Thetford-Mines, Canada

Capital City

26,072 residents crammed into a 225 sq km area - that's the reality of life in this former "Asbestos Capital of the World". Once a booming mining hub, Thetford Mines has struggled to reinvent itself since the closure of its last asbestos mine in 2012. The brutal winters and heavy bureaucracy are persistent headaches, but the city does offer outdoor activities like snowmobiling and maple syrup festivals to offset the gloom. Unless you have a high tolerance for cold weather and navigating provincial red tape, Thetford Mines is probably not the best choice for most newcomers to Canada.