Is Toronto Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

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Stacked with a load of cool stuff to see and do, Toronto is one of the top cities to visit in Canada. With the CN Tower, art galleries, and tons of cultures to soak up, it’s no wonder you want to visit on your Canadian backpacking trip.

However, there are some things about Toronto that make us question its safety – just a little bit. Don’t get us wrong, it’s not a dangerous city but compared to other Canadian cities there are a few personal safety things to do be aware of. Especially if you wander outside of Downtown Toronto and into one of the less desirable areas.

You’ll probably want to take precautions against petty crime, as this exists in touristed areas; you may also want to steer clear of some particularly rowdy drinking areas at night, as these can get pretty wild indeed. There’s also a sizeable homeless community to be aware of. Just like all major cities, violent crime does happen, but Toronto is generally a safe city for tourists.

Toronto can also be seriously affected by adverse weather conditions. In winter snowstorms completely freeze the city; these can cause havoc. It might not be an element of personal safety you might have considered but both here and in other Canadian cities the winter is to be taken seriously.

In summer, thunderstorms are pretty frequent – not to mention that it gets super hot. Tornadoes also can affect the city during June and July.

This only really makes certain areas of Toronto unsafe; overall, we’d say it’s not really a dangerous city at all. In fact, on the global scale, it’s one of the safest cities in the world even with the recent rise in crime rates.

We’re happy to announce that Toronto is safe to visit right now – and the stats agree. For a large North American city, the crime rate is super low compared to other cities in the region.

Crime levels in Toronto are pretty low, especially when compared to other big, global cities around the world. In 2017 The Economist ranked 60 major cities in terms of safety – Toronto ranked 4th safest city in the world and came is as the safest North American city. It beat all other Canadian cities to this title!

Yet Toronto does have a rising homicide rate; in 2018 it had the highest homicide rate in Canada. For comparison, New York City had a rate of 3.05 (homicides) per 100,000, whilst Toronto had 3.11 per 100,00 – yes, higher than NYC and the highest rate for the city in 27 years.

Worryingly the crime rate as a whole has been rising over 3 consecutive years. However, much of the violent crime in Toronto is actually gang-related, with young people frequently both the victim and the perpetrator and it taking part in the less desirable areas. So despite these stats, it’s not a dangerous city and still managed to be ranked one of the safest cities in the world.

However, tourism in Toronto has not been affected by this. The city received 15 million overnight visitors in 2017, with tourists, on the whole, bringing in $8.8 billion to the Canadian economy and providing over 300,000 jobs across the city.

Canada, as a whole, ranks 6/163 on the Global Peace Index. It’s pretty peaceful in Canada and Toronto is pretty chill when compared to other major cities around the world!

Some places in Toronto are safer than others. To make sure you’re having a successful trip, we’ve listed the safest, and the no-go areas below. 

West Queen West

West Queen West isn’t just the coolest neighbourhood, it’s also one of the safest. With plenty of unique attractions, a chill vibe and super friendly locals, you’ll be having the time of your life here. Seriously, this neighbourhood is something really special. Even multiple magazines have ranked West Queen West as one of the coolest neighbourhoods worldwide! 

West Queen West boasts a stylish blend of historic architecture and innovative fare. It’s where fashionistas and foodies mingle with designers, writers and graffiti artists. From top-notch galleries to hipster bars, there’s something fabulous for every taste in West Queen West. When it comes to personal security and violent crime this is one area where you don’t need to be overly concerned.

Downtown West

While Downtown can sometimes be a bit rowdy at night with one or the other party animal, Downtown West is the best way to enjoy a super central location AND a lot of safety at the same time. Known for being the best neighbourhood for families, you’ll find plenty of great attractions and famous sights in Downtown West. 

