How many Edmontonians have been to Northwest Territories? (unemployment, camping)

[tvdxer]

Are the Northwest Territories a common vacation or business destination for Edmontonians? You have the closest road access to them (errr...it) of any major city...12 hours to the border according to Google Maps

[Stubblejumper]

Originally Posted by tvdxer

Are the Northwest Territories a common vacation or business destination for Edmontonians? You have the closest road access to them (errr...it) of any major city...12 hours to the border according to Google Maps

It's not a particularly common destination for anyone. I've done that 12 hour trip, from Edmonton to Hay River and it's pretty grueling - and keep in mind, that only gets you to Hay River, it's 8 or 9 more hours and a ferry ride to Yellowknife.

As far as business goes, keep in mind that there's only about 40,000 people in the NWT, so there's not a ton of business to be done up there, unless you're involved with oil and gas, forestry or mining.

[BIMBAM]

Underemployed people from the rest of the country tend to go up to the territories for short stints to make a whole bunch of money and then go home. I'd imagine they do it less in Alberta just because Alberta's the richest province with the lowest unemployment of anywhere on the continent, but I could be wrong because the industries are the same, so maybe they've got that skill set. I know alot of people from Manitoba go up there.

[sunshineleith]

Originally Posted by tvdxer

Are the Northwest Territories a common vacation or business destination for Edmontonians? You have the closest road access to them (errr...it) of any major city...12 hours to the border according to Google Maps

It would be interesting to see some actual tourism visitor info. I have long had NWT on my summer holiday hit list for hiking, kayaking and camping.

Workwise, don't know much! I am from the Maritimes and know one Maritimer that's been there (nurse in Hay River) - it is not a common work destination for eastern Canadians (meaning east coasters) whereas Alberta definitely is and I know tons of people there. When I lived in AB I knew people who went up occasionally for work.

As Stumblejumper says, it's a LONG drive even from Edmonton. I'll definitely be flying when I go.

[Stubblejumper]

Originally Posted by sunshineleith

It would be interesting to see some actual tourism visitor info. I have long had NWT on my summer holiday hit list for hiking, kayaking and camping.

Workwise, don't know much! I am from the Maritimes and know one Maritimer that's been there (nurse in Hay River) - it is not a common work destination for eastern Canadians (meaning east coasters) whereas Alberta definitely is and I know tons of people there. When I lived in AB I knew people who went up occasionally for work.

As Stumblejumper says, it's a LONG drive even from Edmonton. I'll definitely be flying when I go.

Industry, Tourism and Investment - Media Room - Did You Know?

Ask, and ye shall receive

There's some movement of people to the north from Alberta for work (including myself on occasion), but it's largely limited to professionals (engineers, geologists, etc) who fly in and out.

[sunshineleith]

Originally Posted by Stubblejumper

Industry, Tourism and Investment - Media Room - Did You Know?

Ask, and ye shall receive

There's some movement of people to the north from Alberta for work (including myself on occasion), but it's largely limited to professionals (engineers, geologists, etc) who fly in and out.

Merci M. Stubble

[maclock]

Originally Posted by sunshineleith

Workwise, don't know much! I am from the Maritimes and know one Maritimer that's been there (nurse in Hay River) - it is not a common work destination for eastern Canadians (meaning east coasters) whereas Alberta definitely is and I know tons of people there. When I lived in AB I knew people who went up occasionally for work. [Emphasis added.]

With the greatest of respect, this is not entirely correct, sunshineleith. I have known quite a few Newfoundlanders, who are obviously East Coasters, over the years to go up north for work.

[sunshineleith]

Originally Posted by maclock

With the greatest of respect, this is not entirely correct, sunshineleith. I have known quite a few Newfoundlanders, who are obviously East Coasters, over the years to go up north for work.

True enough - I was speaking personally (and thinking Maritimers) and of all the people I know over the years I know tons that have gone to Alberta for work, and only one to the GWN.