Montreal, Canada
Business and shopping district with the Underground City tunnel network. Safe during the day, eastern sections sketchier at night. Connected to everything by metro. Practical but not charming.
Downtown is the business and shopping district - modern buildings, Sainte-Catherine Street with chain stores, and the Underground City (RESO) connecting metro stations and shopping centers underground. That underground network is key in winter when it's too cold to walk outside. Safe during business hours when office workers are around. Eastern sections near Gay Village have more visible homelessness and drug activity at night. Strong police presence, easy access to emergency services. Business travelers eat alone all the time so restaurants are used to it. English is the norm in this district. Streets are lit and busy until around 10pm, then it quiets down except near entertainment spots. Watch for pickpockets in crowds and on packed metro cars during rush hour.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
HighHomelessness Visibility
HighGetting By in English
Excellent"Very safe during the day but some areas sketchy at night"
"Underground city is amazing in winter - stay warm while exploring"
"Busy and impersonal but convenient to everything"
"Watch your belongings on crowded metro and shopping areas"
"Easy to navigate and lots of English speakers"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
The artistic neighborhood with lots of cafes, restaurants, and bars. Younger crowd, cheaper than downtown. Safe to walk around day and night though bike theft and break-ins happen. Violent crime is uncommon.
The creative neighborhood with famous bagel shops, bookstores, and cafes. Less touristy than Plateau, more residential. Low crime rates, safe walking around. Good if you want local culture rather than tourist spots.
Residential neighborhood around Jean-Talon Market with Italian restaurants and cafes. Family-friendly, safe, less touristy. Strong community feel.
Help other women stay safe in Downtown / Centre-Ville
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.