Terrorists, tornadoes, avalanches, tsunamis and icy roads are but some of the threats Aussie travellers should consider before going to the Great White North, according to an Australian government website.
The 'Smart Traveller' website, run by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, lists Chile, South Korea and Latvia as countries safer than Canada.
Overall, Canada is listed in the second safest category (out of five categories) on the website -- the 'Exercise caution' section. Out of the G8 nations, the U.S., U.K, France, Germany and Italy also are listed in the 'Exercise caution' category.
From the website:
We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Canada because of the risk of terrorist attack. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
To the best of my knowledge, the last person to die as the result of terrorism on Canadian soil was Quebec cabinet minister Pierre Laporte during the 1970 FLQ crisis, which is getting close to 40 years ago.
I would suspect that Aussies would be safer from terrorism here than they would be at home, but again, that's just a guess.
I also liked this:
Bush and forest fires can occur any time in Canada (emphasis mine - BD). You should consult local news reports and authorities before visiting forested areas and follow the advice of local authorities.
This is why I never go into the forests in the winter. I'm afraid they'll spontaneously combust. :)
Here's some of my questions about Australia:
- How likely am I to be beaten up by a kangaroo? I hear those things can box. I even saw a baby kangaroo absolutely thrash a grown coyote once.
- I remember a series of documentaries from the 1990s that suggest you have quite a crocodile problem down under. Is this true?
- Will dingoes eat my baby?