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 1.6 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 18 experiences
Safety rating: | 4.1/5 | Safe |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 3.6/5 | Safe |
Safety using public transport: | 4/5 | Safe |
Crime rate: | 1.6/5 | Low |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 1.9/5 | A bit worried |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 1.2/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 1.4/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 1.2/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 1.3/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1.1/5 | Not at all worried |
Ottawa 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, 2025You can go anywhere anytime and feel safe, it's a really pleasant city to visit, everyone is really nice and polite with everyone. You can freely ask for directions and people will nicely help you. Transport is reliable
Posted: January 2, 2025Ottawa is a safe place overall. The people are nice. I usually come home late at night and I feel safe. However, the usage of paraphernalia amongst the homeless population is on the rise and we can see more homeless people on the streets. But then again that is something the system is to blame. Hopefully, the homeless people and the people having problems with addiction are provided with the care they deserve.
Posted: December 1, 2024In general a very safe city. Rideau Street can feel unsafe, especially best to avoid it at night. Verbal sexual harassment is unfortunately quite common, though very rarely does it progress into anything more than that.
Posted: July 20, 2024I 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, 2025Sara
Well travelled and understand it is fun to meet local to discover hidden gems