Canada has been named the safest country in the world for travellers in a new 2027 ranking, with Montréal also taking the top spot among cities. The result highlights Canada’s strong performance in public safety, health measures, and inclusion. For newcomers, students, workers, and visitors, this recognition adds to Canada’s appeal as a stable and welcoming destination.
Canada tops a new global safety ranking for 2027
Canada has earned first place in a new international ranking of the safest countries for travellers in 2027. The list was published by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, which releases an annual review of destinations considered safest for international visitors.
In this latest edition, Canada moved up several places to take the number one position. Last year, it ranked behind countries such as the Netherlands, Australia, Austria, and Iceland. This year, Canada finished ahead of New Zealand and Australia, which placed second and third.
The top 10 countries in the ranking were Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Iceland, Japan, Austria, Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Portugal.
For many people considering a move abroad, safety matters just as much as jobs, education, and long-term immigration options. That is one reason Canada continues to attract skilled workers, international students, families, and business travellers. People exploring Canadian immigration pathways often look not only at visa rules, but also at quality of life, personal security, and community stability.
This new result adds to Canada’s reputation as a place where newcomers can build a future with confidence. Whether someone is planning a short visit, a study stay, or permanent settlement, public safety and social trust can play a major role in decision-making.
Why Canada scored so well
Strong results across several safety areas
The ranking did not rely on one single factor. Instead, it looked at a range of safety-related categories that affect real travel experiences. Canada stood out especially for inclusion and personal security.
Canada placed first in the category focused on safety for women, LGBTQIA+ travellers, and people of colour. It also ranked second in health measures, protection from violent crime, and protection from terrorism. These results suggest that Canada performed well both in day-to-day public safety and in broader social conditions.
This matters for newcomers too. A country that scores highly for inclusion often offers a more welcoming environment for immigrants arriving from different backgrounds. People comparing destinations for work, study, or family life may see this as a practical advantage, not just a symbolic one.
Montréal also ranked as the safest city
Canada’s strong performance did not stop at the country level. Montréal was named the safest city for travellers in a related city ranking by the same publisher. That is a notable jump from the previous year, when the city was much lower on the list.
For international students, temporary workers, and new permanent residents, city-level safety can be just as important as national reputation. A safe urban environment can affect housing choices, commuting comfort, and overall settlement success. This is especially relevant for people planning to study in Canada or work in major economic centres.
If you are weighing your options, it can help to assess your immigration options early and match your goals with the province or city that best fits your needs.
How the ranking was created
Traveller opinions were a major part of the result
The 2027 ranking was based mainly on a survey of American travellers. Participants were asked to rate countries they had visited during the previous five years. This means the list reflects direct travel experiences as well as public perceptions of safety.
According to the published methodology, survey responses carried the greatest weight in the final scores. That is important because it shows the ranking was shaped not only by statistics, but also by how safe travellers actually felt while visiting each destination.
External data was also included
Alongside survey feedback, the ranking used several outside sources to support the final results. These included global indexes and databases related to peace, equality, terrorism, health, and personal security.
- The Global Peace Index
- Numbeo
- GeoSure Global
- The World Health Organization
- The Equaldex Equality Index
- The Global Terrorism Index
Only the top 15 countries were published in the final ranking, although survey data reportedly covered more than 30 destinations. Canada’s first-place finish was linked to especially high marks for inclusiveness and strong results in peace and anti-terror indicators.
Canada was also recognized as one of the countries in the publication’s “Safe Travel Hall of Fame,” reserved for places that have consistently stayed near the top since the ranking began in 2018.
What this means for immigrants, students, workers, and visitors
Safety supports Canada’s immigration appeal
For people planning immigration to Canada, this kind of ranking does not change IRCC rules, but it does reinforce why Canada remains a leading destination. Safety can influence every stage of the newcomer journey, from choosing where to study to deciding where to raise children.
Those considering Express Entry immigration to Canada often compare countries based on long-term stability. The same is true for families looking at settlement options through family sponsorship or provincial programmes. A strong safety reputation can make Canada even more attractive when applicants are choosing between multiple destinations.
Canada also offers different routes depending on your profile. Skilled workers may qualify through the Provincial Nominee Program or the federal Express Entry system. International graduates may later transition through programmes such as the Canadian Experience Class. Workers and families may also explore regional options, including the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Practical reminders for applicants
Even though this news is positive, immigration decisions should still be based on official programme requirements. IRCC assesses applications using legal criteria such as age, work history, language ability, education, admissibility, and documentation. Depending on the stream, applicants may need language test results such as IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF, and many foreign-educated candidates also need an Educational Credential Assessment.
If you are planning for permanent residence, it is wise to understand how points are awarded under the Comprehensive Ranking System and to review current draws and invitation trends. Some candidates may benefit from provincial nomination, while others may improve their chances by gaining Canadian work experience, strengthening language scores, or updating their education records.
People who are still at the early stage can check their CRS score and get a clearer idea of where they stand. Others may want to improve their CRS score for Express Entry before creating or updating a profile.
Canada’s reputation goes beyond tourism
Although the ranking focused on travellers, the wider message is relevant to anyone thinking about life in Canada. A country known for safety, inclusion, and strong public systems may feel more reassuring for newcomers starting over in a new place. That can be especially meaningful for families with children, international students arriving alone, or workers relocating for the first time.
Safety is not the only reason people choose Canada, of course. Access to education, a multicultural society, economic opportunity, and structured immigration programmes all remain important. Still, this latest recognition gives future applicants one more reason to seriously explore your Canadian immigration options.
Immigration rules and requirements can change quickly, so readers should always confirm the latest information with IRCC or speak with a licensed immigration professional before making decisions. EverNorth Immigration is here to help with experienced, compassionate support at every stage of your move to Canada, and if you are ready for the next step, you can book your free immigration assessment for a professional evaluation of your options.
