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Montreal Emerges as Global Leader in Tourist Security
[Montreal, October 28, 2026] — A comprehensive analysis of international travel security has identified Montreal as the safest city in the world for 2027. The findings, released by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, indicate a significant shift in traveler perceptions, with the Canadian city outperforming traditional safety leaders in Europe and Asia.
The study highlights a growing trend where security and personal safety have become primary drivers for international tourism planning. While North American and Asian cities have secured high-ranking positions, the European continent remains the most represented region, occupying 60% of the top 15 safest destinations. Industry observers note that these rankings serve as a benchmark for traveler priorities, though they emphasize that such data should complement, not replace, official government travel advisories.
Methodology Behind the 2027 Safety Assessments
The data was compiled through a hybrid research model that combined primary traveler feedback with secondary security metrics. The process began with a survey of over 1,500 participants from the United States who had recently visited 38 popular domestic and international cities. By relying on actual visitor experiences, the study captured real-world perceptions of safety rather than theoretical data.
To ensure a balanced view, these first-hand accounts were integrated with external safety indicators from recognized global entities, including GeoSure Global, the Economist Intelligence Unit, and Numbeo. The final scores were derived from a multifaceted analysis of health services, transportation security, and general personal safety.
It is important to note that the survey was conducted in August 2026. Consequently, the rankings reflect conditions at that time and may not account for sudden geopolitical shifts, updated government warnings, or localized disruptions occurring after the data collection period.
Global Safety Scorecard: Top 15 Cities for 2027
The following table outlines the precise safety scores for the top 15 cities globally, demonstrating the narrow margins between the leading destinations.
| Rank | City | Country | Safety Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montreal | Canada | 82.18 |
| 2 | Zurich | Switzerland | 81.03 |
| 3 | Amsterdam | Netherlands | 80.81 |
| 4 | Tokyo | Japan | 79.91 |
| 5 | Reykjavik | Iceland | 78.90 |
| 6 | Oslo | Norway | 76.45 |
| 7 | Singapore | Singapore | 76.41 |
| 8 | Venice | Italy | 75.39 |
| 9 | Sydney | Australia | 75.34 |
| 10 | Honolulu | United States | 75.31 |
| 11 | Dublin | Ireland | 74.58 |
| 12 | Copenhagen | Denmark | 73.52 |
| 13 | Barcelona | Spain | 73.44 |
| 14 | San Francisco | United States | 73.15 |
| 15 | Paris | France | 72.45 |
Montreal’s Rapid Ascent in North American Tourism
The most striking revelation of the 2027 report is the performance of Montreal. The city recorded a massive climb, moving from 16th place in 2026 to the 1st position this year with a score of 82.18. This leap of 15 spots marks the most substantial rise of any city in the study.
Analysts attribute this success to high marks in neighborhood safety and the city's appeal as a cultural hub. Montreal’s integration of urban tourism with the natural beauty of the Saint Lawrence River makes it a premier choice for city breaks. Despite the high safety score, reports suggest that visitors should still plan for logistical challenges, such as bridge congestion and heavy traffic when moving between the airport and city center.
From a regulatory standpoint, the U.S. Department of State maintains Canada at "Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions," suggesting that while the environment is highly favorable, standard situational awareness remains necessary.
Zurich and European Hubs Maintain Strong Presence
Zurich secures the second spot globally and the top position in Europe with a score of 81.03. The Swiss city dominated several specific sub-categories, ranking first in health measures, transport safety, and the absence of violent crime. These factors make Zurich a primary destination for business travelers and those utilizing rail-based itineraries across the continent.
Travelers are reminded that Switzerland operates using the Swiss franc rather than the euro, which can impact budgeting. The high cost of living in Zurich serves as a reminder that a city's safety ranking is not linked to its affordability.
Amsterdam follows closely in third place with 80.81 points, moving up from fourth in the previous year. The city is praised for its cycling infrastructure and accessible urban layout. However, reports indicate that the high density of tourists in public squares requires visitors to remain vigilant regarding petty crime and local traffic regulations.
Tokyo Leads Asian Destinations in Security
Tokyo represents Asia’s strongest performance, ranking fourth globally with 79.91 points. This is a significant improvement from its ninth-place position in the previous year's assessment.
The Japanese capital earned high marks for healthcare accessibility and safety after dark. Notably, Tokyo ranked second globally for transport safety, a testament to the efficiency and security of its massive metropolitan railway system. Along with Singapore, which sits at seventh place, Tokyo reinforces Asia's reputation for maintaining highly disciplined and secure urban environments.
Why This Matters: The Impact on Modern Travel
For the international traveler, these rankings reveal that safety is no longer a static attribute of a destination but a fluid metric that can shift annually. The drop of Reykjavik from first to fifth place, for example, does not necessarily indicate a decline in actual security, but rather a shift in relative perception compared to other rising cities.
From a logistical standpoint, the dominance of European cities (60% of the top 15) suggests that the region's integrated transport networks and standardized safety protocols continue to provide a sense of security that appeals to American tourists. For the traveler, this means that multi-city European itineraries often carry a lower perceived risk than venturing into a single, less-documented region.
Furthermore, the rise of Montreal highlights a shift in North American tourism. Travelers are increasingly looking toward Canadian hubs as secure alternatives to larger, more volatile U.S. metropolitan areas. For those planning 2027 journeys, the data suggests that prioritizing cities with high "neighborhood safety" scores—like Tokyo and Montreal—leads to a more relaxed and predictable visitor experience.
