Is Vancouver Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Vancouver is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. It's a city with a low crime rate and locals are friendly and helpful. Nonetheless, like traveling anywhere, it's important to maintain awareness of your surroundings, especially when out late at night or in less crowded places. Streets are well-lit and public transportation, including trains, buses, and taxis, is widely available and reliable. As always, employing basic safety precautions such as not displaying expensive belongings, being aware of personal possessions, and keeping to populated areas in the evenings is recommended. The city is well-policed and emergencies are responded to swiftly. Don't hesitate to ask locals for help, they are typically more than willing to assist or provide directions.

Safety rating

3.9 /5

Based on 14 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.9 /5

Based on 36 experiences from local women

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How safe is Vancouver?

Safety at night:Safe

Vancouver is generally a safe city, even at night. There's adequate lighting and police presence, especially in tourist-centric areas. However, like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, avoid less populated areas or outside the central district during late hours. Night public transportation is also reliable and considered safe, but taxis and rideshares are always an option for extra safety.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Vancouver is generally quite safe. The TransLink system which includes buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus, is well-maintained and frequently monitored. Staff members and security are typically available, especially during peak hours. Like any big city, it is always important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially if traveling late at night. However, in general, instances of crime or harassment are relatively low, and many locals and tourists alike use the system daily without issue.

Street harassment:Low

Vancouver is generally regarded as a safe city, especially for solo female travelers. Street harassment isn't a primary concern as the city and its people are known for being respectful and friendly; however, just like any major city, it isn't entirely exempted. It's recommended, as always, to practice standard precautionary measures just to ensure safety at all times.

Petty crimes:Low

Vancouver is generally safe with a low occurrence of petty crimes like pick-pocketing and bag snatching. However, always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist spots and public transport. It's always worth taking standard precautions to protect your belongings and personal safety.

Is Vancouver worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 14 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.5/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

3.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5

Group travel

If you're seeking beautiful landscapes, Vancouver can be a good choice if you're ready to go further than Vancouver city. I would not recommend just staying in the city, I didn't really feel safe there because of all the drug consumption around the city. Also, i didn't find anything worth visiting.

Posted: August 12, 2025

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Abigail

United States

Group travel

I felt very safe in Vancouver! I went with my best friend in July 2024. We stayed in HI Hostels in downtown Vancouver in an all female dorm room. The hostel felt very safe and to get in you needed a keycard for both the front door and your room. The front desk always had at least two people there which also helped me feel safer. The hostel hosted a bar crawl one of the nights for anyone who paid $65. We were given wrist brands that said what event it was and not the hostel name which I thought was a smart move on the hostel’s part! We went to about three bars and three clubs and we all had a blast. Everyone in the group hung out, it was about 25-30 people. Everyone was kind, respectful and fun! It was a bit expensive as my friend and I had to Uber for anywhere more than twenty minutes from the hospital and the dinner places weren’t cheap either. Both services were good and the food was amazing but definitely budget a good amount. I spent probably $150 USD while there, I shopped a good bit and the hostel was $280 USD for two women in a 4 women dorm room.

Posted: August 4, 2025

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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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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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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

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Is Vancouver safe for women?

Safety index

3.9 /5

Based on 36 local experiences

Crime index

2.3 /5

Based on 36 local experiences

Rain

Avoid the downtown east side especially at night. Otherwise the city is lovely and very safe! I have no issues being alone at night and I live right by downtown. People are willing to help and most people leave you alone. Use basic common sense and be aware of your surroundings, as you would anywhere.

Posted: August 15, 2025

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