American Family Finds Hope and Community in Calgary After Leaving the U.S.

A New Beginning Across the Border

For Pamela Smith, a fresh start for her family has been found north of the border in Canada. She and her family had previously relocated from Florida to Montana. Now, she feels that Calgary, Alberta, offers her family a welcoming atmosphere.

A Dream and a Decision

Smith says her move to Calgary was inspired by a dream. She shared, “Believe it or not it came through a dream,” of her vision. She then told her husband, “I’m going to go up there, I’m going to spend a week there and just see. And that week that I spent here, I was just amazed.”

Challenges in Montana

Before Calgary, the family lived in rural Montana. However, Smith and her family did not feel welcome in their adopted state. The family, including their African American children, faced stares and received unpleasant messages, which made it difficult for them to settle in. This lack of acceptance led to a difficult time for her children, who struggled to form friendships.

Calgary’s Allure

Now, the Smith family is focused on making Calgary their home. They have found the city to be exceptionally friendly. This has led to a feeling of community. The family is now exploring how to become permanent residents.

“It breaks my heart we have to make this move, but it’s best for our children with everything going on in the United States.”

—Pamela Smith

Calgary’s parks, activities, and the kindness of strangers were important factors for Smith. She homeschools her children, and her husband is still in Montana. About 1 in 5 Americans are considering moving to Canada (Pew Research Center 2024).

2:00
Why some Americans are interested in moving to Canada

Sharing the Experience

Smith uses Instagram to document her family’s journey. She wants to inform others about the distinctions between the United States and Canada to assist them in making well-informed choices.

“People are friendly, people are nicer — as well as our U.S. dollar goes a little further here.”

—Pamela Smith

Smith advises against moving to the USA, especially for people of color. She is grateful for the kindness shown in Calgary, concluding, “Thank you to Calgary. Thank you for being who you are. Please don’t change.”