Safety Overview
Vancouver is generally one of Canada's safer cities, with violent crime against tourists being rare. However, like any major urban center, petty theft and opportunistic crimes do occur. Downtown Vancouver, particularly around Granville Street and the Downtown Eastside (DTES), experiences higher rates of property crime and drug-related activity. Avoid walking alone at night in these areas, and keep valuables out of sight. The DTES, roughly between Main and Campbell streets and Hastings to Cordova, should be approached with caution—many tourists avoid it entirely after dark.
Common Scams to Watch For
Taxi overcharging is a common complaint; always insist on using meters or pre-arranged rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft, which typically cost $15–25 for short trips. Avoid unmarked taxis. Restaurant bill padding occurs occasionally—review your receipt carefully before paying. Street-level drug offers are frequent in touristy areas; simply decline politely and move on. Fake ticket vendors occasionally sell counterfeit Canucks game or attraction tickets; purchase directly from official venues or authorized sellers only.
Emergency Contacts & Resources
Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies. The nearest major hospital is Vancouver General Hospital (855 West 12th Ave). For non-emergencies, contact the Vancouver Police Department's non-emergency line at 604-717-3321. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Keep copies of important documents separate from originals, and register with your embassy before traveling.