Is Toronto Safe? Everything You Need To Know About Safety in Toronto [2024]

Is Toronto safe?
If you’re planning to visit Toronto soon, you’re probably wondering if it’s safe. Fortunately, Toronto’s not a very dangerous city, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely risk free!

How do I know this? I’ve lived in Toronto since 2018 and I have always felt safe here. So read on for everything you need to know about safety in Toronto, including my perspective (as a local), as well as some tips on how to navigate the city safely.

Is Toronto Safe?

The short answer is yes, Toronto is safe. In fact, Canada overall is a safe country to visit, placing 11th on the 2023 Global Peace Index.

But, as the biggest city in Canada, visiting Toronto does come with the same risks you will encounter when traveling to any major city in the world.

With a multicultural population of 6 million people in the Greater Toronto Area, and more than 27 million visitors each year, Toronto is a bustling cosmopolitan city, with plenty of interesting things to see and do. There’s everything from important Canadian landmarks, diverse neighbourhoods and a varied food scene, to a vibrant nightlife and countless museums, attractions and historic sites to explore.

However, Toronto is not without some crime and social issues, such as a significant homelessness problem in recent years. And, like any big city, there are some areas you’re best to avoid.

Crime in Toronto

When it comes to crime, Toronto is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Canada. However, crime rates have unfortunately been on the rise in recent years.

According to Statistics Canada’s crime severity index, although Toronto’s overall crime rate remains one of the lowest in the country, it did increase by 14% in 2022. And this has continued to grow in 2023.

Despite this, Toronto is still considered a safe city for travellers, and it’s the safest city to visit in North America. Generally, your likelihood of encountering crime as a tourist in Toronto is relatively low. In particular, you’re unlikely to encounter any major crimes.

But, like in any big city, you should always exercise common-sense and take certain safety precautions, like avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places.

Major Crimes

With the exception of homicide (which is going down), major crimes have been increasing in Toronto recently. The most common major crimes reported to the Toronto Police Service are assault, auto theft and breaking and entering.

Petty Crimes

Petty theft like shoplifting, bicycle theft and stealing from an employer are the most common crimes in Toronto and likely won’t affect you as a visitor.

Fortunately pickpocketing and muggings are very rare in Toronto. But you should still be cautious of your belongings and remain aware of your surroundings in the city. Although these incidents don’t happen often, they can still occur.

Scams

The most common crimes you’re likely to encounter in Toronto are actually scams. Although a lot of scams in the city target residents – such as housing scams – there are unfortunately some you should be cautious of as a visitor too.

Internet Scams

Internet based scams, such as fake accommodation rentals and ticket sales, are relatively common. Although these are often easy to identify and avoid. Make sure to always make purchases and reservations through trusted websites, read reviews, and check the page is secure before entering your credit card information.

And most importantly, if you have a bad feeling about something, trust your instinct!

The Taxi Scam

Another scam i’ve come across in Toronto recently is the taxi scam. And unfortunately I actually know someone who fell victim to this recently.

When paying by card at the end of a taxi ride, the driver gives you a fake card reader which logs your PIN number and then swaps your real card for a fake card. This scam is easiest to fall for late at night when it’s dark, you’re tired and may have had a few drinks, so likely won’t notice you’ve had the wrong card returned to you. Then, once you leave, the driver takes your real card and withdraws as much cash as possible with it.

It’s sad that this has been happening in the city recently. The best way to avoid it is by using Uber or another ride share service where your payment is taken through an app and the ride is tracked. However, if you prefer to take a taxi then just make sure you stay alert and check the card which is returned to you, or pay in cash.

And keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that taxis are unsafe in Toronto. While I usually stick to Uber, I have also had some great experiences with taxis here too!

Safety Getting Around Toronto

When you’re visiting Toronto you’re going to want to visit all the great attractions and sites the city has to offer. But you’re probably wondering what the safest and best way to get around is.

The city is actually quite condensed – downtown Toronto only spans 16.6 square kilometres! And there are various transport options in the city, which makes it really easy to get around.

In my time living here, I’ve travelled around in just about every way and I’ve never felt unsafe. But there are different risks with each, and it’s worth knowing what to be aware of before making your way around the city.

Is it Safe to Walk in Toronto?

In my experience, Toronto is a very walkable city and I find it safe to travel around on foot. Most areas are pedestrian friendly with wide enough sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and street lights. However, there are some hazards to be aware of.

Construction

Firstly, there is always some construction happening somewhere in the city. Around construction sites, sidewalks may be narrow or closed, and there can be trucks driving in and out. So it’s always best to cross to the other side, to avoid any obstacles or having to walk in the road.

