Canada's 10 Most Dangerous Cities 2026: New Safety Alert

Canada's most dangerous cities revealed - where safety concerns are rising fastest

On This Page You Will Find:

• Complete ranking of Canada's 10 highest-risk cities with current safety scores
• Real-world safety challenges driving these rankings, including Surrey's emergency-level response
• Neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown of what makes these cities rank higher
• Actionable safety strategies that actually work for residents and visitors
• Comparison with Canada's 5 safest cities to show the full safety spectrum

Summary:

Canada's reputation as a safe haven faces new challenges in 2026, with Surrey topping the danger list after its mayor declared emergency-level responses to extortion threats. This comprehensive analysis reveals the 10 Canadian cities where residents report the highest safety concerns, based on the latest crime perception data. From British Columbia's Surrey (Crime Index: 64.4) to Ontario's Brampton (55.5), these rankings reflect real community experiences with property crime, public safety incidents, and daily security worries. Whether you're planning a move, evaluating travel safety, or simply want to understand Canada's evolving safety landscape, this data-driven guide provides the insights you need to make informed decisions about where you live, work, and visit.

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🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Surrey, BC leads Canada's danger rankings with a 64.4 Crime Index after emergency extortion response calls
• Seven of the top 10 most dangerous cities are in Ontario, showing concentrated safety challenges
• Property crime and vehicle theft drive most safety concerns, not violent incidents
• Mid-sized cities like Lethbridge and Sudbury often rank higher than major metros due to concentrated issues
• Quebec City remains Canada's safest major city with only a 22.4 Crime Index score

Maria Santos stared at her laptop screen, comparing rental listings between Surrey and Burnaby. The job offer in Surrey was perfect – better pay, shorter commute, exactly what she'd been hoping for. But the news headlines kept nagging at her. "Mayor Calls Emergency Response to Extortion Crisis." "Safety Concerns Mount in Metro Vancouver." Was she making the right choice for her family?

If you've ever found yourself weighing safety concerns against life opportunities, you're not alone. Thousands of Canadians face these decisions every year, and in 2026, the safety landscape has shifted in ways that demand attention.

The reality? Canada remains one of the world's safest countries, but that safety isn't distributed equally. Some cities are grappling with challenges that directly affect how residents feel walking to their cars at night, leaving packages on doorsteps, or letting their teenagers take transit after dark.

Understanding How Canadian City Safety Gets Measured

Before diving into the rankings, let's decode what these numbers actually mean for your daily life.

The Crime Index uses a 0-100 scale based on how residents perceive safety in their communities. Think of it as a collective temperature check – when scores climb above 60, you're looking at communities where a significant portion of residents report feeling genuinely concerned about their safety.

Here's how the bands break down:

• Very Low (20 and below): Most people feel very secure
• Low (20-40): Generally safe with minimal daily concerns
• Moderate (40-60): Some caution needed in certain areas
• High (60-80): Widespread safety concerns affecting daily routines
• Very High (80+): Serious safety challenges requiring significant precautions

The key insight? When cities hit the "High" band (60+), residents aren't just worried about statistics – they're changing their behavior. They're avoiding certain neighborhoods after dark, upgrading their home security, and having different conversations with their kids about staying safe.

Canada's 10 Most Dangerous Cities: The Complete 2026 Rankings

What pushes a city into the danger zone isn't usually one dramatic factor. It's the accumulation of daily frustrations: car break-ins becoming routine, package theft making online shopping stressful, and that growing feeling that things are getting worse, not better.

1. Surrey, British Columbia

Crime Index: 64.4 | Safety Index: 35.6

Surrey's top ranking isn't just about numbers – it's about headlines that have residents genuinely worried. In January 2026, the mayor's public call for emergency federal intervention over extortion threats sent shockwaves through the community.

What this means for residents: You're dealing with a city where business owners are facing targeted threats, and local leadership feels current resources aren't adequate to address the scope of the problem. The extortion issue has created a climate where even routine business operations feel riskier.

The daily reality: Residents report increased anxiety about vehicle security, especially for anyone running businesses or working in sectors that handle cash. The visibility of these threats has changed how people think about personal safety, even in areas that were previously considered low-risk.

