From Buenos Aires to Sault Ste. Marie — one family’s journey to a new life here in Canada
Francisco Farias shares how relocating to Sault Ste. Marie offered new opportunities, both personally and professionally.
“At first, we were uncertain,” said Farias. “We were used to living in Buenos Aires, a city with over 12 million people. Moving to a smaller town seemed like a huge leap. But Argentina is a very unstable country, in terms of economics and, after considering the future for our children, we decided to go for it.”
What he found in Sault Ste. Marie wasn’t just a new job — it was a community. That made the transition smoother than he could have expected.
“It was the right decision, not only because of Canada, but coming to Sault Ste. Marie specifically, we found a very welcoming city and it helped us a lot. Everything was very easy for us,” he explained.
Farias says the city’s pace of life is more laid-back compared to larger urban centres, making it ideal for families with young kids, pointing to the lack of traffic congestion and the sense of security that comes with living in a smaller community.
“For me, this is a great city for people with a family, especially with young children, this is a fantastic city. It gives you a lot of security in every aspect — you feel safe, it’s very predictable, the schools are good and commuting is almost non-existent,” he said.
Sault Ste. Marie’s proximity to nature also plays a big role in its appeal. The Farias family quickly embraced the outdoor lifestyle, buying an RV to use at nearby lakes throughout the summers and, in the colder months, taking part in traditional outdoor activities, like skiing and skating. They also signed the kids up for hockey, soccer and ringette while Farias himself has started playing pickleball.
After over two years in Sault Ste. Marie, Farias and his family have no regrets. They bought a house and intend on letting their roots in the city continue to grow.
“We feel very comfortable here now. We miss our family and friends in Argentina, but Sault Ste. Marie has become home for us,” he noted.
For other families who are looking for a fresh start, Farias says, with its perfect mix of opportunity, security and natural beauty, Sault Ste. Marie is the perfect choice, as long as you lean into winter.
“It’s a special city, but one piece of advice for me — embrace the winter. Do what the people here do because the winters can be a bit long but, if you get out there and enjoy it, it’s fantastic.”