Slippery Sidewalks

Secondly, in the winter, the sidewalks can be slippery! The winters in Toronto are very cold, and there can be snow. As a result, ice builds up on the sidewalks. And although the city does a good job of clearing the snow and salting the footpaths, you still need to be cautious.

Traffic

Another hazard to be aware of in Toronto is vehicle and bicycle traffic. As a big city, Toronto has a lot of traffic and that means there are going to be dangers with drivers and cyclists making mistakes or failing to respect the road rules. As such, you should always look both ways before crossing the road (even at the pedestrian crossings) and try to stand back from the road when waiting to cross.

Encounters with Unsavoury People

Finally, you may encounter some unsavoury characters when walking in Toronto. Unfortunately Toronto does have a sizeable homeless community and you may encounter people acting erratically, drug users, and drunk people late at night. But, in most cases, they are harmless and you can just let them be.

If you ever feel unsafe or threatened, the best thing to do is to keep your distance, head to a more crowded area or pop into a store to get away.

Although, the risk of such encounters should not deter you from navigating Toronto on foot. In fact, walking around the city is actually one of my favourite activities! It’s a great way to see interesting things, explore different neighbourhoods and get some exercise.

I have always felt safe walking alone in the city, even at night. Although, if you’re unfamiliar with the city, I would recommend only sticking to well-lit areas after dark, where there are other people around, and where you can easily find your way.

Is Toronto’s Public Transit Safe?

There has been a lot of sensational media reporting recently about safety on the TTC (Toronto’s public transit system). It is true that there has been an increase in violent incidents on the TTC recently. However, statistically speaking, Toronto’s public transit system is actually still one of the safest in the world.

This increase in violent incidents in Toronto unfortunately isn’t isolated to the TTC. There has been an increase in crime overall in the past couple of years. And, subsequently, some of these incidents have occurred on Toronto’s public transit network.

In 2022, there were 575,650,000 total rides on the TTC, compared to 1,068 violent incidents reported. Based on these numbers, there were fewer than 1 incident per 500,000 rides, which is actually quite low.

Although despite these low numbers, there are still some precautions you should take on the TTC to ensure your safety.

Firstly, if possible, it’s always best to avoid traveling alone late at night. Secondly, always pay attention to your surroundings. And finally, if you do notice something that makes you feel uneasy, don’t hesitate to move away, change carriage, get off at the next stop, sit with other people, or notify a member of staff.

Is it Safe to drive in Toronto?

Driving in Toronto is generally safe, although it can be a little daunting and I would recommend avoiding it as much as possible. Especially in winter, which is the most dangerous time to drive, when the roads are icy and there’s lower visibility.

The city generally has good infrastructure, signage and traffic lights. However, the roads have seen better days. In fact, they’re pretty infamous for having lots of pot holes!

Toronto also has quite frequent construction which can affect the roads. And, as a major city it has a lot of traffic which causes congestion and can be stressful to navigate. As a result, drivers in Toronto tend to be quite impatient and get frustrated quickly. So it’s not uncommon to encounter aggressive driving.

It’s also worth noting that parking in Toronto can be tricky. Parking is generally quite expensive and can be difficult to find. And parking enforcement officers are relatively ruthless. So if you park somewhere you shouldn’t have, expect to get a ticket.

Note – If you’re planning to drive in Toronto, familiarize yourself with what to expect in advance. A couple of things to keep in mind are that Toronto has a lot of one way streets. And, you can actually turn right at a red light in Toronto (and most of Canada), although make sure to look out for pedestrians!

Are Taxis and Ride Shares Safe in Toronto?

Taxis and ride shares (such as Uber and Lyft) are both safe in Toronto. However, as I mentioned previously, there have been some recent issues with taxi scams.

These days, ride shares tend to be the safest option, since the payment goes through your account and the ride is tracked. This helps keep you safe and protects you from scams. And, if you’re not familiar with Toronto, it is easier to type your address into an app, rather than instruct a taxi driver where to go. Plus, ride shares tend to be a bit cheaper than taxis in Toronto!

Most of the time ride shares are easy to order and the wait is only a few minutes. But, at busy times it can sometimes be quicker to flag down a taxi on the street. (Look out for the green and orange cars).

Personally, I have never had a bad experience with a taxi in Toronto. But, as a personal preference I do feel more comfortable using ride shares. So I will always try ordering an Uber first, before considering a taxi.

Is it Safe to Cycle in Toronto?

Toronto is a very cycling friendly city. There’s an extensive network of bike paths as well as a bike share program, and the city is continuing to improve its cycling infrastructure.

The City of Toronto also has an interactive Toronto cycling map. This shows all the bike paths, suggested routes, and bike share locations around the city.

