The Canadian Shield is an area of Precambrian bedrock that stretches from eastern Canada to the northern prairies and from the Great Lakes to the Arctic Ocean. There is just a thin layer of soil on the shield, which makes farming almost impossible in Northern Ontario. The landscapes of the north include striking rock faces and formations.
Most of the province is part of a huge region known as Northern Ontario. Because it is so big, Northern Ontario is often further divided into Northwestern and Northeastern Ontario. Mining, forestry, and tourism are the main industries in the north—as well as education and government services. The population in Northern Ontario is relatively low and spread across several small cities, even smaller towns, and remote communities. It can take several hours to travel from one community to the next in Northern Ontario.
Those who live in the north get to enjoy Canada’s stunning wilderness every day—but that stunning wilderness is home to some extreme weather. Like most of Canada, Northern Ontario has a four seasons. Winter is long in the north. The temperature starts to drop in November and it doesn’t warm up again until April or May. There is also plenty of snow in the north—but winter days are usually bright and sunny.
Spring and fall are cool and rainy, but also short. The summer months of June, July, and August are very pleasant in the north—the days are mild and sunny and very long, with up to 16 hours of daylight!
International students must be prepared for long winters with lots of snow, short springs with lots of rain, and a lovely three-month summer season perfect for hiking and camping. Proper rain gear and winter gear is a must!
Thunder Bay is the largest community in Northwestern Ontario. The city sits on the northwestern shore of Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. Thunder Bay has two post-secondary institutions: Lakehead University and Confederation College.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Canadian Shield, the small city of Thunder Bay is the economic centre of Northwestern Ontario. Forestry and manufacturing are two important industries for the region and the city. But tourism is also important to the region.
Visitors and residents enjoy wilderness and outdoor activities like camping, canoeing, hiking, and fishing. The city is also a centre of arts and culture for the region with many festivals, exhibits, and performances held throughout the year.
By the numbers:
Did You Know? Canadian Shield
The Canadian Shield is an area of Precambrian bedrock that stretches from eastern Canada to the northern prairies and from the Great Lakes to the Artic Ocean. There is just a thin layer of soil on the shield, which makes farming almost impossible in Northern Ontario. The landscapes of the north include striking rock faces and formations.
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