Is Ottawa Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Ottawa

In 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.

The city is relatively safe, there are a couple of areas in town with some druggies and homeless people where I would avoid walking at night or be on alert, otherwise it’s pretty good in terms of safety.

Ottawa is a very laid back and chill city that I believe is relatively safe, especially for female solo travellers. You will feel comfortable most of the time, however I will mention the rise of drug addicts and sketchy people in the downtown area, in which I recommend to avoid walking alone late at night.

I always feel safe walking around Ottawa. There are definitely some areas that are better than others. Downtown can have a lot of characters but it’s the same as anywhere else. Just be cautious, practice common sense and you’ll be fine. Lots of friendly folks around to help.

Ottawa is super safe. It's mostly government workers who get paid too much and want to keep their job so they follow the rules. You'd have to look for trouble. Of course right downtown near the shelters things can get roudy

I have lived in Ottawa Canada my whole life. Unfortunately our public transit sucks and you would need a car to get around. Most of the things to do are pretty spread out like the downtown market or local coffee shops in suburban areas. I would say you just don’t talk to the homeless people and they’re harmless. I would stay out of Vanier because that area has gotten a bit dangerous. Other than that I would say Ottawa is very safe for female travelers. If you’re looking to go to other cities like Toronto - then I would be super cautious because it has become a dangerous. Montreal not as much and have travelled on my own or with my family and it’s been totally fine!

Safe in general, but downtown is a bit hairy with so many drug users who cannot always control their actions. The daytime is fine, but I recommend staying away from north end of bank street at night, and always be careful in the market at night. Knife and gun crime is increasing there.

When you stay in very popular or family neighborhoods, i believe it is pretty safe because there is always someone around. I wouldn’t necessarily go in sketchy parts of town at night, but I don’t know anyone who’s been attacked or followed in this city.

Ottawa is reasonably safe, avoid downtown core alone at night and keep your wits about you. Certain streets/areas should be avoided but most of the city is safe. Public transit is safe and people are generally helpful as well.