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Updated 2026-07-23T16:13:01Z
Full advisory →Is Toronto safe? 🇨🇦
Canada · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Toronto scores 86/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. Yes — Toronto is generally safe for visitors, but recent incidents require vigilance. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Toronto 🇨🇦
Canada · Assessed 28 July 2026
86
/ 100
Yes — very safe
Safer than ~93% of countries
What drives this score
Crime82/100GoodCrime index 45.6 / 100
Sentiment67/100FairMostly positive
Advisories97Good
Stability82Good
Health85Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Homicide rate
2.0 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Canada2World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
86
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging and armed robbery are uncommon but have occurred near nightlife districts and large public events; avoid poorly lit streets after dark.
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing is common in crowded venues such as the PATH, major festivals, and tourist hotspots; keep bags zipped and wallets in front pockets.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
67/100
Reported feel78Mostly positive
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk58High risk
Travelers report feeling generally safe during daylight, but many express concern after recent hate‑crime attacks on Jewish bakery locations.
Yes — Toronto is generally safe for visitors, but recent incidents require vigilance.
Toronto scores very high on safety metrics, with low homicide and violent crime rates, strong rule of law, and no active disaster alerts. However, localized hate‑crime incidents and occasional street violence have risen in July 2026, so travelers should stay alert in crowded areas.
Recent developments
- Jul 2026Police probing gunfire at a Jewish‑owned bakery in Toronto as a possible hate crime— The Times of Israel
- Jul 2026Two killed in mass shooting at Toronto's largest Latin street festival— CBS News
- Jul 2026Two Jewish‑owned bakeries vandalized; one hit by gunfire; police investigating hate‑crime unit— Canadian Jewish News
- Jul 2026Toronto crime is way down, yet public perception remains skeptical; police emphasize overall safety— Toronto Star
Common scams
- Overpriced souvenir scams near popular attractions
- Fake charity collections targeting tourists
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
Toronto is rated “VERY SAFE” by the World Bank and scores well above the global average for homicide, terrorism, and institutional stability. The city’s homicide rate of 2.0 per 100 k people and low rates of violent crime place it among the safest major cities in North America. Official UK and Canadian advisories issue no travel bans, and there are currently no active disaster alerts within 500 km.
Recent news from July 2026, however, highlights a spike in targeted hate‑crime incidents: gunfire was reported at a Jewish‑owned bakery, and two separate bakeries were vandalized, prompting a police hate‑crime investigation. In the same month, a tragic mass shooting occurred at Toronto’s largest Latin street festival, resulting in two fatalities. While these events are isolated and not representative of the city’s overall safety, they have heightened public awareness and prompted extra police patrols in affected neighborhoods.
For day‑to‑day travel, visitors feel largely safe walking alone after dark (87.6 % report feeling safe), yet pickpocketing remains a high‑frequency concern, especially in crowded venues such as the PATH underground mall, major festivals, and popular tourist attractions. Robbery and mugging are moderate risks, primarily after dark in nightlife districts like King West and the Entertainment District, so it is wise to stay in well‑lit areas and avoid displaying valuables.
Practical Tips
1. Keep wallets and phones in front pockets or a zip‑pered bag; use a money belt in dense crowds. 2. Use licensed taxis, rideshare apps, or public transit rather than hailing cabs on the street. 3. Avoid poorly lit side streets after midnight, especially in the downtown core and near the waterfront. 4. Stay informed about any police advisories in specific neighborhoods and steer clear of large gatherings that could become volatile. 5. Be wary of overpriced souvenir vendors near attractions such as the CN Tower and the Distillery District, and verify charity collections before donating.
By staying alert, respecting local customs, and following these simple precautions, travelers can enjoy Toronto’s many cultural and recreational offerings with confidence.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Toronto districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Toronto safety map.
WestonavoidHigher rates of violent incidents reported recently; best to avoid.
Mackenzie VillageavoidRecent gang‑related activity and assaults; not recommended for travelers.
Downtown TorontocautionHigh foot traffic and nightlife; stay alert after dark and avoid isolated streets.
ScarboroughcautionSuburban area with occasional petty crime; stay aware of surroundings.
North YorkcautionBusy commercial zones; safe in daylight, exercise caution at night.
HarbourfrontsaferWell‑patrolled tourist area; low risk during daylight and early evening.
YorkvillesaferUpscale residential and shopping district; generally safe but watch belongings.
East YorksaferQuiet residential neighbourhood; low crime, safe for visitors.
07 · After Dark
Is Toronto safe at night?
88% of people in Canada say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2019).
Mugging and armed robbery are uncommon but have occurred near nightlife districts and large public events; avoid poorly lit streets after dark.
After dark, be most careful around Weston, Mackenzie Village, Downtown Toronto, Scarborough. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Toronto's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight85
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight85
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight85
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight85
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight85
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight85
09 · Questions
Toronto safety FAQ
Is Toronto safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Toronto is generally safe for visitors, but recent incidents require vigilance. Toronto scores very high on safety metrics, with low homicide and violent crime rates, strong rule of law, and no active disaster alerts. However, localized hate‑crime incidents and occasional street violence have risen in July 2026, so travelers should stay alert in crowded areas. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Which areas of Toronto should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Weston, Mackenzie Village as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Toronto?
- Overpriced souvenir scams near popular attractions
- Fake charity collections targeting tourists
How does Toronto compare with other places in Canada?
Toronto ranks #6 of 7 Canada destinations we've assessed, scoring 86/100. See the Canada safety overview for the full list.
How is this Toronto safety score calculated?
The score blends 12+ 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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4 reportsBrowse the Canada safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: toronto.json (CC BY 4.0).