Is Toronto safe? What you should know

Toronto is a vibrant city full of life and diversity! It's like the United Nations on steroids (but in a good way)! From the soaring CN Tower to the lively markets and parks, you’ll never run out of things to do! The city’s a mosaic of different cultures, where you can find anything from world-class art galleries to top-notch street food. If you want to blend in, just end every sentence with "eh!"

Whether you're here to soak in the culture, nature, or health perks, Toronto's got you covered. Here you’ll find how to navigate the city safely, both culturally and physically. It's a place where you can chat with friendly locals (don't worry, they’ll help you if you seem lost). But let’s make sure you’re also aware of what’s up with nature, health, and the little things that might catch you off guard. For example, how some people drive like they’re in a Fast & Furious movie!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Toronto

Toronto is one of the safest major Canadian cities! You don't have to worry about a high crime rate because things like gun violence and car thefts were practically non-existent in the past few years! Canadian law and Toronto police definitely help make this a safe city! If we’re talking statistics, Quebec City is the safest city in Canada, but Toronto isn't far behind!

Getting from the airport to the city center

Did you just touch down at Toronto Pearson International Airport? All you need to do is catch the UP Express Train and you'll get to the Central Station near downtown Toronto in just 30 minutes! You'll end up next to some tourist attractions so you can start exploring right away!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Toronto

Be careful around ATMs, dear readers! If a random person is hanging around one and wants to give you advice, they're probably trying to skim your credit card. They'll talk to you while keeping a close eye on your card numbers and PIN. That's all they need to use your bank account. Sometimes there are also special covers where you insert your card, the chip reader reads your card details and stores the info. Check if there’s anything odd before using an ATM, and don't let anyone look over your shoulder while you're taking out money!

Is tap water in Toronto safe to drink?

Toronto tap water is completely safe! The city gets its water from natural springs with nature's filtration systems! The water goes through treatment if necessary, and the only issues with water taste you'll find are thanks to old pipes in very old buildings! Compared to some other cities, this tap is incredible!

Safe accommodation options in Toronto

Not sure where to stay in Toronto and feel safe? We've got your back! Here are some extra safe accommodation options:

1. Yorkville is the city's upscale neighborhood with high-end boutiques if you're looking for where to shop in Toronto. You'll also find some art galleries, great restaurants, and the Kensington Market nearby! The Hazelton Hotel is an ultra-luxurious hotel at around 650 CAD per night.
2. The Annex is energetic and student-friendly because it's home to many Toronto universities. It's very diverse thanks to all kinds of people from all walks of life, and you can stay at the Kimpton Saint George Hotel here. It's modern, cozy, and pet-friendly at about 400 CAD a night!
3. The Harbourfront is close to Moss Park and is the ideal place for family strolls! You won't find the usual city noises here and you'll have fantastic seaside views from the Delta Hotels Toronto. Plus, it's got an indoor pool and rooms for around 300 CAD per night.

Pro tip: If you're visiting during the winter, you probably have a lot of extra thick clothes and coats. Maybe you just checked out of your hotel or you're just on a layover in Toronto and don't have where to stash your extra bags. That's where Bounce partners come in! Download the Bounce app, find a storage location near you, and leave your ski gear, extra thick cotes, and spare boots with us!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Cultural callouts? We've got plenty! If you want to blend in with the locals, here are some tips:

• Canadians are famous for their friendliness, approachability, and "sorrys" even when it’s totally not their fault. Now, that's the true meaning of ‘polite’! Don't push it, though. No one likes it when kindness is taken for granted!
• All Canadians speak English, but their second language is French if you want to flaunt your bilingual skill with them! Canadians like their slang, so it can be useful to pick up some local slang know-how.
• They call their $1 and $2 coins "Loonie" and "Toonie." They're hilarious names for money, but it can cause some confusion if you don't know the local lingo!
• "Double-double" means a coffee with two teaspoons of sugar and two creams, very efficient!

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Want to know how to get around Toronto safely? Here are some tips:

• Compared to other major cities, the Toronto subway system is very safe! You can find all public transportation schedules and routes on the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) website! You can get the PRESTO card and use the buses, subways, and streetcars which run at night too.
• Driving is generally safe, but some locals love to speed through long empty streets. You should be extra careful when the snow starts falling and the roads get icy. Sometimes, so much snow falls during the night that your entire car can get buried. So, if you don't want to deal with that in the winter, just use public transportation!
• The paths get slippery too, so be careful when you're walking or biking around. Wearing a helmet when biking is extra recommended in Canada.

Nature and Toronto: Tips to keep in mind

Canada is synonymous with nature. It's especially beautiful when light snow covers the forests. Here are some tips to enjoy nature while staying safe:

• The water quality of lakes is generally good, and you can swim during the summer. Despite popular belief, Canada is hot sometimes. So if you're looking for beaches near Toronto, you can try Kew-Balmy Beach or Hanlan's Point!
• Do you want to check out the hikes in Toronto? High Park, Don Valley Trails, and Rogue National Urban Park are some great options. Make sure to bring warm boots, especially during the winter! There's nothing worse than cold feet!
• The winters in Canada can get extreme, with temps dropping to a bone-chilling -50C. It's not uncommon to see several feet of snowfall in just one night! The extreme temps can create some funny sights when your eyebrows and eyelashes freeze over!

Last tips in the case of an emergency

No one wants to be unprepared in case of an emergency, so here's everything you need to know:

• You should spring for travel insurance in case of health problems.
• Food in restaurants and on the streets is very good, just watch out for allergens.
• 911 is a general number, it's for ambulances, the fire department, and the Toronto police service.

So, is Toronto safe?

Is Toronto a dangerous city? Absolutely not! For a major city like this, it has very low crime rates, even in the downtown area! It's one of the safest cities in North America! But the winters can be a bit sketchy, so remember to pack a lot of layers and a wind-proof jacket. You'll also need a place to store them when you aren’t using them, so don’t forget about Bounce and our $10.000 protection plan! Find the closest storage spot location and enjoy your Toronto stay!