2. Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

Originally an Indian fur trading camp on a bend of the Moose Jaw River, the city of Moose Jaw has a long, colorful history. Both Cree and Assiniboine Indians used Moose Jaw as a winter camp. In fact, the city’s name is a variation of the Cree word “Moosegaw” which translates to “warm breezes.”

European settlers arrived in the area between 1881 and 1900, with the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Moose Jaw gained official city status in 1903, and the city became a major agricultural and industrial boom town. You can find all the details of Moose Jaw’s history at the City of Moose Jaw’s website.

Today, Moose Jaw still has a thriving economy. The most recent available statistics from Financial Post Market Report show that retail sales in Moose Jaw were 61% above the national average at $711.71 million in 2011.

According to Debthorn, the major industries include oil and gas refineries, potash mining and agriculture. The city reports major new investments, including a $27 million Civic Center Plaza and a $1.131 million shopping mall. This new financial growth is reflected in the recent boom in population.

In 2012 Moose Jaw’s population rose to a new high of 34,508. With all of the expansion, the City of Moose Jaw is proud to offer “High Quality Affordable Living.”

Tourism is another big business in Moose Jaw. If you are planning on visiting or moving to the City of Moose Jaw, you will be impressed by the many cultural and historic attractions.

According to Tourism Moose Jaw’s website, there are several art galleries and museums to visit. One of the most prominent is the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery. This museum hosts a mixture of history and visual art, including a living history exhibit.

The City of Moose Jaw’s website also lists a variety of other interesting places to visit. You can bask in natural geothermal mineral water pools at Temple Gardens Mineral Spa Resort.