractions like lakes and national parks.

 

Ontario Healthcare

Canadian retirees have access to public healthcare, which helps ensure that otherwise costly medical procedures are nearly or fully covered by insurance. You can spend more time living an active lifestyle and less worrying about healthcare expenses when you retire in Ontario.

When in need, top-quality care at renowned facilities like Toronto General, North York General, and The Ottawa Hospital is available for an affordable cost.