Calgary is generally a safe city to visit, with low crime rates compared to other major cities in North America.
Safety conditions change. Always check your government's current travel advisory for Calgary before traveling.
Quick Facts
Overall Safety Assessment
Calgary is a vibrant and welcoming city, with a strong sense of community and a low crime rate. Visitors can feel comfortable exploring the city's many attractions, from the famous Calgary Stampede to the beautiful Prince's Island Park. However, as with any city, there are areas that are considered safer than others, and visitors should take normal precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Calgary is also prone to extreme weather conditions, such as thunderstorms and blizzards, which can pose a risk to travelers.
Overall, Calgary is a great destination for travelers, with a wide range of activities and attractions to suit all interests. With some basic precautions and an awareness of the local conditions, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Calgary. It's worth noting that Calgary is a large city, and as such, it's not immune to crime. However, the city has a strong police presence, and most crimes are minor and opportunistic, such as purse snatching or vandalism.
Safety By Area
| Area/Region | Safety Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Calgary | High | Busy and well-patrolled, with many amenities and attractions |
| Kensington Village | High | Trendy neighborhood with shops and restaurants, safe for visitors |
| Prince's Island Park | High | Beautiful park with walking trails and scenic views, safe for visitors |
| 17th Avenue SW | Moderate | Busy shopping and entertainment district, with some petty crime |
| Forest Lawn | Low | Higher crime rate, with some gang activity and petty crime |
| East Village | Moderate | Up-and-coming neighborhood with some crime, but also many new developments |
| Beltline | Moderate | Mixed neighborhood with some crime, but also many amenities and attractions |
| Calgary Airport | High | Safe and well-patrolled, with many amenities for travelers |
Common Risks & Scams
- Panhandling: Aggressive panhandling is a common issue in some areas of Calgary, particularly in the downtown core.
- Purse snatching: Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and keep a close eye on their belongings, particularly in crowded areas.
- Scams targeting tourists: Scammers may target tourists with fake petitions or charity solicitations, so visitors should be cautious when approached by strangers.
- Theft from vehicles: Visitors should always lock their vehicles and keep valuables out of sight, as theft from vehicles is a common crime in Calgary.
- ATM scams: Visitors should be cautious when using ATMs, as scammers may use card skimmers or other devices to steal financial information.
- Weather-related risks: Calgary is prone to extreme weather conditions, such as thunderstorms and blizzards, which can pose a risk to travelers.
Health & Medical
- Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for travel to Calgary, but visitors should ensure they are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations.
- Water Safety: Tap water is safe to drink in Calgary, but visitors may prefer to use bottled water.
- Medical Facilities: Calgary has a high-quality healthcare system, with many excellent hospitals and medical facilities.
- Pharmacy Access: Pharmacies are readily available in Calgary, with many locations throughout the city.
Practical Safety Tips
- Be aware of your surroundings: Visitors should always be mindful of their surroundings, particularly in crowded areas or at night.
- Keep valuables secure: Visitors should keep their valuables, such as wallets and phones, secure and out of sight.
- Use reputable transportation: Visitors should use reputable transportation services, such as taxis or ride-sharing services, and always check the driver's ID before getting in.
- Stay informed: Visitors should stay informed about local conditions, such as weather forecasts and crime alerts.
- Follow local advice: Visitors should follow local advice and instructions, particularly in emergency situations.
- Stay in touch: Visitors should stay in touch with family and friends back home, and let them know their itinerary and contact information.
For Solo & Women Travelers
- Be confident and aware: Solo and women travelers should be confident and aware of their surroundings, particularly at night.
- Avoid walking alone in isolated areas: Solo and women travelers should avoid walking alone in isolated areas, particularly at night, and instead use reputable transportation services.
- Keep in touch with friends and family: Solo and women travelers should stay in touch with friends and family back home, and let them know their itinerary and contact information.
- Consider joining a group tour: Solo and women travelers may consider joining a group tour, which can provide a sense of security and community.