I spent 4 years in Northern MB along with a winter in Gillam. I remember when the highlight of my month was making the 5hr drive down the gravel "freeway" to go to WalMart (heard a rumor that it was closing down because of too much theft...any truth to this?).
Like any northern town, it's what you make of it. The lessons you learn up there (both flying and not flying

) will stay with you for a lifetime.
Good luck