Canada is a safe country for tourists because there is very little crime. For example, in contrast to many US cities, there is minimal street crime in the Canadian city centers. However, this may be because many Canadians live downtown and are never empty at night. Guests should first determine which areas of town are more dangerous than others. Be wary in city parks after dark, and make sure your car is locked before entering stores. In locations outside the city proper, people need to stay safety conscious. In writing a post about the remote country, wildlife and climatic dangers can be avoided if you heed local advice. Should a serious situation arise, contact one of the national emergency numbers in the online directory.
Personal Safety
Travelers can usually find a police presence in low-income neighborhoods in Canada, making them safer than suburban areas at night. However, travelers may want to store their valuables in the hotel safe because theft is rare in hotel rooms. Travelers should leave their hotel room key at the front desk to ensure the safety of their belongings when they are gone.
Pickpockets can be a hazard at large public gatherings. Have a camera on you and – if possible – wear your money belt or purse across your body to avoid theft. Be sure not to promote pickpocketing by carrying many bags with cash and using a coin purse for bigger bills when necessary.
Travelers should not carry their passports in their back pockets and always keep their passports safe. When in a restaurant, never hang your handbag over the back of your chair, but put it on the floor by your feet instead. Zippered purse belts are more secure than usual handbags for female travelers and males who don’t have pockets to stash their money.
Law Enforcement
Canada can have a combination of law enforcement forces depending on location. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) acts as the national force, while provincial forces police Ontario and Quebec. There are also city police and native law enforcement on reserves.
For the most part, the officers are noted for their helpful attitude. Still, it is illegal to comment on (or joke about) safety, bombs, guns, and terrorism in places such as airports, where it is possible to be arrested for an off-the-cuff remark.
Drinking and driving are also taken seriously here; remember that open alcohol containers in a car are illegal. Narcotics users face criminal charges often followed by moves for deportation.
Travel Insurance
You should consider travel insurance because the Canadian health system is excellent but expensive, so if you don’t want to pay, you will need insurance. Insurance covers health, trip cancellation & interruption, and theft and loss of valuable possessions.
Suppose you already have private health insurance that covers all emergency hospitals and medical treatment. In that case, you don’t need to purchase additional separate coverage for severe illnesses. However, if your private health insurance doesn’t cover anything or only covers certain types of treatments, you will have to buy those coverages separately.
It is important to have emergency dental treatment, medical expenses covered in your policy, and out-of-pocket or lost vacation costs. Your insurance company or travel agent will recommend the right coverage for you, but make sure any pre-existing medical conditions are not excluded.
Lost Property
Go to the police when something is lost, and they will give you a number to report it on your insurance policy. If your credit card is missing, call the company’s number immediately. Lost or stolen traveler’s checks must also be reported to the issuer. Keep in mind that if you remember any of the numbers for the checks, replacing them should be an easy experience, and new ones may be issued within 24 hours.
When faced with losing a passport, contact your nearest embassy or consulate. The process for replacing the temporary replacement will be different depending on how long you plan to stay. Supporting documents such as photocopies of driver’s license and birth certificate for extended visitors or notarized passport photos are also typically needed if you stay on for an extended time and take additional ID.
Medical Treatment
A wide range of treatment centers is available in Canada. For minor problems, the pharmacy is an excellent place for advice on what you should do, or walk-in clinics will see visitors in the city relatively quickly. In smaller communities or complicated cases, it’s best to head straight to the Emergency Room of the closest hospital. When there is a severe medical emergency, and you have called 911, an ambulance will be waiting for you.
It is best to bring first-aid supplies when traveling, especially if you are somewhere remote or Arctic. They should include aspirin (or paracetamol), an antihistamine for bites or allergies, motion sickness pills, antiseptic and bandages/band-aids, calamine lotion, and bug repellent. Antibiotic creams are helpful for intrepid wilderness hikers.
When looking for a dentist, you can find ones in your area in the Yellow Pages or Google search for Local Businesses.
Natural Hazards
In Canada, tourists must be bothered by black flies and mosquitoes in extreme seasons. Insects cause major annoyance to those in rural areas, most notably in the summer when they are at their worst. Repel them with insect repellant or other precautions to avoid these harms. Instead of wearing dark-colored clothes, it is better to wear light-colored clothes as they won’t attract bugs. It is also a good idea to cover up most of your skin and wear long sleeves, pants tucked into boots, and socks when you go into areas where the bugs are at their worst. If you think you will be going into a place with lots of stagnant water that might have bugs in it, then it might be a good idea to invest in a gauze mask for your head so that the insect does not crawl over your face.
Canada is known for its cold weather, but tourists don’t suffer from many serious issues. The media provides daily coverage of the weather conditions; if frostbite is likely, they provide in-depth reports. Dressing in layers and wearing a hat are necessary to avoid sun exposure. Sunscreen is needed even overcast days if you’re outside for long periods.
Bears
Canada’s National Parks recommends that you never leave food or garbage near your tent, car, or RV. You can avoid encounters with bears by wearing no solid smells and making any noise you create louder when walking. If a bear does charge at you, then do not scream or run. Instead, stay still, try to speak calmly to them, and put your luggage on the ground to distract them.
Conclusion
As we all know, traveling can be a fantastic experience. However, it is always essential to consider personal security and health when planning a trip. Here are five tips for staying safe while traveling in Canada:
- Stay informed – Stay up-to-date on current events in your destination country by reading news articles or watching local television stations. This will help you avoid any potential danger or scams while you’re there.
- Use common sense – Always use common sense when traveling, and do not put yourself in dangerous situations without proper precautions. Do not walk around alone at night time, do not trust strangers, and always keep a close eye on your belongings no matter where you are in the world.
- Avoid risky activities – When visiting tourist attractions like Niagara Falls or Victoria Memorial Bridge, don’t try any of the daredevil stunts that visitors sometimes attempt; these are hazardous places and can easily lead to injury or death if you aren’t careful. Stick to mainstream attractions if possible and take pictures from a safe distance instead of flying down off the bridge as some thrill seekers do!
- Secure your travel documents – Keep copies of all your passport information and itinerary.