Is Canada Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Canada generally has a high level of safety for solo female travelers. Its towns and cities are generally secure, and residents are often friendly and helpful. The crime rate is relatively low compared to other countries. Do note that, like anywhere, it's important to stay vigilant, avoid secluded places at night, and keep a close watch on your belongings.

Safety rating

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How safe is Canada?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Canada is generally known as a safe destination for travelers and that includes at night. However, like any other country, the security depends on the area. Some cities or regions can have less safe areas especially after dark. Always use common sense like avoiding deserted roads or parks, and be aware of your surroundings. Public transportation is typically safe, and taking a taxi is also usually a safe method of transportation. Stay in populated areas or streets with good lighting at night.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Canada is generally safe and reliable, even for solo female travelers. There's strict regulation, regular service and you can use various modes like buses, trains, and subways depending on the city. The stations are well-lit and security is generally high, particularly in major cities. However, as anywhere, always stay aware of your surroundings, especially during late hours.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Canada in general is a safe and respectful country with comparatively low occurrences of street harassment. Although instances of unwelcome remarks or behavior can transpire sporadically in some areas, they are not widespread occurrences. It's typically an exception than a norm. The authorities take such incidents seriously and the public too is encouraged to report any instances of harassment. It's always advisable, as anywhere in the world, to maintain standard precautions such as avoiding desolate places at night, and always staying aware of your surroundings.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

While Canada has a generally safe environment, it's not entirely free from petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching, particularly in tourist areas and crowded public transport. However, these instances aren't a frequent occurrence and most visitors experience a crime-free stay. Just like anywhere, it's advised to always be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions to minimize the risk.

Is Canada worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 94 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

Vancouver, Couple travel

The city is very comfortable to hangout around, the night life is pretty busy but we stayed in an Airbnb away form downtown. The food is delicious and the locals seemed pretty nice. A very nice place to do so many activities. Some of the clubs are weird and uncomfortable but still an overall enjoyable experience.

Posted: May 1, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
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Canada, Solo travel

Canada is such a cool place if you like hiking and nature. I've been in vancouver for a few weeks and it's such a great city! There are many homeless people in some streets, especially downtown, but they normally won't bother you. I still wouldn't recommend going out alone at night. Also if you leave the city you have to be careful with wild animals when hiking. People here are super nice and will always help you out :)

Posted: April 11, 2025Experienced: April, 2025
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Nova Scotia, Solo travel

I was in Nova Scotia for half an year as an international student. I lived with a really great host family. The locals are really friendly and open to meet new people, I mostly felt safe with them. The food was really nice, I recommend trying poutine, it's a bit weird at the beginning but interesting to try. The landscapes are interesting especially the coastline and I would recommend to go see some lighthouses since there are quite a lot of them.

Posted: March 17, 2025
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Canada, Solo travel

Canada was by far the most beautiful country I ever visited. I stayed in BC, and it is the perfect place to combine city trips with beautiful hikes. If you get the chance, you should definitely visit Vancouver Island!

Posted: March 16, 2025Experienced: December, 2021
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Toronto, Solo travel

Toronto has improved tremendously over the last years! The food scene and club scene have both expended with nice, trendy and upscale spots to rediscover. As for safety, there is an homeless situation going on downtown, so I would just avoid that area after dark. Otherwise? Completely safe. As for budget, there is something for every price point - you just gotta research a bit of everything online and be willing to explore according to what you’re looking for. Great city for a quick weekend reset, with a good balance of things to do. The aquarium is a must.

Posted: February 21, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
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Claudia

Claudia

Netherlands

Toronto, Solo travel

Hotels and airbnb can be quite expensive. Groceries aren’t cheap either but going out to eat is reasonably priced. Lots of homeless people!! They seem to mostly mind their own business but it felt pretty unsafe. Some parks are completely taken over by homeless camps. They also can come up to you to ask for money or food. Sometimes I buy them something, adding more to the travel costs. Avoid routes coming past homeless shelters to avoid seeing them. Little Italy is a nice place to stay. Kensington Market is cute to visit for cafes, thrift shopping and music.

