Canada : Safety by City
- Abbotsford
- Brampton
- Burnaby
- Calgary
- Coquitlam
- Edmonton
- Halifax
- Hamilton
- Kelowna
- Kitchener
- Mississauga
- Montreal
- Nanaimo
- Niagara Falls
- Oshawa
- Ottawa
- Quebec City
- Red Deer
- Regina
- Saskatoon
- Thunder Bay
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Windsor
- Winnipeg
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is a gorgeous city with the ocean and islands to the west and mountains to the east.
The city is known for being friendly and safe, and tourists will have lots to do there.
Stanley Park, the VanDusen Botanical Garden, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Bloedel Conservatory, and other attractions contribute to this relatively compact metro area’s amazing scenery.
The city is also a major filming center for both the Canadian and U.S. film industries, so you never know what scene you might stumble upon.
Vancouver is easily accessible via plane, cruise ship, and highway, and the public transportation system is extensive.
Rail, buses, and water taxis all give people ways to get around without driving, and taxi and rideshare apps provide additional mobility.
The city is walkable and bikeable, and the weather, especially in late spring, summer, and early fall, can be stunningly good.
Of course, for visitors, Vancouver can be a bit intimidating.
Safety is always a concern for travelers, especially those coming from other countries.
The great news about Vancouver is that, while there are risks, they tend to be related to issues like property crime.
Violent crime can always be a risk, and the city has its share of natural risks, too.
Visitors should ensure passports are in order and that they carry ID at all times.
However, Vancouver has a generally good safety rating, requiring mostly general caution.
Warnings & Dangers in Vancouver
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Vancouver is generally considered safe, and the U.S. State Department doesn't have any particular travel advisories for the area. Vancouver is in a major metropolitan area, and with that comes some risk simply because there are so many people. However, the risks are like those in major U.S. cities. Scams, natural disasters, and petty theft stand out as the main issues.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Taxis and transport are generally safe, although online reports of a taxi scam in which the driver overcharges exist. Take only taxis from regulated companies (just as you would in the U.S.). Uber is available in Vancouver, too. As for the public transportation system, there's a public perception that it isn't safe, and people have reported erratic behavior and so on. Some recommend taking the Skytrain instead of buses when possible. Advice for bus takers is to avoid the few blocks surrounding the intersection of Main and Hastings, as the area has a reputation for not being the best.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
The city isn't known for pickpockets in the same way as many European cities. But the risk is there, and the key is to cut off the opportunity. If you don't pay attention to your surroundings, the risk is higher.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Vancouver actually faces a number of natural risks. Many are weather-related, such as heavy snow or heavy rain, coastal flooding, and drought. Wildfire smoke can be a problem, too. It's best to keep an eye on the weather report throughout your trip. The region has had some heat waves. The quake risk is probably the scariest because the area is subject to large quakes from the same fault systems that threaten Seattle.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Vancouver is generally safe, but petty theft, car theft, and smash-and-grab-type thefts from cars are real risks. Robbery risk itself is generally low, but take usual tourist precautions -- no flashy jewelry or openly showing wads of cash, don't leave items unattended, and so on.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
While the State Department ranks all of Canada as a Level 1 in terms of travel advisories, Canada's own measurement of terrorism threat level is currently set at Medium (it's been there since 2014). The system has five levels, and a Medium means an attack could occur. Keep alert to your surroundings and contact police if you see anything that you think might be suspicious -- about what you'd do in the U.S. Note also that riots have occurred in the past, although these were incidents like a 2011 riot after the Stanley Cup game.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Distraction scams exist. Scam calls are an issue, especially those pretending to be bank investigators. Rental fraud, often in the form of fake rental ads, is a growing problem (if you're planning to stay for a few months and hoped to rent a place short-term, this can be an issue). Police impersonator scams have unfortunately become an issue in the metro area, and social engineering scams meant to get your personal information are a risk, too. If you suspect a scam, immediately contact the police, especially if you think you're dealing with fake cops. The Canadian emergency line is 911, just like in the U.S.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Vancouver is generally considered safe overall, but as in any city, women traveling alone or in groups should be aware of their surroundings. Do be careful going out at night, and let your hotel's front desk staff or concierge know where you're going. (Ask them for advice about where to go, too.) Ensure you have a cell phone that works well with Canadian systems, and avoid dark areas or areas with any posted warnings. Do keep an eye out for pickpockets and thieves, and don't go off anywhere with strangers. In other words, use common sense, especially if you're planning to visit bars or traveling to unfamiliar areas.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Vancouver has good-quality water, and the city performs regular tests. That said, there's always a risk that some contaminants will get in, but that risk exists in any city with tap water that's otherwise safe to drink. You can always purchase bottled water at markets if you prefer that taste.