Obviously, since you’ll be based in the heart of the city, you can easily access all of the other cool neighbourhoods of Toronto thanks to the massive public transport system. It’s also where you can find the Toronto harbour, which is a must-visit for travellers who love an outdoor adventure and exploring nature.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a lively and vibrant district in central Toronto. The largest Chinatown in North America, this bustling neighbourhood is a wonderful medley of restaurants, shops, bars and cafes. It is a district that will excite the senses thanks to its myriad of sights, sounds, smells and tastes.

You’ll be perfectly safe in Chinatown. The only threat you can find here is being lured into amazing restaurants and putting on a pound or two… In addition to being a top destination for foodies, Chinatown is where you’ll find a high concentration of budget accommodations, including backpacker hostels and boutique hotels.

Places to avoid in Toronto

As we mentioned above, there are some areas in Toronto that aren’t as safe as we’d like them to be. However, that’s only the case after dark thanks to Toronto being safer than many other major cities. While you should always be more alert and aware of your surroundings at night, it pays to simply avoid the following areas after dark, especially if you’re a solo female traveller. 

• The neighbourhood of Bloor
• Dundas Street
• Queen Street 

Other less desirable areas to be wary of – are Kipling & Albion, Regent Park, Moss Park, St. James Town, and the Jane & Finch area. Basically, all entertainment districts can get a bit sketchy, especially at night. You should also be wary around parks since that’s where most of the homeless people go after dark.

Toronto Travel Insurance

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Whilst Canada is statistically one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world Toronto is, of course, another issue. Saying that it’s certainly not a dangerous city which can be attested to the fact it ranked 4th on the safest cities in the world list in 2017. However, compared to other Canadian cities there are a few things to watch out for and be aware of – but what things?

To help you with navigating the city like a pro and staying safe as you’re going about your daily discoveries, we’re sharing with you our very best safety tips for travelling to Toronto.

1. Look after your belongings when you’re out and about – if they’re not easily stealable, they probably won’t be stolen.
2. Don’t walk around with important stuff – wads of cash, important documents, passport; if they’re not with you, they can’t get stolen. We always keep some banknotes tucked away in an inconspicuous money belt for personal security.
3. There are sketchy parts of Toronto – but many of these are on the outskirts that you probably won’t be visiting.
4. Be aware of Toronto’s sizeable homeless community – they shouldn’t cause you too much trouble, but it’s probably best to steer clear; many of the city’s homeless are suffering from mental illnesses making them a little unpredictable. However, compared to many other cities in North America they aren’t much of an issue.
5. Ignore panhandlers – they’re often around Queen West and Kensington Market. It shouldn’t cause trouble but is best avoided.
6. Recreational cannabis is legal – since October 2018. Be careful that you’re doing it legally and that you know your limits.
7. Plan your routes ahead of time – do you know what area you’ll be walking through? Will it be dark? Try to familiarise yourself with maps beforehand rather than walking around on your phone the whole time.
8. If somebody does try to mug you – do not resist. Hand your things over; you don’t want to get hurt.
9. If someone tries to assault or otherwise attack you – make a big fuss, scream, kick and run (Toronto Police advice).
10. Be careful of backpacks and bags – on public transport and busy places, keep nothing valuable in easily accessible pockets.
11. Know that thieves use distraction techniques – might bump into you, drop something, ask you directions, anything seemingly normal; don’t trust overfriendly strangers or “weird” stuff happening in front of you.
12. Watch your surroundings at ATMs – probably best to withdraw cash inside a bank and during daylight hours.
13. Try to blend in – no Osprey daypack, no hiking gear, try to look more like a city dweller than an intrepid tourist.
14. But don’t look flashy – all your designer duds with a flashy handbag and plenty of jewels = gold dust for a potential thief.
15. Prepare for nature – if you plan on camping or hiking. Weather, terrain, and wildlife can be deadly, so plan, plan and plan some more.
16. Stay aware of the weather forecast – you don’t want to get stuck somewhere in thick snow, especially if you’re not used to it.
17. Get yourself a sim card – if your data plan doesn’t cover Canada. It’ll help you feel safe, especially if you get lost somewhere.
18. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – Canadians are friendly, so ask a family, a shopkeeper – almost anyone – if you need some help.

