Vancouver, Canada
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Vancouver.
Historic area with decent restaurants and specialty coffee during daylight. Borders the Downtown Eastside and gets unsafe after dark. Visit during day, go elsewhere for evening.
Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighborhood with cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture. Water Street has the steam clock that whistles every 15 minutes and draws tourist photos. Restaurants like L'Abattoir and PiDGiN serve upscale food, Revolver Coffee attracts specialty coffee people. During the day it's busy with tour groups and shoppers. But the neighborhood borders the Downtown Eastside. After sunset - around 5-6pm in winter or 9pm in summer - the vibe changes. Eastern edges near Main Street get uncomfortable with visible drug use and homelessness spilling over from DTES. Locals recommend visiting during daylight and heading elsewhere for dinner. If you stay for dinner, stick to well-lit areas around Water Street and leave before 10pm. The safety concerns are real but limited to certain blocks. Smart timing matters here.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
ModerateHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
ModerateSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
HighGetting By in English
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"Nice during the day but leave before dark"
"Good restaurants and coffee but proximity to DTES is noticeable"
"Felt safe with tour groups during peak hours"
"Steam clock is touristy, area gets sketchy at night"
"Stick to Water Street, don't wander toward Main Street"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Bohemian area with multicultural dining, cafes, and counter-cultural community. Grittier than upscale neighborhoods but safe during day and early evening. Good for local culture over tourist polish.
The West End combines urban density, beach access, and low crime. More expensive than other areas but walkable with active streets at all hours. Easy access to Stanley Park and English Bay.
Upscale waterfront area with high-end restaurants, designer shopping, and low crime. Premium prices for a polished atmosphere. Good if you prioritize security and quality over budget.
Help other women stay safe in Gastown
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.