Is Ottawa safe for solo female travelers?

Ottawa's capital, is generally considered highly safe for solo female travelers. As a country known for its peace and friendliness, Canada has low crime rates. This includes Ottawa, where safety standards are relentlessly maintained. The people are generally respectful and open-minded which contributes to a sense of security. Public transportation is dependable at most hours and the city is geared towards pedestrian movement, making it easy to navigate. Nonetheless, like any other city, it is always recommended to remain cautious, especially during night hours. But overall, Ottawa offers a comforting and secure environment for solo female travelers.

Safety rating

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How safe is Ottawa for solo female travelers?

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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How safe is Ottawa for women?

Local safety index

4.1 /5

Based on 26 local experiences

Local crime index

2 /5

Based on 26 local experiences

Camille

Camille

It’s usually pretty safe, walking alone at night is still okay I’ve always done it. There’s a lot of homeless around Rideau but as long as you don’t engage or look like you know where you’re going they won’t bother you. Usually they just ask for food.

Posted: December 22, 2025
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Yannie

Yannie

Very chill city, people are calm and nice, there are homeless people around certain pockets but they usually mind their own business, just have to get used to seeing them on the streets and don’t actively interact with them

Posted: November 18, 2025
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Ottawa is still relatively safe, but in recent years there’s been an increase in homelessness, especially downtown. Most areas are fine for walking during the day, but at night it’s better to stay in well-lit, busier streets and be aware of your surroundings

Posted: August 14, 2025
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Maya

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, 2025
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I 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, 2025
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Safety map

The safety map shows areas in Ottawa where women have reported feeling unsafe.

Safety in Canada

Hospitality Exchange in Ottawa

Rosemary

Rosemary

Ottawa

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m an arts enthusiast with a deep love for theater, a dedicated foodie, and an avid cook who finds joy in creating delicious meals. Friendly and open-minded, I thrive on exploring new experiences and ideas. I cherish time spent on the beach and enjoy hiking in nature. Above all, I nurture connections that enrich both myself and others, believing in the power of relationships to make us fundamentally better people.

Speaking

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Giulia

Giulia

Ottawa

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hello! My name is Giulia, I am a French exchange student for a year in Ottawa, at Carleton University. I am taking advantage of this year abroad to travel and meet new people with whom I can have a good time over a good meal, discovering the city or exploring nature 💃. I also really like arts and crafts so if you are up for a painting, crochet or pottery workshop, let's be friends! 😘

Speaking

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