TRAVEL
Where Common-Sense Canadians Should Retire
For Canadians with a practical streak and an appetite for a better quality of life, the idea of retiring abroad has never been more appealing. Rising costs at home, harsh winters, and a desire for new experiences are driving retirees to look for destinations that combine affordability, safety, and a strong sense of community.
Here are three smart, common-sense destinations where your retirement dollars stretch further — and the steps you’ll need to take to make the move.
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1. Portugal’s Algarve Coast
Why It’s a Top Pick
Portugal offers year-round sunshine, stunning coastline, affordable healthcare, and a cost of living that’s 25–40% lower than in most Canadian cities. The Algarve region, in particular, is known for its welcoming expat communities and safe streets. English is widely spoken, making the transition easier.
What You’ll Need to Do
• Secure Residency: Apply for Portugal’s D7 visa (proof of stable income such as CPP, OAS, and investments is required).
• Healthcare Enrollment: Once a resident, you can join Portugal’s public healthcare system; many also opt for private insurance at under $150 CAD/month.
• Housing: Consider renting first — coastal apartments can start at $1,200 CAD/month.
• Language: While English is common, basic Portuguese will help integrate with locals.
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2. Costa Rica’s Central Valley
Why It’s a Top Pick
Costa Rica blends tropical beauty with political stability and a strong healthcare system. The Central Valley offers spring-like weather year-round and is less humid than coastal areas. Retirees praise the country’s pura vida lifestyle and friendly locals.
What You’ll Need to Do
• Pensionado Visa: You must prove a minimum monthly pension income of about $1,600 CAD.
• Healthcare Access: Enroll in the CAJA public healthcare system; many supplement with affordable private care.
• Banking & Finances: Open a local bank account and budget for import taxes if bringing goods from Canada.
• Community: Join established expat networks for advice and social support.
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3. Italy’s Southern Regions (Puglia or Sicily)
Why It’s a Top Pick
Southern Italy offers old-world charm, Mediterranean cuisine, and surprisingly low housing costs — rural homes can sell for under $100,000 CAD. Smaller towns have a slower pace of life, and healthcare is affordable and high quality.
What You’ll Need to Do
• Visa & Residency: Canadians can stay 90 days visa-free; for long-term retirement, the Elective Residency Visa is the best option (proof of sufficient income required).
• Healthcare: Once a resident, join Italy’s public healthcare for a modest annual fee.
• Property Purchase: Work with a reputable agent; be aware of renovation rules for historic homes.
• Language: Learning Italian is essential outside major tourist hubs.
VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) officially opened on October 2, marking the start of one of Canada’s most celebrated cultural events. Running until October 12, the festival will showcase an ambitious program of around 260 films from across the globe, including premieres, independent productions, and critically acclaimed features. Organizers highlight VIFF’s role as a platform for international cinema and Canadian filmmakers.
Venues and Programming
Screenings will take place at iconic Vancouver venues, with new additions such as Granville Island Stage and the Alliance Française. Alongside the films, VIFF offers panels, workshops, and special events connecting filmmakers with industry professionals and the public. The festival emphasizes diversity, Indigenous voices, experimental storytelling, and emerging talent.
Cultural and Economic Impact
For Vancouver and British Columbia, VIFF is both a cultural highlight and an economic driver, drawing thousands of visitors and generating activity for local businesses. With its reputation as a bridge between North American and Asian cinema markets, the festival remains an influential stop on the global film circuit.
As the curtains rise on the 2025 edition, audiences and industry alike are set to experience another dynamic celebration of the art of film.
For those looking to escape the city, late September is an ideal time to explore British Columbia’s natural beauty. In Salmon Arm, the cooler weather makes hiking and waterfall excursions especially enjoyable, while the fall colours begin to emerge in the Shuswap region. On Vancouver Island, Campbell River offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities, with salmon runs in full swing and the chance to spot bears along the rivers. For mountain lovers, Revelstoke provides alpine views and a charming small-town feel, where visitors can enjoy both outdoor adventures and cozy local dining.
Travelers should be prepared for variable fall weather, with warm days giving way to cooler nights and the possibility of rain in coastal or mountainous areas. Layered clothing is a must, and an early start is recommended for hikes or longer drives as daylight hours continue to shorten. If heading to higher elevations, it’s also wise to check road conditions for any signs of early snow. Whether you choose culture in the city or crisp mountain air in the backcountry, the weekend of September 27–28 offers plenty of options for a memorable trip in British Columbia.
A recent Ipsos poll reveals that 60% of Canadians believe they can never trust Americans the same way again. This sentiment has remained stable in tracking since February.
At the same time, just over half of Canadians approve of how Prime Minister Mark Carney and the federal government are managing Canada–U.S. relations, while about one-third disapprove and the rest are unsure.
The survey also finds that 71% of citizens expect trade and economic disputes with the U.S. to persist for several years and see little prospect for near-term resolution. Regarding possible future agreements, 42% believe the Prime Minister will succeed in negotiating a new trade deal with the Trump administration. Another 22% disagree, and 37% are undecided.
Interestingly, despite strong distrust and concern over ongoing conflicts, over half of respondents—54%—say the Canada–U.S. relationship has remained stable in the past couple of weeks, a notable shift from perceptions in August.
The poll was conducted from September 9 to 12, 2025, with a sample of 2,001 Canadian adults, and carries a margin of error of about ±2.7 percentage points.
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