I'm actually based out of Edmonton, Alberta, which is roughly in the middle of the province. My husband & I (our kids are grown now) & 2 cats have an acreage about 40 minutes east of the city. We have 2 grandchildren (one 6, one 7 months)
I run the Arctic to Yellowknife, NWT mostly 2x/week, Yellowknife is roughly 1000 miles north of my home base, roughly in the middle of the NWT. For 6-8 weeks in the winter I run the Ice Roads in the far North, one the longest ice road in the world (about 400kms, 250 miles or so), and that runs almost to the Arctic Ocean where I, among 3-400 others supply the mines & camps up there with supplies for the following year, as there is no other way to get it there except via air, which is INCREDIBLY expensive.
The cost of living here is not so bad, but Alberta is booming, in the far north, yes, it is very expensive. Up there the main source for heating is oil as far as I can determine.
I do like most other women I suppose I spend time with my family, poke my fingers in my flowers & enjoy quality time with my husband.
In summer we both ride motorcycles, work on our acreage, and of course spend time with our grandkids (we spoil them as much as possible :lol: :lol: )
In winter mostly we try to stay warm.. :shock: :lol:
My oldest daughter is a pro photographer & I have (almost) convinced her to take a couple of trips with me to catch some of the scenery....
We live in a rural area now & had no problem with finding local work if it is desired, I am what is termed regional linehaul. I am back in my home base within 2 days, & that works for me.
There is so much work here that you could change jobs at least 5 times in a day & still have a job at the end of the day. We desperately need workers for literally EVERY industry here.