Canada is aptly nicknamed the Great White North. With a landmass that ranks as the second largest country in the world, there is much to explore and do in the land of maple syrup. It is often underrated as a destination for travelers, though it boasts its fair share of gorgeous national parks and large cities.
If you plan to travel to Canada, having a great experience depends on staying safe. Although Canada is considered relatively safe for most travelers, there are still plenty of dangers that could ruin your trip. Let’s discuss some of the safety considerations when exploring Canada.
General Safety Considerations for Travelers
Heading to an unfamiliar location for adventure is usually a positive experience, but travelers often overlook basic safety precautions when distracted by new sights, sounds, and activities. Here are a few concerns that tourists may face while traveling in Canada.
Petty Theft and Scams
Those with a criminal record often target tourists more than citizens because travelers are easy to pick out and are usually distracted. As a result, a pickpocketer will hang out in tourism hubs or crowded areas to try to take advantage of wandering travelers and commit a petty crime like theft. It is easier for them to jack a wallet, phone, or purse in a busy area, easily evading local authorities if tourists notice them. Bag-snatching is a big problem during large public gatherings, even in secure areas.
Another issue you could deal with as a tourist is scams. Travelers often fall victim to scams because they are unfamiliar with local customs and norms. For example, currency exchange scams, credit card scams, taxi scams, and tour scams are common in more popular tourist spots like national parks and other urban areas.
Violent Crime
Those who break local laws by committing violent crimes can also put travelers in danger. Although these instances are rare and usually restricted to specific areas in Canada, the risks are still present. Typically, large urban centers like Toronto, Montreal, Quebec, and Vancouver see higher rates of violent crime, as well as busy nightlife areas.
Be extra cautious when you are traversing these spots, especially as a tourist who may be unfamiliar with local authorities.
Transportation Safety
Transportation plays a significant role in your journey through Canada. You may need an international driving permit if you plan to rent a car. Additionally, you must understand the road rules in Canada, such as driving on the right-hand side and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks. Research local traffic laws before driving to ensure you don’t run into any legal or criminal penalties.
If you plan to use public transport services like a ridesharing company, taxis, trains, or buses, you should look up practical safety tips for these strategies. Always verify that the vehicle you are entering is affiliated with an official entity and that the driver is qualified to transport you from place to place.
Solo Female Travelers
Female travelers must be extra careful in other countries, especially when traveling alone. Be careful when drinking alcohol at a bar or restaurant, as some could use this opportunity to spike your drink. Avoid dangerous areas in the city and try not to travel alone in the affected area if you must go there. Sometimes, it is wise to connect with other travelers to find strength in numbers.
Natural Hazards and Risks in Canada
Canada’s landscape is brimming with breathtaking sights and diverse wildlife. However, a joyous trip experience can be turned upside down if you get lost or hurt while exploring the country. Here are some hazards to watch for when exploring Mother Nature.
Extreme Weather Conditions
Canada’s climate and temperatures are pretty cold most of the year, especially in the northern regions. In the winter, you are likely to experience winter storms, blizzards, freezing rain, and extreme cold. The opposite can happen in the summer months, especially in southern Canada. There is a possibility of heat waves and wildfires.
Understanding seasonal changes and the forested areas you are visiting will help you navigate severe storms, snow, fluctuating temperatures, and other weather conditions. Finding an app or website that will send you alerts about extreme weather events during your visit wouldn’t hurt.
Wildlife Encounters
Canada features plenty of unique animal species to admire. These creatures are best seen from a distance, as disturbing or threatening them could put you in danger. Specifically, watch out for bears, moose, coyotes, and other wild animals, and keep your distance.
If you plan to go hiking or camping in the wilderness, make sure you know what protocols to follow regarding interactions with local wildlife. Secure all foods so you do not attract unwanted visitors to your campsite to rummage through your things. Always follow local guidelines for visiting and exploring national parks.
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters are rare, so you are unlikely to face these risks during your visit. However, events like earthquakes, floods, and avalanches are always possible in certain regions, often on short notice. Stay informed about the potential risks as you travel and know what emergency procedures are in place to keep you safe if they should happen.
Health and Safety Considerations for Travelers
Looking after your health is essential while traveling. It is easy to forget about it when you are distracted by new sights and adventures. Here are a few things to remember regarding your physical health care while you are in Canada.