The biggest hazards you will come across while cycling in Toronto is traffic, as some bike routes are on the street. Therefore it’s important to know the road rules and understand how to signal on a bike. And, if you prefer to avoid the roads altogether, you can use the cycling map to find off-street bike paths.

Of course, just like walking or driving in the city, the road conditions, weather and construction can pose risks to cyclists as well. In particular, it’s best to avoid cycling when there’s ice and snow, as it becomes much more difficult and dangerous.

And, although cyclists aren’t legally required to wear helmets in Toronto, it’s highly recommend, especially when cycling on the roads. If you will be cycling at night, it’s also important to make sure your bike has lights and that you will be visible.

Weather & Air Quality in Toronto

Depending on what time of year you visit Toronto, your biggest safety concern may actually be the weather.

Cold and Harsh Winters

Toronto can get extremely cold during the height of winter and the weather can be harsh, with lots of snow, ice and wind. This can make getting around the city more difficult. Driving conditions become more dangerous with ice and poor visibility. Plus, getting around on foot can be hard due to icy sidewalks and the severe cold making it unsafe to be outside for too long.

But, luckily, the city is well prepared for these harsh conditions. They are usually quick to clear snow and salt footpaths, and there are ways to get around without going outside, such as using the Subway.

And, Toronto is home to the world’s largest network of underground walkways – The PATH. This 30-kilometre-long network of pedestrian tunnels connects the main tourist attractions and largest office buildings in downtown Toronto. Although navigating the PATH can be tricky at first, it provides a warm and safe way to get around Toronto on foot at any time of year.

Hot and Humid Summers

In contrast to the cold winters, Toronto has beautiful hot and sunny summers! And while this is the best time of the year in the city, there can be some extremely hot and humid weather.

However, when this happens, the city issues heat warnings and a heat relief strategy is put in place to assist those who are most vulnerable to the risk of heat-related illnesses.

The best way to manage the heat in the summer is to stay hydrated, be sun safe, and try to stick to the shade on hot days.

Occasional Issues with Air Quality

Toronto’s air quality is actually very good for a city. However, like in any big city, emissions from traffic, homes and commercial buildings do create some air pollution.

And, like many places in North America, Toronto has experienced more air quality issues recently, due to wildfire smoke. Although this doesn’t happen often, it’s important to be aware of it if you’re planning to travel to Toronto during the spring or summer, when wildfires are most common. This is especially important if you have respiratory health issues.

The City of Toronto does issue health warnings during these times. And you can also keep an eye on Toronto’s Air Quality Health Index. But, if you do find yourself in Toronto when there’s poor air quality, the best thing to do is to stay inside as much as possible.

Water Safety in Toronto

Drinking Water

You’ll be pleased to know that Toronto’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink!

The city’s water supply undergoes rigorous testing and treatment to ensure it meets all safety standards. The water actually comes from Lake Ontario before being filtered and treated with chemicals. It’s then tested to ensure it meets the City of Toronto’s water quality standards.

Swimming in Lake Ontario

In addition to Lake Ontario providing the city’s drinking water, it’s also one of Toronto’s key attractions. Although it may surprise you, but Toronto actually has quite a few beaches. And many of them are excellent places to swim in the summer!

However, the water quality in Lake Ontario does change based on the weather. In particular, after a lot of rain the lake’s bacteria levels increase, so you should avoid contact with the water for 48 hours.

Lake Ontario is also one of the biggest lakes in the world, so swimming has the same dangers as any large body of water, such as rip currents and waves. Therefore, you should only swim at monitored beaches and always practice swim safety.

Food Safety in Toronto

Toronto has one of the best and most diverse food scenes in the world. Due to it being a very multicultural city, and a foodie’s paradise, you will find everything from authentic international cuisine to fine dining, unique street food and varied fresh produce. And, luckily, the food scene is also very safe!

Food establishments in Toronto are subject to strict health regulations and undergo regular inspections by public health officials. The city enforces specific guidelines to ensure that food handling and preparation meet the highest safety standards. Restaurants are required to display their food safety certificates onsite and, if you have concerns, you can check their health inspection history online.

Generally, street food is fine to eat in Toronto as well. But it’s always a good idea to exercise some caution by buying from more reputable vendors and making sure the food is cooked thoroughly.

Finally, the fresh produce sold in grocery stores and at markets in Toronto is also safe. Although, like anywhere, make sure to wash your fruit and vegetables, avoid eating raw meat or seafood and check the best before dates on packaging.

Wildlife in Toronto

Canada is known for having some dangerous wildlife, such as bears, moose and wolves. But, rest assured, you won’t encounter any of these animals in Toronto. These are not big city dwellers!

