One of our top picks for assisted living in Canada is located in Edmonton. Chartwell Heritage Valley Retirement Residence is much bigger than we initially thought, which is nice because that means more room for activities, like painting, exercise, and cards.

The suites we looked at were also spacious, even if you decide to stick to a one-bedroom unit. It’s also nice there’s a one-bedroom with a den if the resident needs a multipurpose room and a two-bedroom for couples.

We like how extensive the amenities are, especially considering the average starting price of $3,635 a month. There’s cable TV, linen service, grab bars, a full kitchen, a laundry facility, and weekly housekeeping.

Our only complaint is that the rooms only include one meal a day, so you’ll have to pay additional meals. The good news is that the meals are made with fresh ingredients, and there’s a good selection of choices so it’s not boring. 

We’re also pleased to find that assisted living amenities include an escort to the activities and assistance when bathing or showering. The place also has an on-site nurse, which is important for care services.

Lastly, we commend the staff for being friendly and accommodating during our tour. It was refreshing to see the care workers smile while assisting the residents.

Top-tier service throughout

“We just moved my dad into Chartwell Heritage Valley and so far we absolutely love it! The suite is lovely and spacious and they had it painted and new flooring installed for us. The staff is lovely and accommodating. David Martin was extremely helpful and had so much time for our questions and multiple tours. My dad is settling in nicely with help from David and Rick the maintenance/housekeeping manager. It’s been a great experience! We highly recommend this Chartwell location.”

Jennifer Nolan, Google Review

Incredible support from the whole staff

“My father’s care and well-being has been foremost in the minds and hearts of the staff at Chartwell Heritage Valley. Since moving in nearly two years ago, they have walked with us as his medical, dietary, social, emotional, safety, and spiritual needs have changed. Every department — nursing, dining, house-keeping, administration, recreation, and maintenance, each one is filled with staff who are committed and approachable. We highly recommend Chartwell Heritage Valley.”

Carla Nelson, Google Review

The Briton House was established in 1976 and has continued to provide a retirement home for seniors in Toronto. This is a massive place, which is one of the reasons we initially thought about it.

It was a good decision, though, because there are plenty of amenities and activities for the residents. There’s even a 15,000 sq ft indoor garden that’s open year-round, which is very convenient for seniors during cold weather.

We were also pleased to find that there’s even a recital hall, where live performances are held—talk about cultural enrichment!

Residents also get an endless summer here, and we were in awe. There’s a glass-domed indoor saltwater pool for some vitamin D while swimming and an indoor beach with a sunlight simulator that feels like a Caribbean resort.

Although we’re iffy that some basic needs for assisted living are considered additional services (like an escort to the dining room and entertainment areas), we still found their amenities really extensive.

For the price of over $3,000, residents get three meals a day and two snacks, daily housekeeping, assistance with bathing and dressing, and rounds every two hours (including repositioning while sleeping during the night).

Comfortable environment and complete assistance

“I researched many retirement homes in Toronto, and Briton House stood out for many reasons.  Family owned and operated, an excellent reputation, positive referrals and reasonable pricing put Briton House on the short list.  It was quick and easy to book a tour and we were impressed with the comfortable hotel-like atmosphere, relaxing atrium and amenities.  Once my loved one moved in, the caring and competent staff provided an environment where she was able to enjoy regular meals, be supported with personal care and flourish, becoming the happy, social person she was before being diagnosed with dementia.  You can trust that residents are well cared for, safe and living their best life.”

Christine Dingemanns, Google Review

Quick crisis response

“My Dad has been living at Briton House since October of 2019. Prior to the pandemic, Dad loved the daily exercise classes, music concerts and socialising over meals in the dining room. Briton House acted quickly and proactively getting PPE early on, to protect staff and residents. Their frequent and regular updates for family of residents, have been helpful, comforting and appreciated. Briton House is one of the first, if not the first, long term care facility to have all staff and residents vaccinnated! An amazing accomplishment! Although we have missed, in person visits, I know staff are working hard to return to, some normalcy for their residents. I have every confidence, their knowledge and skill, attention to detail and care will make this happen.”

Karin Lunan, Google Review

Manoir de la Rive by Ébèn Résidences is right in the heart of Vieux-Terrebonne in Quebec. One of the reasons we chose this place is because of the care workers, who we noticed were very attentive, friendly, and caring.

This retirement home caters to autonomous and semi-autonomous seniors, and we love that the staff provides personalised services since residents’ needs differ from one another.

We also appreciate that there’s plenty of assistance for semi-autonomous seniors. There’s travel assistance, bathing assistance, daily hygiene help, foot care, medication management help, and a blood test once a month.

However, the included meals are only two times a day (for lunch and dinner), so the third meal will require a separate fee. On the flip side, snacks are included, and the meals are usually traditional cuisine to keep up with the flavours the elderly are used to.

During our visit, we found that this retirement home is like a small community because there are leisure facilities. There’s a little clothing store, movie room, library, community room, beauty salon, and relaxation lounge.

Lastly, the designer of the outdoor courtyard deserves praise. It has lovely landscaping that doesn’t take up too much space—the stunning views of the Mille-Îles River are a plus.

