As with many countries, there are risks associated with your stay, especially for first-time visitors. While Canada is globally considered a very safe country, its safety varies by region according to the unique makeup of its residents.
Canadians generally report high satisfaction and confidence in their country’s safety. One survey says 83% of respondents feel safe walking alone in their neighborhood at night. This is supported by recent Statistique Canada data, showing an insignificant change in police-reported crime between 2020 and 2021.
Of course, safety perceptions vary across different cities, but ranking 11th on the Global Peace Index (GPI) speaks a lot about the country’s safety, both domestic and international.
Is Canada Safe for International Travel?
Canada is among the safest countries for tourists. Its tourism industry boasts a Can$19.96 billion contribution to the country’s GDP by the 4th quarter of 2022.
This strong tourism record proves Canada’s reputation as a safe place and its allure to guests who want to explore its big cities.
The following factors also play crucial roles in your overall travel safety experience:
Travel Insurance
This protects you from losses commonly reported during travels to other countries. Incidents like loss of baggage, passport, and even emergency medical needs are among the issues most travel insurances cover.
Travel Advisories
Like other countries, the Canadian government has implemented specific security measures to protect its citizens and foreign nationals within its governance.
This includes warnings against health threats like COVID-19 and even potential terrorist attacks. Before traveling, ensure you know the specific advisories within that area.
Experienced Guide
Canada’s rural areas are generally easy to navigate, but the same can’t be said for its wilderness areas.
Some of the world’s most poisonous animals, like the Canadian toad, black widow spider, and the Northern Pacific rattlesnake of British Columbia, inhabit specific locations you might want to stay away from.
An experienced guide guarantees you won’t wander into these risky regions.
Public Transportation
Canada’s railway system is generally safe and comfortable. Other options include public buses in major cities and tourist regions, as well as ferry services for visiting provinces on the Atlantic Ocean, like New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are accessible too.
Weather
Canada might be a safe country, but it also has one of the most diverse weather conditions, ranging from average to extreme.
It also varies by region, where you can have scorching heat conditions in one part and blinding snowstorms in other areas.
Winter in Canada is not to be taken lightly. You’ll need multiple layers of protective clothing to combat the paralyzing cold. The layers can include thermals, well-insulated jackets, boots, gloves, and scarves.
Is Canada Safe for Work?
Known for being a multicultural society, Canada attracts workers from other countries. The good news is its government doesn’t fall short of ensuring all workers are protected while doing their jobs.
Canada provides a comprehensive Labour Code that guides workers and employers in occupational health and safety, standard hours and wages, monetary penalties, and more.
Is Canada Safe for Immigrants?
Immigration accounts for a huge percentage of the country’s labor force growth. A recent census shows that immigrants comprise 36% of physicians and 41% of engineers in Canada.
Because of immigration’s fundamental role in the country’s economy, they’ve developed policies like the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IPRA. It details protection programs and guidelines for immigrants seeking entry and permanent residency.
Is Canada Safe for International Students?
Yes, it is! One of the things international students like most about studying in Canada is its diverse culture. You get to enjoy high-quality education while meeting people from different countries who can teach you a thing or two about their home country’s unique social construct.
Foreign students in Canada get full protection under Canadian law and must comply with the country’s laws in return.
What is the Crime Rate in Canada?
Statista research records an average of 5,896.97 crime incidents nationwide for every 100,000 residents. This encompasses all types of police-reported crimes, from petty theft to more grave offenses like homicide.
Canada’s crime severity index (CSI) has also significantly decreased from 2020’s 106.73 to 73.68 by 2021. CSI defines the gravity of a crime based on Canadian law. The higher the rating, the graver the offenses.
What Are the Safest Places in Canada?
Choosing a destination in Canada can be tricky because it has over 7,000 beautiful cities and towns from all its territories. If you don’t have a location in mind, the ideal places to start are those with minimal crime rates and friendly neighborhoods that will give you the confidence to explore the area even on a solo trip.
Here are some of the safest places to visit in Canada:
- Oak Bay, British Columbia: Notable for its beautiful coastline and top-grade restaurants, Oak Bay is a perfect place for anyone who wants to skip the city’s noise in favor of a more serene experience. Its CSI is at 28.70, with overall crime severity lower than the nation’s average rate.
- Quebec City, Quebec: Known for its French-speaking population, Quebec City is also considered one of the safest in Canada, with only a 48.6 CSI. Its low crime rate can be attributed to its low population of over 540,000.
- Ottawa, Ontario: Home to world-class museums and historical sites, Ottawa boasts low crime levels at 50.2 CSI. It also has the lowest drug violation records among Canada’s six largest cities.
- Toronto, Ontario: As the nation’s largest city, Toronto has the highest population of over 2 million. It has a CSI of 56.7, though its large community means certain areas may be prone to more incidents than the rest. It’s Canada’s business hub, where you’ll get a more multicultural experience.
What are the Most Dangerous Places in Canada?
Like any country, Canada also has areas associated with higher crime rates compared to most cities. If you’re uncomfortable with high-risk places on foreign soil, you might want to ditch the following on your travel list.
- Lethbridge, Alberta: Lethbridge’s strong economy and mild winters can be among its primary draw, but its 148.9 CSI is something to consider. Drug-related crimes, theft, and armed robbery are on its list of issues.
- Winnipeg, Manitoba: Known for its festivals and rich food culture, Winnipeg is a favorite destination both by locals and foreign guests. But because it’s a big city with a population of over 700,000, crimes are more prevalent.
It has a CSI of 118.5, with issues like mugging, armed robbery, and car theft among the reported incidents. - Regina, Saskatchewan: Regina’s low tax rates and great public health service make it an attractive residency prospect.
However, its high crime rate at CSI 116.8 might be a major disadvantage, especially if you plan to stay there long. - Surrey, British Columbia: Despite Surrey’s low population of over 518,000, its CSI of 86 can throw off interested visitors whose priority is safety.
It may be one of Canada’s most culturally-diverse cities, but rising issues in car theft, robbery, and property vandalism increased in recent years, which requires more vigilance from everyone.
Conclusion
Canada is a beautiful country safe for travel, study, work, and residency. Its multicultural community also promotes tolerance amidst differences, which impacts your overall experience in dealing with its citizens.
While some cities have seen spikes in crime and violence, Canada’s global ranking as the 11th safest country in the world remains a solid reason to enjoy what the country has to offer.