Is Vancouver Safe for Travel in 2024?

Vancouver, Canada
Safety Score
83

Vancouver is a large city in western Canada located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. Vancouver has the highest population density in Canada, at over 5,400 people per square kilometer, making it the fifth most populous city. Vancouver is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada: 52% of its residents are non-native speakers of English, 48.9% are non-native speakers of either English or French, and 50.6% of residents are visible minorities.

Warnings & Dangers in Vancouver

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK : LOW

Vancouver is generally a safe city to travel to. You can avoid any risks if you exercise common sense and vigilance. Keep an eye on your belongings and your surroundings, and avoid districts far from the city center.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW

Public transport is well developed and accessible. Watch your pockets as there may be pickpockets on buses. Taxi is a reliable and safe way to travel.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM

Pickpocketing is not common, but since Vancouver is a popular tourist destination, this kind of thing happens here. Keep track of your belongings, do not leave your phone unattended, keep important documents in the hotel's safe.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW

Vancouver is not at risk of serious natural disasters. However, there is a small chance of earthquakes. Study the weather conditions before your visit here.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK : LOW

The risk of serious robbery and armed attacks is shallow in Vancouver. There is little danger of these attacks in the suburbs. However, the likelihood that you will be attacked is minimal.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK : LOW

The risk of terrorism is low in Vancouver. Of course, the risk of attacks still exists due to the international position of the city. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM

Beware of scammers hanging around in some parkades, trying to sell parking tickets for less than their face value — typically, they have purchased the tickets with stolen credit cards.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW

Women traveling alone can feel quite safe in Vancouver. The main thing is to adhere to the usual precautions and monitor your surroundings.

How Safe Is Vancouver for Tourists?

Vancouver is a very safe city.

The crime rate in this city is meager.

There are certain problems with drug trafficking.

Tourists are advised not to get involved in any drug relationship.

At night, it is best to avoid walking in remote areas of the city.

Anyway, in Vancouver, follow common sense, and watch your belongings.

Downtown Eastside (specifically Hastings Street between Abbott and Gore) is known for homelessness, drug use, and prostitution.

The area is not always dangerous for visitors, but it can certainly be a cause for concern.

It’s also wise to exercise caution in the downtown Granville Mall area on Friday and Saturday nights.

Because Vancouver is located in the bar and nightclub area, the sheer number of people, combined with alcohol consumption, makes bullying and hooliganism fairly common.

Beware of drunk people.

Sometimes thefts from cars happen – be sure to lock the car when you leave it.

It is best not to leave money and valuables in sight.

Cannabis is legal in Vancouver.

However, it should only be purchased from designated locations and pharmacies.

Never buy cannabis from illegal dealers.

In general, if you keep an eye on your belongings, your surroundings, especially in crowds and on public transport, you will avoid serious problems with criminal risks here.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Vancouver?

If you are not from a visa-exempt country, are not a U.S. citizen, and are not a permanent resident of the United States, you will need a Montreal visa. A Canadian tourist visa is known as a Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV for short. A valid passport is a must.3

Which Currency Is Used in Vancouver?

The local currency is the Canadian Dollar. There are 100 cents to one dollar.

How's the Weather like in Vancouver?

In Vancouver, the summers are short, comfortable, and partly cloudy, and the winters are long, very cold, wet, and mostly cloudy.

What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Vancouver?

Vancouver International Airport in Richmond is about 12 km from the center of Vancouver.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?

A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.

What Are Some Things to Do in Vancouver?

A popular filming location, it’s surrounded by mountains and also has thriving art, theatre, and music scenes. Vancouver Art Gallery is known for its works by regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology houses preeminent First Nations collections.

Is the Water in Vancouver Safe to Drink?

Tap water is safe to drink according to criteria established by the Federal Agency.

Is Uber Safe in Vancouver?

There is an Uber taxi in Vancouver. You can call a taxi from the app on your phone. The cost of the trip will depend on the distance and time of day.

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