Is Quebec City Safe?

Is Quebec City safe? It’s a valid question when travelling, especially in today’s world, which often feels more intense and violent. Assessing safety levels when planning a trip is important. Many do not have the luxury of walking out the door feeling secure and confident. So, how’s safety in Quebec City? Does one need to worry about being a solo traveller, a female travelling alone or travelling with kids?

Is Quebec City a Safe City to Travel Within?

In 2019 Quebec City was named the third safest city in the world with a ranking of 85.19 out of 100. Its crime rate is 41% lower than the national average, and violent crime is minimal compared to Montréal.

The risk of petty crime, pickpockets, and scams is low in Quebec City. Normal precautions do apply though. For example, don’t leave valuables lying around, and pay attention to your instincts. Don’t keep your phone or your wallet in your back pocket or in an open section of your purse or backpack.

The likelihood of muggings or terrorism is low as well. You can read more about Quebec City’s safety rating here.

Solo Travel in Quebec City: Is It OK Security-Wise?

Quebec City is perfect for solo travel. The streets are safe, no matter the time of day or night. Female travellers can breathe easy here, and practice normal safety measures.

Don’t leave drinks unattended, listen to your intuition, and be aware of your surroundings. Walking alone late at night is generally not a problem, but ideally stay in well-lit streets, just in case.

If you encounter someone who is drunk, keep walking with confidence. He or she may try to speak with you in French or sing or completely ignore you, but you’re not in imminent danger.

Don’t leave backpacks or valuables unattended. Petty theft can occur and sometimes it’s at the hands of travellers, not locals.

Is Quebec City OK at Night?

The neighbourhoods in Quebec City are quite safe. You will encounter more homeless residents in Saint-Roch, particularly late at night. They are generally harmless. If you don’t feel comfortable, stay on busy streets, or grab an Uber back to your hotel.

It’s not uncommon for an empty taxi to stop late at night to see if you need a ride. There is no pressure to get in. Public transit is good, and there is a handful of night buses available. Drivers will also generally drop you off between official stops if you are a woman travelling at night, all you need to do is ask nicely.

Is Quebec City Safe for Kids?

There is an interesting comparison between the safety of Quebec City vs Disney World. In Orange County, where Disney World resides, the crime rate is 8% higher than the national average. As I mentioned above, Quebec City and area is 41% lower than the national average in Canada.

Statistics aside, some of the best reviews about travelling with kids in Quebec City are on TripAdvisor.

Families with small children can explore the city with ease, and locals are always happy to help when needed. Some hills can be quite steep for little legs, but there are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way.

Which Neighbourhoods Should You Avoid?

None. Yup, it’s as simple as that. There are no dangerous places in Quebec City, unlike many of Canada’s big province capitals. I’m not saying nothing ever happens, but it’s not localized, and tourists are almost never targeted if something does.

To be honest, you might find certain parts of Saint-Roch a little bit sketchier at night, but even if I walk a little faster when I’m around there late at night, it’s still quite safe.

Quebec City is the capital of Quebec province, but it has a big village ambiance. The locals are friendly and helpful. There is a joie de vivre here that puts one at ease. Come to Quebec City alone or with your family. Explore, eat, and enjoy this historic gem, you’ll love it!

For ideas about things to do in Quebec City, click here.

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