Safest Places to Visit in Vancouver
Most of Vancouver is safe to visit during the day.
Nighttime trips require general caution, especially in areas east of downtown and in areas that might not have many people, like the seawall.
Places to Avoid in Vancouver
Avoid any dark, isolated roads; that’s general advice for anywhere, but it works in Vancouver, too.
Be on the lookout for potential demonstrations downtown or outside government offices.
The area around Main and Hastings (Downtown East Side) is not a great area, relatively speaking, and many recommend avoiding it.
Try not to stay in that area, either, as some have reported break-ins and run-ins with people.
Some recommend not staying in Gastown and Chinatown, either, although visiting the areas is OK.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Vancouver
- Register for the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. You’ll have access to travel advisories, and it may be easier for the embassy or consulates to locate you should there be a new advisory.
- Use common sense. Anti-theft bags, refraining from walking with earbuds in, staying out of isolated locations, and generally watching your surroundings are good ideas.
- Don’t give thieves an opportunity. Vancouver is safe, but if you leave your luggage in your car in full view, that’s an opportunity that a crook might want to take. Don’t keep your wallet in your back pocket, keep a good grip on your phone, and more.
- Bring layers appropriate for the weather. Shoes with good traction and protection from cold weather are essential.
- Protect your drinks. Don’t leave a drink unattended in a bar or restaurant, for example.
- Be wary of scams, and keep local police numbers programmed into your phone. Don’t be afraid to say no and walk away from someone who’s giving you a bad feeling.
- Obey the law. Canada may seem laid back, but this isn’t the place to test the limits of the police’s tolerance for nonsense.
- Lock doors and windows — your car, your hotel, and any other place. Vancouver’s violent crime rate is fairly low, but the property theft/petty theft issue is very present, as previously mentioned. Losing your stuff during a trip can be a drag.
- You’ll find varying advice about good versus bad parts of town, and the advice can change as neighborhoods change. You may want to check travel forums before your trip to get more perspectives about specific streets and neighborhoods to avoid.
- Be careful with your personal information. Don’t mention the hotel you’re staying at out loud over your phone on the street, for example, to avoid the risk of being followed. Again, Vancouver is generally safe, but you still need to use common sense.
So... How Safe Is Vancouver Really?
In general, Vancouver is a safe, friendly place to visit with lots to do and see.
Crime tends to be oriented toward property theft and scams, but as with any major North American metro, stay alert.
Stay in populated areas, look for reputable hotels, and check maps before you leave your hotel room for the day.
Speak with the people at the front desk of the hotel about where not to go, too.
If you take general city precautions, you can eliminate much of the opportunity that drives dangerous situations.
How Does Vancouver Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Vancouver |
80 |
| Brampton |
82 |
| Victoria |
82 |
| Ottawa |
83 |
| Kitchener |
75 |
| Calgary |
85 |
| Nanaimo |
32 |
 Gothenburg | 78 |
 Cañon City | 87 |
| Gilbert | 76 |
| Mount Prospect | 86 |
| Hannibal | 76 |
 Seoul | 85 |
Useful Information
Visas
If traveling for fewer than 180 days as a tourist, U.S. citizens don't need a visa. You do need a passport that's valid for your trip. If you can, apply for the NEXUS program ahead of time; this is a trusted-traveler program that gives you expedited service through border control. Business visitors who aren't actually working in Canada (only working for their home-country employer on business in Canada) and who are visiting for fewer than 180 days don't need a special visa. However, U.S. non-citizens (both tourists and business) with green cards may need to show both their green card and passport from the country in which they have citizenship.
Currency
Vancouver uses the Canadian dollar. While some businesses right by the border might accept U.S. dollars, that's never a guarantee. Always keep Canadian dollars on you. As of January 2026, the exchange rate is around US$1 = CAN$1.37. ATM withdrawals in Canadian dollars will likely get you the best rate, and you can exchange money at the airport.
Weather
Vancouver's weather is similar to that of Seattle and the coastal Pacific Northwest. It's a moderate climate thanks to warmer Pacific influences and the mountains to the east, which block a lot of colder mid-continental weather. It can be cloudy and rainy, but it does receive a decent amount of sunshine. Bring layers, including light jackets for summer evenings and thicker jackets, sweaters, gloves, hats, and scarves for winter. Highs in winter average in the mid-40s Fahrenheit, and the lows average in the mid-30s; summer highs average in the mid-70s with lows averaging in the mid-50s.
