Is Ottawa Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Ottawa

Safety rating

Safe
4.1 /5

Women living in Ottawa consider the safety level to be relatively high, with an overall safety rating of 4.1 out of 5.

Crime rating

Low
1.6 /5

Women living in Ottawa consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 1.6 out of 5.

Violence rating

13.6%

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.

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Crime & Safety Statistics

Based on 18 experiences

Safety rating:

4.1/5Safe

Safety walking alone after dark:

3.6/5Safe

Safety using public transport:

4/5Safe

Crime rate:

1.6/5Low

Worries of being sexually harassed:

1.9/5A bit worried

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

1.2/5Not at all worried

Worries of being physically attacked:

1.4/5Not at all worried

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

1.2/5Not at all worried

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

1.3/5Not at all worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

1.1/5Not at all worried

How safe is Ottawa?

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, 2025
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Madison

Madison

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, 2025
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Nina

Nina

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, 2025
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Yanjano

Yanjano

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, 2025
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Ottawa 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, 2025
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Élodie

Élodie

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, 2025
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Amelia

Amelia

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, 2025
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You 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, 2025
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Ottawa 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, 2024
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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.

Posted: July 20, 2024
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Is Ottawa worth visiting?

Solo travel

I 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, 2025
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Sara

Sara

About Me

Well travelled and understand it is fun to meet local to discover hidden gems

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Safety in Canada

Frequently asked questions

Is Ottawa safe?

Women living in Ottawa consider the safety level to be relatively high, with an overall safety rating of 4.1 out of 5.

Is Ottawa safe to walk alone at night?

Women living in Ottawa consider walking alone at night to be relatively safe, with an overall safety rating of 3.6 out of 5.

Is public transport safe in Ottawa?

Women living in Ottawa consider public transport to be relatively safe, with an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5.

What is the crime rate in Ottawa?

Women living in Ottawa consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 1.6 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Ottawa?

Women living in Ottawa consider the risk of being sexually harassed to be relatively low, with an overall risk rating of 1.9 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Ottawa?

Women living in Ottawa consider the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1.2 out of 5

What is the risk of being physically attacked in Ottawa?

Women living in Ottawa consider the risk of being physically attacked to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1.4 out of 5

What is the risk of burglary in Ottawa?

Women living in Ottawa consider the risk of burglary to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1.2 out of 5

What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Ottawa?

Women living in Ottawa consider the risk of being mugged or robbed to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1.3 out of 5

What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Ottawa?

Women living in Ottawa consider the risk of being kidnapped or murdered to be very low, with an overall risk rating of 1.1 out of 5