Thompson (population 13,678) is the largest city in the Northern Region of Manitoba and is situated along the Burntwood River, 761 kilometers (473 miles) north of Winnipeg. Originally founded in 1956 as a mining town, Thompson now primarily serves as the "Hub of the North", providing goods and services (e.g., healthcare, retail trade) to the surrounding communities.

Thompson's trade area is larger than New Mexico yet contains just over 50,000 residents, with many of the smaller communities accessible only by air or winter road. Despite Thompson's isolated location in the heart of Canada's boreal forest, Thompson is directly connected to Winnipeg via paved highway, railroad (VIA Rail), and Thompson Airport. Thompson also has modern amenities (e.g., fiber optic internet) and a large retail scene, including half a dozen shopping malls and several large chain stores (e.g., Wal-Mart, Giant Tiger, Safeway, Shoppers Drug Mart, Canadian Tire).

Thompson's natural and undisturbed surroundings makes it a popular community with outdoor enthusiasts the largest marina in Manitoba ("the land of 100,000 lakes") is located just 38 km (24 mi) south in Paint Lake Provincial Park, hundreds of kilometers of snowmobile trails are maintained by the Thompson Trailbreakers, and the lack of light pollution and Thompson's northern latitude allows for occasional viewing of the northern lights (even within the city limits).

Source: https://www.thompson.ca