Eastern Ontario is a beautiful region in Canada, renowned for its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. It is an excellent place to retire, as it offers a range of amenities and attractions for seniors. From peaceful small towns to bustling cities, eastern Ontario has it all. In this article, we will explore the best places to settle in one of Ontario’s retirement communities.
Best places to retire in eastern Ontario
Kanata
Sitting in western Ottawa, Kanata is known for its green spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities. It has many parks and trails, including the South March Highlands Conservation Trail, which is blessed with many acres of natural beauty. The Carp River Conservation Area is another attractive park where seniors can hike, fish, and bird watch. Hockey fans should also take note of the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, not only is it home to the NHL’s Ottawa Senators but it also doubles as a popular entertainment venue.
Kingston
Canada’s former capital is a historic city on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario with a rich cultural heritage. It is home to many museums and historic sites, including Fort Henry, and the Kingston Penitentiary, a former prison that is now open for tours. Kingston also has many inviting green spaces, including Lake Ontario Park, which is a large waterfront park with walking trails and a beach. The Kingston Waterfront Trail is another popular attraction, offering scenic views of Lake Ontario and the city's historic buildings.
Ottawa
Canada’s capital city is known for its rich cultural scene, world-class museums, and outdoor recreation opportunities. It is home to Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada. Ottawa also has many parks and natural areas, including the nearby Gatineau Park, which is a large wilderness area that offers hiking, biking, and skiing trails. The Rideau Canal, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another popular attraction, offering boat tours and skating in the winter.
Perth
A small town located on the banks of the Tay River, Perth is known for its historic buildings and charming downtown. It has many parks and natural areas, including Stewart Park, which is a large urban park with a beach. The Tay River Trail is another popular attraction, offering scenic views of the river and the town's historic buildings. Perth is also home to many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Perth Garlic Festival and the Perth Fair.
Arnprior
Located in Renfrew County, this peaceful riverside town is known for its natural beauty and historic landmarks. It’s home to the Arnprior and District Museum and the Gillies Grove and House National Historic Site. Arnprior also boasts several beautiful parks, including Robert Simpson Park, which features a splash pad, playground, and walking trails. Another excellent walking trail is the Macnamara Nature Trail.
Belleville
This city is located on the shores of the Bay of Quinte, not far from the beautiful Prince Edward County. An ideal place for seniors who love the outdoors, it ishome to several parks and trails including Riverside Park, which is a large waterfront park. The Moira River Conservation Area is another natural area in Belleville, where you can hike, fish, and bird watch. Belleville also has many cultural attractions, including the Quinte Arts Council Gallery and the Glanmore National Historic Site.
In the core of buzzing Belleville is Aspira Quinte Gardens retirement residence which boasts stunning gardens and an indoor pool.
Campbellford
This pleasant town sits on the banks of the Trent River, and has a lot to offer seniors who love nature and culture lovers. It has many parks and trails, including the Ferris Provincial Park. This is a large wilderness area offering hiking trails, campsites, and the chance to walk the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, which provides stunning views of the river and the surrounding area. Some of the cultural attractions in Campbellford include the Campbellford Fair and the Westben Arts Festival Theatre.
