I am living on the island of Hokkaido, in the Furano valley.  It is a nice place surrounded by mountains, fresh air, and far enough away from nuclear reactors and tsunamis that it is perfectly safe (although I do live next to a volcano).  Hokkaido is the most northern island and second largest next to the main island. 

I am actually from the Edmonton area too.  I am glad that you enjoyed your drive when you came to banff/calgary.  That part of Alberta is pretty much what Hokkaido looks like, except a lot more people here, and less open space.