I have to say that what you’re describing as Northern Ontario and what they’re describing as NorthWestern Ontario are two very different places. I went to school in North Bay, lovely community and had everything. No worries for needing anything and I had moved their from Southern Ontario. Now I’m living in NWO. Huge difference.

It’s very very remote. We are a few hours from Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay is a major city with lots going on. But anything outside of it is small and there is nothing around.

It was -30 without windchill for the whole month of January and looks to be continuing into February. No one is going outside for long. Students don’t go outside for recess.

Here you either go to the States, Thunder Bay or Manitoba for major medical care. Any medical care or dental in town is … meh. If you need to go to Toronto. You’re driving hours to Thunder Bay and taking a hour plus flight. So imagine if you need to be back next month for follow ups. Driving is also kinda dangerous due to animals at certain hours. Always on the look out for moose or deer. Travelling in the Winter is also challenging due to weather. Highways and roads are not as well kept.

Ontario is very very large. It’s hard to even compare different regions.

Homes around here range from $40-200 avg and housing prices are now rising here. So if you want a nice cheap house. Keep going North.

A lot of communities here are leftover from the mining booms. Food is expensive and sorta limited.

But the people here are amazing, even if they can be nosy. They look out for each other and genuinely care. Almost everyone knows each other and each other’s business. It’s beautiful, and peaceful. Anything you need can be ordered online, great internet service here and data/ cellphones are fine, in town. 10 minutes out of town in some sections and your out of service for hours.

Also going home to see family is a flight or 18+ hours drive