Is Ottawa Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Ottawa
Safety rating
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
Women living in Ottawa consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 1.9 out of 5.
Violence rating
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 23 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: | 1.9/5 | 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: | 1.4/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 1.2/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 1.4/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1.1/5 | Not at all worried |
How safe is Ottawa?
Maya
In general it is a very safe city especially compared to other places. There are of course certain areas that I wouldn't recommend after dark but if you are in a group or out during the day, it is a very safe place to travel.
Posted: May 14, 2025I 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, 2025Is 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, 2025Meet locals in Ottawa
Maya
About Me
Hi! I'm Maya, I'm a psychology student in Ottawa and travel has been a huge passion of mine since I was little. I love getting to see all the differences in culture and tasting all the delicious food. I'm always looking to make more international friends so if anybody needs a travel buddy, I'm here!!
Speaking
Eunice
About Me
Hi, I'm Eunice. I reside in Canada and I'm a travel enthusiast looking to meet new people and make meaningful connections :)
Speaking
Safety in Canada
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Frequently asked questions
Is Ottawa safe?
Is Ottawa safe to walk alone at night?
Is public transport safe in Ottawa?
What is the crime rate in Ottawa?
What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Ottawa?
What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Ottawa?
What is the risk of being physically attacked in Ottawa?
What is the risk of burglary in Ottawa?
What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Ottawa?
What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Ottawa?