It might seem like a lot to remember, but these pointers will most certainly put you in good stead to not come to any harm or have anything stolen from you whilst you explore Toronto.

Of course, sometimes it’s all about the wrong place, the wrong time, but to avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time in the first place, keep our tips in mind.

There’s nothing quite like solo travel. For us, travelling the world by yourself is one of the best ways to get around the globe. Being by yourself you have to rely on your own street smarts and travelling know-how and basically get to level up as a person – how cool is that?

However, you can get lonely, bored – even jaded with the whole thing, so here are a few top tips to keep you sane and safe in Toronto.

• Book into one of Toronto’s top hostels in order to meet other travellers. This is the best way to keep away the ‘solo travel blues’: chat to people and get involved in the hostel life. Don’t shy away from the sofas and couches of the common area, instead get to know your fellow travel buds.
• If your hostel offers up social events, get involved! Things like walking tours, bar crawls and other group activities are the perfect way to break the ice with the people you’re staying with. Not only that, but these sorts of things are going to help you get to grips with Toronto – and learn a little bit about the city and its culture as you do so.
• If you don’t feel like staying at a hostel, you can still book yourself on tours. There are free walking tours that you can take of the Downtown area; get on one of these and you can get to know other people and learn more about the city. In addition, if the weather’s bad, the tour heads underground and follows the city’s underground path system.
• For a more local view into the city book yourself a Toronto Greeter. This is an awesome initiative whereby a Torontoite will guide you, personally, through their local neighbourhood. Great way to get to know the real Toronto.
• Don’t forget to stay aware of your surroundings in the city. It may seem tame and everyone may seem friendly, but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security; acting as if nothing bad could happen may lead you to become a target of crime. Remember to trust your gut and remove yourself from sketchy situations.
• Don’t be afraid to go out and socialise but don’t drink too much. Toronto is a big city and it’s really not a good idea to get completely wasted – especially if you don’t know how to get back.
• It’s not smart to keep all of your belongings in one place. Obviously, you’ll have a bag, but when it comes to having all your bank cards, IDs and cash in one wallet – that’s not a good thing.
• Speaking of bags, travel light. Cities are not the place for huge backpacks or multiple bags; this makes it easier for you to “lose” things. Having loads of stuff is just not a good look in a city, especially if you need to use some sort of public transport system – be considerate! Not only that: it’s heavy and uncomfortable.

Being a city, the number one thing about Toronto is to make sure you don’t feel isolated. Of course, there are tons of people walking around cities everywhere all the time, but it doesn’t mean every single one of them is going to talk to you. Instead, put yourself out there; chat with other travellers at your hostel, even the staff; keep in touch with your family, but remember to take days off for some chill time.

Toronto is a super fun city and there’s a lot going on here that’s going to be great for solo female travellers. In fact, it’s a good all-around destination for solo female travellers because of its relative safety compared to other cities around the world and the sheer amount of stuff you can do.

However, it is still a city and unfortunately, female travellers will have to be more on alert than male travellers. Though that’s more than annoying, we’re here to help; so check out our insider’s tips on solo female travel in Toronto to travel smart and have an awesome time.

Saying that the city did rank 4th in the safest cities in the world and the highest North American city so please don’t be paranoid but instead just wary when it comes to personal security.

