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The 10 Best and Safest Cities for Tourists in Canada
Canada is not only known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures, but it’s also one of the safest places for tourists worldwide. From glittering cityscapes to serene small towns, Canada has corners that will make you fall in love instantly.
Our guide will introduce you to the best and safest cities for tourists in Canada. These are the places that charm the socks off visitors with their welcoming hospitality, unique attractions, and, above all, safety.
So, whether you’re planning your first trip to Canada or you’re already smitten and coming back for more, read on.
Oak Bay, British Columbia
Kicking off this journey is the delightful municipality of Oak Bay in British Columbia—the epitome of charm in a nutshell. It’s located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, just a stone’s throw away from Victoria’s downtown core.
Oak Bay, British Columbia, has a Crime Severity Index (CSI) of 43.5, making it one of the safest places in Canada. This is significantly lower than the national average, showcasing a secure environment for residents and visitors.
| City | Crime Severity Index (out of 100) |
| Oak Bay | 43.5 |
The town’s local government focuses on a community-first policy, contributing to excellent security measures for both residents and visitors. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or a casual stroller, Oak Bay is ready to steal your heart.
Furthermore, Oak Bay is renowned for its beautiful beaches and jaw-dropping marine views. Make sure to take some chill time at scenic Willows Beach and embrace the pleasant local culture.
Also, you can swing by the Oak Bay Village for a cosy dining experience.
Some more of the hotspots in Oak Bay you shouldn’t miss includes:
Oak Bay Marina
Address: 1327 Beach Dr, Victoria, BC
Victoria Golf Club
Address: 1110 Beach Dr, Victoria, BC
Willows Beach
Address: Esplanade, Victoria, BC
Oak Bay Village
Address: Oak Bay Ave, Victoria, BC
Abkhazi Garden
Address: 1964 Fairfield Rd, Victoria, BC
Local tip: Don’t miss the local marina; it’s the ideal spot to catch a breathtaking sunset.
Barrie, Ontario
Barrie is the gateway to Ontario’s lush cottage country and our next stop. Bursting with life, this dynamic city provides an enticingly vibrant atmosphere with a bustling array of outdoor activities that’ll make your heart race.
Safety in Barrie is at the forefront and has a CSI of 59.4. It’s considerably low compared to the country’s overall CSI, making Barrie one of Canada’s safest cities to explore.
| City | Crime Severity Index (out of 100) |
| Barrie | 59.4 |
Oh, and did I mention that Barrie is a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts? You can absolutely take a trip down to Simcoe Lake; the largest in Barrie, and enjoy swimming, boating, or simply relaxing by the waterfront.
Also, make a move to the historic Downtown, it’s for all you history buffs out there.
Here are a few more top attractions:
Simcoe Lake
Address: Lake Simcoe, Ontario, Canada
Barrie Downtown
Address: 147 Dunlop St E, Barrie, ON
Barrie Arboretum
Address: Sunnidale Rd, Barrie, ON
Snow Valley Ski Resort
Address: 2632 Vespra Valley Rd, Minesing, ON
MacLaren Art Centre
Address: 37 Mulcaster St, Barrie, ON
Local tip: Make a pit stop at Barrie’s local farmers’ market—the freshest produce around!
Victoria, British Columbia
Say ‘hello’ to Victoria, the “City of Gardens”. One glance at this city’s mesmerising vistas, colourful floating homes, and abundance of nature, and you’ll be smitten.
Victoria has a CSI of 84.6. This is relatively low in comparison to Canada’s overall CSI, indicating that Victoria maintains a very safe environment for tourists.
| City | Crime Severity Index (out of 100) |
| Victoria | 84.6 |
From its captivating historical lessons and bustling art scene to local food markets teeming with delicious treats, Victoria triumphantly fuses beauty with safety.
Definitely, don’t skip a visit to the picturesque Inner Harbour area where you can stroll around, grab a bite, and take some memorable shots of the historic buildings.
Here are some of the most must-see attractions in Victoria:
Inner Harbour
Address: 812 Wharf St, Victoria, BC
Parliament Buildings
Address: 501 Belleville St, Victoria, BC
Butchart Gardens
Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC
Royal BC Museum
Address: 675 Belleville St, Victoria, BC
Beacon Hill Park
Address: 100 Cook St, Victoria, BC
Local tip: Experience a traditional afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress. Pinkies up!
Toronto, Ontario
Hitting the high notes is Toronto, Canada’s largest city. This bustling metropolis has a commanding skyline, varied neighbourhoods, beautiful parks, and cuisine that’ll have you drooling.
Despite being a hub of activity, “Toronto the Good” has an illustrious safety record with a CSI of 54.9 that echoes throughout its vibrant streets, ensuring visitors feel right at home.
| City | Crime Severity Index (out of 100) |
| Toronto | 54.9 |
Whether you have a thirst for art, an appetite for culinary exploration, or a streak of sports fandom, Toronto’s mix of culture and world-class happenings will leave you yearning for more.
Since Toronto is a vibrant city, it is full of diverse neighbourhoods and fabulous attractions. Don’t miss the legendary CN Tower; go up and take a glance at the city from its dizzying heights.
Check out these attractions in Toronto:
Distillery District
Address: 55 Mill St, Toronto, ON
St. Lawrence MarketAddress: 93 Front St E, Toronto, ON
High Park
Address: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON
Local tip: If you’re into museums, the Royal Ontario Museum is right up your alley.
Ottawa, Ontario
While Ottawa is the epicentre of political happenings, there’s a lot more to this city than government buildings.
