Saguenay, Canada

Capital City

With a population of just 148,886, Saguenay is a sleepy outpost in the remote wilderness of northern Quebec, far removed from the glitz and bustle of big-city life. While the region's aluminum and pulp and paper industries provide steady employment, the harsh climate and persistent bureaucratic headaches make this an acquired taste. Periodic natural disasters like the catastrophic 1996 floods are a constant reminder of the area's geographical isolation. For those seeking a slower pace of life and don't mind the occasional reality check, Saguenay could be a viable option - but it's certainly not for the faint of heart.