Canada boasts of incredible natural scenery, and with it, fantastic opportunities for those that want to lead an active lifestyle. Love to hike? Glide on the slopes? Swim in freshwater? Canada has you covered. From the favourited Whistler to Wasaga Beach, I have picked spots ideal for those wanting to buy in Canada and lead an active lifestyle.
Place: Whistler, British Vancouver
Great for: skiing
See you on the slopes!
Opening with Whistler might seem a little on the nose – but then, for those looking to purchase a property somewhere that will guarantee an active lifestyle – a world-famous skiing location could suit you just right.
With over 200 trails and a world-record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, it is no surprise that more two million people a year visit Whistler. It has a population of 13,982 but that number swells with tourists and seasonal workers alike. In the winter season, you’ll have the choice of cross-country skiing, ice-fishing, and ice climbing. In the summer, you will get to hike, golf and even Whitewater raft along this wonderful terrain. You can also catch the sights, either at super speed on a zipline or via helicopter. With a property in Whistler, you can be sure that the option for non-stop activity is just outside your door.
As Whistler is so geared towards tourists, it has excellent shopping options (and it’s not just outdoor apparel), pubs, nightclubs, and eateries. Plus, it is just two hours from Vancouver.
According to Realtor Canada, due to the breath-taking views and proximity to the mountains, the market price for a property in Whistler is $1,196,500.
Place: Burlington, Ontario
Great for: walking
Royal Botanical Gardens.
Located on the shores of Lake Ontario between Toronto and Niagara Falls, Burlington is a brilliant location for those who love nothing more than a lovely long walk. Burlington boasts of over 1,436 acres of parkland. It is home to the Royal Botanical Gardens (Canada’s largest) a stretch of 2,700 acres. It features a Rock Garden, 250,000 iris blooms and not just Canada’s but the world’s largest lilac collection. Burlington’s Central Park is also a beautiful place to be, and it even has its own labyrinth. Additionally, on foot or wheel, enjoy the 23km Waterfront trail. Mount Nemo is a great choice for rock climbers.
Outside of pretty parks, Burlington is also known for its quaint museums, Canada’s oldest footpath The Bruce Trail, the Art Gallery of Burlington, as well as farms and markets.
If you are looking to settle down in Greater Toronto, Burlington is just an hour’s drive away from the centre and offers a warm, friendly atmosphere. According to Realotor, the market price for a property there is $1,103,600.
Place: Wasaga Beach, Ontario
Great for: swimmers
Wasaga Beach.
Wasaga Beach is a town in Simcoe County, Ontario. While Canada might not spring to mind when we wonder where the world’s best beaches are, Wasaga Beach is home to the world’s longest freshwater beach at 14km. Wasaga was the very first beach in Canada to be awarded the internationally recognised Blue Flag for safety and cleanliness. The beach is divided into different sections with each part having its own personality. For example, Beach Area 1 is lively and full of shops and restaurants. Beach Area 3 is dog-friendly, so long as you bring a leash. While Beach Area 4 is a little quieter and offers the best views of the bay. Swimming is a must in all areas, but you can also find specfic spots for kiteboard launching, cycling, playgrounds and picnics.
Aside from swimming, there’s ziplines and treetop trekking to do at Blue Mountain, an adventure park offering paintballing and laser combat, skydiving over the beach, and Canada’s Wonderland is 75 minutes away. In the winter, you can go fat biking in the snow-capped forests.
Wasaga has a population of 24,862 throughout the year that grows during the peak season. According to Realtor, $1,103,600 is the market price for a home in Wasaga Beach.
Place: Saint Andrews, New Brunswick
Great for: golf
Looking for quaint and charming? You’ve come to the right place.
Located near the border with the USA, Saint Andrews is Canada’s oldest resort town. It is full of character and history and has even been recognised as a National Historic District. Much of the architecture dates back to the 18th century British colonial settlement, giving it an old-fashioned (and possibly homely for us Brits) feel.
Established all the way back in 1889, the Algonquin resort is a celebrated staple of the Saint Andrews. The Algonquin Golf Course boasts of Canada’s oldest clubhouse. It makes the most of the exquisite views of Passamaquoddy Bay.
Additionally, St Andrews is home to chic shops, art galleries, cafes and local independent businesses with Market Wharf and Water Street being highlights. It also happens to be a great place for whale watching!
According to Realtor, the market price for a property here is $301,300.
Canada has so much to offer to those seeking an active lifestyle. From Sunshine Village, Alberta to Kicking Horse, British Columbia, Canada has plenty of options for skiers. Prince Edward Island and Muskoka are fantastic for golf. While Grand Beach Provincial Park, Manitoba and Long Beach, British Columbia draw in swimmers. If you are looking to lead an active lifestyle, then a home in Canada can promise you that.
Please note that Canada currently has a partial ban on foreign buyers. If you are hoping to move and build a life there, this shouldn’t impact you too much. However, restrictions are targeting international investors and those looking to purchase second homes.
