Aging adults in Canada have some amazing options for senior living communities. There are plenty of specialized services for assisted living, memory care, and more. Ontario senior living providers range from intimate settings to more community living environments. Making the decision to transition into a senior living home is a big step. How do you differentiate from one property to the next? What are all the costs involved? What services are included?
We know how complicated searching for senior living can be. For the last 16 years our team has managed over 19,000 senior care listings across Canada and the U.S. That’s why we’ve made our lists for the top communities in every Province. All the locations below are highly rated and respected in their neighborhoods. Even if your city didn’t make it to our list, don’t worry. Our senior living directory is full of other highly rated communities that you can filter to easily find one near you. If you’d like to consult a professional advisor, do not hesitate to contact us and we can guide you through your search.
Converting a Life Insurance Policy to Pay for Senior Living in Ontario
While you’ll surely find an Ontario provider that matches your budget, it’s still not cheap, and having additional options to cover costs is never a bad thing. If you’ve been paying into a life insurance policy for a decade or more, withdrawing the cost basis (the amount paid in premiums) is a viable option. By withdrawing the cost basis, you avoid owing tax. You can also sell the policy to a life settlement funding company. This is typically a lump sum (up to 75% of the policy’s face value plus tax).
Ranking The Best Senior Living Facilities in Ontario
Ranking the top senior living centers in Ontario was no easy task. By considering online reviews alone, there are some really exceptional offers in Ontario. In conjunction with reviews left on our own website, we collected reviews from Google, Facebook, and similar platforms. We then assigned a ranking to each center. Our 1 to 5 scale resulted in a quality list, but we wanted to make sure that none of the final top communities had any outstanding violations or citations reported to the Ontario Department of Health.
The median price for an assisted living facility in Ontario is approximately $3,200 per month. You can expect to pay much more for memory care or nursing homes, but the care provided is highly skilled and around the clock. Independent living is much cheaper but rarely provides any skilled staff or care services.
Top Rated Ontario Senior Living Facilities
4.80/5 Average Rating of Facilities
433 Total Reviews
The Redwoods Retirement Residence
2604 Draper Ave
Ottawa, ON K2H 9B1
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living
4.9/5 Average Rating
60 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about The Redwoods Retirement Residence:
I have been so impressed with just about everything. To a person the staff have been pleasant patient, kind,helpful during this convalescent period The environment has been blissfully quiet the bed comfortable the food good and quantities generous. I chose the redwoods on the recommendation of friends. A very good decision. M.”ria” bachman
-Marie Bachman
The Windsor Retirement Residence
24 Park Crescent
Amherstview, ON K7N 0C3
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Respite Care
4.9/5 Average Rating
25 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about The Windsor Retirement Residence:
I have been living at the Windsor Residence since June 2015. During this period, I came to realize the extent to which the Windsor has become my home. Let me cite some of the current realities:1) great food overseen by current meetings with the kitchen chef:2) grounds all around the building inviting walks:3) outings, with use of Windsor bus, every two weeks, to see movies, plays, swimming, etc…4) live music every Friday: 5) and most envious of all realities, any member of the staff in whatever category of employment – ALL are kind, helpful, and very pleasant. Thank you!
-Ruth Barrett
Richview Manor
10500 Dufferin St
Vaughan, ON L6A 4R1
Living Types Available: Assisted Living
4.6/5 Average Rating
39 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Richview Manor:
My dad’s time at Richview Manor was absolutely wonderful! The outstanding facilities, staff and entertainment was something he shared with us all the time. The singing, dancing, card games, religious services and food were all things he embraced and enjoyed. Our family will always be so appreciative for all the care and support shown to our dad. Thank you!
-Susann Gentilini
Burlington Gardens
300 Plains Rd W
Burlington, ON L7T 0A2
Living Types Available: Independent Living
4.7/5 Average Rating
85 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Burlington Gardens:
My dad has lived at Burlington Gardens for 5 years and loves it. My aunt also moved in earlier this year. My dad loves the food, as do his sisters who have been his guests for supper at least once a month since he moved in. It was the only retirement home in Burlington that offered euchre as an activity when we were researching them, and the activity director does a great job engaging people’s varying interests. When he first moved in he had an elderly cat, and we were so happy that Max could live there as well! The other residents are friendly, and the more able-bodied ones help those with less mobility like my dad. Burlington Gardens is a lovely community with a very homey feel.
-Mary Daley
Hazeldean Gardens Retirement Residence
6130 Hazeldean Rd
Stittsville, ON K2S 2M2
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
5.0/5 Average Rating
18 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Hazeldean Gardens Retirement Residence:
Hazeldean Gardens was highly recommended to me by a chance meeting with a resident who just happened to be at a table beside me in an offsite restaurant. I called Hazeldean Gardens and asked for a tour which was promptly set up. I noticed how relaxed, friendly, happy, cheery, helpful was everyone, staff, residents. I signed up immediately to stay in a short term suite during my medical treatments. And now am staying on as a permanent resident. I have found a wonderful home. Thank you, Hazeldean Gardens.
-Sylvia McGee
V!VA Meadowlands Ancaster
1248 Mohawk Rd
Ancaster, ON L9K1P5
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Respite Care
4.9/5 Average Rating
58 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about V!VA Meadowlands Ancaster:
This location in Ancaster is such a beautiful place. The staff are so friendly and accommodating. The food has always been on point served to the perfect temperature and very plentiful! The Chef and social staff are truly wonderful. The monthly euchre crew a terrific and fun!
-Becky MacDonald
Sunrise of Windsor
5065 Riverside Dr E
Windsor, ON N8Y 5B3
Living Types Available: Assisted Living
4.9/5 Average Rating
55 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Sunrise of Windsor:
Sunrise of Windsor has been exceptional. The care has been supportive and compassionate. The staff is excellent and caring. Food was wonderful. I would highly recommend. The suite was large, bright, and had a wonderful view.
-Ashlee Saugh
Cite Parkway
380 LeBoutillier Ave
Ottawa, ON K1K 3W3
Living Types Available: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
5.0/5 Average Rating
10 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Cite Parkway:
Following hip replacement surgery, I convalesced at this wonderful establishment. I cannot say enough about how well I was treated by everyone there. Everyone was so welcoming to me – management, food service, housekeeping, nursing staff – always smiling, always accommodating, always friendly. I’m so happy I made that decision and would definitely do it again.
-Margaret Marks
Anchor Pointe
151 Meadowlands Dr W
Nepean ON K2G 2S3
Living Types Available: Independent Living
4.6/5 Average Rating
50 Total Reviews
What residents and loved ones have to say about Anchor Pointe:
My Dad’s new home for almost the last year. Anchor Pointe is a caring retirement community. The core leadership team come to work every day with the intention of doing their very best. It took my father a couple months to settle in after leaving the family home of 51 years! I can confidently say he enjoys living here, he is always acknowledged and treated with respect. Food: it’s not my Mom’s cooking “, (she passed in winter 2023.) The food is solid, lots of choices at each meal. The poor chef has to cater to SOOOO many preferences and be cognizant of people’s different health conditions. Not an easy task. I just asked my Dad about the food- he said I can always find something I enjoy. My Dad does not participate in many of the wonderful social activities. (A quiet man). The coordinator who oversees this area does a simply phenomenal job organizing activities. I highly recommend Anchor Pointe.
-Sandra Dickau
More Highly Rated ON Senior Living & Care Facilities
Aspira Red Oak Retirement Living
Richmond Hill Retirement Residence
McCarthy Place Retirement Residence
Waterside Retirement Community
VIVA Barrhaven Retirement Community
White Cliffe Terrace Retirement Residence