Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Canada For 2026

Last Updated On 30 January 2026, 10:09 AM EST (Toronto Time)

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Canada’s global reputation as a safe, welcoming nation with stunning landscapes still holds strong, but safety is not experienced the same way everywhere.

Some cities face higher day-to-day safety concerns that show up in public perception, local conversations, and how residents describe their own communities.

In 2026, the ranking is not just a list. In places like Surrey, the public safety conversation has become a headline issue, with local leadership publicly pushing for stronger emergency-level responses tied to ongoing extortion threats.

Using the 2026 Numbeo Crime Index and Safety Index dataset, this article ranks the top 10 most dangerous cities in Canada for 2026.

Understanding Numbeo crime and safety indexes

Numbeo’s Crime Index is derived from user-contributed survey responses that measure how people perceive crime levels and personal safety.

Responses are scaled into a 0 to 100 index to make comparisons easier across cities.

Crime Index category bands

Very Low: 20 and below
Low: 20.01 to 40
Moderate: 40.01 to 60
High: 60.01 to 80
Very High: above 80

Safety Index is essentially the inverse of Crime Index. A higher Safety Index generally indicates people report feeling safer.

The best way to use it is as a comparative snapshot of how safe people feel across cities, then pair it with official measures and neighbourhood-level research for decisions like relocation or travel.

Top 10 most dangerous cities in Canada 2026

The biggest difference between a high-ranking city and a mid-ranking city is often not one single factor.

Rankings of a particular type typically rise when residents feel a mix of pressures at the same time, such as property crime concerns, repeated disorder hotspots, vehicle theft worries, and high-visibility incidents that change how safe people feel in daily routines.

1) Surrey, British Columbia

Key stats

Crime Index: 64.4
Safety Index: 35.6
Index band: High

Surrey ranks number one in Canada for 2026 in this dataset.

In late January 2026, Surrey’s safety conversation intensified after the mayor publicly called for emergency-level actions and stronger federal coordination due to a rise in ongoing extortion threats.

Contributing factors that commonly push scores higher

heightened fear when threats feel targeted and persistent
higher visibility of incidents that affects day-to-day confidence
fast growth and metro-area spillover perceptions

Local initiatives and community response themes

public calls for stronger coordination and tools to address extortion-related threats
increased focus on business protection and community reassurance

Actionable safety tips

keep vehicles empty and lock doors consistently
use well-lit routes at night and stay on main corridors
use basic home deterrents such as motion lights and secure locks

2) Lethbridge, Alberta

Key stats

Crime Index: 63.1
Safety Index: 36.9
Index band: High

Lethbridge ranks second in Canada for 2026.

Such id-sized cities can climb quickly when residents report growing concern about repeated property issues and public disorder in specific areas.

Contributing factors

concerns about theft, break-ins, and vehicle-related incidents
repeat hotspots that shape overall city’s ranking
rising worry that crime is increasing over time

Local initiatives and community response themes

targeted patrol visibility in higher-complaint areas
prevention campaigns focused on theft and break-ins
partnerships that connect enforcement with social supports

Actionable safety tips

avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles
use secure delivery options for parcels when possible
park in well-lit areas and stay alert in large lots at night

3) Sudbury, Ontario

Key stats

Crime Index: 62.5
Safety Index: 37.5
Index band: High

Sudbury ranks third in Canada for 2026 with rankings often reflecting how people feel about downtown conditions, nightlife corridors, and the frequency of visible disorder.

Contributing factors

property crime concerns and public nuisance worries
neighbourhood variation that influences citywide sentiment
higher concern about safety at night

Local initiatives and community response themes

community safety and well-being planning and multi-agency approaches
outreach-driven strategies aimed at stabilizing repeat hotspots
increased emphasis on visible deterrence and reporting

Actionable safety tips

stick to well-travelled routes after dark
keep phones and valuables out of sight in public spaces
use secure storage for bicycles and equipment

4) Kelowna, British Columbia

Key stats

Crime Index: 62.1
Safety Index: 37.9
Index band: High

Kelowna ranks fourth in Canada for 2026.

Cities with tourism peaks and nightlife zones can see pulbic opinion shift when residents associate busy corridors with increased risk of theft and disorder.

Contributing factors

property crime concerns in high-traffic areas
seasonal surges that change street conditions
increased worry about safety at night in entertainment zones

Local initiatives and community response themes

downtown safety strategies combining policing, bylaw, and community partners
prevention messaging aimed at theft deterrence
public reporting focused on high-complaint areas

Actionable safety tips

keep bags secured and avoid leaving items unattended
plan late-night transportation in advance
avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles in busy corridors

5) Winnipeg, Manitoba

Key stats

Crime Index: 60.8
Safety Index: 39.2
Index band: High

Winnipeg ranks fifth and sits close to the line between moderate and high. When cities cluster around 60 to 63, small changes can move rankings.

