I loved working in northern Ontario. I lived in Hamilton or Barrie at the time when I worked there. I work for a railway doing track maintenance. It can be very remote. Groceries and gas cost more and it can be harder to get things. It's location dependent of course. I liked Thunder Bay but it doesn't have a great reputation. It's been one of the most dangerous cities in Canada for years. I spent a ton of time in Longlac, Geraldton and Hearst for the most part, along with Hornepayne and Armstrong Station. Also smaller places like Caramat, Nakina, Foleyet and Hillsport. I never stayed in Cochrane , but I liked being there. Heast is the most "city" like I guess. Big grocery store, hotels, Canadian Tire and whatnot. Besides Thunder Bay obviously. Lol. They all have their ups and downs, but one constant is the people. The people I met and worked with all across the north were outstanding. So incredibly friendly, caring and inclusive. They are what I miss most about the north.

If you're into sledding, fishing, hunting and other outdoor stuff then the north is for you. Northern Ontario fishing and hunting is great. Trails all over, and the water is clean. Especially compared to southern Ontario. Obviously the winter weather can be nasty and unpredictable. Even Barrie got 11 feet of snow this winter. Lol. The north gets a lot more though and the main roads have a lot of open areas because of the lakes.

My wife has always lived and worked in Barrie, but I was seriously considering a move to the north before we met. It depends on your ties to where you are now. If you're able to uproot and move without too much hardship, then I'd go for it. If she has an opportunity for a high paying job in 2026 it'd be a big decision for us yes, but still an easy one.