Canada has once again earned global recognition for its safety and quality of life, ranking as the fifth safest country in the world to travel to in 2026, according to the latest Safest Countries in the World to Travel To report by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP).
The annual study, which has been conducted since 2018, surveys thousands of American travelers about their recent international trips and their perceptions of safety in different destinations. Those results are then combined with key data sources such as the Global Peace Index, Numbeo, and GeoSure Global to create a comprehensive safety score for each country.
In the 2026 report, Canada placed fifth overall, maintaining its position among the world’s safest travel destinations. The report highlights Canada’s low crime rate, stable political climate, accessible healthcare system, and strong sense of inclusivity and diversity as the main factors behind its continued success.
The study also found that Canada performs particularly well in several specific categories of safety. It ranked second in transportation safety, reflecting the reliability and quality of its public and private transit systems.
It also ranked second in safety from violent crime, confirming that visitors can explore with peace of mind. Canada came in fifth in health measures, thanks to its world-class healthcare system and public health standards. Additionally, it ranked second in safety for women, LGBTQIA+ travelers, and people of color, reaffirming its reputation as one of the most inclusive and welcoming countries in the world.
The methodology behind the rankings combines firsthand traveler experiences with objective international data. Only travelers who have visited a country within the past five years are eligible to rate it, ensuring that the findings reflect current and authentic impressions.
These ratings are then blended with peace, crime, health, and transportation data from reliable global sources to create a weighted score for each destination. The approach emphasizes balance, ensuring that no single factor disproportionately affects a country’s overall ranking.
Canada’s appearance in the top five is part of a long-standing trend. The country has consistently placed among the top 10 since 2018, earning it a place in BHTP’s “Safe Travel Hall of Fame.” This distinction recognizes countries that have maintained elite safety scores over multiple years. Few destinations have demonstrated such reliability in travel safety, underscoring Canada’s ongoing commitment to creating a secure environment for both residents and visitors.
While Canada’s cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are praised for their cleanliness, infrastructure, and cultural vibrancy, the report also reminds travelers that the country’s vast landscapes come with unique challenges. Travelers venturing off the beaten path, particularly in remote regions of western Canada, are encouraged to plan carefully and prepare for long stretches without access to basic services.
The top 15 safest countries in the world to travel to in 2026 are:
- Netherlands
- Australia
- Austria
- Iceland
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United Arab Emirates
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Ireland
- Belgium
- Portugal
- France
- United Kingdom
- Denmark
Canada’s high ranking once again confirms its reputation as one of the world’s most trustworthy and traveler-friendly destinations. With its peaceful cities, diverse communities, and breathtaking wilderness, Canada continues to represent a model of safety, inclusivity, and stability for global travelers.
For more details, you can check out the full study here on the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection website.