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Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:01Z
Full advisory →Is St. John's safe? 🇨🇦
Canada · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, St. John's scores 93/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. Yes — St. John's is a very safe city for travelers. The main risks for visitors are tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
St. John's 🇨🇦
Canada · Assessed 29 July 2026
93
/ 100
Yes — very safe
Safer than ~98% of countries
What drives this score
Crime89/100GoodHomicide 2.0 / 100k
Sentiment91/100GoodVery Positive
Advisories97Good
Stability82Good
Health89Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Mugging & robbery risk
Low risk
92
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Low risk
92
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
88 / 100 (Very Positive)
88
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
111k residents
86
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
2.0 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Canada2World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
86
Robbery / mugging
LowRobbery risk is very low, with a homicide rate significantly below the world average.
Pickpocketing
LowPickpocketing and bag-snatching are uncommon, but vigilance in crowded areas is always prudent.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Very Positive
91/100
Reported feel88Very Positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk96Low risk
The vast majority of residents and visitors report feeling safe walking alone after dark, indicating a high level of public security.
Yes — St. John's is a very safe city for travelers.
St. John's ranks exceptionally high on safety indices, with low crime rates and strong governance. Travelers generally feel safe, even after dark, though standard precautions against petty crime are advised.
Recent developments
- Jul 2026Teenagers stole a car from a senior in a St. John's parking lot.— CBC
- Jul 2026A whale-watching warning was issued for St. Vincent's, N.L., advising against standing in the ocean due to potential dangers.— CBC
- Jun 2026RCMP Federal Policing laid charges against a St. John's man after Canada Border Services Agency intercepted a prohibited device being imported.— PNI Atlantic News
- May 2026Police in Newfoundland and Labrador charged a St. John's man with multiple sexual offenses against two youths.— Toronto Star
Common scams
- While not specific to St. John's, be aware of common travel scams such as overcharging for taxis or inflated prices in tourist areas.
Full briefing
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, is a remarkably safe destination for travelers. The city consistently scores very high on composite safety indices, reflecting strong governance, low crime rates, and a high degree of political stability. Official advisories from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) indicate no specific travel warnings against visiting the city, aligning with its overall secure profile.
On the ground, this translates to a low risk of serious crime. The homicide rate in St. John's is significantly lower than the global average, and data suggests that residents and visitors alike feel very safe, with a high percentage reporting comfort walking alone after dark. While the risk of violent crime is minimal, a recent incident involving car theft from a senior in a parking lot serves as a reminder to remain aware of your surroundings and secure your belongings. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are not prevalent issues, but standard precautions in any urban environment are always advisable.
Recent reports highlight some localized concerns, such as a warning issued by CBC regarding the dangers of the ocean near St. Vincent's, N.L., particularly for whale-watchers. Law enforcement activity has also been noted, with PNI Atlantic News and the Toronto Star reporting on arrests related to prohibited imports and sexual offenses, respectively. These incidents, while serious, appear to be isolated and do not reflect a widespread threat to general visitors.
For a safe trip, it is recommended to stay informed about general health advisories for Canada, such as the CDC's [Watch] notice for Hepatitis A, and to practice good hygiene. While St. John's is very safe, exercising common sense, such as being mindful in parking lots and aware of potentially hazardous natural environments like the ocean, will ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 6 St. John's districts for visitors: 6 safer. See them plotted on the St. John's safety map.
DowntownsaferGenerally safe, but exercise caution at night and be aware of surroundings.
Quidi VidisaferA historic and picturesque area, considered very safe.
Signal HillsaferPopular tourist area, safe during daylight hours.
The BatterysaferResidential area with a strong community feel, generally safe.
West EndsaferResidential and commercial area, considered safe.
East EndsaferLargely residential, considered safe.
07 · After Dark
Is St. John's safe at night?
88% of people in Canada say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2019).
Robbery risk is very low, with a homicide rate significantly below the world average.
No specific districts were flagged as no-go areas after dark, but the usual night-time rules apply: stay in lit, populated areas and keep your phone out of sight.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight St. John's's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight92
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight92
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight92
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight92
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight91
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight92
09 · Questions
St. John's safety FAQ
Is St. John's safe for tourists right now?
Yes — St. John's is a very safe city for travelers. St. John's ranks exceptionally high on safety indices, with low crime rates and strong governance. Travelers generally feel safe, even after dark, though standard precautions against petty crime are advised. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Which areas of St. John's should tourists avoid?
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
What are the most common scams in St. John's?
- While not specific to St. John's, be aware of common travel scams such as overcharging for taxis or inflated prices in tourist areas.
How does St. John's compare with other places in Canada?
St. John's ranks #1 of 9 Canada destinations we've assessed, scoring 93/100. See the Canada safety overview for the full list.
How is this St. John's safety score calculated?
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
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