Canada consistently ranks among the best countries for quality of life, and one of the key markers of this quality is longevity. While many Canadians live long, healthy lives, there are particular towns and communities where residents tend to outlive the national average. These places often share certain characteristics, access to nature, tight-knit communities, lower stress, and healthier lifestyles. Here are 25 Canadian towns where people live longer, and why.
Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
Known for having one of the oldest average populations in Canada, Qualicum Beach residents enjoy longevity thanks to its calm pace of life, clean environment, and strong healthcare system. The town is a haven for retirees, and its proximity to nature encourages walking, cycling, and outdoor socializing. The mild coastal climate also contributes to lower levels of seasonal stress and community engagement and volunteering keep older adults active and mentally sharp.
Canmore, Alberta
Situated in the Rockies, Canmore promotes an outdoor lifestyle that keeps its residents physically active well into their senior years. With year-round access to hiking, skiing, and cycling, people here naturally maintain cardiovascular health. The air is clean, and the town’s affluence helps fund robust health services and a strong sense of environmental stewardship fosters mindful living and well-being.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
This UNESCO World Heritage site isn’t just historically rich, it’s a place where life slows down. Lunenburg offers walkable streets, low pollution levels, and fresh seafood rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Social interaction is frequent, whether at local markets or harborfront gatherings. Studies link social cohesion and nutrient-rich diets to longer lives, and Lunenburg checks both boxes.
Nelson, British Columbia
Sitauted away in the Kootenay mountains, Nelson’s residents benefit from a highly active and community-focused lifestyle. Alternative medicine, organic food movements, and a strong culture of wellness are part of daily life. Many retirees move here for the peaceful atmosphere and artistic community, both known to support mental health. Its isolation from urban stressors also plays a role in enhanced longevity.
Stratford, Ontario
Famous for its Shakespeare Festival, Stratford boasts a vibrant arts scene that keeps older adults socially and culturally engaged. The city’s layout encourages walking and cycling, which keeps physical activity levels high. Access to healthcare is excellent, and crime rates are low, with people here often retiring with financial security, contributing to low stress levels and a higher quality of life.
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Home to Acadia University, this small town enjoys an intergenerational blend that keeps older residents mentally stimulated. The surrounding Annapolis Valley provides ample access to fresh produce, and community-supported agriculture thrives here. There’s a culture of environmental consciousness and physical activity, and strong community ties and healthy lifestyle directly influence life expectancy.
Sidney, British Columbia
Located on Vancouver Island, Sidney offers beautiful ocean views, clean air, and ample healthcare services. Seniors are especially drawn here due to the town’s focus on aging in place, with walkable neighborhoods and senior-oriented amenities. The community is highly engaged, and many residents report a strong sense of belonging and such factors are known to reduce chronic illness and depression.
Goderich, Ontario
Often called “Canada’s prettiest town,” Goderich sits on the shores of Lake Huron and is known for its scenic charm and active lifestyle options. Residents engage in kayaking, walking trails, and gardening—activities shown to improve longevity. The town also invests in preventive healthcare. Social events and civic pride strengthen interpersonal connections that promote emotional well-being.
Rossland, British Columbia
A mountain town with a love for skiing and hiking, Rossland cultivates a lifestyle that integrates physical health into daily living. The tight-knit community values sustainability and outdoor activity. Clean air, natural beauty, and reduced commute times lower stress significantly, with this relaxed, health-conscious environment supporting a longer life.
St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick
This picturesque town is famous for its slower pace, which allows residents to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. Many locals take advantage of outdoor swimming, boating, and nature walks. Seafood consumption here is high, which contributes to heart health. It’s also a place where neighbors look out for one another, reducing feelings of isolation.
Comox, British Columbia
Comox has long attracted retirees due to its coastal climate and medical infrastructure. Physical activity is part of the daily routine, whether it’s walking along the harbor or tending community gardens. The town is clean and quiet, promoting good mental health. Its strong emphasis on volunteerism keeps older adults socially connected and purpose-driven.
