Canada named among the top countries in the world in 2025 readers’ choice survey

Condé Nast Traveler readers have named their favourite countries around the world — and Canada earned a notable spot on the list.

The results of the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards survey are out, and list Canada in tenth position, with a score of 90.94.

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According to the leading travel magazine, there were 757,109 votes cast in this Readers' Choice Awards survey, which were used to calculate the score.

Canada was followed by Switzerland and Mexico in 11th and 12th place, respectively. The top 10 rankings were dominated by European countries, while Japan claimed the top spot with a score of 95.36.

The full ranking can be seen below.

Rank	Country	Score
1	Japan	95.36
2	Greece	92.31
3	Portugal	92.08
4	Italy	92.02
5	Spain	91.96
6	Türkiye	91.91
7	Ireland	91.59
8	Croatia	91.56
9	France	91.24
10	Canada	90.94
11	Switzerland	90.82
12	Mexico	89.52
13	Germany	89.4
14	India	88.95
15	Thailand	88.06
16	Morocco	87.66
17	Austria	86.86
18	Dominica	86.62
19	Bhutan	86.31
20	South Africa	85.08

Canada’s strong performance wasn’t limited to this ranking.

Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards also revealed the best cities in the world, as chosen by its readers. The rankings were split into two categories — Best Small Cities and Best Big Cities — and Canada earned standout mentions in both.

Victoria, British Columbia earned the number one position in the Best Small Cities category.

“A popular day trip from Vancouver, British Columbia’s capital city deserves a standalone visit,” the article states.

The article recommended Victoria for “one of the world's most scenic ferry rides across Swartz Bay", and authentic British high tea experiences, available in most restaurants across the city.

Meanwhile, both Montreal and Vancouver earned a spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of best big cities. Montreal placed 9th, while Vancouver secured 7th place.

“Quebec’s biggest—and most cosmopolitan—city is perhaps best known for its picturesque Old Montreal neighbourhood, with its quaint cobblestone streets and Gothic Revival cathedral," the article states. "But it also has a rebellious, forward-thinking streak, which you can find across the city's contemporary art museums, eclectic bars, and design-forward hotels."

It also notes that what really sets Montreal apart from countries with which it shares close cultural ties — like France — is its food scene, with restaurants Joe Beef and Au Pied de Cochon specifically mentioned.

Meanwhile, Vancouver was lauded for its creative arts scene, natural beauty, incredible restaurants, and wide range of activities.

“There’s something wonderful about visiting a city where you can be in the heart of a metropolis, eating a five-star meal one day and enjoying the skyline from the seat of a kayak the next,” the article states.

Thinking of visiting Canada?

You may need a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to visit Canada, depending on your country of origin.

Foreign nationals may require a visitor visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), to enter Canada. It is recommended that foreign nationals check processing times (which are country-dependent) and apply well in advance, as certain countries have longer processing times than others.

Foreign nationals from certain countries are exempt from requiring a TRV, but must apply for an eTA beforehand if they are flying into Canada. An eTA costs $7 CAD and most applications are approved within minutes. You can find the list of travellers that require an eTA here.

Travellers on this list do not need an eTA if they are entering Canada by land or sea.

Finally, there are some travellers that are both visa- and eTA-exempt. This includes US nationals and green card holders, and French nationals who live in St. Pierre and Miquelon and are flying directly to Canada from St. Pierre and Miquelon.

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