Canada Surpasses New Zealand and Other Countries to Claim World’s Safest Travel Destination Crown for 2027 as Global Rankings Witness Major Shake-Up

Canada has beaten New Zealand and other top countries to be named the world’s most secure travel destination in 2027. Canada rose four places from fifth in the latest Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection rankings released on October 28th 2026. With a total safety score of 82.47, Canada topped the rankings after beating out the Netherlands who were at the top in previous rankings. Completing the top five were New Zealand, Australia, Iceland and Japan. There were large changes among European destinations. Canada’s impressive rise is due to high traveller confidence, good global safety factors and positive safety ratings for female, minority and LGBTQ+ travellers.

Canada’s Remarkable Rise Signals a Fresh Chapter in Global Tourism Safety

Canada’s journey from fifth place to the top of the international rankings reflects a significant improvement in its standing among surveyed travellers. The assessment considers how visitors experience different destinations, alongside broader measures of peace and security. Canada’s strongest results came from positive evaluations of personal safety and the experiences of diverse traveller groups. This recognition gives the country’s tourism industry another opportunity to highlight its appeal to overseas visitors. From the dramatic landscapes of the Rocky Mountains to the vibrant streets of Toronto and Vancouver, Canada offers varied travel experiences supported by a favourable international safety reputation.

New Zealand and Australia Challenge Canada as Japan Secures a Leading Global Position

The competition for the highest safety positions remained strong, with New Zealand claiming second place and Australia following in third. Iceland secured fourth position, while Japan completed the top five, reinforcing the strong showing of destinations outside mainland Europe. Austria and Ireland followed in sixth and seventh places, ahead of the Netherlands, Denmark and Portugal. Norway, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Germany completed the leading fifteen countries. The geographical spread of these destinations highlights the different regions recognised for positive travel conditions. It also offers travellers several highly rated alternatives when considering future international holidays.

Inclusive Travel Experiences Help Canada Stand Apart From Competing Destinations

Canada’s leading position was supported by strong assessments of safety for women, minority travellers and LGBTQ+ visitors. These categories played an important role in the study because travellers can experience the same destination in different ways. The research also considered international indicators covering peaceful conditions and terrorism-related risks. Canada’s results across these areas helped it achieve the highest combined score of 82.47. The findings highlight the importance of personal security and a welcoming travel environment. However, the ranking reflects the report’s methodology and does not establish that Canada has fewer risks than every other country under all circumstances.

Canada’s Natural Wonders Remain Attractive Despite Growing Wildfire Concerns

Although Canada secured the highest safety ranking, environmental hazards continue to require careful attention from visitors. The report highlights wildfires as a major concern, particularly after recent seasons produced widespread smoke and reduced air quality across different regions. Smoke from distant forest fires can affect urban centres and popular tourist areas, sometimes disrupting outdoor activities. Travellers exploring national parks, mountain trails and wilderness destinations should therefore check weather updates and environmental warnings. Canada’s leading position does not remove these challenges. Instead, the findings illustrate how a destination can perform strongly overall while still facing significant seasonal risks.

World’s 15 Safest Countries to Visit in 2027

Source: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, 2027 Travel Safety Rankings.

Younger American Travellers Reveal a Different Picture of the Safest Holiday Destinations

Canada’s reputation also received positive recognition among younger travellers, although their preferences differed from the overall survey results. Among Generation Z American respondents, Canada ranked third for safety, behind New Zealand and Iceland. The country also appeared as the tenth-most frequently visited foreign destination within this age group. These findings provide an additional perspective on how younger visitors assess international travel opportunities. Safety perceptions can be shaped by personal experiences and the conditions encountered during previous journeys. Canada’s strong position among younger respondents adds to its wider reputation as an accessible and appealing international destination.

European Destinations Experience Major Changes as the Netherlands Falls From First Place

The latest report revealed significant changes across Europe, with several established destinations moving sharply in the rankings. The Netherlands, which held first place in the previous edition, dropped to eighth position for 2027. Denmark improved from fifteenth to ninth, while Norway made a substantial advance from twenty-third to eleventh. Italy and Spain also secured places among the fifteen highest-ranked destinations, alongside Germany and Switzerland. Beyond Europe, the United Arab Emirates fell from seventh to sixteenth position. These movements demonstrate how survey results and international indicators can reshape annual assessments without necessarily proving equivalent changes in actual safety conditions.

International Health and Equality Data Bring Greater Depth to the Safety Assessment

The 2027 study expanded its evaluation by incorporating additional international research into its existing methodology. Alongside American travellers’ experiences, the assessment drew on information from the Global Peace Index and Global Terrorism Index. Data from the World Health Organization and the Equaldex Equality Index also contributed to the latest edition. The combination provides a broader perspective on travel safety, taking account of factors beyond personal security alone. Nevertheless, the findings represent experiences and conditions recorded during a particular period. Changes in weather, security or local circumstances can affect visitors after the research has been completed.

Canada’s Global Safety Recognition Creates a Strong Foundation for Tourism in 2027

Canada’s new position at the top of the rankings gives its tourism sector a valuable distinction as travellers consider destinations for 2027. Hotels, travel agencies, tour operators and destination marketing organisations may benefit from the positive international recognition when presenting Canadian travel experiences. The country’s appeal extends across city breaks, wildlife tourism, cultural attractions, scenic journeys and wilderness adventures. However, the ranking does not guarantee increased visitor arrivals or tourism spending. Travellers should still review current entry rules, official advisories and environmental conditions before departure. Canada’s achievement ultimately reflects its leading performance in this independent assessment of international travel safety.

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