Posted: February 21, 2025
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Bria

Bria

Canada

Banff, Solo travel

Banff feels completely safe. Everyone who lives there is a ski bum. The food is good. The wildlife is incredible. Spas are on point!! I was there for work, but I never wanted to leave. Would go back in a heart beat.

Posted: February 9, 2025
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Ottawa, 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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Valeria

Valeria

Puerto Rico

Montreal, Group travel

I absolutely loved my trip to Montreal. I felt very safe and appreciated how organized and walkable the city was. The bike lanes were fantastic, making it easy to explore sustainably. Montreal’s diverse attractions, beautiful architecture, and environmentally conscious vibe really resonated with me. Plus, the variety of restaurants offered such a rich cultural experience. It’s truly a stunning and inspiring city. Total cost is approximately $1,000.

Posted: December 31, 2024
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Vancouver, Solo travel

I have been in Vancouver for 3 months now and feel very safe here. Still, I would avoid East Hastings Street and majority of Gastown as a Solo female at night. Even though I luckily haven’t been harassed there, there are a lot of homeless and drug addicts around that area and I did not feel comfortable

Posted: December 27, 2024
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Is Canada safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 411 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 411 local experiences

Florence

Florence

Montreal

Downtown you will be catcalled and might be approached by men, who can sometimes be insistant But shut them up or ignore them and leave and Im usually alright I try to keep 1 earphone out at night when walking alone, especially downtown, which is less safe, and I try to keep an eye on my surroundings But during the day its pretty same tbh

Posted: May 6, 2025
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Meg

Meg

Sarnia

Sarnia is overall safe. City council has put a ton of money into the downtown area. First Fridays (the first Friday of every month) bring out a ton of people and there are always events, street vendors, and the art gallery stays open later. It’s best in the summer. Canatara is a beautiful beach with a ton of parking. Like anywhere, lock your vehicle when you’re down at the beach. Don’t forget to stop under the bridge and get bridge fries from Albert’s(the OG fry place). Avoid the end of downtown where rainbow park and the river port are.

Posted: May 6, 2025
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Meet locals in Canada

Brandy

Brandy

About Me

My name is Brandy! Canadian born and of Jamaican descent. I love travelling and a good solo date which has naturally lead me to solo travel. I love good food, music/dancing and learning about different cultures.

Speaking

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Han

Han

About Me

I'm Hanna (Han for short) I'm a seasonal farmer, operating a community space in the cowichan valley! I teach yoga, enjoy kickboxing enjoy getting out and being active as well as just relaxing in the sun. I have a senior dog, Rollie 14 years old. I live on my own in a cute little cottage between Victoria and Nanaimo on Vancouver island.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Canada

Han

Han

Cowichan Valley

Can host for:

2 days

About me

I'm Hanna (Han for short) I'm a seasonal farmer, operating a community space in the cowichan valley! I teach yoga, enjoy kickboxing enjoy getting out and being active as well as just relaxing in the sun. I have a senior dog, Rollie 14 years old. I live on my own in a cute little cottage between Victoria and Nanaimo on Vancouver island.

Speaking

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Meg

Meg

Sarnia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey I’m Meg! I’m 34 and from Ontario. I have a border collie and you can find me in the gym or my garden. I have been to Ireland, Italy, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Canada

sshh

sshh

About Me

hiii im a college student who is tired of life and wants to escape for a bit. I like to draw, sing, read, write, very all a creative person.

Speaking

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Nina

Nina

About Me

Hii :) I’m Nina I am 24 years old. I finished my studies to become a kindergarten teacher in summer 24 since then I am backpacking around the world. I love to read books, listen to music and be in nature. I really hate parsley and pickles :))

Speaking

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Safety in Canada