Charming Canadian Small Towns to Buy Property

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner looking for a change of scenery and a fresh start, Canada offers a plethora of options for those looking to leave big-city life behind.

As the cost of living continues to rise in certain hotspot locations across the country, many are left scratching their heads as to where they can relocate to at a more affordable rate. While some are fleeing the country completely, as Statistics Canada reports, others are turning to quaint, small-town life for a change of pace.

That being said, not all picturesque small towns are created equal and some still command high asking prices on listed properties. But if you’re curious about what’s out there, we’ve detailed some of the most stunning small towns across Canada — from Cape Breton to Tofino — that may just inspire you to pack your bags and move, regardless of the price tag.

Aerial view of Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia in the autumn

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Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Median listing price: $213,129

If you’re the outdoorsy type, this island at the eastern end of Nova Scotia is the place for you. Offering plenty of hiking and biking trails, the scenic views of the rugged coastline are enough to draw in tourists on a regular basis.

With a population of less than 100,000 people, residents get daily first-person experiences (and bragging rights) with the breathtaking scenery and easy access to Cabot Trail, a 298 kilometre loop around the northern tip of the island.

Aerial view of Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador

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Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador

Median listing price: $170,000

Settled by English fish merchants dating all the way back to the 1500s, this Newfoundland-based gem is steeped in rich history and is an absolute must-see… or must-live if you’re in the market.

Designated a UNESCO Global Geopark, it offers residents and tourists alike stunning rugged coastlines, lighthouses, nature trails and the snap-worthy glimpses of the jagged rocks of Dungeon National Park.

And, with a population of less than 4,000, you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy the great outdoors.

Aerial view of the coast in Tofino, British Columbia

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Tofino, British Columbia

Median listing price: $773,903

Nature lovers and adventurers at heart will fall in love with this seaside town surrounded by a UNESCO reserve.

In addition to its incredible views, Tofino has become a culinary hotspot. Although it has less than 3,000 residents, it’s become a top tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why.

Aerial view of Tombstone National Park in Dawson City

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Dawson City, Yukon

Median listing price: $332,346

History buffs will be thrilled to step back in time and visit the home of the Klondike Gold Rush. This frontier-era town offers preserved vintage saloons and 360-degree views of the surrounding trails via the Midnight Dome lookout — a short 10-minute drive from the centre of town.

With a population of less than 2,000 people, it’s easy for newcomers to indulge in outdoor excursions, including a trek through the celebrated Tombstone Territorial Park.

Aerial view of Elora, Ontario in the autumn

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Elora, Ontario

Median listing price: $725,000

If you’re looking for a hefty dose of small-town living, look no further than Elora. With a population of less than 8,000 people, this tourist destination (and wedding hotspot) offers residents plenty of antique stores, artisan shops and family-owned restaurants and cafes to keep them busy.

In addition, you can indulge in all the hiking and biking trails sprinkled throughout the Elora Gorge Conservation Area and take in stunning views of cascading waterfalls.

A shot of the port of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

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Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Median listing price: $499,000

Revered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning shipbuilding town has a rich seafaring history and Instagram-worthy homes painted in bright and bold colours.

With a vibrant boardwalk boasting plenty of restaurants, it’s a haven for seafood lovers and those who crave a quieter pace of life. And, with a population of less than 3,000, you’ll be able to indulge in quiet, cozy nights in with little distraction.

Aerial view of Canmore, Alberta at sunrise

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Canmore, Alberta

Median listing price: $1.3 million

While tourists are busy flocking to nearby Banff National Park, you can unpack your bags and set up shop in the small mountain town of Canmore.

With a population of 14,530, it offers a quiet, low-key existence nestled in the mountains with plenty of gorgeous creeks and trails to traverse.

However, you do pay a bit of a heftier real estate price tag for those views. Of the smaller towns featured here, Canmore is amongst the more expensive.

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Magog, Quebec

Median listing price: $470,000

Named after the gorgeous lake it borders, this quaint and quiet town boasts stunning views and a variety of vineyards and distilleries.

In terms of small-town living, it has one of the larger populations (more than 28,000 residents), but it feels more like a quiet nature retreat.

The Viking Statue in Gimli, Manitoba against a clear blue sky

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Gimli, Manitoba

Median listing price: $222,430

Located only one hour outside Winnipeg — should you happen to crave city life for a night out — Gimli is a quiet beachside getaway for tourists that also happens to have a rich Icelandic heritage.

With a population sitting at less than 3,000 people, it’ll feel like you’re living on your own private nature reserve.

Aerial view of Maple Creek in Saskatchewan

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Maple Creek, Saskatchwan

Median listing price: $158,677

For such a small town (population: barely 2,000), Maple Creek is steeped in history.

According to the town’s official website, it boasts the warmest weather in the entire province and includes the world’s largest T-Rex skeleton and is the home of the original North-West Mounted Police.

For outdoorsy folks looking for adventure, hike up to Bald Butte lookout for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.