This is a part of Idaho that has always embraced the outdoor life but, with the strong Canadian dollar and a faltering American economy, it is looking north for more and more of its vacation homebuyers. Named one of the top 10 small towns in the Western U.S. by Sunset Magazine, Sandpoint has taken its natural advantages -- including Lake Pend Oreille, the state's largest lake (69 kilometres long, 179 kilometres of shoreline and, at 352 metres, its deepest) and the Schweitzer Mountain ski hill -- and infused them with a cultural mosaic that includes local boutiques, artists, theatres and good restaurants. One of the largest recreation developments in the area is already attracting Calgarians, lured by the beauty and the relatively short drive -- six-and-a-half hours -- from our city/Calgary Herald. More here.

Question: Are you glad that the Canadians are returning to buy goods and land in the Inland Northwest?

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