With the perfect blend of engaging culture and top-tier safety implementations, Ottawa stands at the top with a low CSI of 51.3, which is also lower than the national average.
| City | Crime Severity Index (out of 100) |
| Ottawa | 51.3 |
Explore the sprawling landscape, dive into the history at various heritage sites and national museums, or just soak in the scenic beauty of the Rideau Canal. Ottawa delivers a one-of-a-kind experience, with a side of poutine, of course!
And for sure, you can’t skip Parliament Hill, because it’s THE place to be to feel the essence of Canadian politics.
Here are Ottawa’s must-sees:
Parliament Hill
Address: Wellington St, Ottawa, ON
National Gallery of Canada
Address: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON
ByWard Market
Address: 267 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON
Canadian Museum of History
Address: 100 Laurier St, Gatineau
Rideau Canal
Address: 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON
Local tip: Pop by Parliament Hill for the ‘Changing of the Guard’ ceremony.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a maritime city ready to woo you with its dynamic blend of historic and modern vibes. Nestled by the sea, Halifax checks quite a few boxes on a traveller’s wish list.
Let’s talk about safety. Halifax, Nova Scotia, has a CSI of 60, highlighting its diligence in keeping crime rates low.
| City | Crime Severity Index (out of 100) |
| Halifax | 60 |
Now, you should be ready to immerse yourself in the city’s rich maritime history. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is a must-visit, where you’ll get soaked into all things naval and nautical.
You can also board CSS Acadia and HMCS Sackville for a real-time experience.
Here are the other top shots in Halifax:
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Address: 5425 Sackville St, Halifax, NS
Halifax Public Gardens
Address: Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS
Halifax Harbourfron
tAddress: 1869 Upper Water St #5080, Halifax, NS
Point Pleasant Park
Address: 5718 Point Pleasant Dr, Halifax, NS
Local tip: Try some fresh seafood at the Waterfront Warehouse—your belly will thank you.
Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City encapsulates a slice of European charm right here in Canada. Picture cobblestone streets quaintly disappearing beneath 17th-century architecture. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine.
Safety here is the top priority, as it registers a remarkably low CSI of 45.2. The local administration actively ensures a peaceful environment, making your visit stress-free.
| City | Crime Severity Index (out of 100) |
| Quebec City | 45.2 |
Whether you’re meandering through the old town, visiting the towering Montmorency Falls, or just plain strolling, Quebec City combines safety and charm with a French twist.
The city’s historic district, Old Quebec, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, so be sure not to skip it.
Quebec’s must-see attractions include:
La Citadelle
Address: 1 Côte de la Citadelle, Québec, QC
Montmorency Falls Park (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency)
Address: 5300 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, Québec, QC
Aquarium du Québec
Address: 1675 Avenue des Hôtels, Québec, QC
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ)
Address: 179 Grande Allée Ouest, Québec, QC
Local tip: Come in the winter and experience the world-famous Winter Carnival. Expect snowballs of fun!
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Let’s head east—way east—to St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Labrador. Known for its vibrant row houses, or ‘Jelly Bean Row,’ this cheery city brightens even the cloudiest days.
In terms of safety, St. John’s has it handled with a total CSI of 79. Local law enforcement and the community collaborate to ensure your adventure here stays safe and secure.
| City | Crime Severity Index (out of 100) |
| St. John | 79 |
No trip here would be complete without a visit to Signal Hill National Historic Site—it provides a stunning view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. And for some vibrant vibes, explore the colourful houses and shops at Jellybean Row.
Here’s what not to miss in St. John’s:
The Rooms
Address: 9 Bonaventure Ave, St. John’s, NL
George Street
Address: George St, St. John’s, NL
Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site
Address: Blackhead Rd, St. John’s, NL
Local tip: Pop into O’Reilly’s on George Street for a pint and a toe-tappin’ jig.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Crack open the charm with Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, our next spotlight city. Equal parts modern and nostalgic, Charlottetown is the birthplace of the Canadian Confederation—and yes, your next favourite city.
When it comes to safety, Charlottetown is a safe haven with low crime rates of 54 percent and warm, welcoming neighbourhoods. It’s a place that resonates with comfort and security.
| City | Crime Severity Index (out of 100) |
| Charlottetown | 54 |
Whether you stroll Victoria Park, attend the lively theatre performances, or explore local shops and restaurants, Charlottetown offers safety and serenity around every corner.
Noteworthy attractions in Charlottetown:
Confederation Centre of the Arts
Address: 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown, PE
Charlottetown Waterfront
Address: 2 Prince St, Charlottetown, PE
Province House National Historic Site
Address: 165 Richmond St, Charlottetown, PE
Beaconsfield Historic House
Address: 2 Kent St, Charlottetown, PE
Local tip: A Prince Edward Island Lobster dinner is a must. Time to get crackin’!
Calgary, Alberta
Calgary, Alberta, is a city that’s recently come into its own on the global scene. With its dynastic skyline and the world-renowned Calgary Stampede, your inner modern cowboy (or cowgirl) is about to be unleashed.
Safety is paramount in Calgary. The city has a CSI of 88.1, which is remarkably low compared to Canada’s overall CSI.
| City | Crime Severity Index (out of 100) |
| Calgary | 88.1 |
This former Winter Olympic host city is even a joy to explore. Sure thing, you need to head over to Calgary Tower and capture some mind-blowing city views.
Outdoor enthusiast? Nose Hill Park is your go-to for some hiking and sensational nature appreciation.
Don’t miss these attractions in Calgary:
Heritage Park Historical Village
Address: 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary, AB
Calgary Zoo
Address: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB
Glenbow Museum
Address: 130 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Local tip: When in Calgary, make sure to visit in early July to experience the Calgary Stampede, one of the world’s largest rodeos and a vibrant city-wide celebration fondly known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”.
