First off, the weather in the summer in northern Alberta is something to experience, not that warm, but the sun is out till 11 PM! When you are used to 8:30 or 9 at the lastest, its something to see it light that long. Nights get a bit cool still, below 50F or 10C.
Here's some things that really surprised me, the cost of living is higher there without a doubt. Every single thing from a bottle of Coke to gas to beer is more expensive, in some cases like alcohol, its twice as much as the USA. I can't help but think Canadians must have a higher avg wage to afford the higher costs, because it was noticeable, especially with the Canadian dollar being a little higher than the US dollar, i ended up paying even more than the already inflated sticker prices showed.
All in all its a fun place to visit, but no way in hell i'd live there, its way too easy and isolated to become a fukking drink and drink all day every day.
SALUD!