Smart safety moves:

• Keep vehicles completely empty and always locked, even in your driveway
• Use well-lit main routes for evening activities
• Consider basic home deterrents like motion lighting and security cameras
• Stay informed about neighborhood-specific incidents through local community groups

2. Lethbridge, Alberta

Crime Index: 63.1 | Safety Index: 36.9

Lethbridge's second-place ranking reflects how quickly mid-sized cities can climb the danger list when property crime becomes persistent and visible. Residents consistently report concerns about theft, break-ins, and vehicle-related incidents that seem to cluster in specific areas.

The daily reality: You're looking at a city where residents have learned to be strategic about where they park, what they leave visible in vehicles, and which routes they take after dark. The concerns aren't abstract – they're based on neighbors' actual experiences with property crime.

Smart safety moves:

• Never leave anything visible in your vehicle, even charging cables
• Use secure delivery options for packages, especially during peak shopping seasons
• Choose well-lit parking spots and stay alert in large lots
• Connect with neighborhood watch groups for real-time local updates

3. Sudbury, Ontario

Crime Index: 62.5 | Safety Index: 37.5

Sudbury's ranking often reflects downtown conditions and nightlife corridor safety concerns. Residents report that certain areas feel significantly less safe after dark, and property crime worries influence daily decisions about where to go and when.

The daily reality: Downtown workers and residents describe increased vigilance around personal belongings, strategic parking choices, and modified evening routines. The safety concerns aren't citywide, but they're concentrated enough to affect the overall community sentiment.

Smart safety moves:

• Stick to main, well-traveled routes during evening hours
• Keep phones and valuables completely out of sight in public
• Use secure bike storage – theft is a persistent concern
• Plan evening activities with transportation logistics in mind

4. Kelowna, British Columbia

Crime Index: 62.1 | Safety Index: 37.9

Kelowna's tourism economy creates unique safety dynamics. The combination of busy entertainment districts, seasonal population surges, and high-traffic areas contributes to property crime opportunities that affect both residents and visitors.

The daily reality: Residents describe a city where busy corridors and entertainment zones require extra caution, especially during peak tourism seasons. Vehicle break-ins and theft in high-traffic areas are persistent concerns that influence where people choose to park and spend time.

Smart safety moves:

• Keep bags secured and never leave items unattended, even briefly
• Plan late-night transportation in advance rather than walking long distances
• Avoid leaving any valuables visible in vehicles, especially in busy tourist areas
• Stay alert in crowded spaces where pickpocketing opportunities increase

5. Winnipeg, Manitoba

Crime Index: 60.8 | Safety Index: 39.2

Winnipeg sits right at the line between moderate and high concern levels, with significant neighborhood-to-neighborhood variation. Downtown safety and certain transit corridors generate the most consistent resident concerns.

The daily reality: Residents describe a city where location awareness is crucial. Some neighborhoods feel quite safe, while others require significant caution, especially after dark. Personal safety concerns around downtown and certain transit areas influence daily route choices.

Smart safety moves:

• Prioritize main streets and well-lit areas for evening activities
• Stay particularly alert around transit stations and large parking structures
• Use layered home security basics: good lighting, secure entry points, visible deterrents
• Research specific neighborhoods thoroughly before moving or visiting regularly

6. Brantford, Ontario

Crime Index: 60.5 | Safety Index: 39.5

Brantford's ranking reflects concentrated property crime concerns and specific corridor-based safety issues. Downtown conditions and repeat hotspot areas significantly influence the overall community safety sentiment.

The daily reality: Residents report that certain areas require consistent caution, with property theft and vandalism being primary concerns. The safety issues tend to be location-specific but frequent enough to affect citywide perceptions.

Smart safety moves:

• Lock bikes and store tools in secured areas – theft is common
• Use motion lighting and keep entry points well-lit and visible
• Never leave valuables in vehicles, even for quick stops
• Stay informed about which specific areas have higher incident rates

7. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Crime Index: 60.3 | Safety Index: 39.7

In smaller cities like Sault Ste. Marie, safety perceptions can shift quickly when recurring issues dominate local attention. Property theft and vehicle-related incidents create disproportionate concern in tight-knit communities.

The daily reality: Residents describe a community where everyone knows about recent incidents, and a few recurring problems shape broader safety conversations. Vehicle security and property protection have become routine concerns.

Smart safety moves:

• Lock vehicles consistently, including when parked at home
• Secure garages, sheds, and outdoor storage areas
• Choose well-lit walking routes and avoid isolated areas after dark
• Participate in community safety discussions and neighborhood watch efforts

8. Oshawa, Ontario

Crime Index: 60.2 | Safety Index: 39.8

Oshawa's ranking reflects concerns about retail corridor safety and vehicle-related crime. Shopping areas and parking zones generate consistent resident concerns about theft and personal safety.

