Courtenay, Canada

With a population of just 25,599, Courtenay is a sleepy coastal town on Vancouver Island that offers little to excite the urban adventurer. The rainy, oceanic climate delivers 35% less precipitation than nearby Tofino, though bureaucracy remains a persistent headache - the city had to install a public water system only after repeated fires devastated local businesses. Still, the abundance of nature trails, museums, and paleontology sites may appeal to outdoorsy retirees seeking a quieter pace of life.