Is Vancouver Safe?

So, is Vancouver safe for travelers?

An incredible city home to millions of friendly people, Vancouver has garnered a rather positive reputation when it comes to the safety of its inhabitants.

The question on most people’s lips, however, regards the safety of visitors and tourists. Is it just as safe to people who aren’t local or who may not know the ins and outs of the city?

Is Vancouver Safe?

We’re here to give you all the information you need to know before going to this great city, what to look out for, and what to avoid.

How Safe is Vancouver?

Vancouver can be easily considered the safest- city out of all Canadian major cities.

However, this does not mean any visitors or residents should be flippant about Vancouver’s crime rate, it’s still possible that petty crime or general unkind acts might happen.

Compared to other large cities in Canada such as Toronto, Vancouver is a lot more relaxed.

This is mainly due to Toronto being the largest city in Canada with a population of 6 million. Vancouver’s small-ish 2.5 million makes some visitors consider it quite an underwhelming place.

However, it also makes it less dangerous, since there’s less chance of crime. Vancouver is probably the safest major city in the safest country in the Americas, which is quite a statement.

Vancouver Crime Rate

Vancouver’s crime levels for 2020 are similar to 2019, according to a new report from the Vancouver Police Department.
Comparing the same time period, from January to September, there were 4,396 reported crimes in 2020 versus 4,397 incidents in 2019.
The VPD says certain types of crime have increased — for example, serious assaults have increased by 14 per cent over the previous year — and others, like robberies, have decreased by six per cent.
Theft, like shoplifting, decreased by 26.6 per cent since 2019.
Sexual offences reported to police have decreased by 5 per cent since 2019.

Get a FREE travel insurance quote from SafetyWing to get the right (and timely) support when it comes to protecting yourself in Vancouver.

Is Vancouver safe for tourists?

Vancouver, all in all, is a very safe place for visitors.

You can live here for years without noticing any major crime at all. However, keeping a smart lookout while venturing around the city is advised.

Downtown is very busy for most of the day and therefore is fairly safe, particularly the West End. Personal safety is extremely good in Vancouver, especially considering how large it is.

Shootings, stabbings, muggings, and other acts of violence are incredibly rare, so tourists aren’t targeted in any way.

We would suggest that you take precautions to avoid taking the wrong advice.

Don’t do the whole ‘Canadians leave their doors unlocked, so I should too’ routine.

Where to stay in Vancouver

Vancouver is full of popular neighborhoods with great living conditions, but here are some of the best locations: Kerrisdale, Marpole, Kitsilano, and the City of Burnaby.

Kerrisdale is viewed as a pensioner retreat, but it has the inherent benefit of being the safest spot in the whole city because of this.

Marpole has some of the best value-for-money living areas.

Burnaby is its own city, but it has great quality transport links to Vancouver city center whilst being a cheap place to live. Kitsilano (Kits) is on the West Side of the city and is home to many young families and students.

It’s lined with two of Vancouver’s most famous beaches, Kits Beach and Jericho Beach. It also has great views of Downtown and the North Shore mountains.

Vancouver: Travel Safety Tips

If you find yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe, always remember to dial 9-1-1.

The emergency services in Vancouver are incredible, always helpful, and never ignore calls.

Make sure you only use the number when it’s an emergency situation and stay safe.

Never let your drink out of your sight and don’t sample drinks from anyone – even friends or acquaintances.
Alcohol and “date rape” drugs are used in many sexual assaults – if you are going to drink, do so responsibly and be with trusted friends so you can look out for each other.
See more safety tips on preventing drug-facilitated sexual assaults.
When driving, keep all the doors locked, even when you are inside the car and park in well-lit areas.
Remember to get your FREE travel insurance quote from SafetyWing to receive fully comprehensive support when it comes to unforeseen travel complications.
Always have a cell phone along with you, if you have one.
Stay alert, stand tall and be confident, if an attacker targets someone, they’re most likely scared.
Carry cash and valuables in a front or inside pocket and consider if you need to carry a purse or bag, you’ll find Pacsafe makes some great bags.
Do not carry a weapon for self-defence, as introducing a weapon can increase the severity of an attack.

Overall, you won’t need to abide by any rules or advice for safety.

Vancouver has hardly any crime, so imagine yourself at your own place of personal safety at home.

Don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home, and don’t put yourself into harm’s way.

Best Time to Visit Vancouver

The best months to visit Vancouver are between March and May when the weather is mild and hotel rooms can be found at bargain rates.

Summer is the most popular time thanks to the promise of warmer weather; however, if you’re planning a trip then, make sure to reserve your spot at least a few months in advance.

Here are some key events that take place between March and May:

Vancouver International Dance Festival (March)
JFL Northwest, Vancouver’s Comedy Festival (March)
Sun Run Vancouver (April)
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (April)
Vancouver International Children’s Festival (May-June)

Is Vancouver Safe?

Overall, there is nothing to worry about when traveling to Vancouver.

It’s a very safe city with the infrastructure to hold a community together instead of ripping it apart.

Whoever even considered Vancouver as dangerous to tourists, is completely out of line. Vancouver is a champion that should be heralded as award-winningly safe.

Is Vancouver safe? Yes, of course, it is!

It’s very safe, so consider booking a vacation here instead of less safe spots in Canada.

If you’re traveling soon try comparing Vancouver vs Toronto to get more ideas on what to expect.