Greater Victoria trumps Canada’s top places for retirement

Greater Victoria trumps Canada’s top places for retirement

Published 10:00 am Sunday, February 8, 2026

Looking to retire? B.C., including a few Greater Victoria commmunities, is clearly the best option, according to The Globe and Mail’s list of Canada’s 20 most livable cities for retirement.

For the ranking, the Globe prioritized factors related to strong communities and health care services.

“On average, retirees want a secure, peaceful environment with good health care facilities, a pleasant climate and a variety of leisure activities,” the article says.

Greater Victoria shone on the list, with Oak Bay rated sixth best, Sidney at eighth and Central Saanich in 12th place.

The Globe and Mail gathered data from 454 cities across the country with populations exceeding 10,000. It evaluated 58 variables across 10 categories: Economy, Housing, Demographics, Health Care, Safety, Education, Community, Amenities, Transportation and Climate.

Oak Bay, for instance, had an unemployment rate of 4 per cent, a median household income of $142,407, and 23 per cent of households that spent more than 30 per cent on housing. It was found to have a likelihood of crime that is 64 per cent less than the Canadian average and 86 per cent have a regular health care provider. The moderate climate also played into high ratings.

Sidney has an unemployment rate of 3 per cent, a median household income of $97,702, and 22 per cent of households that spent more than 30 per cent on housing. It was found to have a likelihood of crime that is 35 per cent lower than the Canadian average, and 85 per cent have a regular health care provider.

Central Saanich had an unemployment rate of 3 per cent, a median household income of $124,609, and 18 per cent of households that spent more than 30 per cent on housing. It was found to have a likelihood of crime that is 62 per cent lower than the Canadian average and 84 per cent of residents have a regular health care provider. Seventy five per cent of surveyed residents noted a strong sense of belonging to local community.

Greater Victoria resident Andrew Jackson, who lives near Gonzales Beach, can attest to the perks of retirement in the Greater Victoria area.

“I paddle three or four days per week in the winter and probably five or six days a week in the summer. The beach is an essential part of our lives,” said Jackson. “I came from Ontario, and I still pinch myself how I got so lucky to live here.”

Of all 20 on the list, B.C. communities claimed 16 spots.

Topping the list was Vancouver, with West Vancouver earning top spot and North Vancouver at fourth.

Also making the list was White Rock (3rd), Parksville (5th), Pitt Meadows (7th), Penticton (11th), Cranbrook (13th), Summerland (14th), New Westminister (15th), Comox (16th), Vernon (18th) and Terrace (20th).