I'm relatively new to the forum, but I've already heard lots of negative talk about Norman Wells being scary. What's the deal? Does it have some secret airplane destroying votex or something?

Not that I'm aware of.

Flown in and out of that place for years, always liked it as Northern towns go. Never lived there, but spent plenty of time.

Definitely a "bring your own" kind of place though....

stl

If you're willing to be slightly more specific with your concern, many of us, especially those such as myself that fly daily out of this "VQ vortex", would be glad to answer any questions you might have. If you're more comfortable with it, pm me and I'll gladly get back to you. Much can be said about any aspect of Norman Wells, from the people, to the services offered to the airplanes that fly daily out of this northern airport. I do however agree with STL's mention to "Bring your own" !!

As far as the town goes, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. If you're the outdoors-y type at all you'll love it. My favourite part was how easy it was to live without a car. Pretty much everything within walking distance, including the airport. Although if you have the cash, purchasing an ATV would be a definite bonus for getting around town and having fun on weekends. The people were great. Almost every driver would give you the wave as you walk down the road. I think the "scary" aspect that some people encounter is the true isolation. Southern people are used to hopping in the car driving out of town spur of the moment. That being said, the town has DAILY jet service to Edmonton.

Like PowerPlante said, a lot of us have spent a lot of time there. If you've got specific questions about the town (or companies based therein) don't hesitate to ask!

The scary part of Beautiful Norman by the Wells comes when you're not really aquainted with small town life in isolation. My first tour there was an eye opener. You need to be a self starter and somewhat organized. The loneliest part of the day was watching that 3:00 pm jet leave for the south. Once you get past that, its a great place if you're into the outdoors. The folks were all very friendly and accomodating and in different circumstances I would go back in a heartbeat. The work was challenging and the experience worth the sweat.
Regards

Whats the deal with that 3pm jet? Was that the last ticket out for the next 24hrs?

How are the girls? As long as there are some friendly females to help with the loneliness then I'm game. I do love the outdoors too....but I need to be able to socialise when my mind overwhelms me

That's the beauty of northern towns, the socializing is great. Everyone's in the same boat, and everyone likes to have a good time. Never been past the ramp at the Wells, but heard lots of great things about the town. Can't say about the girls there, probably like most northern towns there are a few good ones mixed in amongst the numerous uh.....not as good ones........I can say that some Dene girls are pretty easy on the eyes.

Slats wrote:I can say that some Dene girls are pretty easy on the eyes.

Dene?

Yup, Dene. Specifically in the Wells I guess they'd be Sahtu Dene.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dene

let us not forget the possibility of a late evening swim in jackfish lake for the hardy souls , and or a walk up fossil creek . once the early pangs of isolation fades away norman wells is a good test for personality awareness..
been there done the flying and got the t-shirt.

Good chinese food downtown. Vending machine at airport terminal- less good.

Good chinese food downtown.

+1

Also, assuming nothing has changed, theres good wings at the cabin lounge.

There are far worse places to end up. If you can rotate out of there every once in a while, that's gold. If you're stuck there permanently you best enjoy nature and outdoor activities. I haven't heard a lot of complaints other than the typical "up north" stuff.

Is Bern Brown still around up at Colville Lake? I think of my time up there quite a bit... Great memories!

Does Norman Wells have a beer store, grocery store and high speed internet access?

http://www.normanwells.worldweb.com/


May have to copy and past the link. Some info on shopping (grocery and otherwise) and restaurants.

Does Norman Wells have a beer store, grocery store and high speed internet access?
yes yes yes

302sc wrote:Does Norman Wells have a beer store, grocery store and high speed internet access?
yes yes yes

When I was in YEV/YVQ during the early '80's the liquor store had a ration policy.
I believe we could get 2 cases of beer or 2 bottles of wine or 1 bottle of hard liquor.
You had to show ID and they tracked you with a card, like the public library!!

Is it still a ration system?

It was very lucrative to get your ration and then sell it to "the needy" haha

302sc wrote:Does Norman Wells have a beer store, grocery store and high speed internet access?
yes yes yes

Ah hah!

Then I could live there no problem. Thanks.

-istp

The big bar had some good grub, but 6.75 a can a beer is a painfull hit to the wallet.

Hey, don't forget the mall up on the hillside

i miss Jolene.

You and Jolene...off my couch!

302sc wrote: Is it still a ration system?

It was very lucrative to get your ration and then sell it to "the needy" haha

Last time I was there (2006) there was still rationing.

Yes, still rations at the liquor store... but if you have the habitual need to exceed the amount every day, chances are you're either throwing one hell of a party, or you've been there too long