Meaford, Ontario
Situated on Georgian Bay, Meaford combines rural charm with a progressive approach to healthy living. Farmers’ markets, bike trails, and community festivals keep people active and connected. Access to clean water and green spaces adds to its appeal. Residents often note the life satisfaction they get from both nature and community.
Gibsons, British Columbia
This town gained fame as the setting for The Beachcombers, but its real asset is a healthy lifestyle built into its geography. Steep hills and waterfront views encourage walking, while the climate keeps winters mild. A strong local food movement and artistic community support both physical and mental well-being, where seniors in Gibsons tend to live independently for longer.
Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec
A cultural gem in Quebec, this town blends artistic inspiration with natural beauty. Its hilly terrain and active lifestyle culture help maintain fitness among residents. The diet here includes locally sourced foods, dairy, and fresh produce, an echo of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Community involvement and bilingualism also contribute to cognitive longevity.
Cobourg, Ontario
Cobourg offers a peaceful lakeside existence just far enough from Toronto to avoid big-city stress. Healthcare services are excellent, and many residents enjoy outdoor fitness routines. Clean air and low crime make it ideal for aging. People often stay physically and socially active through clubs, classes, and volunteering.
Salmon Arm, British Columbia
Located near Shuswap Lake, this town benefits from fresh air, water sports, and hiking trails. Its natural setting reduces stress while encouraging physical activity. Salmon Arm’s low crime rate and high community engagement score well for longevity factors. A strong emphasis on local food and arts also enhances quality of life.
Truro, Nova Scotia
Often called the “Hub of Nova Scotia,” Truro combines small-town charm with essential services. It’s surrounded by parks and walking trails that residents of all ages enjoy. Community centers promote lifelong learning and engagement. Locals often cite low housing costs and slower living as reasons for better mental and financial health.
Owen Sound, Ontario
This scenic town by Georgian Bay supports healthy living through access to nature and excellent medical care. It offers yoga studios, wellness centers, and co-op groceries that promote balanced lifestyles. Community initiatives for seniors, including fitness programs, make staying healthy more accessible and the overall pace of life encourages mindfulness and longevity.
Sechelt, British Columbia
Sechelt combines stunning ocean views with forested mountains, making it a paradise for those who love the outdoors. Activities like kayaking and forest bathing are part of daily life here. The town is known for supporting mental and physical wellness, especially in its older population and a culture of mutual support and inclusiveness strengthens emotional resilience.
Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
Rich in history and located by the Bay of Fundy, this town offers peace, beauty, and a strong sense of heritage. Its population enjoys low pollution, low crime, and high walkability. Local food is a staple, and many engage in gardening and community arts and the slower pace naturally reduces anxiety and improves life satisfaction.
Penticton, British Columbia
With two lakes and multiple vineyards, Penticton fosters a relaxed, Mediterranean-style lifestyle. Seniors benefit from community recreation programs and easy access to wellness services. Walking trails, cycling paths, and year-round outdoor events keep people engaged and active, and a warm climate and health-focused culture support longevity.
Huntsville, Ontario
Located in Muskoka, Huntsville offers a life surrounded by lakes, forests, and trails. This environment supports an active retirement with canoeing, fishing, and hiking. The town also offers wellness programming and quality eldercare services. Seasonal beauty encourages regular interaction with nature, lowering stress and improving cardiovascular health.
Tadoussac, Quebec
A small town known for whale watching and scenic vistas, Tadoussac thrives on eco-tourism and community-based living. Residents live closely with nature and enjoy a diet rich in seafood. Strong intergenerational bonds and shared local traditions contribute to mental health, with the quiet, serene environment fosters long-term well-being.
Picton, Ontario
The heart of Prince Edward County, Picton blends cultural events with a laid-back rural lifestyle. Wineries, farm-to-table dining, and art galleries keep locals engaged. Older adults often participate in community groups that foster connection and purpose, plus low traffic and scenic views reduce daily stressors that impact health.
Summerland, British Columbia
True to its name, Summerland enjoys a warm climate and agricultural abundance. Many residents maintain active hobbies like gardening, walking, and winemaking well into old age. Community design emphasizes green spaces and wellness initiatives. The high quality of life here is reflected in the town’s low rates of chronic disease.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
