Where to retire in Ontario?
 

I realize this is a travel form, but would like suggestions of what you consider a great small city in Ontario is. I will be traveling to Toronto next month on business <BR>and want to stay a few extra days and check out some possibilities. Where do Ontarions retire when then get feed up with Toronto? <BR>Is there an area with mild winters? <BR>thanks, Judy

Lots retire to Florida. <BR>There's no significantly warmer part of Ontario than Toronto but there are lots of parts that are colder. <BR>The Trenton,Belleville, Kingston, Gananoque stretch has lots of retired Torontonians, as does Prince Edward County, which is an Island in Lake Ontario, south of Belleville. (and different from Prince EDward Island, which is a province 1000 miles further east.) <BR>Some move to Victoria, British Columbia, or to the islands between Victoria and Vancouver. <BR>BAK

Hi There! I may only be in my 20's, but I am staying with my grandmother this summer and the area around her place would be a fantastic place to retire. If you can, try to visit Prince Edward County, south of belleville. It is an island that is surrounded by lake Ontario and I think it is one of the most beautiful places in Ontario. Wine vineyards are beginning to take off in the local area now and the county is booming. One of the best beaches in Ontario is on this island called Sandbanks, and a little town called bloomfield has excellent shopping! There are over 80 bed & breakfasts in the area and I am working at a beautiful inn outside of Picton called the Waring House restaurant and Inn. Anyway that is my suggestion, definately check it out!

Thank you both for your replys. I will definitely check out the Prince Edward County area. I would guess that the area would have quite a mild winter with an early spring if it is wine country and hopefully less rain than Victoria. Am I right? <BR>Judy

Hi, Judy! We go to Florida !!! <BR>There is no place in Ontario with a <BR>'mild winter'. September is glorious <BR>& when you are here next month you will fall in love with Ontario's 'small cities'. But, before you buy that retirement home come back & check it out <BR>in January/February!

Have a look at Port Hope (100 km east of Toronto on Lake Ontario). It is a very pretty town of 12,000 with a lovely historical core of century homes. Housing is relatively inexpensive and I can tell you from my own experience that newcomers are made to feel very welcome by the longtime residents. If you need somewhere to stay when you are in Port Hope there are a number of excellent bed and breakfast places.

Heed Paula's advice. I lived in Belleville for 21 years. Picton and Prince Edward County (known as "the county") are beautiful in the spring, which starts in mid to late May, summer and fall but it's damn cold between Nov and the end of Apr. Don't buy anything until you've spent at least two weeks there in Jan or Feb. I have seen it SNOW in early May.

A hidden jewel in South Western Ontario <BR>is Sarnia. It is located on southern <BR>Lake Huron - an hour from London, an <BR>hour from Detroit. Beaches to die for. <BR>Winters are mild - shovelling is rare. <BR>Check it out.