Top 15 Safest Cities in Canada (2026)
When assessing the safest cities in Canada, several factors must be considered. From crime rates to neighbourhood demographics, many variables can impact a city’s safety. However, with careful research and analysis, it is possible to identify the cities that offer the best combination of safety, livability, and community.
We will highlight Canada’s 15 safest cities based on factors such as crime statistics, community amenities, and overall quality of life. Whether looking for a quiet place to raise a family or a vibrant urban centre, these cities offer something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Overall, Canada is considered a safe place to live, no matter where you settle.
- The country’s Crime Severity Index is low overall, with many large metropolitan cities below the national average.
- Some of Canada’s safest cities are found in Ontario, but there are plenty of safe cities across the country.
Using the Crime Severity Index to Rank Canada’s Safest Cities
The Canadian Crime Severity Index (CSI) monitors the severity of crimes reported by law enforcement, considering both the frequency and the degree of offences to evaluate the overall seriousness from one year to the next.
This helps clarify how crime affects individuals, families, and the community as a whole. Research shows that higher crime severity substantially undermines personal and community well-being, making a low CSI score an indicator of a thriving community.
Top 15 Safest Cities in Canada
Based on the most recent 2024 Crime Severity Index (CSI) data, the following are the 15 safest cities in Canada with populations over 100,000.
Halton Region – Ontario
Crime Severity Index (CSI): 31.2
Population: 596,637
Median Home Price: $1,054,500
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $2,156
The Halton Region covers a large area west of Toronto, including Oakville, Burlington, and Milton. It is one of the fastest-growing communities in Ontario, with a mix of agricultural communities and urban centres. The region is located close to other major cities, with Toronto to the east and Hamilton to the west.
Saanich – British Columbia
Crime Severity Index (CSI): 37.2
Population: 118,687
Median Home Price: $1,159,650
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $2,096
Saanich is the safest city in British Columbia. With a population of over 100,000, it has a crime rate well below the national average. The city is a popular retirement community, and its aging population contributes to the low crime rate. Located close to Victoria, the city offers the best of suburban living with easy access to big-city amenities. The area also has many regional parks and lakes, which you can enjoy year-round thanks to the mild weather.
Durham Region – Ontario
Crime Severity Index (CSI): 47.1
Population: 696,992
Median Home Price: $835,234
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,848
The Durham Region covers a large area east of Toronto, with the larger cities of Oshawa and Pickering located within it. The Durham Region Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan partners with the Government of Canada to support vulnerable community members in addressing the underlying conditions that lead to crime.
Bowmanville is an up-and-coming area with approximately 57,000 residents. What was once a quiet farm town has grown into a suburban city with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The area combines urban convenience and rural beauty with a diverse community only an hour’s drive from the GTA.
York Region – Ontario
Crime Severity Index (CSI): 53.9
Population: 1,239,500
Median Home Price: $1,200,524
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,998
The York Region extends from North Toronto to Georgina and Lake Simcoe. Markham, Vaughan, Newmarket and Richmond Hill are some of the major urban cities in the area where many who commute to Toronto for work reside. One of the best places to live in this region is the fast growing municipality of East Gwillimbury. The area has abundant green space, farmland, forests, and scenic trails. This quiet community is ideal if you crave rural living but still want to be close to city amenities.
Coquitlam – British Columbia
Crime Severity Index (CSI): 55.2
Population: 148,625
Median Home Price: $1,670,400
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $2,050
Coquitlam strikes a balance between urban convenience and suburban calm, making it a popular choice for families and young professionals alike. Residents here benefit from excellent parks and outdoor spaces, strong transit connections to Vancouver, and a community feel that still delivers city-scale amenities. While housing prices reflect its desirability, the overall quality of life and reputation for safety make Coquitlam a solid choice for buyers who want peace of mind without sacrificing access to big-city opportunities.
Delta – British Columbia
Crime Severity Index (CSI): 55.3
Population: 108,455
Median Home Price: $1,069,250
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,750
Delta’s blend of suburban tranquillity, waterfront living in Tsawwassen, and easy access to Vancouver makes it attractive to families and commuters seeking a quieter pace without sacrificing urban convenience. Delta’s safety credentials are bolstered by active community involvement and low crime rates relative to larger urban centres. Green spaces, beaches and family-oriented neighbourhoods give it a distinct coastal charm.
Ottawa – Ontario
Crime Severity Index (CSI): 55.8
Population: 1,017,449
Median Home Price: $620,400
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,877
With a mix of ages, nationalities, and cultures, Ottawa is a diversified and highly educated city. One of the most well-liked Ottawa neighbourhoods is Westboro, renowned for its chic stores, eateries, cafes, and lovely parks and outdoor areas. Young families will find Westboro the perfect place to live because it is a community that values families, has a low crime rate, and has excellent schools.
The Glebe, another well-liked Ottawa district, is close to the city’s centre and is renowned for its historic elegance. The Glebe is a highly sought-after neighbourhood for young, trendy professionals and students because it offers abundant parks and proximity to universities.
Guelph – Ontario
Crime Severity Index (CSI): 56.0
Population: 144,356
Median Home Price: $735,000
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,982
The city of Guelph has a diverse population with something for everyone. If you’re a family seeking a safe, welcoming neighbourhood, consider communities such as Westminster Woods, Kortright Hills, or Grange Hill East. If you’re a young person looking for a place to live, downtown Guelph is ideal. This area has several hip cafes, restaurants, and pubs geared toward a younger University student clientele.
