Canada has once again captured global attention, landing in the ‘Top 10 Countries in the World’ in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards — one of the most respected honours in international travel.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of Condé Nast Traveler readers cast their votes for their favourite destinations around the globe. In this year’s results, Canada claimed the No. 10 spot, recognised for its “breathtaking landscapes and the warmth of its people.”
The top five countries were Japan, Greece, Portugal, Italy and Spain, followed by Türkiye, Ireland, Croatia, France and Canada completing the top 10.
Australia did not appear in the top 20, perhaps unsurprising given that the votes come largely from Condé Nast Traveler’s predominantly U.S. readership, who tend to favour destinations closer to home or more frequently promoted in the American market.
The next 10 countries (ranked 11–20) were Switzerland, Mexico, Germany, India, Thailand, Morocco, Austria, Dominica, Bhutan and South Africa.
Several Canadian cities were also singled out. Québec City ranked 10th for its old-world charm and winter appeal, Toronto came in 15th for its cosmopolitan culture and innovation, and Vancouver was 22nd thanks to its mountain-meets-ocean scenery and multicultural vibe. Montréal placed 44th, noted for its cuisine, creativity and festival scene.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) also earned global recognition, placing 10th in the Best Airports category. The publication praised its accessibility and dining options that mirror the city’s diversity — including Japadog, the cult-favourite hot dog stand serving its signature seaweed-topped Kurobuta Terimayo.
The latest accolade adds to a growing list of international praise for Canada in 2025, including being named the “Most Loved Country in the World” in the Country RepTrak report, a nod to its safety, natural beauty and welcoming spirit.
Canada also scored three of the top five places on the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list with Mon Lapin (Montréal), Restaurant Pearl Morissette (Ontario) and Tanière3 (Québec City).
Gloria Loree, Destination Canada’s Chief Marketing Officer, said travellers are increasingly seeking genuine, meaningful experiences.
“Canada is a place that welcomes you in, leaves a lasting mark and sends you home seeing the world and one another a little differently,” she said.
From the vibrant cities of Toronto and Montréal to the pristine wilderness of Banff and the Yukon, and the growing number of Indigenous-led experiences, Canada continues to deliver the kind of authenticity and connection that modern travellers crave, while Australia, it seems, remains just beyond the radar of this year’s U.S. voters.
