Why Canada Remains Safe, Yet Complicated for American Travelers

For expats and digital nomads living in Calgary, the news that Canada ranks as the safest country for U.S. travelers might come as a relief. According to a recent survey by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, Canada has dethroned the Netherlands to become the top spot for American travelers seeking safety. With an impressive score of 82.47 out of 100, Canada tops the list, followed by New Zealand, Australia, Iceland, and Japan.

However, the safety ranking comes at a time when political and trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. continue to strain relations. Many Canadians are still boycotting U.S. products, and some have even chosen to avoid traveling south of the border. Despite these tensions, American travelers still see Canada as a safe destination, with trips increasing by 4.3 percent in August compared to the previous year, as reported by Statistics Canada.

For expats like myself, who have been raising a family in Calgary since 2020, this safety ranking is significant. However, it's important to note that safety doesn't come without its challenges. Wildfires in parts of the country, particularly in major cities, can severely affect air quality. If you plan on exploring the Canadian wilderness, the survey advises consulting with experts like park rangers, letting people know where you're going, studying topographic maps, and carrying them with you.

For those planning a trip to Calgary or anywhere in Canada, this ranking means you can enjoy a safe and secure environment. But it also means understanding the broader context of the relationship between the two countries, which can impact your travel experience. Whether it's choosing a safer destination that's further away or a quieter destination that's slower, these trade-offs are part of the expat life in Canada.