Ian CheesemanRecently, my friend asked me about the best retirement homes for his grandma. I told him to give me a couple of days for the answer.
Turns out, my journalism degree is about to come in handy. We’re talking deep dives online, intel from friendly sources, and even chats with actual residents to get the inside scoop.
After gathering all the insights, I managed to narrow it down. From this list, my friend was able to choose the best one that suited his grandma’s needs.
So, in case you’re also on the hunt for the perfect retirement home, here are the 6ix’s top retirement home picks to consider!
How much does a retirement home cost in Toronto?
The cost of a retirement home in Toronto typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 per month.
Factors affecting the cost include the level of care required, the type of accommodations, amenities, and the specific location within the city.
Premium facilities with luxurious amenities and personalized care options tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum.
How We Chose the Best Retirement Homes in Toronto
1. Christie Gardens Apartments & Care
If you’re looking for a Toronto retirement community that pops with life, Christie Gardens Apartments & Care might be it. Located near the trendy Seaton Village, they’ve been serving Toronto’s elders for 40 years, founded on the belief that seniors deserve better.
We’re impressed with their mind-boggling array of amenities—from an on-site cafe and fitness center to an auditorium and even a computer lab! They also host a variety of events, from monthly teas to lively Canada Day celebrations.
Plus, they have a bunch of social and educational programs, ranging from Bible study to a French club (Bonjour!).
They even have their own scholarship program called “Inspire” to help their staff keep learning and growing in elder care. That’s pretty cool!
However, we learned that booking a slot can be a bit tricky. But hey, with all these activities and amenities, it’s no wonder spots fill up fast.
Pros
- Over 40 years of experience
- Wide range of amenities
- Hosts events
- Social and educational programs
- Has a scholarship program
Cons
- Might be hard to book
My mom LOVES living at Christie Gardens
“My mom did NOT want to move in to an Assisted Living Building and now LOVES living at Christie Gardens. The Residents are treated #1 by the Excellent Staff. My Mom gets GREAT meals in the Restaurant and Cafe. The Staff has all the resident vaccines well before the regular population. And wonderful resident physiotherapy accessible in the building. And My Mom has made 20 new fabulous friends and now plays bridge 2x a week, and a book club and a film club etc. I cannot recommend Christie Gardens enough! Thank-you.”
Sammi M, Google Review
My mother has lived at Christie Gardens for about 10 years now
“My mother has lived at Christie Gardens for about 10 years now. And before that, my grandmother lived there for many years as well. We appreciate the kind and competent staff who work together to make it a wonderful home for Mom.”
Peter K, Google Review
2. Chartwell Avondale Retirement Residence
Those hoping for a retirement community that’s anything but “retirement village quiet” might find Chartwell Avondale in Leslieville to be a good match.
This spot boasts a super convenient location—right on top of a shopping complex with a dentist, bank, and even a bakery. And it’s close to cute cafes, restaurants, and even Woodbine Beach (hello, waterfront strolls).
We especially love the amazing CN Tower views from their rooftop patio—fancy!
They offer spacious suites, housekeeping, and parking. Plus, three delicious meals are part of the package, and you can enjoy meals with other residents or grab a quick bite at their bistro.
Here’s the best part—they offer a personalized care assist program that can include anything from medication management to help getting ready in the morning. For added peace of mind, there’s staff onsite 24/7 and even a visiting doctor.
However, we learned that not everyone loves the quality of their meals.
Pros
- Convenient location
- CN Tower views from their rooftop patio
- Suites, housekeeping, and parking
- Three meals per day
- Personalized Care Assist program
- 24/7 onsite staff and visiting doctor
Cons
- Reports of subpar meal quality
Very happy with the complete level of care at Chartwell Avondale
“So very happy with the complete level of care at Chartwell Avondale. My mother continues to be very happy since she moved in. The level of care and professionalism of staff is outstanding. It truly is a great community, a place she is happy to call home.”
Joe Medeiros, Google Review
A+ Avondale, a treasure hiding in Leslieville
“A+ Avondale, a treasure hiding in the charming Leslieville neighborhood of Toronto. This Retirement Home holds a special place in my heart and has become my favorite spot to explore. I think this place is extraordinary because it’s fully alive. They offer supportive environment that goes above and beyond. Its location is prime and it allows residents to conveniently walk to various amenities such as the dental clinic, different banks, KFC, Asian restaurants and other intriguing shops. You’ll fine Woodbine Beach to the East and Easton’s Centre to the West with one streetcar ride. I think it’s an ideal place to both work and live.”
Icey Penguin Yt – Ramon & Lyn V., Google Review
3. Hazelton Place Retirement Residence
From what we heard, retirement living at Hazelton Place—also known as Verve Senior Living—is anything but “meh.” Their mission is to create a “Resident-Centric” environment where you can experience fulfillment on your own terms.
We’re impressed to learn that they’re a two-time winner of Canada’s Best Managed Companies award, so you know you’re getting top-notch service.
