Travelling is a great way to experience new cultures and meet new people. However, being aware of the potential safety risks is important. Canada is a relatively safe country to travel in, but there are still some things that travelers can (and should) do to stay safe. While the crime rate in Canada is similar to in most other Western nations, the general rule is that crime is more likely in larger cities.

In what follows, we will provide tips on how to stay safe in Canada, from planning your trip to avoiding common scams. We will also discuss specific safety considerations for road travel, outdoor activities, and other situations that travelers may encounter.

When You Are Planning Your Trip

Research every destination

One of the best ways to stay safe when travelling is to do proper research. Start by learning more about the different regions of Canada and the different types of crime that are common in each area. This will help you to be better prepared and take appropriate precautions.

Read up about the local culture and customs

It’s also quite important to learn more about the local culture and customs of Canada. This will help you to avoid offending the wrong person at the wrong time and to make a good impression wherever you go. It is, for example, considered rude to talk loudly on public transportation or to cut into a line.

Properly plan your itinerary

While planning your itinerary, make sure that you factor safety considerations into it. For example, if you’re planning on going hiking in the wilderness, don’t neglect to first research the trail and let someone know when and where you will be going. If you are a single traveller, particularly a female, you might want to reconsider travelling alone at night, especially in deserted areas.

During The Actual Travel Stage

Petty crime

Crimes such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching can happen at tourist spots, hotels, and public transport. Theft from unattended cars is common in larger cities. As in many other countries, credit card scams and fraud can happen.

Be aware of scams: There are a number of common scams that target tourists in Canada. For example, some scammers may offer to help you change money at an inflated rate or may try to sell you counterfeit or unsafe goods. This is particularly relevant if you plan to go hiking or camping.

Be careful with your belongings: Don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuables with you. Be especially careful in crowded areas. By flaunting money or expensive items such as cameras or watches, you are making yourself a target for robbers.

Rather do not accept drinks or food from strangers: These could be spiked with drugs, and you can lose more than just money in the process.

Remain within your limits when it comes to alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can impair your judgment and make you more vulnerable to crime.

Always be aware of your surroundings

One of the most important things you can do to stay safe while travelling in any country is to be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to who is around you and what is happening. If you feel uncomfortable in any situation, trust your gut feeling and leave.

Keep important documents and valuables secure

It’s also important to make sure that your important documents and valuables are always secure. In most cases that means carrying them with you at all times or otherwise storing them in a safe place. If you are staying in a hotel, make sure that you use the safe deposit box.

Use caution when using public transportation

When using public transportation, always keep your belongings close to you and be even more aware of your surroundings than usual. Avoid wearing headphones or talking on the phone, as this can make you a perfect target for pickpockets.

Be mindful of local laws and regulations

It’s also a good idea to keep local laws and regulations in mind when travelling. This includes things such as drinking and driving, smoking in public places – particularly controlled substances, and littering. If you are not sure about something, it’s always best to ask a local.

Avoid dangerous areas or situations

It’s best to steer clear of dubious areas or dangerous situations. This, for example, includes areas with a known high crime rate or parts of a city that are notorious for tourist scams. If you’re unsure about an area, just ask one or two locals.

Be prepared for emergencies

You should also prepare yourself for possible emergencies. Make sure you have all the emergency numbers as well as a plan for what to do in case something goes wrong. Consider packing a first-aid kit and other essential supplies.

Stay connected

Keep your phone charged and carry a portable charger so you can touch base with them regularly. You can also share your live location with your friends and family, so even if you cannot speak to them, they can see you’re okay.

Travel in a group

This is always safer than being on your own. Make connections with other travellers. Join local activities, attend events or meetups, and stay in hostels to meet other travellers as they also often put on events and tours for guests.

Make new connections

Join local activities, attend events or meetups, and stay in hostels to meet other travellers, as they also often put on events and tours for guests. This can be a great way to make new friends and share experiences with like-minded individuals while not having to risk being single on a dark street after midnight.

Trust Your Instincts

Trust your instincts and remove yourself from any situation that feels unsafe. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance or advice from locals or fellow travellers.

Practice self-care

Travelling, particularly solo travelling, can be demanding. Prioritize self-care. Make sure that you get adequate sleep, eat well, and take breaks as often as needed. This will make it easier to remain alert at all times and not become the victim of crime.

Visiting Canada’s National Parks

The diverse wildlife in Canadian national parks includes wolves, coyotes, foxes, beavers, deer, and elk. It is very important for visitors to familiarize themselves with the local animals and how to respond when encountering them within national parks.

Within many Canadian national parks, for example, the moose is a prominent inhabitant. These sizable herbivores roam forests and meadows and, though generally docile, they can sometimes pose a threat when provoked. Should you spot a moose, it’s crucial to maintain composure and give it sufficient space.

Bears, another frequent presence in Canadian national parks, are carnivorous. In comparison to moose, they are more likely to display aggression. Extra caution is, therefore, required around them. When encountering a bear, make sufficient noise to signal your presence. If the bear remains in your vicinity, slowly retreat without making direct eye contact.

To stay safe while exploring Canadian national parks and their amazing wildlife, also consider the following tips:

• Stay alert and make noise to alert animals to your presence.
• Keep food and fragrant items away from wildlife.
• Rather, travel in groups instead of solo and adhere to designated trails.
• Carry bear spray and understand its usage if you encounter a bear.
• Comply with all park regulations.
• Prior to your Canadian national park visit, conduct thorough research to acquaint yourself with the resident wildlife and how to respond to them.

In addition to the aforementioned recommendations, here are many other considerations to consider when exploring Canadian national parks:

Weather Preparedness: Be ready for abrupt weather changes, as Canadian weather can sometimes be very unpredictable. Make provision for this when packing e.g. making sure you bring sturdy footwear, warm clothing, and rain gear.

Self-Sufficiency: Bring an adequate supply of food and water since Canadian national parks often offer limited provisions.

Share your plans: We’ve already mentioned this, but it can’t be stressed enough: Always inform someone of your itinerary and expected return, especially if embarking on backcountry hikes or going camping in a remote area.

Show respect for the environment: Leave no trace behind and dispose of all trash properly.

Safety during outdoor activities such as mountain climbing and hiking through the wilderness

Plan ahead: This could be very useful. You should, for example, research the trail you’re going on. Also, check the weather forecast for the time you will be on a hike and avoid hiking in bad weather or when there is a risk of avalanches.

Wear the right kind of clothing and footwear: Make sure, e.g., that you have sturdy shoes or boots and that you’re properly dressed for the expected weather conditions.

Bring a first-aid kit and other essential supplies: This includes things like food, water, a map, and a compass.

Be on the alert and prepared for wildlife encounters: If you spot a bear or other wild animal, stay calm and back away slowly.

Don’t just disappear into the wilderness: Let someone know your route and when you expect to be back. This is especially important if you’re hiking alone Also inform somebody if you’re going to deviate from your planned route.

Don’t overestimate your own strengths: Be aware of your physical limitations. Don’t attempt to hike a trail that is too difficult for you.

Bring a map and compass: This will help you to stay on the trail and to find your way back if you get lost.

Be prepared for bad weather: Pack rain gear and extra clothing.

Adhering to these principles will increase your chances of having a safe and enjoyable visit to the great Canadian outdoors.