Airports
Vancouver's main airport for international flights is Vancouver International Airport, usually nicknamed by its IATA code, YVR. From there, you can catch the Skytrain into the city. It takes about 18 minutes or so to reach Richmond, and about 30 minutes to reach downtown Vancouver. The airport station is between the two domestic and international terminals. Costs vary according to the zone you're traveling to, with the most expensive currently being CAN$6.60 plus a CAN$5 fee that's specific to boarding at the airport. You can buy a Compass card to store value for use on the system if you aren't going to drive.
Travel Insurance
While Vancouver and Canada as a whole don't carry any State Department warnings, it's always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers any medical costs (Canadian medical care isn't "free" -- Canadians pay for it out of taxes, but non-Canadians might face some charges), as well as issues like trip cancellation.
Vancouver Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
6 | 8 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 22 | 22 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 7 |
| Low °C |
2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 4 | 2 |
| High °F |
43 | 46 | 48 | 55 | 61 | 66 | 72 | 72 | 64 | 57 | 48 | 45 |
| Low °F |
36 | 37 | 39 | 43 | 48 | 52 | 55 | 57 | 52 | 46 | 39 | 36 |
Canada - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Abbotsford | 83 |
| Brampton | 82 |
| Burnaby | 65 |
| Calgary | 85 |
| Coquitlam | 86 |
| Edmonton | 86 |
| Halifax | 79 |
| Hamilton | 76 |
| Kelowna | 76 |
| Kitchener | 75 |
| Mississauga | 85 |
| Montreal | 82 |
| Nanaimo | 32 |
| Niagara Falls | 87 |
| Oshawa | 42 |
| Ottawa | 83 |
| Quebec City | 88 |
| Red Deer | 32 |
| Regina | 74 |
| Saskatoon | 73 |
| Thunder Bay | 65 |
| Toronto | 83 |
| Vancouver | 80 |
| Victoria | 82 |
| Windsor | 81 |
| Winnipeg | 78 |
Forest Fires
This site should put natural disasters up to Medium. Over the past few summers we’ve had major forest fires that carry smoke all over the city from the mountains, leading to weeks-long smoke filled skies with heavy inhalation warnings and recommendations to stay inside and close windows. Unfortunately a lot of them are caused by people tossing cigarette butts out of their cars, or campfires left burning.
I know about this! I had been in Vancouver twice now, two different years – and both times there were issues with the fires that ruined my trips. It was BAD!! I went home with a terrible cough the second time and I don’t feel safe enough to go back, for health reasons.
It’s true. Not just fires but devastating floods that wiped out our highways and sunk abbotsford.
La mejor
Bellos momentos pasamos con nuestra familia, en para mi la mejor ciudad del mundo para vivir, tiene todo, naturaleza, montañas, una ciudad gigantesca, grandes restaurantes, gente amable, cordial. la seguridad es relativamente alta, solo los sin casa sobre todo en el centro son un poco molestos,. pero es una gran ciudad bellisima.
Not -8 degrees.
The review says it goes down to -8 degrees but that doesn’t happen! The lowest really is -1.
It went down to -13 this january (2022) but you’re right on average I’d say the coldest it actually get is maybe -1, -2, -3.
ONGOING GANG WARS !!! HEADS UP AT ALL TIMES !!!... HEAR SHOTS HIT THE FLOOR...
No mentions of the ongoing gang related shootings lol and the gang wars in the area of vancouver and metro vancouver lol….
Lived here for over 30 years – there is NO PICKPOCKETING concerns here. It mentions Stanley ark which is actually Stanley Park – a very large open green space and it’s quite difficult to be close to a stranger because of so much space.
Very Tame
The only unsafe area in the city proper is East Hastings, in an area called downtown eastside. There are only a couple of blocks you really need to watch yourself on, but that’s mostly because of the risk of pick-pocketing or pandering from those with a drug dependency. There are, unfortunately, a lot of them, but even if you’re a more vulnerable looking person walking through at night, as I have, the risk is generally pretty low as long as you keep moving and keep to yourself, although its still not the best idea- one of the dumber things I did as a 16-year old. Its more that things can and do (rarely) happen, whereas everywhere else they don’t really. Also there are car break-ins and scamy corner stores downtown, so watch out for those.
The one other area that’s of concern is farther out, in a part of Surrey called Walleye, which has had inter-gang shootings for a few years. It isn’t like gang warfare in other places like the U.S. though, they generally keep to themselves and its still rare to hear about it in the news.
