Key Highlights
- Montreal is ranked the world's safest city for travelers in 2027.
- The city jumped from 16th to 1st place, scoring 82.18 overall.
- Canada ranked first among countries for traveler safety, with Montreal leading in safety for diverse communities.
Montreal has long been recognized for its unique charm and vibrant culture, but a recent ranking has officially crowned it as the world's safest city for travelers in 2027. According to Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, Montreal achieved an impressive overall score of 82.18, marking a significant leap from its previous position at 16th place last year. This remarkable rise reflects the city's low crime rates and the safety of its neighborhoods, which consistently receive high scores on the GeoSure app, often in the high 80s.
The ranking is based on feedback from over 1,500 respondents who rated cities they had personally visited, supplemented by various external indices, including the Global Peace Index and the Global Terrorism Index. Notably, Canada as a whole also claimed the top spot among countries for the first time, climbing from fifth place in 2026 with a score of 82.47. This achievement highlights the country's commitment to ensuring the safety of all travelers, particularly women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of color.
Montreal's individual scores mirror Canada's overall success, as the city ranked first in the combined category measuring safety for women, LGBTQIA+ travelers, and people of color. It also secured second place for safety from violent crime and terrorism. These metrics reflect the lived experiences of travelers who can navigate the city without the constant anxiety that often accompanies visits to less secure destinations.
While the ranking paints a positive picture, it does acknowledge a local hazard: traffic. The report humorously notes that crossing the bridges between the island and its suburbs can be slow, particularly during roadwork, which is a frequent occurrence. However, this minor inconvenience pales in comparison to the overall safety and welcoming atmosphere that Montreal offers.
Beyond this latest accolade, Montreal's reputation as a safe destination is further bolstered by its performance in other rankings. The city placed ninth among 81 destinations in the 2026 Global Destination Sustainability Index, marking its first entry into the top 10. Additionally, Time Out recognized Montreal as one of the world's happiest cities in 2026, and Condé Nast Traveler ranked it sixth among the world's best big cities. Google Maps also included Montreal in its inaugural Fan-Favorite Dining List, showcasing its culinary appeal.
It is important to note that these rankings reflect conditions at the time of the survey conducted in August 2026, and perceptions of safety can change over time. Nevertheless, Montreal's current standing as the world's safest city for travelers is a distinction that cannot be manufactured through marketing alone. It underscores the city's genuine commitment to providing a secure environment for all who visit, a vital consideration in today's world where safety concerns are increasingly prevalent.
The images accompanying this piece were created with AI generation tools.
Published by Banx Network. This article is part of the Banx decentralized media programme, powered by the BXE token on the XRP Ledger.