The daily reality: Residents report increased vigilance in shopping plazas and parking areas, with vehicle theft and break-ins being persistent concerns that influence daily routines and shopping habits.

Smart safety moves:

• Stay alert in busy shopping plazas and large parking areas
• Keep valuables completely out of sight while commuting or shopping
• Use secure parcel delivery options when available
• Park in well-lit areas close to main entrances when possible

9. Hamilton, Ontario

Crime Index: 56.2 | Safety Index: 43.8

Hamilton sits in the moderate band but ranks high nationally due to concentrated urban challenges. The city's size means wide neighborhood variation, with some areas feeling quite safe while others generate significant concern.

The daily reality: Residents describe a city where neighborhood knowledge is essential. Downtown and certain transit-adjacent areas require more caution, while many residential neighborhoods feel secure. Location awareness becomes crucial for daily safety.

Smart safety moves:

• Use main streets and populated routes for evening activities
• Exercise extra caution around ATMs and in large parking areas
• Avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles, especially downtown
• Research specific neighborhoods thoroughly – variation is significant

10. Brampton, Ontario

Crime Index: 55.5 | Safety Index: 44.5

Brampton's ranking is heavily influenced by vehicle theft concerns and recent incidents involving extortion-related violence. The city's rapid growth and proximity to major urban centers create unique safety dynamics.

The daily reality: Vehicle security has become a primary concern for residents, with some reporting significant anxiety about car theft and related criminal activity. The concerns are specific but impactful enough to influence daily behavior.

Smart safety moves:

• Use multiple vehicle anti-theft strategies and secure parking when available
• Keep doors locked and valuables out of sight at all times
• Use secure delivery options for packages to avoid theft
• Stay informed about vehicle theft trends and prevention strategies

The Complete Top 20: Canada's Safety Landscape

Rank	City	Crime Index	Safety Index	Province
1	Surrey	64.4	35.6	BC
2	Lethbridge	63.1	36.9	AB
3	Sudbury	62.5	37.5	ON
4	Kelowna	62.1	37.9	BC
5	Winnipeg	60.8	39.2	MB
6	Brantford	60.5	39.5	ON
7	Sault Ste. Marie	60.3	39.7	ON
8	Oshawa	60.2	39.8	ON
9	Hamilton	56.2	43.8	ON
10	Brampton	55.5	44.5	ON
11	Kamloops	54.8	45.2	BC
12	London	53.8	46.2	ON
13	Regina	53.5	46.5	SK
14	Nanaimo	53.5	46.5	BC
15	Moncton	49.5	50.5	NB
16	Saskatoon	49.1	50.9	SK
17	St. Catharines	47.3	52.7	ON
18	Edmonton	46.8	53.2	AB
19	Windsor	46.5	53.5	ON
20	Mississauga	43.9	56.1	ON

Looking at this data, a clear pattern emerges: Ontario dominates the higher-risk rankings with 11 of the top 20 cities, while some of Canada's largest metropolitan areas (Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto) don't appear in the top danger zones at all.

Canada's Safety Success Stories: The Top 5 Safest Cities

Before you start packing your bags for rural isolation, remember that Canada still offers plenty of genuinely safe urban options:

1. Quebec City - Crime Index: 22.4, Safety Index: 77.6 2. Oakville - Crime Index: 25.9, Safety Index: 74.1
3. Burlington - Crime Index: 28.9, Safety Index: 71.1 4. Ottawa - Crime Index: 31.0, Safety Index: 69.0 5. Montreal - Crime Index: 32.8, Safety Index: 67.2

Quebec City's exceptional safety record (22.4 Crime Index) shows that large Canadian cities can maintain very high safety standards. The 42-point gap between Quebec City and Surrey represents the difference between residents feeling genuinely secure versus genuinely concerned about daily safety.

What These Rankings Really Mean for Your Life

If You're Considering Moving

Don't let citywide rankings make your decision alone. A city like Hamilton might rank 9th nationally, but specific neighborhoods within Hamilton could feel safer than anywhere in a "safer" city. Research at the neighborhood level, talk to local residents, and consider your specific lifestyle factors.

Key questions to ask:

• What's your daily commute route like?
• How does the area feel during your typical activity hours?
• What do local community groups say about recent trends?
• Are the safety concerns relevant to your lifestyle and risk tolerance?

