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

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

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 93 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Vancouver, Solo travel

I had a great time in Vancouver. Scenic view, great food scenary and culture richness. I felt safe using public transportation and mostly all the time, just need to avoid some areas in downtown. I’m looming forward to showing it around.

Posted: November 9, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Canada safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 394 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 394 local experiences

Regina

About as safe as any other large city. It of course comes with risks. As long as you are aware And watch your surroundings, things will be okay. Downtown is definitely more sketchier than other parts of the city.

Posted: April 16, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Sarah-Jeanne

Sarah-Jeanne

Montreal

Montréal is a safe city overall. There aren’t many violent crimes committed randomly in the streets. Even petty theft is not common. Sometimes women will get comments, but it has only happened to me twice in the 24 years I’ve lived here. Certain areas like Montreal Nord are a bit less inviting but not dangerous per see. You can wear what you want and have your phone out in public without any worry.

Posted: April 14, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Canada

Ingrid

Ingrid

About Me

I'm a French girl who has lived in Toronto on and off for 6 years and with all the politics and economy issue ( cannot find a FT job) I sadly might have to leave the country for good ( heartbroken to say the least). I have worked in the arts for a long time and as an executive assistant. I love film, music, animals, the arts. I'm super easy to get along with and in these tough times I'd take any kindness I can get 💕. Until I figure what's next, I thought I would cross off my list a dream of mine to drive and visit New England and east Quebec.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Nava

Nava

About Me

Hello/Holii/Salut! Estoy viajando en Colombia después de trabajar como voluntario y estoy buscando amigas para salir y disfrutar juntos 🫶. Estaré en Cartagena pronto y Gustaría ir a Cali o Medellín (pero todovia no elegí)

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Canada

Ingrid

Ingrid

Toronto

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I'm a French girl who has lived in Toronto on and off for 6 years and with all the politics and economy issue ( cannot find a FT job) I sadly might have to leave the country for good ( heartbroken to say the least). I have worked in the arts for a long time and as an executive assistant. I love film, music, animals, the arts. I'm super easy to get along with and in these tough times I'd take any kindness I can get 💕. Until I figure what's next, I thought I would cross off my list a dream of mine to drive and visit New England and east Quebec.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Marin

Marin

Calgary

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi girls! I’m Marin - I was raised in the Canadian Rockies & foothills and I now spend my summers working in Banff National Park and my winters traveling the world! When I am between the two, I stay with my family in my hometown of Calgary. I’m a very social person at heart but can sometimes take a minute to get out of my shell. My favourite part of traveling is meeting new friends around the world, so I’m thrilled to be on this app! I am usually able to host in Calgary and am almost always free to meet up and do activities in Calgary or Canmore/Banff! I have more hobbies than I can count, ranging from making stained glass and embroidery art, to partying and playing video games. I also love to hike and be in nature! To be honest I’m perfectly happy to do almost anything & it’s very difficult for me to be bored. I’d love to meet you and make some fun memories together!! I am coming to Europe for the first time at the end of March! I’ll be there for 2-3 months with almost no plan aside from slowly making my way from west to east! If you’re around, send me a message :D

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Canada

Afreen

Afreen

About Me

Hi my loves!!! My name’s Afreen, I’m an 18 year old student who’s a native to London. I have lived in the city my entire life and would love to make friends with anyone coming to the city ! London is a super large city, and it’s easy to get lost, so if you just want advice, or how to navigate the city feel free to message! For anyone who prefers to come over to homes or housesitting for dinner my home houses me and my mum, so there’s no stress of seeing guys at all, if that’s something which causes anxiety for yourself as a traveller. For any Muslim or hijabi travellers, who would like to find good halal food spots or mosque’s, I gotchuuuu!! Hope to speak to you all soon!!

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Celina

Celina

About Me

Just a girl in her early 20s looking to explore the world and learn more about myself while doing it. I love making new friends and experiencing new cultures. When travelling, I enjoy sightseeing, taking photos, and eating food! I tend to be perceived as shy, quiet, and reserved on first meet but I get comfortable easily.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Canada