Canada is generally a safe country to visit: its Crime Severity Index fell 5% in 2025 to 75.0, and the homicide rate fell 16% to 1.61 per 100,000 people, the lowest since 2014. Major tourist cities such as Toronto (CSI 55.0), Montréal (61.3), Ottawa (50.6) and Québec City (55.0) were all below the national average. The main risks for visitors are everyday ones: theft in busy places, road and winter hazards, and the outdoors. In any emergency, call 911.
Data: Statistics Canada, police-reported crime statistics for 2025 (released 22 July 2026), Crime Severity Index and incident-based crime tables. City figures are for whole census metropolitan areas; Ottawa is the Ontario part of Ottawa–Gatineau. Updated 5 October 2026. Tips are general guidance; check official government travel advice before you go.
How safe are Canada’s main tourist cities?
| Metro area (CMA) | CSI 2025 | CSI change vs 2024 | Crime rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa (Ont. part) | 50.6 | -6% | 4,212 |
| St. Catharines–Niagara (incl. Niagara Falls) | 53.8 | -9% | 4,139 |
| Toronto | 55.0 | -7% | 3,950 |
| Québec | 55.0 | -1% | 3,493 |
| Montréal | 61.3 | -5% | 3,641 |
| Calgary | 61.7 | -3% | 5,038 |
| Halifax | 68.6 | -6% | 6,094 |
| Victoria | 74.6 | +5% | 5,588 |
| Vancouver | 83.5 | +1% | 5,672 |
| Canada | 75.0 | -5% | 5,585 |
The Crime Severity Index weights serious crime more heavily than minor offences. Rates are per resident, so cities with many visitors, commuters and shoppers can look higher than the risk to any one person. Vancouver’s figures, for example, are driven mainly by property crime: its non-violent CSI was 85.35 in 2025, while its violent CSI of 80.67 was below the national 97.19.
For individual cities, see Is Toronto safe?, Is Montréal safe? and Is Vancouver safe?
What are the most common risks for tourists?
Like most countries, the crimes visitors are most likely to meet in Canada are property crimes, not violence. In 2025, property crime made up most police-reported incidents nationally (3,141 per 100,000 people, down 4%). Theft from bags, pockets, cars and hotel rooms is the main concern in busy areas.
Crime in cities concentrates where people gather: downtown cores, entertainment and nightlife streets, shopping areas and transit hubs. These are also where most visitors spend their time, so a little extra awareness goes a long way.
How do I avoid pickpockets and theft?
- Keep wallets and phones in front pockets or a zipped bag worn in front of you in crowds.
- Do not leave bags on the back of chairs or on the floor in restaurants and cafés.
- Carry only the cards and cash you need for the day, and keep a copy of your passport separate from the original.
- Use the hotel safe for passports and valuables where available.
- Be alert to distractions in crowds, such as someone bumping into you or asking for help while another person is close by.
- Never leave anything visible in a parked car, including rental cars. Take luggage with you or lock it out of sight before you arrive at your stop.
Is it safe to get around at night?
Generally, yes, with normal precautions:
- Stick to busy, well-lit streets and plan your route back to your accommodation before you go out.
- Use licensed taxis or ride-hail, and check the vehicle and driver match your booking.
- On public transit, wait in well-lit areas and sit near the driver or other passengers.
- Keep an eye on your drinks and do not leave them unattended.
- Share your location with a travel companion or someone at home.
See our tips for walking home at night and public transit safety.
What should I know about emergencies in Canada?
- 911 is the emergency number for police, fire and ambulance everywhere in Canada.
- For non-urgent police matters, such as reporting a theft for insurance, use the local police service’s non-emergency number or online reporting, found on its official website.
- Keep your accommodation’s address and your embassy or consulate’s contact details saved on your phone and on paper.
- Buy travel health insurance before you arrive: visitors are generally not covered by Canada’s provincial health plans.
- If you lose your passport, report it to police and contact your embassy or consulate.
Our guide on how to report a crime in Canada explains the options.
What about weather and outdoor safety?
For many visitors, nature is a bigger risk than crime. Canada is vast, and conditions can change quickly.
- Winter: cold, wind chill, ice and snow can be severe. Dress in layers, protect hands and face, and wear footwear with good grip.
- Driving: check road and weather conditions before long drives, especially in winter and in mountain areas. Distances between services can be long, so keep fuel topped up and carry water and warm clothing.
- Hiking and parks: stay on marked trails, tell someone your plans and expected return time, and check park advisories. Mobile coverage is often limited outside towns.
- Wildlife: keep your distance, never feed animals and follow park guidance on bears and other wildlife.
- Water: lakes and rivers can be cold and fast-moving; wear a life jacket when boating.
- Summer: check for wildfire smoke and heat warnings.
Follow official weather alerts and park advisories during your trip.
How do I check the area where I am staying?
- Look at the local police service’s official crime map or open data, where available.
- Compare cities on our Canada crime map.
- Read reviews for comments on the building’s security and entry, not just comfort.
- Walk the route from the nearest transit stop in daylight on your first day.
Visiting Canada?
Safety App Canada puts official crime data on a live map, plans walking routes that avoid high-risk areas and sends one-tap SOS alerts to the people you trust. Coming soon to Android and iPhone.
Tourist safety in Canada FAQ
Is Canada safe for tourists?
Generally, yes. Canada’s Crime Severity Index fell 5% in 2025 to 75.0, and most major tourist cities were below that national level. The main risks for visitors are theft in busy places and weather or outdoor hazards.
Which Canadian tourist city has the lowest crime severity?
Among the cities in our table, Ottawa had the lowest CSI in 2025 at 50.6, followed by St. Catharines–Niagara (53.8), Toronto and Québec (both 55.0).
Is Toronto safe for tourists?
The Toronto CMA’s CSI fell 7% in 2025 to 55.0, below the national 75.0, and homicides fell to a rate of 0.91 per 100,000. Take normal precautions against theft in busy areas.
What is the emergency number in Canada?
911, for police, fire and ambulance, everywhere in Canada.
Is Vancouver safe for tourists?
Vancouver’s CSI was 83.5 in 2025, above the national level, mainly because of property crime. Keep valuables secure and never leave items visible in parked cars.