Required Vaccinations and Travel Health Insurance
Most people are up to date with routine vaccinations like measles, TDAP, polio, and shingles. However, depending on where you are coming from and going to, some additional vaccinations may be wise. COVID-19 is always a decent choice if you want to avoid this seasonal illness, as are the flu and Yellow Fever vaccines. You never know if mosquito bites could expose you to dangerous health risks. A Hepatitis B vaccine is another recommended procedure to protect yourself from preventable diseases before traveling.
You should also research local medical facilities in the area you are visiting. This way, you will know exactly where to get medical treatment if you need emergency assistance. If possible, you should consider buying travel health insurance to protect your finances in case of a severe injury or illness. Travel insurance does not cover everything, so research policy providers to find a strong plan.
Food and Water Safety
One of the most overlooked precautions when traveling is what food and drinks you put into your body. Often, people want to try as many local foods as possible, sometimes to the detriment of their health. Follow general guidelines for safe consumption, such as verifying the legitimacy of the restaurant and only drinking filtered or bottled water.
If you are traveling through remote areas or the wilderness, be very careful what you eat and drink. The wrong type of berry or water source could cause a serious illness and require immediate intervention from medical services. Research the local flora and fauna first, and properly cook or boil everything before consuming it. Avoid contact with unfamiliar plants.
Allergies and Environmental Sensitivities
Our bodies are used to the places we live in. Even if you experience seasonal allergies at home, the effect is less dramatic than it would be abroad. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, consider the season you are traveling to avoid high pollen periods or get prescription drugs to help with any reactions that occur with little warning.
Some larger cities may cause air quality concerns if you have sensitive lungs or asthma. If you have sensitivities, it is best to remain indoors and breathe filtered air in these locations.
Specific Safety Concerns for Different Types of Travelers
Your safety concerns may also be affected by your type of traveler. Some people are more vulnerable to specific circumstances. Here are a few groups of travelers with other factors to consider for safety precautions in Canada.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Canada is a very progressive country, at least from a legislative standpoint. Local laws are strong against discrimination toward LGBTQ+ individuals, which means the country is relatively safe for this community. However, the more you travel in remote locations, the more likely you are to miss the welcoming atmospheres of population centers. For the most part, LGBTQ+ travelers are widely accepted, and your rights will be protected by law.
Some essential services and resources, such as this LGBTQ+ travel guide, can help you enjoy your trip to Canada even more.
Travelers with Disabilities
Canadian authorities have also taken great strides to make the country more accessible for people with disabilities. Most accommodations are found in big cities like Toronto and Montreal, but even smaller communities and tourism hotspots have prioritized accessibility in recent years.
Not every area of Canada is perfect for accommodating disabilities, but organizations like Wheel the World can help travelers find accessible destinations.
Solo Travelers
Traveling alone can be an invigorating experience. However, since no one keeps track of you, you may be more vulnerable to certain dangers. As a solo traveler, you should share your trip itinerary and travel information with a close friend or family member so someone knows your whereabouts at each stage of the trip. This could include details like the Canada street address you are staying at and rental company information.
If possible, link up with other travelers to form a group. Stay connected on social media and research potential scams that could target you as a tourist. Though it may seem common sense, you should avoid high-crime areas and isolated spots.
Staying Safe in Canada: Essential Tips for All Travelers
People come to Canada for all sorts of reasons. They might want to engage in winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, or hockey or visit unique sites like Banff National Park in British Columbia.
No matter your reason for visiting Canada, safety should always be a priority. Research your trip thoroughly to understand the potential risks of the tourist areas you will see. Register with your embassy or consulate so consular services know where you are. Stay connected to local media to keep up with local news and weather reports. Secure your personal belongings, especially when in a busy location. If possible, avoid traveling alone through unfamiliar territory.
Finally, trust your instincts and leave if you feel uncomfortable in your surroundings. If you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, get out immediately. More often than not, those feelings end up being accurate.
Summary
A trip to Canada is something you should look forward to. To make the most of your experience, you must avoid putting yourself in danger. Respect local cultures and try not to disrupt local public services with your actions—research where you are going and how to stay safe there. Avoid falling for common tourist scams, and always verify the identities of tour guides and other travel industry workers.
If you focus on safety with the strategies mentioned in this guide, you will have a better chance of returning home with only positive memories from your stay in Canada.