• Find yourself some female-friendly accommodation. There are some great places to choose from that have been frequented by solo female travellers before you, so have a look online, read relevant reviews and choose the best place for you.
• Keep your phone charged. The most unsafe thing you could probably do is have no way to contact anyone or navigate your way around if you’re somewhere unsafe or you encounter an emergency situation.
• If you’re going out drinking you should be careful – especially in areas like the Club District. There are many bars in Toronto that are safe for females; if in doubt, ask the female staff at your accommodation. Most bars are safe, but some aren’t so nice for ladies.
• Avoid drunk guys. Basically, the Entertainment District can get very stupid with drunken guys and fights; the testosterone levels alone are enough to put anybody enough if we’re honest.
• Be careful around Jarvis Street, parts of Parkdale and Parliament. These areas are not really safe for women to be walking alone by themselves at night.
• On the whole, in fact, Toronto isn’t a good place to be wandering around by yourself at night. Use your street smarts: grab a taxi or Uber if you need to get home at night; it’s just not worth the stress and the risk.
• Make sure someone’s looking out for you. Be it a friend you can message on the way home in the cab, or somebody back at the hostel who you told your evening plans. It’s just better (safer) that someone knows what you’re up to than no one.
• Toronto’s huge homeless population can be intimidating to many and especially to a woman by herself. Around Moss Park, with its many boarding houses, probably won’t be the best place for you to be taking a stroll – any time of day; it’s really not nice.
• Try to dress down and blend in with the locals. It’s a shame that you can’t wear what you want to wear, but dressing more conservatively just means less hassle – especially on nights out. Besides, in winter, you will want to wear a lot of clothes anyway!
• Don’t be daunted by eating out alone. Although the prospect is kind of a loser-ish one (we’ve totally been there), it’s actually fine and a chilled way to eat. Head to a sushi bar, for example, or grab a book and head to a cafe for lunch.

Having some good plans even before you travel to Toronto is a good idea as a solo female traveller. Even getting some tips and advice from solo female traveller groups online is going to put you at an advantage – you may even be able to buddy up with a fellow female in the city!

We’ve covered the main safety concerns already, but there are a few more things to know. Read on for more detailed information on how to have a safe trip to Toronto. 

Is Toronto safe to travel for families?

Toronto is a super family-friendly city and you’ll be pretty amazed at the sheer amount of things you can see and do here. There are a ton of museums, some awesome food to eat, interesting culture and a ton of day trips to embark on.

Getting around the city itself should be no trouble thanks to Toronto’s decent public transport system. However, we would advise against travelling with little ones during rush hour as it can get really busy.

If you want to get out and about to let off some steam, the Harbourfront is a great area to roam around in summer or winter. When the sun’s out, you can grab a cruise to one of Toronto’s islands and see the city’s skyline from afar; in the winter you can try out some ice skating.

If you want a list of some kid-friendly activities, then check out our article on the top things to do in Toronto.

As far as safety goes, don’t worry: you’ll be completely safe in the city. Just remember to wrap up warm in cold winter weather and stay hydrated during the sweltering summer. Toronto isn’t the 4th safest city in the world without reason!

Is it safe to drive in Toronto?

Driving in Toronto, with its terrible traffic, is really not recommended – especially if you just want to see the sights around the city.

Some people will want to drive, of course, to sights outside of Toronto itself – such as Niagara Falls or the Wine Region, for example. If that’s you, you’ll probably want to know how to drive safely in Toronto.

Hiring a car in Toronto can be quite pricey – and so can petrol, especially when compared to the US. So there’s that to start with.

Note: you can turn right at a red light, which can be a little tricky if you’re not used to it as you’ll have to watch out for pedestrians. In general, actually, you should be careful of pedestrians everywhere in the city; there are a lot of pedestrian crossings throughout Toronto and people seem to just cross whenever they feel like it.

Driving conditions in winter can be extreme. It’s best to be prepared and watch weather broadcasts.

Parking in the city gets pricey since you have to pay to park pretty much anywhere. Getting a ticket is not unheard of; the city makes $50 million annually from this!

In conclusion, driving in Toronto is safe, but unnecessary – unless you’re planning on a road trip out of the city.

Is Uber safe in Toronto?

Uber is a very good and safe way to get around the city. In fact, at night Uber becomes arguably the best way to get around.

However, Toronto is also moving towards training its Uber and Lyft drivers – for public safety. So at the moment, Uber is safe in Toronto, but it’s about to get a whole lot safer (hopefully)!

Are taxis safe in Toronto?

