Is Canada Safe to Visit Right Now?

With its stunning landscapes, multicultural cities, and friendly locals, Canada has long been a dream destination. But is Canada safe to visit, especially in 2025? The short answer is a resounding yes.

Crime Index

Canada is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world for travelers. It consistently scores high on global safety indexes, thanks to low crime rates, political stability, and high quality of life.

According to the Crime Index by Numbeo, Canada scored moderately in comparison to other cities on safety indexes:

Crime Index Score	Safety Scale Rating
45.8 (moderate chances of crime)	54.2 ( moderate level of safety)

In comparison, London has a crime index score of 48.3! These numbers prove that Canada is a moderately safe country to visit.

General Tips for Safety

While the incidence of crime in Canada is moderate, here are a few general suggestions you can follow to never face any hassles as a tourist.

Respect Local Customs

Knowing these local customs will help you blend in seamlessly and enjoy a more authentic travel experience.

• Canadians are known for being polite and respectful. Saying “please,” “thank you,” “sorry,” and “excuse me” is expected and appreciated in daily interactions.

• It is customary to tip 15-20% of the bill at restaurants, and smaller tips for services such as taxis, haircuts, or hotel staff are also appreciated.

• In natural spaces such as national parks, practice Leave No Trace principles, which involve picking up your trash and not disturbing wildlife.

• Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, restaurants, bars, and within a certain distance from doorways.

• Canadians appreciate punctuality. Being late for appointments, business meetings, or social gatherings is considered disrespectful.

Traffic and Pedestrian-Related Tips

• The legal limit is 0.08%. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is taken very seriously and can result in heavy fines, license suspension, or imprisonment.

• Speed limits in cities and towns are typically 50 km/h (31 mph) unless otherwise posted.

• The speed limit on most highways is usually 100-120 km/h (62-75 mph), depending on the province.

• In Canada, you drive on the right-hand side of the road.

• Both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts, and fines are issued for non-compliance.

• In winter, roads can be icy or snowy. Winter tires are recommended, and in some provinces (like Quebec), they are mandatory during the colder months.

• Always cross at designated pedestrian crossings. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.

• You must have a valid, non-expired Indian driver’s license to drive in Canada. It should be in English or French (the two official languages of Canada).

• If your license is in a different language, it’s advisable to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).

• You generally need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Canada, although this age requirement can vary by province or rental agency.

Weather-Related Tips

• Canada can get extremely cold, especially in winter. Always dress in layers – a moisture-wicking base, an insulating middle layer, and a weatherproof outer layer.

• If you’re visiting during the rainy season or winter, wear waterproof shoes, jackets, and pants to stay dry and comfortable.

• Even in cooler weather, UV rays can be strong in Canada, especially at higher altitudes, so use sunscreen and wear sunglasses.

• Snowstorms can occur unexpectedly, so carry winter tires if driving, and keep emergency supplies like blankets, water, and snacks in your car.

• Canada’s weather can change rapidly, so always check the forecast, particularly when exploring the outdoors or in remote areas.

Women’s Safety in Canada

According to Ivisatravel, Canada is considered a safe country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety score of 7.69. It has a relatively low crime rate despite being a very cosmopolitan place.

Women in Canada are more likely to feel safe in public spaces, with 70% of women reporting a sense of security in urban areas (Source: Canadian Women’s Foundation).

Canada has dedicated Sexual Assault Units within many police forces across the country, which are often staffed by female officers who specialize in supporting women who are victims of sexual violence.

Large cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa have widespread CCTV surveillance in high-traffic areas, contributing to the overall safety of citizens, including women.

Public transportation hubs and popular tourist spots often have security cameras to ensure public safety.

Many Canadian cities have launched Safe Cities initiatives where women can seek help or report incidents through easily accessible community services.

Emergency Numbers in Canada

In case of emergency, it’s crucial to know emergency numbers in Canada. The main number to remember is 911, which connects you to police, fire, or ambulance services.

Other helpful numbers include:

• Poison Control: 1-800-268-9017

• Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-833-456-4566

• Victim Services: 1-866-331-3361

• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010

Keep these numbers saved in your phone or written down in case of emergency. Knowing how to quickly access help provides peace of mind during your travels.

Areas to Avoid in Canada

• Certain Parts of Downtown Vancouver (BC) – East Hastings Street: This area is known for homelessness, drug use, and occasional criminal activity, particularly at night.

• Downtown Toronto (Some Areas) – Dundas Street & Regent Park: These areas have a reputation for occasional gang-related activities and higher crime rates.

• Certain Neighborhoods in Montreal (QC) – Part of Montreal North and Hochelaga-Maisonneuve: These areas can sometimes have higher crime rates, particularly petty theft, so be extra cautious in less crowded or poorly lit places at night.

• Ottawa (ON) – Rideau Street: While Ottawa is one of Canada’s safest cities, Rideau Street at night can feel uncomfortable due to the transient population, homelessness, and occasional drug-related issues.

General Safety Tips:

• Stick to well-lit, populated areas when out after dark.

• Always check local safety advisories or ask locals for advice on any areas to avoid.

• Use common sense, such as securing valuables and staying alert to your surroundings, especially in less busy neighborhoods.

Common Scams in Canada

1. Taxi and Ride-Hailing Overcharging: Some rogue taxi drivers or even ride-hailing services may try to overcharge by taking longer routes or adding unnecessary fees.

   • Tip: Always use reputable services like Uber or Lyft and ensure the meter is running for taxis.

2. Fake Rental Property Scams: Scammers may advertise fake vacation rentals at attractive prices and ask for a deposit, only for the property to not exist.

   • Tip: Book rentals through reputable websites like Airbnb or Booking.com, and verify the property and reviews before paying any deposits.

3. Credit Card Skimming: Some scammers use hidden devices on ATMs or point-of-sale machines to steal credit card information.

   • Tip: Inspect the card reader for any unusual attachments before using ATMs and credit card terminals. Use ATMs inside banks when possible.

By staying vigilant and informed about these common scams, you can protect yourself and enjoy a safe visit to Canada.

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FAQs

Is Canada safer than the US?

Yes, Canada consistently ranks as safer than the US on crime rates, homicide rates, gun violence, and global safety indexes. However, both countries have safe areas, and taking basic precautions is advised.

What is the safest city in Canada?

According to Statistics Canada, the top 5 safest cities (by lowest crime rate per 100,000) are:

1. Petawawa, Ontario

2. Rothesay and Quispamsis, New Brunswick

3. Selwyn, Ontario

4. Amherstburg, Ontario

5. Brockville, Ontario

Is Canada safe for Indian tourists?

Yes, Canada is safe for Indian tourists. The country is welcoming to visitors of all nationalities and has a large Indian diaspora community. Take the same safety precautions you would at home and respect local laws and customs.

Is Canada safe for international students?

Yes, Canada is a very safe country for international students. Universities have support services for international students and campuses are generally secure. Take normal safety measures like being aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables safe.