The biggest problem in Stanley Park isn’t stranger-danger, its the coyote’s LOL (too many tourists/ urban types feeding them)
Those temperatures mentioned are out of date. It gets hotter here in the summer than 21. Expect many days of 25-30 in the city in July and August. And in the summer be prepared for smoke – winter; rain. Its a beauitful place here and I’d say overall very safe
Safe & Amazing
Temperatures on average
Winter: Anywhere between -3 and about 6 degrees. This cold snap usually lasts from december to february and starts gradually warming up by march.
Summer: It doens’t really start in June like most places. Summer in BC is from July – September and can even stretch out into the first week or two of October. Summer temperatures on average range from 23 – 40 with the average being 28/30. (This is Vancouver, venture out a little further and the temperatures can become more extreme).
So, in Stanley Park a lot of people will carry nuts because of how friendly the chipmunks are. They have been known to climb up your leg to steal the nuts from you. This must be the pick pocketing that they’re referring to…
Bad areas: Surrey – Honestly by public transit all the train stations in Surrey are pretty sketchy and have sketchy types around, Newton & Whalley are the two worth area. Hastings downtown, you should avoid. It’s several blocks of transient types.
Vancouver & Vancouver adjacent towns don’t typically see issues from natural disasters, however some pretty bad floods took out some of our highways in 2021/22 – in the summer wild fire smoke from the interior often will creep in to Vancouver during the late summer months.
Other dangers to worry about:
Driving – drive with extra caution here and be alert. There are a plethora of drunk drivers on the road especially on a weekend evening.
Wild-life: Bring bear spray if hiking in North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Port Moody any Vancouver adjacent area. Even if it’s a “small trail” bring bear spray. Bears are even in Burnaby Parks – a major metropolis. Be bear aware, know how to act. It’s not uncommon to see bears on the side of the highway when driving up to Squamish or Whistler.
One hell of a nice city.
Proud of my city. Been to many other places, coming home there is nothing like it, the feeling of this being my home. I have never even come into confrontation here in Vancouver, its incredibly safe. However, as a tourist please bear in mind the city is mega expensive, everyone including myself drives new foreign cars, so be careful driving. The city has also gotten much more populous and busy lately, therefor random crime is up, you should watch yourself just like you would in any other major city. Gang crime is so targeted, its not an issue like LA or even Seattle. We dont have hoods, we dont have ghettos in Vancouver. We also dont have freeways here, and we are the only city in North America without a freeway cutting through the downtown core, making downtown super unique. Explore and enjoy, but dont think going north of the city for a hike is a joke, nature here is the real danger. Many tourists go off hiking only to get lost, and die in the cold. We have mountains and nature as far as the eye can see here, so be smart and be prepared with supplies when going out in nature, and do your research, and never go hiking alone. Thats pretty much it, enjoy and be nice to locals, and aware that they are hustling, working and busy trying to make it here, bring your phone and open your eyes (drivers cant see you). Its a small city so you can easily walk the entire downtown core and uber anywhere else. Have fun in my city and welcome to the Westcoast! (Little secret, Vancouver is the best on the westcoast, and summers here are unbeatable).
Thanks for your detailed review of Vancouver. I’m traveling there soon.
There are many sketchy places in the Lower Mainland, homeless camps in many parts. As a tourist using the bus/skytrain to get around there’s people overdosing I was shocked at 2:00pm in the middle of the day! There’s a lot of addiction crime, traffic is a nightmare, don’t get sick
although universal healthcare – not enough hospitals, paramedics, etc. long waits in clinics too…not easy to find a doctor whose taking new patients. Climate change has impacted the weather – more snow days (disastrous road conditions on snow days) and more hot days….lots of smoke due to forest fires in spring/summers, flooding due to more rain etc. People are more rushed, rude, and less helpful … overall not a war zone but don’t believe you are not going to get big city problems here.
Perfect for solo travelers
Very nice city. Been here for a week now and everything has gone well so far. We’re going through a cold front during the Christmas season (2022) and temperatures dropped from 5 to -12 (December 21). So be prepared when it comes to weather, yesterday Dec 22, was a sunny cold day, now it’s drizzling.
Nice walking city
I took a cruise out of Vancouver and spent a couple of days exploring the city. I felt very safe walking around by myself. Stanley Park is very nice and has great water and mountain views. Also, the US dollar exchange rate is very good there.
It’s funny how a city known for its beauty still manages to feel a bit intimidating, like it’s saying “Enjoy the scenery, but keep your wallet close.” Guess those stunning parks don’t come with a safety guarantee.
It’s interesting how a city can feel both vibrant and a bit daunting at the same time, especially with all the beauty surrounding you and the mix of people you encounter.