Well, I have been here for a week. I'm working 6 on 6 off shift (12hr) days. So I've had a bit of time to explore, but haven't found a whole lot.
It's hard to get around town without a car. There is public transport, but sometimes buses come early, some come late, and others not at all so it's unreliable. In addition, there are 6 (I'll call them) boroughs. All the buses go through the downtown borough. So if you need to transfer, and the original buss is running late, well, it can make it a pain to get around without a car. Therefore, if you're thinking about working here a car would be nice to have. Cabs are also expensive (but more convenient)
Winter thus far isn't that bad. If it's -30c or below, the air is generally dry so it isn't terrible (if you aren't being stupid in what you are wearing). If it's like -20c then it's generally snowing and damp. Apparently, summers there is a bug problem.
The apartment Syncrude set me up with is sweet. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths (private), kitchen, and living room/dining room. I threw some pics on Facebook. However, it isn't downtown so getting around is tough.
There is a grocery store/liquor store/gas station/RBC/Scotiabank about a 20min walk away. They don't deliver like provigo (not that I ever would consider).
I actually haven't started work yet because of my schedule, but for the most part, they seem accommodating, but hell-bent on safety.
Near where I live there is a gym as well. I haven't signed up. Ever since I stopped playing, I've really stopped going and focused more on running. My roommate goes there and says it's sketchy and all there is to do is lift weights and tan (jersey shore?). It's about 40 or 50 a month. there is a community center on Mac Island (2 bus trips away) that has indoor pools, a couple of ice rinks (which appeared to have been drained...box lax? I don't know), indoor track, indoor and outdoor golf course, library, and a gym more like the McGill student one. Suncor, Syncrude, and Shell subsidize it. It's like 36 for all access (greens fees extra).
No field lax in Ft. Mac, but there is box lax (http://fmmla.ca/) and apparently drop in/out league Mondays. Have yet to check it out, but that is also 2 bus trips from where I live. There is an outdoor ice rink (like Montréal) apparently; ~30 min walk from where I live. I brought a hockey bucket, skates, and lax goalie gloves (figured some cross compatibility between box lax and ice hockey). Haven't checked that out yet because my skates are dull, no other students on internship have skates, and no stick/puck.
My dad likes the shows "deadliest catch" and "ice road truckers." It's similar so I guess I rather expected it. Cookie cutter houses, everyone has f-150s, f-250s, or silverados. Most people are friendly. They are from all over Canada (a ton of newfies) and some errant Americans. The grocery store I showed the cashier my license and she mentioned she was from Newark.
In addition, there are no plastic bags; they only use reusable bags in the Mac.
