Toronto is on Lake Ontario. And on a fair bit of it on the North-West corner. You shouldn't have to move near an ocean, as a massive lake, like Lake Ontario, should do the trick. Just find some time to visit it every day if you have to if you live in Toronto. The way I see it, even if you lived in a city connected to an ocean, you'd only visit it for the first little while. After a while, you'd take it for granted like you, and many others do, on a daily basis.

I too find that as soon as I am near water I feel so much calmer and free of stress. And not having to deal with stress is certainly much better for one's health. Usually the water I am near is in northern Ontario. So not only do I get to be near water but also enjoy the northern scenery. It's just such a peaceful setting for me.

If I could I would love to live by the ocean. I have been to the east coast and I've been to the west and I definitely feel better, more energized by being at the ocean. Of course, the fact that my daughter lives on the west coast is even more of a selling feature.

No, I don't feel healthier, but happier, by the sea. This undeniable feeling also emcompasses other bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. I suspect that those who feel happier feel generally better about themselves and even if they are not actually healthier from living by water, they feel the benefit of a lighter spirit.

Yes, living by the sea is great. I am living in B.C. but not close to the water. I am from Nova Scotia and you are surrounded by the sea there. The waterways crisscross the province and are beautiful as well as healthful. I'm going back in August for a vacation and next year am retiring there. Can't wait to be healthy again. No more mold. Get out of TO save yourself.

Absolutley ... The smell of the saltsea air ...the constant breeze.. the wildlife by the seashore and if your lucky mountains in the background. Usually little or no humidity. The pace seems slower ocean side. Don't get me wrong I LOVE LIVING IN TORONTO but when I'm on either coast it feels like a little bit of heaven

Being near water has always been good for humans. That's why I spend so much time in the bathroom!!!

I think Toronto is a great city! One of Canada's best! It has tons to do and new places to discover, so many little one off shops and great food. The great thing is we also do have water! If you live in the south of the city (which I do) and even if you don't its a short drive, ttc or walk to a nice beach. I know the water isn't great all the time...but just sitting there on a hot day with the brease of the water on you would make you feel like you were down south! I love this city, you just have to know how to love it so it can love you back!

I would give my eye teeth to be on the coast again. I grew up spending a month at Cape Cod every summer. When moved back to Canada it was to the west coast. Now in BC's interior I get spectacular view of beautiful mountains and fresh mountain air, but I miss the sand between my toes.

I personally dislike the city even though others love it. The convenience of everything at hand, easy transportation by bus, streetcar and subway. But there is a lot of things to be said about quiet traquil moments on the shore, the sound of birds and Oh, my the smell of fresh clean air, pines, flowers and such. And that my friends is why a multitude of people drive like maniacs to get to Muskoka, and other wonderful places. You make a choice.

I like the beach. My family has had a cottage for over 30 years. We are avid cottagers and whenever I come back from the cottage everyone tells me that I look so relaxed and healthy.

Smog sucks. Get some fresh air and sunshine and learn to love nature.

I would live near the ocean. I love it, but there is a balance to be obtained between survival (earning money) and health. Health is just great if you can survive.
I guess a low stress job away from the ocean has a better effect than a high stress job, or no job near the ocean.

I honestly can't understand how people live outside of the west coast . If you're not stuck in an ugly city with nothing to do you are pretty much stuck with unbearably hot and humid summers. As I write this it is 30 deg Celsius in NYC with 80% humidity - that feels like 44 deg!!! Ditto for Toronto.The alternative is to go get eaten alive by black flies and swim in a disgusting lake in cottage country. No thanks.

Easterners have no idea what good summer weather is. Even the hottest day in Vancouver or LA during a heat wave isn't that bad. It rarely gets that hot and we don't get humidity. Heck even Hawaii in the summer doesn't see temps that high.

What kind of a comment was that? Are you 4 years old? Of course the beach is going to be more relaxing than a busy City. Hmmm......let's compare....a romantic walk on the beach or a romantic walk down Yonge St...As i said before, what kind of comment was that?????????

I do not live in Toronto or a major big city ... but I still would love to live by the beach - just the sound of the waves coming in - is a relaxing therapy. To see a sunrise or sunset depending which coast you are at is beautiful and calming.

I would like to move to the coast, but unfortunately Alberta doesn't have one. So I am happy to stay put!!

Toronto is crap. I'd leave for the coast if I could!

I think overall well being has more factors than geography; a site like www.qohla.com would show quickly whether coastal locations have a better quality of life.

I am far healthier since I moved to the prairies 20 years ago than I was living on the east coast. As soon as I step off a plane back there I can feel the asthma constricting my lungs. At home I don't have to take any medication for my asthma and never have flair ups. More studies need to be done. There are just as many physical and relaxing activities to do in other locales. And there are beaches on lakes as well, not just oceans, and you don't have to deal with that awfull salt air/fish smell.

REAL people? So what you are implying that anyone who chooses not to reside in a city is far from 'REAL'. What is real anyway? It's just a matter of choice, preference =). No one is any better or worse than anyone else regardless of residence. But you do have to admit that the smog in the city is almost unbearable at times. I see people on the downtown streets of Toronto wearing masks to combat the pollution. That being so, why not move to another city/town with less pollution for the good of your health? Sounds to me like you are overstressed lol....GO TO THE BEACH and relax =).

Fishermen and their families, in coastal areas between the tropics, live very close to the sea. So, they must be the healthiest and long-surviving people on this planet.

I love it by the lake ,that is where i go every weekend and i hate to come back to the city ,but a person has to work for a living

I live on a lake, water relaxes. Lots of older people live here too and maybe we live longer here. I go to Florid for the winter-lots of older folks live there for the winter. So no winter and water!! I think I have a winning (longer living) combination!

It definitely is better living by the sea, or on the coast and breathing clean fresh
sea air. Who wouldn't want to have clean air in your lungs rather than the polution and smog etc. that fill your lungs in a large city. Not everyone has the luxury of the clean air that comes with country and coastal weather that some of us have. You have to take the pro's with the cons which could make a huge difference being income etc. and the way of life in general.

We know of those who have resided in Victoria BC and will not come back to Toronto. Nothing relieves the stress of everyday than being on or near the Pacific. And it allows people to carry on an active sporting life all within close distances and no car needed. It has much less rain than Vancouver and it very temperate climate by the water. Invigorating! Skiing is on the Island too.

We all know that we feel the best in some resort by the sea, but we cant all live there, can we ? If we all take a little stretch of some beach or coastline then all 6 billion of us would be lined up along the world's coastlines !!!

Love being by the ocean. Myrtle Beach, Vero Beach, Boca Grande, Key West, Vancouver. Southern Calif., Wollongong, NSW, Australia. And lakes. Kew Beach, Toronto. And when far from the ocean, set the nighttime sound machine to ocean waves.

I do not like the beach. Why would I want to live there? I can see why the author would rather live somewhere else. Toronto is not a place that real people who do not like stress should live.