Sherbrooke – Quebec
Crime Severity Index (CSI): 56.3
Population: 151,157
Median Home Price: $526,957
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,200
Sherbrooke’s demographic mix fosters social cohesion and a sense of community, helping deter crime. Lennoxville is a popular neighbourhood in Sherbrooke. The neighbourhood is home to Bishop’s University, a small liberal arts college which attracts many young people to the area. The neighbourhood has a lively arts scene and a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is considered a safe area, making it an attractive place for young people to live and study.
Peel Region – Ontario
Crime Severity Index (CSI): 56.4
Population: 1,499,917
Median Home Price: $939,100
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $2,006
The Peel Region is the safest community in Canada for areas with populations of 1 million or more. Mississauga and Brampton are two popular cities in the Peel Region that attract a diverse mix of residents. Toronto Pearson Airport, the largest and busiest in Canada, is located within the region. Port Credit in Mississauga is an excellent neighbourhood that provides easy access to the GO Train for Toronto commuters. Living in Mississauga gives you easy access to over 480 parks, including an extensive waterfront trail.
Hamilton Metropolitan Area – Ontario
Crime Severity Index (CSI): 58.3
Population: 785,184
Median Home Price: $734,700
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,645
Hamilton, often called “The Hammer,” is an excellent city for those seeking a safe, secure place to call home. For families residing in Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas, and Westdale are among the top neighbourhood choices. These neighbourhoods offer great schools, parks, and recreational activities that families can enjoy together.
For young people, neighbourhoods like James Street North, Locke Street South, and Hess Village are popular choices. These areas have plenty of bars and restaurants. They’re also within walking distance of downtown Hamilton and its universities and trade schools, which makes them convenient for students and young professionals.
St. Catharines – Ontario
Crime Severity Index (CSI): 59.0
Population: 136,803
Median Home Price: $523,400
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,597
This city is the largest in the Niagara Region and the 6th largest urban area in Ontario. It is appealing due to its proximity to Toronto and the United States border. Home to Brock University, St. Catharines is ideal for students and commuters seeking a quieter, more affordable place to live, with easy access to transit and highways that connect to urban areas.
Greater Toronto Area – Ontario
Crime Severity Index (CSI): 59.4
Population: 6,202,225
Median Home Price: $951,700
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $2,100
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and also one of its safest. With a lower Crime Severity Index than Montreal and Calgary, Toronto is perhaps the safest large city in the country.
Toronto is also known for its diverse demographics, making it a welcoming and inclusive city for people from all walks of life. Families seeking a safe and friendly environment can find it in neighbourhoods such as North York, Scarborough, and Etobicoke. These areas are home to excellent schools, parks, and community centers, providing families with everything they need to thrive.
Young professionals and students flock to neighbourhoods like Downtown, Queen West, and the Annex. These areas are known for their trendy restaurants, bars, and nightlife, making them perfect for young people who want to live in the heart of the action. Despite the bustling atmosphere, these neighbourhoods remain safe and secure.
Barrie – Ontario
Crime Severity Index (CSI): 60.3
Population: 154,676
Median Home Price: $715,300
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,754
Barrie is a much quieter city than Toronto, only 90 kilometres away, making it an excellent, safe option for many. The neighbourhoods of Allandale, Holly, and Painswick are popular with families, offering great schools, parks, and community centers. These areas have a friendly community feel and are perfect for raising a family. For young people, downtown Barrie is home to trendy bars, restaurants, and shops, making it a great place to socialize and hang out.
Greater Montreal – Quebec
Crime Severity Index (CSI): 61.7
Population: 4,318,128
Median Home Price: $573,800
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,730
Greater Montreal encompasses the City of Montreal and the surrounding suburbs. Montreal’s diverse communities, robust transit network and relatively affordable housing compared to other major Canadian cities give it broad appeal. While urban issues such as petty crime are more prevalent in the city centre, most suburbs and family-oriented districts maintain a strong level of safety. The city’s lively cultural scene, parks, festivals, and bilingual nature make it stand out not just as a safe place to live but also as an enjoyable one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which province in Canada has the lowest crime rate?
Overall, Ontario is considered the safest province in Canada, with some of the lowest crime rates in the country.
Which city in Canada has the lowest crime rate?
If we consider the CSI a key indicator, Ste. Anne in Manitoba has the lowest crime rate in the country, though it has a population of under 5,000. Among larger cities with populations over 25,000, South Simcoe (Innisfil) is the safest, with a population of 29,464. Among cities with populations over 100,000, Halton Region is the safest.
Which is the best city in Canada to live in for foreigners?
While this is all relative to an individual’s situation, experts widely consider areas around Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal, and Quebec City excellent cities for foreigners.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Safest City to Live in Canada
Many variables can impact a city’s safety, from crime rates to neighbourhood demographics. Start by researching crime statistics for different cities and neighbourhoods. The Crime Severity Index (CSI) provides an overall measure of crime rates in a given area.
Statistics Canada also provides more specific crime data, such as the number of break-ins, assaults, or thefts in a particular neighbourhood. For a more personalized perspective, you can consult with a real estate agent who specializes in the area you’re interested in or talk to friends and family who live there.
When researching neighbourhoods and cities to live in, it’s also important to consider the area’s demographics. Some neighbourhoods are more diverse than others, which can impact safety differently. For example, areas with a high concentration of elderly and retired residents may have lower crime rates. In comparison, neighbourhoods with younger adult and youth populations may have higher crime rates.
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