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 92 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

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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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
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Sandra

Sandra

Canada

Halifax, Solo travel

Halifax feels overall very safe, very nice people. But if you don’t have a car, you can see everything in a weekend. It’s a small city. Best if you can go travel around Nova Scotia. Also best to come here during summer.

Posted: October 6, 2024
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Is Canada safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 384 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 384 local experiences

Pauline

Pauline

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is safe for the most part. But we avoid the downtown area at night. Crime rates are high but I personally have not seen anything brutal or intense. The residential areas are safe, but I wouldn’t go walking at night

Posted: March 31, 2025
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Montreal

Very safe city for women but, as like any other big city, be careful in bars and night walking (lonely places). Also, check nowadays the public transportation website, in case you feel unsafe and want to report an incident.

Posted: March 27, 2025
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Meet locals in Canada

Marlene

Marlene

About Me

My name is Marlene. I am a well-rounded individual who loves music, travelling, fashion, good food and immersing in different cultures.

Speaking

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Vivian

Vivian

About Me

My three kids are mostly grown (15,17,19) and it's time for some adventures. My husband recently said to me that his ideal vacation would be to stay home for a week...and I want him to have that- but I like an adventure. I like to garden (mostly flowers now days) I do fundraisers for random things, and I ....Geez....this is actually a hard question. I suppose I'm figuring that out again. For a verrrry long time all I was about was my kids! I'm looking forward to helping my oldest move to Toronto this summer for an internship, flying to Dallas for the Vex World Competition with my son 🤞 and a four week trip to Japan with my 15 year old daughter.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Canada

Marlene

Marlene

Milton

Can host for:

3 days

About me

My name is Marlene. I am a well-rounded individual who loves music, travelling, fashion, good food and immersing in different cultures.

Speaking

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Vivian

Vivian

Comox Valley

Can host for:

3 days

About me

My three kids are mostly grown (15,17,19) and it's time for some adventures. My husband recently said to me that his ideal vacation would be to stay home for a week...and I want him to have that- but I like an adventure. I like to garden (mostly flowers now days) I do fundraisers for random things, and I ....Geez....this is actually a hard question. I suppose I'm figuring that out again. For a verrrry long time all I was about was my kids! I'm looking forward to helping my oldest move to Toronto this summer for an internship, flying to Dallas for the Vex World Competition with my son 🤞 and a four week trip to Japan with my 15 year old daughter.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Canada

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

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Coline

Coline

About Me

Heeey I am currently in Canada until the end of may as an exchange student :) I’m up to meeting new people and enjoying good times ! I enjoy cultural visits, music, nature, handcraft activities, cafes, partying and cooking.

Speaking

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Safety in Canada