Campbell River, Canada

At just over 31,000 residents, Campbell River has the feel of a small town, but its logging and fishing industries are anything but sleepy. The tax burden is heavy, with irreligion and Christianity making up the majority of the population. Winters bring heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures, and the occasional Arctic blast can make life downright unpleasant. Still, Campbell River has its charms - a thriving tourism sector and proximity to Vancouver Island's natural wonders. Whether the bureaucratic headaches and punishing climate are worth it depends on your tolerance for hardship and love of the great outdoors.