In terms of dining, forget cafeteria food! They use fresh, local ingredients, with meals prepared from scratch by an experienced culinary team.
But it doesn’t stop there—they also offer a ton of life enrichment programs, from fitness classes and walking clubs to art classes and even museum outings. They even host regular events like ice cream socials and movie nights!
Note that they’re on the pricier side. But if luxury living and an active, fulfilling retirement are your priorities, then this spot could be worth checking out.
Pros
- Meals prepared from scratch using local ingredients
- Two-time winner of Canada’s Best Managed Companies award
- Offers life enrichment programs
- Hosts social events regularly
Cons
- Pricey
My parents feel like they are living in a 5 star resort
“After spending the last few months deciding on a place for my parents I have decided on Hazelton Place. Thank you to the administrator Ron and the staff for making my parents so happy and welcomed. They feel like they are living in a 5 star resort.”
Andy Thomson, Google Review
I’d give it more than 5 stars if I could
“This place is amazing, I’d give it more than 5 stars if I could. My mother has been living in this home for 4 years now and she’s recieved nothing short of excellent care. The staff and also the management team are wonderful. Perfect place to bring your parents!”
S.I.N Management, Google Review
4. The Briton House
Toronto seniors looking for a retirement community with a warm, family feel should check out The Briton House. Founded in 1976, it’s one of the few family-owned spots in the area, promising top-notch service from experienced staff members.
We were wowed by their massive 15,000-square-foot indoor garden—imagine enjoying fresh air and greenery year-round, no matter the weather.
They also have a whole host of amenities, including a recital hall for live performances, a pool, a gym, and even a sun-simulation room (perfect for those winter blues!).
We even heard about their fun events like boat cruises and socials, so you can stay active and connected.
As a cherry on top, they offer a wide range of care services, from medication management to assistance with daily tasks.
Sure, it seems to be on the pricier side, but we believe their offerings are worth it.
Pros
- Founded in 1976
- 15,000 square foot indoor garden
- Recital hall for live performances
- Pool, gym, and a sun-simulation room
- Boat cruises and socials
- Wide range of care services
Cons
- A tad pricey
The Briton house is an excellent retirement home
“The Briton house is an excellent retirement home. The food is very good, lots of variety and made fresh every day. A wonderful dining experience. The staff are helpful and always smiling. Rooms are clean. Residents who need help to get up and dressed are given excellent care. There is always something to do. The programs are a variety of monthly outings, and in-house events such as movie nights, pet visits, card games, birthday social and music recitals. Programs are also tailored to the needs of the residents. Mother’s day and Father’s day brunches were unique in presentation, variety of foods and abundance. There is an indoor salt water pool, great for water walking programs. There is an exercise room with a lot of equipment. They have a beautiful Atrium decorated with an assortment of plants and trees.”
Anna Kam, Google Review
My mother is very happy here and the facilities are very beautiful
“My mother is very happy here and the facilities are very beautiful. I would recommend the Briton House to anyone who is look for a retirement home in Toronto.”
Leesa Breedon, Google Review
5. Belmont House
Belmont House has been a charitable, non-profit Christian home since 1852. Founded to care for women released from prison, they have a long-standing tradition of providing exceptional support for seniors.
They offer long-term care and retirement living options, with a focus on resident-centered care plans.
We like that their multidisciplinary care team works closely with residents and families to create personalized care plans. Additionally, they have an on-call manager for emergencies.
The apartments themselves are well-equipped with security features, air conditioning, and even soundproofing. But that’s not all—they have tons of amenities as well, from a chapel to a billiards room and even a spa room.
Also, they offer daily meals prepared in-house with special dietary needs in mind.
A variety of activities are available like art therapy, guest speakers, and even bus trips to see Shakespearean plays!
Unfortunately, current residents told us about the facility’s long waiting list.
Pros
- Open since 1852
- Has a multidisciplinary care team
- On-call manager for emergencies
- Well-equipped apartments
- Has a chapel, billiards room, and a spa
- Meals prepared in-house, considering dietary needs
- Art therapy, guest speakers, and bus trips
Cons
- Long waiting list
Best retirement and long term care home available in Toronto
“My mom has been here 3 plus years and I can tell you with confidence that Belmont House is the best Retirement and long term care home available in Toronto. The waiting list is 6 years for a reason and that time frame keeps growing. The staff is wonderful and many activities are offered daily. It’s almost like an all inclusive 5 star hotel for the elderly. The people you find here have all done great things for Canada in their youth. I am proud to belong to this community.”
Julia Torres, Google Review
Belmont House is the best of the best in Ontario
“It’s a well known secret that Belmont House is the best of the best in Ontario. The facility has elite accreditations with a highly skilled and compassionate management team. The satisfaction rate of Belmont families sits comfortably at 99%! They are currently rolling out the Butterfly program for dementia care, one of the first of its kind in Canada. With years of experience with family members at Belmont, I have no hesitations whatsoever to recommend.”
Chris Allen, Google Review
