Gah...what the hell would you want to do going to whitecourt.
I have family in Mayerthorpe & Whitecourt (close enough)...and while its nice if you like farm villages in the summer, the winter is blah. Blahhhhhhhhhh.
Furthermore, its nothing but a truck stop/industry town. I'm serious.
On the other hand, if you are going to relax, take it easy and want to do things like snowmobile and horse ride and stuff, than go for it. Besides, you are visiting your friend, not the city.