Although that doesn’t mean you won’t encounter animals in Toronto. The wildlife in the city is actually pretty extensive and diverse. There are plenty of squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, Canadian geese, and over 300 species of birds in the city. And, in the larger parklands and residential areas, you may even come across foxes, coyotes, opossums, deer and snakes.

Most of the animals you will encounter here are harmless. But they are still wild animals which can scratch or bite, and may carry diseases like rabies. Therefore it’s important to always keep a safe distance and be respectful of the animals and their habitats.

Safest Neighbourhoods in Toronto

Although most of Toronto is safe, when planning your visit it’s good to know which areas are the safest, and which areas are best to avoid.

Fortunately, downtown Toronto and many of the surrounding neighbourhoods have low crime rates and are generally safe. In particular, the key attractions you will want to see when visiting Toronto are located in some of the city’s safest neighbourhoods. These include the Financial District, Harbourfront, the Distillery District, The Annex, Yorkville and Casa Loma.

Just west of downtown you will also find some beautiful and safe neighbourhoods worth visiting. In particular, Trinity Bellwoods, Palmerston-Little Italy and Roncesvalles are safe, walkable and picturesque areas.

And on the east side, North Riverdale and The Beaches are both charming and interesting neighbourhoods to explore, which are considered very safe.

READ MORE: The Complete Guide to Trinity-Bellwoods Park

Neighbourhoods to Avoid in Toronto

While I haven’t ever felt unsafe anywhere in Toronto, there are a couple of areas which are usually not recommended for visitors.

In particular, Church and Wellesley, Upper Jarvis and the Bay Street Corridor have some of Toronto’s larger homeless communities and higher crime rates. As such, I would recommend avoiding the area from Sherbourne and Bloor down to Jarvis and Queen and across to Dundas and Parliament.

Although I have never had any issues passing through these neighbourhoods, if you’re not familiar with Toronto you likely won’t feel as at ease here. Plus, there aren’t any tourist attractions to see in these areas anyway.

Is Toronto Safe to Visit Right Now?

Yes, Toronto is absolutely safe to visit right now! In fact, Toronto is a safe city to visit at any time of year. However, if you’re looking for the very safest and best time to visit, I would recommend in the summer or fall, anytime between May to October.

Visiting during these times means you won’t have to contend with the ice, snow and harsh cold of the Toronto winter. This makes it safer to walk, drive and bike around the city. And it’s much more pleasant to explore when it’s not freezing cold!

The summers in Toronto are beautiful, with long days and great weather. Although fall is also an excellent time to visit as the temperature is still quite warm and Toronto lights up with vibrant and colourful autumn foliage.

Is Toronto Safe to Live in?

Toronto is a very safe city to live in. In fact, out of all the cities I’ve lived in around the world, Toronto feels the safest.

Although there are some crimes which locals are more at risk of than visitors (such as breaking and entering, theft, and certain scams), generally the same safety considerations which apply to visitors, also apply to locals in Toronto.

And, after a while, you become more familiar with the neighbourhoods and feel completely at ease with the risks of big city living. Plus, you learn to appreciate Toronto for all its quirks and interesting characters!

Safety Tips for Visiting Toronto

To help you stay safe in the city, here are my top safety tips to keep in mind when visiting Toronto.

1. Ensure You’re Covered By Travel Insurance

Ontario has an excellent healthcare system. But if you don’t live in Canada, you may not be covered. Therefore, you should always take out a travel insurance policy before traveling to Toronto. This is also important to have incase you encounter any other unforeseen issues, such as lost luggage or theft. I recommend using SafetyWing – they offer really affordable and comprehensive policies

2. Know How To Contact Emergency Services

Make sure you know the emergency numbers in Toronto! The general emergency number is 911, and you can reach the Toronto Police Service at 416-808-2222 for non-emergencies.

3. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Like in any big city, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings in Toronto. This includes being mindful of who is around you and keeping an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

While pickpocketing isn’t common in Toronto, don’t put yourself in a position where it can occur. Always keep your bags zipped, and be cautious when using ATMs.

4. Use Reputable Transportation

When using taxis or rideshare services, make sure to use reputable companies. Uber and Lyft are widely used and considered the safest options in Toronto. However, if you choose to use a taxi instead, make sure it’s an official taxi and be cautious when paying to ensure you don’t fall victim to a scam.

Toronto also has an excellent public transportation system, including subways, buses and streetcars. It’s generally safe to use, but be cautious during late-night hours, avoid empty subway cars, and don’t hesitate to move if you ever feel uncomfortable.

