Is Canada safe? All you need to know

Going to Canada is one of the best decisions any tourist can make. It's the safest country in the world. There are many different kinds of things to do in Canada that will suit all travelers, but remember to apply for ETA Canada visa and learn all about security before your trip.

Is Canada safe?

In 2020, Canada reached an all-time record number: 22 million tourists visited this country attracted, among other things, by the security that exists within its borders. In 2021, it was recognized as the 10th safest country in the world!

Canada has a very low crime rate. If you're wondering: is Canada safe? The answer is a resounding yes.

The areas with less security in Canada are reduced to specific parts of major cities. A good alternative is to previously ask at the police station of the city you are going to stay in about the most unsafe neighborhoods of the place in order to avoid them. 

The security forces in Canada vary according to the region. Thus, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police operates in almost all Canadian territory, except for the cities of Ontario and Québec, which have their own patrols. In Québec City, in addition to the police of each municipality, security is provided by the Sûreté du Québec, the city's rural police force. 

Although security in Canada is not a reason to worry, it is convenient to know that, in all Canadian cities, a toll-free call to the 911 number provides access to the country's emergency service. In case it does not work, you can dial "0", which is the number of the operator, who can connect you to the police.

What makes Canada the safest country in the world?

This North American country is famous for being considered a land of peace, free of armed conflict and crime. In fact, its crime rate is minimal compared to that of its neighboring country, the United States.

Specifically, in its major cities, the chances of being the victim of a home burglary or being assaulted on the street are very low. The main reason why safety is a palpable reality in Canada is the strong police presence. 

How safe is Canada?

The best travel advice to give to tourists going to Canada is to watch out for the weather. Since there's almost any chance of being mugged or worse, climatic factors such as summer wildfires can cause the most harm.

In winter the weather is extremely cold, which is a risk in itself. However, that's not all: icy roads can be very dangerous if we're not accustomed to such conditions.

In terms of scams, they're very unusual. The main things we should look out for as tourists are phone call scams and street petitions to extract your personal data. In all cases, avoid sharing your credit card information.

Security advice for Canada

Although Canada is a destination that is 100 percent safe, it is advisable to take some precautions and know some tips for traveling to Canada: 

• Check the instructions of the Canada travel advisory bevore traveling. They will have all the key security recommendations.
• Do not leave valuables inside a car. Although the rare theft of vehicles does not conform a statistical figure, the risk of falling victim to the theft of designer handbags or glasses of first brands is moderate when they are mistakenly left on a seat or on the dashboard in the view of possible minor offenders.
• Avoid dangerous areas. Although there are no urban areas that are recommended to avoid, each city has its areas which are more prone to crime. It is always advisable to ask at the hotel or at the nearest police station which areas should be avoided, especially at night.
• Stay away from conflicts between Canadians. Around local festivities or celebrations for sporting wins, the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs exacerbate emotions and can lead to violent confrontations among the inhabitants of the place. In the event of a small sign of something similar, it is best to move away and not intervene. The security forces are there to handle it.
• Walk with caution at night. It is best to move around central sites, avoiding the less populated or less known parts of the city. In the latter cases, the risk of walking at night is moderate.
• Presence of pickpockets. Only in very important urban centers, the "snatching" of bags is occasional. It is therefore recommended to move around with your valuables and money well protected.
• Leave bicycles locked. Although it is not common to steal, it is best to leave bikes parked in designated places and with a padlock.