Is Montreal safe? 🇨🇦

Montreal continues to be a very safe destination for travelers, supported by strong safety metrics and official advisories urging only normal precautions. The city’s composite safety index of 88/100 places it among the safer urban centers globally, with low homicide rates (2.0 per 100k), strong institutional performance, and excellent access to healthcare — 56 hospitals within 15 km. Visitors consistently report feeling secure, with 87.6% saying they feel safe walking alone after dark, a sentiment reinforced by recent traveler accounts and a declining national crime trend.

While Montreal is largely safe, certain risks exist, primarily in the form of property crime and localized incidents. Pickpocketing poses a moderate threat in crowded areas such as Old Montreal, Metro stations, and during summer festivals, so travelers should keep belongings secure and remain vigilant. Mugging and armed robbery are low risk for visitors and are largely confined to specific neighborhoods like Montréal-Nord and Saint-Michel, which are not typical tourist areas and see little visitor foot traffic. Recent incidents, including shootings in June 2026, were isolated and appeared to involve targeted or criminal-related violence, not random attacks on tourists. Similarly, airport-related arrests in August involved employees and did not impact public safety.

To stay safe, use licensed taxis or ride-share services, avoid unmarked vehicles, and be cautious of distraction scams in busy tourist zones. Keep valuables hidden, especially on public transit and in crowded entertainment districts. Exercise normal caution in nightlife areas late at night, particularly after 3:00 AM when bars close and streets can become rowdy. Overall, Montreal welcomes visitors with a high degree of safety, and by staying aware and taking basic precautions, travelers can enjoy the city’s culture, cuisine, and charm with confidence.