Taxis in Toronto are easy to find and all in all pretty safe. The main problem with taxi drivers in Toronto is that they tend to be on the fast side, maybe a little too fast.

You can hail a taxi on the street; look out for yellow taxis or a car with a “TAXI” sign on the roof. If the light’s on, you can hail it. Alternatively, you can join a queue for a taxi in front of big hotels and office buildings.

If you want to feel safe in a taxi the best place to sit, first off, is to sit in the backseat of the cab. It’s not rude, it’s just something to keep yourself safe. If you’re worried that the taxi driver is taking you a strange route, you can follow the route on your maps. Don’t hesitate to jump out of the taxi if you think you’re being taken somewhere that isn’t your destination.

A legitimate taxi company will have its company name and contact information, complete with a phone number, visible in the car.

If you want the number for a reputable cab company to book one in advance you should ask at your accommodation for a recommended taxi company to use. There is also an automated number that connects you, free of charge, to one of the many taxi companies in the city.

Is public transportation in Toronto safe?

Public transport in Toronto is very easy to use and super streamlined, being run by just one company: TTC.

There are a subway system, streetcars, and a bus service to try out. It’s a good idea to get your head around how it all works, and where all the lines and routes go if you want to keep yourself safe in the city.

In general, to stay secure on all the public transport here are a few tips:

• Keep belongings on your lap to keep them out of easy reach.
• Have your fare ready and available so you don’t spend time rummaging through your bag.
• Try to sit near the bus driver or guard on a train if you’re worried about travelling late at night.
• If someone’s bothering you on public transport move seats and tell someone (ideally the driver).
• Try not to fall asleep for obvious reasons.

The subway system in Toronto runs very frequently. All trains stop at all stations, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally catching an express train.

Each subway station has a staffed entrance; the staff will be able to help you with stuff like directions and ticketing. You can spot a subway entrance with the “TTC” sign with the name of the station above it.

On the other hand, the streetcars run above ground mostly around Downtown. These trams are pretty iconic and a must if you’re travelling through the city. When riding one, just drop your fare into the box, pull the yellow cord when your stop is coming up, and exit through the rear doors – simple. Streetcar stops are marked with a white pole with red stripes.

The buses work pretty much like the trams: put your money in, pull the cord, exit through the rear.

Be careful of the night bus. It can get pretty rowdy so it’s best avoided – unless you are one of those loud drunk people yourself!

Is the food in Toronto safe?

Being a multicultural city, Toronto has a whole lot of different cuisines on offer. This is a total foodie city with some iconic meals and delicious dishes on offer. You can have waffles for breakfast, Singapore-style lor mee for lunch, and fancy lobster for dinner.

There are also a whole ton of fresh fruit markets, hipster bars, and cool restaurants, with new establishments and eateries opening up all the time. It’s a pretty safe city to eat in, but to ensure you know your stuff when it comes to Toronto’s gastronomic world here are some tips…

• Street food should not be avoided – it’s definitely a tasty way to eat. However, do make sure you head to places that have queues, that look clean, and that look as though they’re cooking up food freshly and very hot. Pre-cooked snacks aren’t half as tasty.
• Try out Winterlicious Program. Of course, some of the restaurants are going to be expensive in Toronto, but if you’re there in January and February you can try this program. It is a scheme whereby some of the city’s best restaurants serve up tasty three-course meals for as little as $15. There’s a similar scheme across two weeks in July called – you guessed it – Summerlicious.
• If you’re travelling to Toronto on a budget you can stay healthy by heading to Toronto’s fresh food markets. Buying the fruit and veg on offer here isn’t like in developing countries; this stuff is all totally fine.
• Know that the dining scene is pretty casual and low-key. You only really need to dress up if you’re going to a high-end restaurant.
• Know the restaurant closing time. A lot of places shut between 2:30 and 5:30 PM meaning if you want (very) late lunch, you may have to skip the restaurant and go to a cafe. Similarly, many kitchens tend to close by 10:30 pm so if you want late-night eats head to Chinatown, Danforth or the trendy area of Yorkville.
• Find places that look totally busy, ideally with locals. Those will serve the freshest and tastiest meals.
• Look up reviews online of places that are going to be the best for you. Sometimes judging a restaurant by how it looks outside isn’t always the best.
• Wash your hands. Exploring a city all day can make your hands pretty grubby, so give ’em a scrub before you start to eat. The last thing you want is for you to make yourself ill.

