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 95 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5
Agny

Agny

Indonesia

Montreal, Group travel

I was traveling with a group and still got approached by people with questionable intents, some beggars who were rude as well, so I wouldn’t say it’s entirely safe for solo traveling. Only in certain areas though, like alleys and I experienced it along Chinatown. During the day, much better, so many lively people. They still wanted to speak English so that was a relief. Did not get to interact much with the locals, unfortunately. I loved visiting Old Montreal, touristy but worth it. I had the best noodles with the biggest bowl ever, I forgot the name but definitely check that out. Poutine was bomb. Worth to visit if you are visiting Canada and are not too far away from Montreal.

Posted: May 25, 2025
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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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Is Canada safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 421 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 421 local experiences

Halifax

The government has declared an epidemic of gender based violence. Crime is rising in this small city. Sexual harassment and assault is increasing as is a prevalent knife culture. Be very careful at night. I've been accosted, threatened, chased a d attacked numerous times by men in broad daylight over the last 5 years.

Posted: May 23, 2025
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Safety in Canada