Thompson, Manitoba, is a city nestled in the heart of Canada's boreal forest. As the largest city in Northern Manitoba, Thompson serves as the "Hub of the North," providing essential goods and services to surrounding communities. Despite its remote location, Thompson is easily accessible by air, road, and rail, making it a unique destination for those seeking a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty.
The area now known as Thompson was first inhabited by nomadic Paleo-Indian hunters around 6000 BC. The modern history of Thompson, however, began in 1956 when a major nickel ore body was discovered. This discovery led to the establishment of Thompson as a mining town, named after Dr. John F. Thompson, the chairman of Inco Limited at the time.
The town was fully planned and constructed by 1961, coinciding with the opening of the mine. Despite being designed for a population of 8,000 to 12,000, Thompson's population quickly grew to over 20,000 due to the opening of new mines in the 1960s.
Thompson was incorporated as a town in 1967 and gained city status in 1970. However, changes in the nickel market led to a decline in the city's population. Despite this, Thompson has remained a vital hub for Northern Manitoba, shifting its economic focus from mining to providing goods and services to surrounding communities.
Covering an area of 20.79 square kilometres, Thompson is located on the Precambrian Canadian Shield. The city is situated along the Burntwood River, 210 kilometres north of Lake Winnipeg and 761 km north of Winnipeg. Thompson is surrounded by the boreal forest, offering a unique blend of urban living and natural beauty.
Thompson experiences a subarctic climate, with long, cold winters and short, warm summers. Despite the cold, the city's northern latitude and lack of light pollution make it a popular spot for viewing the northern lights.
Thompson offers a range of amenities and attractions for residents and visitors alike. The city boasts modern amenities such as fibre optic internet and a large retail scene, including several shopping malls and large chain stores.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Thompson offers a range of recreational services, including the Thompson Regional Community Centre, which houses indoor skating rinks, a gym, and exercise facilities. The city also hosts two major festivals: Nickel Days and Winterfest.
Thompson is served by an all-weather road, Manitoba Highway 6, and the Thompson station, which is served by the Winnipeg–Churchill train. The city is also served by the Thompson Airport, making it easily accessible despite its remote location.
Thompson is home to the Northern Regional Health Authority, which provides health care services to most of the communities in Census Division No. 22 and Census Division No. 23. The city also houses the Thompson General Hospital, Northern Spirit Manor, the Thompson Clinic, and Hope North.
As of the 2021 Census, Thompson had a population of 13,035. The city has a diverse population, with the most common mother tongues being English, Cree, Punjabi, and Gujarati. Thompson also has a significant Aboriginal population, making up 43.5% of the city's total population in 2016.
Thompson has been featured in popular culture, including in the Tragically Hip song "Thompson Girl" and the Les Surveillantes song "Thompson." These songs highlight the unique charm and character of this northern city.
Whether you're drawn to its rich history, natural beauty, or modern amenities, Thompson, Manitoba, offers a unique blend of urban living and outdoor adventure.
