100 Mile House (One Hundred Mile House), Canada

Forestry dominated here for decades, but the last sawmill closed in December 2025—a gut punch that signals the region's economic fragility. Ranching, log home building, and tourism now carry the load, with the Cariboo Ski Marathon and outdoor recreation drawing seasonal work. Most residents either work in service industries supporting the regional population (roughly 20,000 across the South Cariboo), run small businesses, or commute to Kamloops. Remote work is increasingly common; locals joke that the internet is more reliable than the job market.

Rent runs $801/month for a one-bedroom downtown, genuinely affordable by Canadian standards. Healthcare access is limited—serious issues mean a 90-minute drive to Kamloops. The regional transit system exists but is sparse; you need a car. Winter driving is mandatory knowledge here. Bureaucracy is standard Canadian red tape, but the town's small size means you'll recognize the person processing your paperwork. No language barrier. Internet quality varies by neighborhood; confirm before committing.

Winters are serious—heavy snow, -20°C nights—but that's the entire appeal for skiers and snowmobilers. Summers bring hiking, fishing, and lake recreation across hundreds of surrounding lakes. The expat community is tiny; most residents are Canadian or long-term locals. Weekends revolve around outdoor activities or driving to Kamloops for urban amenities. This suits remote workers who ski hard, don't need nightlife, and can handle isolation and economic uncertainty.