This article takes a look at the 5 worst places to retire in Canada. If you wish to check out our detailed analysis on retiring to Canada, you may go to 20 Worst Places to Retire in Canada.
5. Brooks, Alberta
Insider Monkey Score: 18
Located in southeast Alberta, Brooks is a small city with an estimated population of 14,900. While Brooks is an otherwise nice place overall, there are two reasons why this city lands on our list. First, the winters are freezing, snowy, and windy. Second, the cost of living is quite high for the average retiree, which means it’s not an ideal place to live in your golden years. According to Savvy New Canadians, the cost of living in Brooks is $3,144 for a single person per month, living on rent.
4. Quesnel, British Columbia
Insider Monkey Score: 19
Quesnel has been deemed one of the most dangerous places in Canada, which is why it’s not an ideal place for seniors to live. Moreover, while the city boasts comfortable summers, the winters can be freezing, snowy, and cloudy. In January and February, temperatures drop as low as -30 degrees (Celsius).
3. Dolbeau-Mistassini, Quebec
Insider Monkey Score: 20
A town situated in Northern Quebec, Dolbeau-Mistassini ranks poorly when it comes to retirement because this small town is quite aloof from the rest of Canada. Traveling to nearby cities can be a long journey, and retirees may not find all the amenities they need for a comfortable retirement. Montreal is 497km away, while Quebec is 304km. The town also has a paper mill industry, which means that the city is quite polluted.
2. North Battleford, Saskatchewan
Insider Monkey Score: 21
Known to be one of the most dangerous places in Canada, North Battleford makes it to our list because of its apparent safety issue. Many social issues such as poverty, addiction, and mental illnesses thrive in the city, leading to the many crimes in the area. As of 2023, it recorded a Crime Severity Index of 557.1 for communities with a population of 10,000 or more, demonstrating an increase from its CSI of 480.7 in the prior year.
1. St. John’s, Newfoundland
Insider Monkey Score: 22
If you love the harsh, cold, and wet weather, you’ve found your dream retirement destination. However, any sane retiree would want to avoid such extremities, which is why St. John’s is one of the worst places to retire in Canada. Mean temperatures in the city range from −4.9 °C (23.2 °F) in February to 16.1 °C (61.0 °F) in August, demonstrating a seasonal lag in climate. Known as the foggiest, cloudiest, and windiest city in Canada, St. John’s is the one place you want to avoid in your golden years. For those who can avoid this major setback, the city is a nice place to enjoy activities such as hiking, zip lining, boating, and even whale watching.
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