Exceptional service from the staff

“Hello, my mother-in-law has lived at the Manoir for almost a year and she is extremely happy. Quality of life, healthy food to the taste of residents. Staff attentive to requests and extremely efficient. Thank you for giving us peace of mind every day. Thank you for everything, you are amazing”

Michel Paquin, Google Review

Staff is very dedicated

“Magnificent residence with welcoming, dedicated and very competent staff. A director listens to the needs of a comforting and reassuring residence.   Thank you to the whole team for bringing a huge dose of Love and support to our parents, you are wonderful”

Natalia Bouchard, Google Review

River Ridge I Retirement Residence is a Northeast Winnipeg facility situated in a quiet neighbourhood, which makes it an ideal place for retirement. Residents even get to see the Red River, which is always calming to look at.

We appreciate that this facility is purely for seniors who require extra care. They offer independent assisted living and enhanced assisted living, which is ideal if you’re looking for an ageing-in-place facility.

During our visit, we were happy to find that the rooms were spacious—the design also felt like a regular apartment. There’s a one-bedroom unit, a one-bedroom with a den, and two bedrooms, complete with kitchenettes with a full-size fridge and microwave.

Plus, it’s nice that all suites have balconies. The river-facing room is our favourite, but there are also community-facing ones.

Another thing we like about this place is it offers month-to-month leases, which is nice because there’s no long-term commitment. There are also respite stays for seniors who want to try it out first.

As for the amenities, we like that this is pet-friendly, provides daily continental breakfast and two full-course meals, a shuttle bus for outings, daily wellness programs, and a bistro.

Our only gripe is that the place’s maintenance seems inconsistent—we noticed some areas need more TLC. But we do appreciate the tight-knit community atmosphere for the seniors because the staff is really welcoming.

Provides a supportive environment

“After a difficult transition out of her home, my grandma moved into a suite at River Ridge. The staff has been incredibly welcoming, and it is such a relief to know she is well taken care of. The social supports and activities help her settle into her new space, and the staff always ensure that she gets the support she needs and that her days are fulfilling. The lifestyle director Lori was especially helpful in this transition. Navigating having a grandparent who has cognitively declined quickly has been far from easy, but this place is the best option we could find to support in this stage of life. I highly recommend River Ridge I if you’re looking for a supportive environment for a loved one.”

Shayla, Google Review

Great facilities and plenty of activities

“Having recently helped relocate my parents to River Ridge 1 from several provinces away, I wanted to comment on the amazing atmosphere we immediately felt in this place. From the moment we got there, my parents felt like they belonged, and this was not only due to the beautiful suite and amazing facilities (not to mention the awesome view!) but especially because Renee, as well as the other staff and residents were so incredibly warm, welcoming and thoughtful. My parents have been there less than a week and they are already involved in the active yet laidback lifestyle that is a big part of this amazing place – art classes, dancing, cards, the awesome theatre, walking paths along the Red River, and lots of great food choices and socializing! I am very grateful they found River Ridge 1 and highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a real sense of home and security.”

Stephen Wischer, Google Review

We like Vancouver’s Amica Arbutus Manor because the staff provides personalised services to everyone, even respite stays. During our visit, the place felt like it offered premium-quality services, which we actually believed to be true once our tour was over.

So, here’s the deal: the assisted living suites have a condo feel and each has kitchenettes—you definitely get the value for money here. There’s a studio, a one bedroom, a one bedroom with a den, and a two bedroom.

Plus, we really like the vast amenities included. Residents get three meals a day, daily room tidying, weekly cleaning of the suite, bathing and showering assistance, and scheduled transportation for excursions.

However, for a price that can reach over $5,000, some basic needs still require extra fees, like dressing and escort assistance. Another is the bathing assistance, which is only complimentary once a week, so a second shower will need an extra fee.

On a good note, the meals are yummy—Red Seal-certified chefs do prepare these, after all. There’s even an all-day self-serve bistro equipped with snacks and beverages.

We also like that there are many social activities available for the residents, such as workshops, music events, shopping excursions, and pampering sessions. 

It’s also nice that residents are free to do what they want for the day. There are no restrictions, especially considering that everything is available in this facility, from fitness to social activities.

Premium senior living

“I never imagined that senior living could be like a resort hotel but that is what Amica seems to have achieved. My friend raved about the chef prepared meals. He showed me photos from an Elvis impersonator who came by driving a 1965 pink cadillac”

Michael Dillon, Google Review

Top-notch service

“After an unexpected hospital stay I I am so grateful that I found Amica Arbutus for a short respite stay that helped me gain back my strength and confidence. The staff at Amica  Arbutus were incredibly helpful, professional and made you feel cared about and right at home. The facility is very well managed from the general manager on down and they are all extremely accommodating, cheerful and the meals are well thought out and delicious. The residence is tailored to the needs of the community with endless  activities, fun exercise sessions  and beautiful courtyards. I would not hesitate to highly  recommend Amica Arbutus to anyone!”

Bonnie Everett, Google Review