There’s just so much on offer in the city. It’s best to steer clear of tourist traps – we’re talking gawdy restaurants, perhaps with touts outside them, that are almost always located in touristy areas or around tourist sights. Hit up local haunts and get your chow on like a pro!

Can you drink the water in Toronto?

The tap water in Toronto is completely safe to drink – it’s right on the shores of Lake Ontario, after all!

So you can leave the bottled water in the shop, save on plastic waste, and fill up your refillable water bottle before you hit the city streets.

If you decide to do so, we’ve put together a list of the best travel water bottles to help you out.

Is Toronto safe to live in?

This city is a pretty safe place to live – and the locals seem to think so, too.

There aren’t many places that you “can’t” go, just certain areas and neighbourhoods that you should be more aware of – or that you shouldn’t be wandering around by yourself late at night. It’s important for you to know where to wander and where to stay in Toronto.

The only way you’re going to find yourself in trouble is if you’re going looking for drugs, which we highly un-recommend. Cannabis is legal for god’s sake!

With a big drinking culture, weekends in Toronto can be rowdy, especially in the Entertainment District and the west side of Downtown. Once the clubs close, the revellers spill out onto the streets and do what they do as a drunk person: shout, fight, vomit – you know.

You will have to deal with how cold it gets in winter: seriously cold. The roads can be super busy with traffic and a fair bit of pollution. Housing is also pretty expensive in Toronto.

Basically: Toronto is a cool and safe place to live.

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Is it safe to rent an Airbnb in Toronto?

Renting an Airbnb in Toronto is more than safe. Not only will you be protected by the booking platform itself, but you can also check the home in absolute detail, thanks to the top-notch rating and review system.

Owners, as well as guests, have the chance to rate each other after a stay, which guarantees a very transparent communication network between future and previous guests. We’d even go as far as to say that renting an Airbnb is the safest (and best) choice you can make when visiting Toronto, or Canada in general. 

Is Toronto LGBTQ+ friendly? 

Toronto is the third most LGBTQ+ friendly city in the world, so it is clear that if you’re a member of the community, you’ll be perfectly safe. There are not just one, but two designated gay neighbourhoods, filled with gay bars, super friendly and open-minded people, and LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations. The Gay Village, nestled in the area surrounding Church and Wellesley Streets, is home to Canada’s largest gay community.

Planning a safe trip to Toronto can get quite overwhelming. That’s why we’ve listed and answered the most frequently asked questions on safety in Toronto.

Toronto is perfectly safe city to visit. The statistics on this city and Canada’s safe reputation, basically speak for themselves. Being rated so high on international rankings and indexes based on how peaceful a country is, or how safe a city is, chances are pretty high that you are going to be absolutely fine when you’re visiting this buzzing metropolis of a city.

There may be a few places in the city that you shouldn’t be venturing into, for safety reasons, at night – but do just that (avoid them) and you’ll stay out of harm’s way: it’s pretty simple. The crime rates here are relatively low and for tourists in particular it’s a super safe city.

Similarly, though the weekend crowds after the bars and clubs close can be pretty rowdy, you may well end up being one of the drunken revellers yourself. If that’s not you, then steer clear of the situation.

Being a city, however, you never know when things can happen – that’s why we’ve given you all these tips and nuggets of information that are going to help you travel smart around Toronto.

The city can get cold: wrap up warm and watch the weather. It can be sketchy at night in some areas: don’t go there. Pickpockets do exist here: wear a money belt. But overall, just enjoy your time in what is actually the 4th safest city in the world!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!