If You're Already Living in These Cities

Remember that awareness and preparation dramatically reduce your actual risk. Most safety concerns in Canadian cities involve property crime and opportunistic incidents – both highly preventable with basic precautions.

The biggest mistake? Letting anxiety about crime rankings prevent you from enjoying your community. Smart precautions combined with situational awareness let you live confidently even in higher-risk areas.

If You're Visiting or Traveling

Tourist-focused areas in these cities often have enhanced security and different risk profiles than residential areas. Focus on standard travel safety practices: secure your belongings, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid isolated areas after dark.

Understanding Why Mid-Sized Cities Often Rank Higher

Here's something that surprises many people: cities like Lethbridge and Sudbury ranking higher than Toronto or Vancouver. This happens because:

Concentrated impact: In smaller cities, a few recurring problems can dominate community conversation and perception in ways that might get lost in larger metropolitan areas.

Resource challenges: Mid-sized cities may have fewer resources for comprehensive crime prevention programs, community policing, or social services that address root causes.

Visibility effect: When everyone in a community knows about recent incidents, the psychological impact on safety perceptions can be more significant than in larger, more anonymous urban centers.

Survey dynamics: Perception-based rankings can shift quickly in smaller communities where individual experiences carry more weight in overall community sentiment.

The Real Drivers Behind Canada's Safety Concerns

Property Crime Dominates

The vast majority of safety concerns driving these rankings involve property rather than personal violence:

• Vehicle break-ins and theft
• Package and parcel theft
• Bicycle theft
• Break-ins to homes, garages, and sheds
• Vandalism and property damage

Opportunistic vs. Targeted Crime

Most incidents are opportunistic rather than targeted, which means they're highly preventable through basic security practices. The extortion issues in Surrey represent a more serious, targeted concern – but they're not typical of the safety challenges in most of these cities.

Economic and Social Factors

Cities with higher rankings often share certain characteristics:

• Rapid population growth straining infrastructure
• Economic transition challenges
• Visible homelessness and social disorder
• Limited resources for comprehensive community safety approaches

Practical Safety Strategies That Actually Work

For Vehicle Security (The #1 Concern)

• Keep vehicles completely empty and always locked
• Park in well-lit areas close to main entrances
• Use steering wheel locks or other visible deterrents for high-risk areas
• Never leave registration or insurance papers visible
• Consider dashcams for both security and insurance purposes

For Home and Property Security

• Use motion-activated lighting around entry points
• Secure garages, sheds, and outdoor storage consistently
• Use package delivery alternatives during high-theft periods
• Maintain clear sightlines around your property
• Connect with neighbors for informal community watching

For Personal Safety

• Stay alert and aware, especially in parking areas and transit zones
• Keep valuables completely out of sight in public spaces
• Plan evening activities with transportation logistics in mind
• Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, leave
• Stay informed about neighborhood-specific trends and incidents

Looking Ahead: What 2026 Trends Mean for Canadian Safety

The 2026 rankings reveal several important trends that will likely influence Canadian urban safety in coming years:

Technology-enabled crime: Vehicle theft techniques are becoming more sophisticated, requiring updated prevention strategies.

Economic pressure impacts: Cities experiencing rapid growth or economic transition face unique safety challenges that require comprehensive responses.

Community response evolution: Places like Surrey are pioneering more intensive coordination between different levels of government and law enforcement – approaches that may spread to other high-concern cities.

Prevention focus: The most successful safety improvements are happening in cities that invest in prevention, community engagement, and addressing root causes rather than just enforcement responses.

Making Informed Decisions About Safety

Whether you're choosing where to live, work, or visit, the key is balancing statistical information with your personal circumstances and risk tolerance. A city's ranking tells you about community-wide perceptions, but your actual experience depends on specific locations, times, activities, and precautions.

The good news? Even in Canada's highest-ranking cities, basic awareness and preparation dramatically reduce your actual risk. Most safety concerns involve preventable property crime rather than random violence, and Canadian cities remain remarkably safe by international standards.

The better news? Canada offers plenty of genuinely low-risk urban options. Cities like Quebec City, Oakville, and Burlington prove that you don't have to choose between urban amenities and personal security.

Your safety isn't determined by your city's ranking – it's determined by your awareness, preparation, and smart decision-making. Whether you're in Surrey or Quebec City, the fundamentals remain the same: stay alert, take basic precautions, and enjoy your community with confidence.

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