5. Be Extra Cautious at Night

Although Toronto is a safe city at night, if you’re going to be walking around after dark, it’s important to be extra cautious. This is especially true if you’re alone.

Make sure you stick to well-lit areas and busy streets, and always know where you’re going. You should also avoid taking shortcuts through alleys or quiet, isolated areas, or exploring new unfamiliar places at night. Save this for the daytime instead!

6. Be Prepared For the Weather

Toronto experiences all four seasons and can have harsh weather. Therefore, you should always be prepared for extreme weather conditions, such as snow in winter and high temperatures in summer. Make sure to check the weather forecasts in advance, so you can pack accordingly.

Fortunately, Toronto is not prone to natural disasters, but it’s a good idea to know the emergency procedures just in case of unexpected events.

7. Navigate Traffic Safely

When crossing streets, use pedestrian crosswalks and obey traffic signals. Toronto has a lot of traffic and drivers can be aggressive. So you should always be cautious and double check before crossing.

If you will be driving in Toronto, familiarize yourself with the road rules ahead of time. And always try to stay calm – driving in Toronto can be stressful!

8. Keep Travel Documents Safe

Always keep copies of important travel documents, such as your passport, ID, and travel insurance, in a separate place from the originals just in case they get lost or stolen.

9. Ask Locals For Advice

If you have any concerns about safety or need local advice, don’t hesitate to ask for advice! Canadians are very friendly and willing to help where they can. Toronto is definitely the type of place where you can ask passers by for directions or help. Plus, the staff at your hotel should be able to provide you with lots of information and advice.

10. Trust Your Instincts

While most areas in Toronto are safe and your chances of encountering a dangerous situation are quite low, you never know what can happen and ultimately you should always trust your instincts.

If something doesn’t seem right, you feel uncomfortable, or you have any safety concerns at all, don’t hesitate to act on your instincts and remove yourself from the situation!

FAQs

Is it safe to walk at night in Toronto?

Toronto is generally a safe place to walk around at night. However, some areas are more safe than others, so make sure you do your research on the neighbourhood you will be in. You should also always stick to well-lit areas and busy streets, and avoid exploring unfamiliar places or isolated areas after dark.

Is Toronto safe for solo travellers?

Yes, Toronto is a very safe city to travel to alone. The city is walkable and easy to navigate, people are friendly and it’s easy to meet likeminded travellers. Plus, if you want to see the sites with other people, there are plenty of tours which you can take in the city. And, most of the hostels in Toronto have the option of female only dorms, making it a great place for solo female travellers.

Although it’s always important to do some research in advance (like reading this blog post) and take certain safety precautions while traveling, especially when alone.

What is the safest city in Canada?

Based on the Canadian Crime Severity Index, the safest city in Canada is Barrie, Ontario. This is followed by Brantford in 2nd place, Guelph in the 3rd place, and Toronto in 4th place, all which are also in Ontario.

Is Toronto or Montreal safer?

According to the Canadian Crime Severity Index, Toronto is safer than Montreal.

Is Toronto or Vancouver safer?

Toronto is also safer than Vancouver according to the Canadian Crime Severity Index.

Is it safe to take the subway at night in Toronto?

It is safe to take the subway at night in Toronto. However, I would only recommend doing so if you’re travelling with someone else. Although the number of violent incidents on Toronto’s public transit system is low, it has increased in the past couple of years, and the subway can feel a little scary at night when you’re alone.

Is Toronto safe for families?

Yes, Toronto is a safe city to visit for families. The same safety risks I mentioned above apply to solo travellers, couples and families.

Is Toronto LGBTQ+ friendly?

Yes, Toronto is a very LGBTQ+ friendly city. It has a long-standing reputation for being inclusive and supportive of diversity and the LGBTQ+ community. And this inclusivity applies to the tourism sector as well, with many hotels, restaurants and businesses actively welcoming LGBTQ+ travellers.

The city is also known for hosting one of the largest Pride festivals in the world. June is Pride month in Toronto, so this is a great time to visit!

Is it safe to stay in an Airbnb in Toronto?

Airbnbs and other vacation rentals are just as safe in Toronto as they are anywhere else in the world. Although make sure to book your vacation rental through Airbnb, VRBO or another trusted vacation rental site. Booking directly with the owner (such as responding to an advert on Craigslist) is much less safe and can sometimes end up being a scam.

Final Thoughts – Is Toronto Safe?

So, is Toronto safe? The answer is yes – Toronto is a safe place to live in and travel to for all types of travellers. Although some crime has been on the rise in recent years, the city still has a relatively low crime rate, it doesn’t have any other major risks and you can easily prepare yourself to navigate the city safely!

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