Is Montreal Safe for Travel in 2024?

Montreal, Canada
Safety Score
82

Montreal is the second-most populous city in Canada and the most populous city in the Canadian province of Quebec. Founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie, or “The City of Mary,” it is named after Mount Royal, the triple-peaked hill in the heart of the city. The city is centered on the Island of Montreal, which got its name from the same origin as the city, and a few much smaller peripheral islands, the largest of which is Île Bizard.

Warnings & Dangers in Montreal

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK : LOW

Montreal is a fairly safe city to travel to. However, petty crimes can happen here, as well. Watch your pockets and your surroundings, do not walk in remote places of the city.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW

Public transport is well developed in Montreal. However, wallet and bag theft can occur during peak hours and on crowded buses. Keep your personal belongings with you. Use only licensed taxi services.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM

Pickpocketing occurs in tourist spots, crowded places, train stations, and cafes/restaurants. Keep your wallet with you and keep track of your bags.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM

In winter, Montreal can experience ice storms and snowdrifts. Be especially careful when traveling by car in winter. Study the weather conditions before your visit here.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK : LOW

The risk of serious robbery and armed attacks is shallow in Montreal. There is little danger of these attacks in the suburbs. However, the likelihood that you will be attacked is minimal.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK : LOW

The risk of terrorism is low in Montreal. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK : LOW

The risk of fraud is minimal in Montreal. It can be said that tourists are rarely at such a risk in this city.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW

Women traveling alone can feel quite safe in Montreal. The main thing is to adhere to the usual precautions and monitor your surroundings.

How Safe Is Montreal for Tourists?

Montreal is generally a fairly safe city to travel to.

The crime index here ranges from low to medium.

The main problems are related to drug trafficking, vandalism, and corruption.

Petty crimes such as carjacking and breaking into a car to steal things are common.

Therefore, do not leave your belongings inside the car and carefully lock the car when you leave.

Be especially careful when visiting Montreal Nord or Saint Michel.

These areas can be dangerous, and gunfire is not uncommon in them.

However, these are not tourist places, and you are unlikely to find yourself here.

The part of the Saint Catherine corridor in downtown Montreal is arguably the harshest part of the city, especially east of the Place des Arts.

In summer and autumn, homeless people beg.

While most of them are polite, there are also more aggressive ones. Just ignore them and walk by.

Pickpockets are not very common in Montreal, but tourist spots can be a problem, so always keep an eye on your belongings and your surroundings.

Pedestrians and cyclists should be cautious.

Pedestrian crossings are rarely respected.

Motorists generally despise pedestrians, especially when they try to turn right at an intersection.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Montreal?

If you are not from a visa-exempt country, are not a U.S. citizen, and are not a permanent resident of the United States, you will need a Montreal visa. A Canadian tourist visa is known as a Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV for short. A valid passport is a must.

Which Currency Is Used in Montreal?

The local currency is the Canadian Dollar. There are 100 cents to one dollar.

How's the Weather like in Montreal?

In Montréal, the summers are long and warm; the winters are freezing, snowy, and windy; and it is partly cloudy year-round. The best time to visit is from June to September.

What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Montreal?

Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is located 20km away from Montreal’s city center, which takes 45 minutes by car. All international flights, not only to Montreal but to other major cities in Canada, arrive at this airport. Some other minor airports are Montréal/Aéroparc Île Perrot and Montréal/Les Cèdres Airport.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?

A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.

What Are Some Things to Do in Montreal?

Many of the city’s boroughs were once independent cities, including neighborhoods ranging from cobblestoned, French colonial Vieux-Montréal – with the Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica at its center – to bohemian Plateau.

Is the Water in Montreal Safe to Drink?

Tap water is safe to drink according to criteria established by the Federal Agency.

Is Uber Safe in Montreal?

There is an Uber taxi in Montreal. You can call a taxi from the app on your phone. The cost of the trip will depend on the distance and time of day.

More Travel Destinations

Leave a Comment