Last Updated On 20 July 2025, 10:58 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
Canada is still known worldwide for being safe and welcoming, with beautiful scenery, but some cities are dealing with higher crime rates.
Based on the mid-2025 Numbeo Crime Index, a reliable source that collects user feedback on crime perceptions, this article lists the top 10 most dangerous cities in Canada.
This guide offers detailed crime statistics, comparisons to other places, helpful safety advice, and information about local programs to help residents, visitors, and decision-makers manage urban safety.
If you’re considering a trip or a move or just want to learn about crime trends, this piece is your go-to resource for 2025.
Understanding the Numbeo Crime Index
The mid-2025 Crime Index gauges perceived crime levels through user surveys that evaluate: General feelings about crime. Safety during both day and night. Worries regarding crimes such as mugging, robbery, car theft, assault, vandalism, and hate crimes. Severity of property crimes (like burglary and theft). Severity of violent crimes (including homicide and sexual offences). On a scale from 0 to 100, the index categorizes crime as follows: Very Low: Low: 20-40 Moderate: 40-60 High: 60-80 Very High: >80 The Safety Index represents the opposite of this index; higher scores suggest safer areas. Numbeo’s data is crowd-sourced and updated twice a year in 2025 using contributions from the last five years to ensure reliability and consistency globally while capturing public views that might differ from official police reports. Below you will find the mid-2025 Numbeo Crime Index ranking of Canada’s most dangerous cities as reported. Each entry includes relevant data about crime rates, influencing factors, local initiatives aimed at improving safety, and tips for staying safe.1. Surrey, British Columbia
Crime Index: 64.5 Safety Index: 35.5 North America Rank: 12 Key Stats: Significant concerns regarding drug-related offenses, break-ins, and gang violence (2025). Surrey is an evolving city located in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland with a Crime Index of 64.5 categorized as “high,” comparable to Atlanta (64.6). Residents express notable fears concerning drug trafficking activities along with home invasions and gang violence which positions Surrey among global hotspots like Houston (63.2). The city’s rapid population increase (over 600,000) coupled with socioeconomic inequalities fuels its high ranking. Contributing Factors: Gang Activity: Drug trafficking along with organized criminal behavior leads to violent occurrences. Urban Growth: The surge in population strains available policing resources. Economic Disparities: Income inequality heightens property crimes. Local Initiatives: Surrey RCMP’s Gang Enforcement Team specifically targets organized criminal activity. The Surrey Anti-Gang Family Empowerment (SAFE) initiative aids at-risk young people. Increased use of CCTV cameras along with community policing helps deter criminal acts especially in areas like Whalley. Safety Tips: Ensure homes and cars are equipped with alarms as well as locks. Steer clear of high-risk areas such as Whalley after dark. Utilize Surrey RCMP’s crime map for timely updates on incidents.2. Kelowna, British Columbia
Crime Index: 62.3 Safety Index: 37.7 North America Rank: 14 Key Stats: Elevated levels of thefts, vandalism, and drug-related offenses(2025). Kelowna is a popular tourist destination situated in Okanagan Valley that ranks second with a Crime Index of 62.3 , close to San Francisco’s rate at (60.9). Citizens point out issues surrounding thefts, vandalism, and drug-related incidents heightened by lively nightlife events plus increased tourist traffic. The ongoing opioid crisis along with urban development adds more challenges to maintaining safety. Contributing Factors: Tourism Surge : Increased number of visitors opens up more chances for property crimes. Opioid Crisis : Drug related offenses lead to higher overall rates. Population Growth : Expansion puts pressure on law enforcement agencies. Local Initiatives: Kelowna RCMP has ramped up patrols around downtown. Programs addressing addiction issues tackle mental health alongside substance abuse. Partnerships between businesses enhance security measures including better lighting systems. Safety Tips: Secure belongings when visiting tourist spots such as Pandosy Village. Avoid secluded locations after sunset. Stay informed by following alerts issued by Kelowna RCMP regarding any criminal activity.3. Sudbury , Ontario
Crime Index :62.3 Safety Index :37.7 North America Rank :15 Key Stats : Major worries about violent crimes including assaults & homicides(2025).Sudbury, a mining center located in northern Ontario, is tied for second place alongside Kelowna recording also at62.3.
Residents share serious apprehensions surrounding violent acts like assaults fueled largely due to substance dependencies coupled economic struggles.
This situation aligns Sudbury closely within regions akin Oshawa scoring slightly lower than it at(60.5 ).
Contributing Factors: Economic Challenges : High unemployment rates contribute towards rising incidences within communities. Substance Abuse Issue s : Alcohol or drugs influence aggressive behaviors leading towards violence. Social Inequality Problematic neighborhoods witness elevated levels involving these acts. Local Initiatives: Greater Sudbury Police broaden outreach efforts into their communities targeting vulnerable groups. Detoxification programs focus primarily on addictions impacting locals’ lives daily. Youth initiatives encourage learning opportunities thus reducing risk factors linked directly affecting them. Safety Tips: Exercise caution particularly if venturing into neighborhoods like Donovan area. Promptly report anything suspicious observed nearby police departments. Participate actively within neighborhood watch schemes enhancing community protection.
