According to a recent report, Canada has been ranked as one of the top safest travel destinations for 2025. The annual safety rankings, compiled by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP), place Canada in third place, just behind Iceland (#1) and Australia (#2). This highlights Canada’s position as a leading safe travel spot for visitors in the upcoming year.

Canada outshined countries like Switzerland (#5), New Zealand (#6), the United Kingdom (#13), and Sweden (#15) in the rankings. The safety report by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) was based on a survey of American travelers, assessing multiple safety factors, including protection from crime, terrorism, and disease. It also considered the safety of specific groups, such as people of color and LGBTQIA+ travelers. BHTP combined these survey results with data from indices like the Global Peace Index, Numbeo, and the GeoSure Global scores for major cities. A final weighted score was calculated to reflect the overall safety of each country.

Canada ranks in the top three across several sub-categories

BHTP based its “Safest Places” ranking on an average of six sub-category scores. Canada performed exceptionally well in the following areas:

  • Safety from violent crime: Canada secured the #2 spot.
  • Safety from terrorism: Canada also ranked #2.
  • Transportation safety: Canada took the #1 position.
  • Health measures: Canada was rated #1 for its health safety protocols.
  • Safety for women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of color: Canada earned the #2 ranking in this category as well.

In addition to this, the report introduced a “Hall of Fame” ranking, which highlights countries that have consistently placed in the top 10 since the rankings began in 2018. Canada ranked #3 in the Safe Travel Hall of Fame, behind Switzerland (#1) and Australia (#2). This historical perspective further underscores Canada’s strong and sustained reputation for travel safety.

Wildlife safety and road safety

The report advises travelers exploring Canada’s vast outdoors to take extra precautions when driving, particularly in regard to wildlife encounters. BHTP highlighted that certain animals are more commonly found along specific parts of the Trans-Canada Highway. For instance, bears and moose are prevalent in the central regions, while elk are found further west and caribou to the north. Wolves are also frequently spotted, and white-tailed deer, known for being a common hazard, are as much of a risk for drivers in Canada as they are in the United States. The report emphasizes the need for heightened awareness while traveling in these areas.

The rankings for 2024

Canada held the top ranking in 2024, which means it experienced a slight drop in position for 2025. However, the report emphasizes Canada’s consistent presence in the list of safest countries, noting that it remains among those frequently recognized for their safety. As the report points out, “After years of compiling these rankings, it’s evident that travelers consistently view Canada, along with Northern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, as some of the safest destinations.” This highlights Canada’s ongoing reputation as a secure and reliable travel choice.

How to travel to Canada

Travelers planning to visit Canada typically need to apply for either a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) ahead of time. However, U.S. citizens, green card holders, and residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon (a French territory) are exempt from the eTA requirement. Instead, they must present valid travel documents, such as a passport, when entering Canada.

It’s important to note that having the necessary documents does not automatically guarantee entry into the country. All travelers must also meet Canada’s admissibility requirements. Factors like past criminal behavior, among other issues, could render a traveler inadmissible, preventing them from entering Canada even if they possess the proper paperwork.