Women living in Ottawa consider the safety level to be relatively high, with an overall safety rating of 4.1 out of 5.
Women living in Ottawa consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 1.8 out of 5.
On average 13.6% percentage of women in Canada have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.
Based on 22 experiences
Safety rating: | 4.1/5 | Safe |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 3.7/5 | Safe |
Safety using public transport: | 4/5 | Safe |
Crime rate: | 1.8/5 | Low |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 1.8/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 1.2/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 1.3/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 1.3/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 1.4/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1.1/5 | Not at all worried |
I live in the downtown area on the more sketchy side. Walking at night you should be vigilant as always but I never feel threatened. I have had men approach me to hit on me but it’s never been menacing or anything I haven’t encountered in other cities.
Posted: April 21, 2025Ottawa is a fair safe location! There’s more homeless people in the past years but nothing to be concerned about more then the normal pro cautions. I walk home tipsy with little worries :) it’s a great city with others to do!
Posted: April 11, 2025Ottawa is safe. There's a marginal amount of crime but I generally worry about my safety. Breaking and entering and mugging or pick pocketing is unheard and public transport is safe. Walking at night alone is also safe.
Posted: March 14, 2025Ottawa is a very safe city. Many families live there and I’ve never felt unsafe as a women living there. Like any city, I always take precautions at night. I try and stay in busier areas. Would recommend staying out of the Bywatd market area late at night.
Posted: February 19, 2025Madison
Due to a high population of homeless drug addicts there have been several times where I’ve bees harassed walking down the street, day or night. A lot of places also do not remove people who sa other people from the establishment, so it can be frustrating trying to have a fun safe night out
Posted: January 30, 2025Nina
Ottawa is generally very safe for women. There are some unhoused and drug using people in the Byward Market area, but in my experience they are never aggressive. I have often gone on runs alone at night and felt fine.
Posted: January 28, 2025Yanjano
Ottawa is a government city. If you’re sticking to the downtown core, some areas will be shady of course. But i’ve never felt physically in danger before. I frequently take public transportation to visit my boyfriend in the more shadier parts of the city and i’ve never experienced any incidents. high police presence near government buildings so if something does happen, they’re quick to act. Lots of families so I never really feel unsafe. Just try to mind your business when walking downtown and stare forward if someone calls out to you.
Posted: January 14, 2025Ottawa is considered a very safe city with low crime rates compared to other major Canadian cities. It has well-maintained public spaces, reliable public transit, and a strong focus on community safety.
Posted: January 13, 2025Élodie
Ottawa is a relatively safe city. Downtown can be more rough, because there is a high homeless population which can be unpredictable. Some gang related crimes can happen but are very rare. I’ve been out many times and never had any issues.
Posted: January 9, 2025Amelia
It is very safe here. You can leave ur purse at your seat when you go order a beer. People are going to help you with anything if you ask! You may get hit on but this means someone will start a conversation with you.
Posted: January 4, 2025I feel safe here Fun to visit the parliament and all the museums Public transportation takes you everywhere and is reliable Food is good and service is excellent The tap water is really good no aftertaste
Posted: January 1, 2025Experienced: January, 2025Eunice
Hi, I'm Eunice. I reside in Canada and I'm a travel enthusiast looking to meet new people and make meaningful connections :)
Simone
Hey I’m Simone, I’ve travelled with my family and friends in parts of Europe, the Caribbean and North America. I joined the app as I’ll be solo travelling in Europe this summer and am looking for places to stay along the way. I like paddle boarding, hikes, and also trying new foods! Would love to meet new people to help build my lore