Is Fort McMurray, what’s it like, why is…? These are the start of the most popular questions asked on Google about Fort McMurray.

Whether you’ve lived here for a long time, are a new resident, or considering moving to the oil sands capital, we are going to answer the most asked Fort McMurray-related questions on Google. We are going to do this in two parts, so be sure to follow us on social media so you don’t miss part 2!

Questions 1-3: Is Fort McMurray a nice place to live?

We think so. We’re also a little biased. We started our company in Fort McMurray in 1979 and have never left. The region has certainly gone through its challenges over the years, but the residents always turn it into a positive. Hard times make people stronger and it’s only brought us closer together.

There’s no place like Fort McMurray. If you’re moving here with a “five-year plan”, just know that will probably change. We all came here with the idea of making our money and going, but we never left and aren’t planning on it any time soon.

Reasons why Fort McMurray is a “nice place to live”

Let us tell you.

Summer. The temperature averages around 25 degrees and we receive roughly 17 hours of sunlight. How about teeing off at 8 p.m. and having enough light to finish your round? You can do that here. Note: we have tarsand beetles, but they’re harmless.

Recreation. Fort McMurray is home to one of Canada’s largest indoor recreation centres. From a golf course, restaurants, indoor pools and slides, library, ice surfaces, gym, and much more, MacDonald Island Park has it all under one roof. And that’s just ONE of our recreation centres. Keyano College, home of the Huskies, runs the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre – a large recreation sport and venue facility. There are also numerous outdoor rinks, baseball fields, parks, dog parks, boat launches, rivers and lakes, ski hill/adventure park, and the Birchwood Trails (we’ll get more into that later). Visit the RMWB’s website to learn more about recreation options in Fort McMurray.

Theatre. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in arts and theatre in Fort McMurray. Keyano Theatre, Theatre; Just Because, Swamp Rat Experience, Suncor Energy Centre for the Performing Arts, all host and run original theatre. Try your hard at a technical role or take centre stage, Fort McMurray has a big and booming theatre community. Visit Arts Council Wood Buffalo to learn more.

Birchwood Trails. We mentioned this in recreation, but it deserves its own category. We love the Birchwood Trails, and you will too. The 135 km trail system is maintained year-round offering endless opportunities from cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, running – even the Fort McMurray Marathon route runs through the Birchwood Trails. The system consists of asphalt, gravel and natural trails through the great Boreal forest. Get lost in the trails today! Or use the RMWB’s trail map.

Schooling. Last is certainly not the least on this list. Fort McMurray is home to some of the best schools in the country, providing children all the education opportunities no matter their desired field. Fort McMurray has two school districts, Fort McMurray Public School District and the Fort McMurray Catholic Schools. along with a francophone school, Ecole Boréale. Many students in recent years have been awarded prestigious national scholarships and gone on to further their sports career signing with Divison One schools in the United States. Keyano College also runs out of downtown Fort McMurray. Offering everything from certificates, to diplomas and degrees, Fort McMurray residents don’t have to go far to further their education.

We could be here all day writing about why Fort McMurray is a nice place to live. We hope this gave you some insight into this community we’ve called home for over 40 years. Stay tuned for part 2 of this blog series!