Canada ranked safest country for U.S. travellers in new survey
The ranking, based on traveller experience and global safety data, shows Canada jumped from fifth place last year.
Canada has been named the safest country in the world for American travellers, according to a new survey by U.S. insurance agency Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. The country jumped from fifth place in last year's ranking to top this year's list, dethroning the Netherlands. The findings come as trips to Canada by U.S. residents increased by 4.3 per cent in August compared to the previous year, according to Statistics Canada. The World's Safest Places report ranks destinations based on Americans' travel experiences and data from several global safety indices.
Canada scored 82.47 out of 100, the highest among 15 countries assessed. New Zealand ranked second, followed by Australia, Iceland and Japan. The survey incorporates data from the Global Peace Index, the World Health Organization, the Equaldex Equality Index and the Global Terrorism Index alongside traveller attitudes. "Safety is a huge factor when choosing where to travel," the report notes, positioning Canada as offering the greatest peace of mind.
The country performed strongly across different traveller demographics. It was the top choice among millennials and ranked first for women and minority travellers. LGBTQIA+ travellers placed Canada second, while American parents also ranked it second. For Gen Z travellers, Canada came in third, and for mature travellers it placed tenth. Canada was also the number one choice among Americans with household incomes over US$350,000 and those who spend more than US$25,000 annually on travel.
In specific safety categories, Canada ranked second for protection against terrorism and violent crime. It placed fourth for transportation safety and second for the efficiency of its health care system, behind only New Zealand. The report highlights that despite political and trade tensions between the two nations, and a Canadian boycott of some U.S. products, Americans continue to view Canada as a safe destination. The report also cautions that Canada is not entirely without risk for visitors. It warns of wildfires in parts of the country that have severely affected air quality in major cities. For those planning to explore the outdoors, the report advises consulting with experts like park rangers before venturing off. "Let people know where you're going, study topographic maps before you leave and carry the same maps with you," it states.
With files from blogTO