Contributing factors

neighbourhood-level differences that shape citywide rankings
concern about robbery and personal safety in certain corridors
sustained attention on downtown safety and public disorder

Local initiatives and community response themes

strategic focus on improving safety and responsiveness
targeted efforts in downtown and high-call areas
coordination with social services for complex calls

Actionable safety tips

prioritize main routes and well-lit corridors at night
stay alert around transit areas and large parking structures
use layered home security basics such as lighting and secure entry points

6) Brantford, Ontario

Key stats

Crime Index: 60.5
Safety Index: 39.5
Index band: High

Brantford ranks sixth in Canada for 2026 and sits in the same high cluster as several other cities in this list.

In safety indexes, downtown conditions and repeat property issues often weigh heavily.

Contributing factors

property crime concerns and repeated hotspot reports
higher worry about theft and vandalism
safety concerns concentrated in specific corridors

Local initiatives and community response themes

increased focus on downtown visibility and proactive patrols
theft prevention campaigns and community reporting tools
neighbourhood watch and prevention partnerships

Actionable safety tips

lock bikes and store tools securely
use motion lighting and keep entry points visible
avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, even for short stops

7) Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Key stats

Crime Index: 60.3
Safety Index: 39.7
Index band: High

Sault Ste. Marie ranks seventh in Canada for 2026. In smaller cities, the sense of safety can change quickly when a few recurring issues dominate local attention.

Contributing factors

concern about property theft and vehicle-related incidents
visible disorder that affects perceived safety at night
repeat-problem areas shaping broader sentiment

Local initiatives and community response themes

prevention-oriented policing and community deterrence tools
increased emphasis on reporting and targeted enforcement
community safety planning frameworks

Actionable safety tips

lock vehicles consistently, including at home driveways
keep garages and sheds secured
choose well-lit walking routes after dark

8) Oshawa, Ontario

Key stats

Crime Index: 60.2
Safety Index: 39.8
Index band: High

Oshawa ranks eighth in Canada for 2026. Retail corridors and vehicle-related concerns often play an outsized role in ranking.

Contributing factors

concern about theft in shopping and parking areas
vehicle theft worries influencing safety rankings
night-time safety concerns in specific zones

Local initiatives and community response themes

periodic enforcement initiatives focused on retail theft and repeat offenders
prevention messaging aimed at theft deterrence
community safety planning and partnership approaches

Actionable safety tips

stay alert in busy plazas and large parking areas
keep valuables out of sight while commuting or shopping
use secure parcel delivery options when available

9) Hamilton, Ontario

Key stats

Crime Index: 56.2
Safety Index: 43.8
Index band: Moderate

Hamilton ranks ninth and remains one of the higher Canadian entries in this dataset despite sitting in the moderate band.

Larger cities often have wide neighbourhood variation, which means citywide safety can be shaped by a few highly visible areas.

Contributing factors

dense corridors with higher opportunities for property crime
visible social disorder impacting sense of safety
concerns about safety in some downtown and transit-adjacent areas

Local initiatives and community response themes

community safety and well-being planning and targeted prevention work
emphasis on call response pressures tied to complex social issues
downtown-focused safety strategies and partnerships

Actionable safety tips

use main streets and populated routes at night
be cautious around ATMs and in large parking areas
avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles

10) Brampton, Ontario

Key stats

Crime Index: 55.5
Safety Index: 44.5
Index band: Moderate

Brampton ranks tenth in Canada for 2026. It is also one of the most searched cities in Canada for safety comparing with nearby GTA cities.

Contributing factors

vehicle theft worries strongly influencing Brampton’s ranking with recent incidents of extortation related gun violence
rapid growth pressures and corridor-level variability
increased concern about property-related incidents

Local initiatives and community response themes

regional policing priorities that emphasize vehicle theft and organized crime disruption
community safety action planning and prevention messaging
targeted enforcement during peak complaint periods

Actionable safety tips

use layered vehicle anti-theft habits and secure parking where possible
keep doors locked and valuables out of sight
use secure delivery options for parcels when possible

Full List of Top 20 Cities in Canada With Crime and Safety Index In 2026

Rank	City	Crime Index	Safety Index
1	Surrey	64.4	35.6
2	Lethbridge	63.1	36.9
3	Sudbury	62.5	37.5
4	Kelowna	62.1	37.9
5	Winnipeg	60.8	39.2
6	Brantford	60.5	39.5
7	Sault Ste. Marie	60.3	39.7
8	Oshawa	60.2	39.8
9	Hamilton	56.2	43.8
10	Brampton	55.5	44.5
11	Kamloops	54.8	45.2
12	London	53.8	46.2
13	Regina	53.5	46.5
14	Nanaimo	53.5	46.5
15	Moncton	49.5	50.5
16	Saskatoon	49.1	50.9
17	St. Catharines	47.3	52.7
18	Edmonton	46.8	53.2
19	Windsor	46.5	53.5
20	Mississauga	43.9	56.1

Top 5 Safest Cities In Canada 2026

Based on the lowest Crime Index values among Canadian cities listed here:

Quebec City: Crime Index 22.4, Safety Index 77.6
Oakville: Crime Index 25.9, Safety Index 74.1
Burlington: Crime Index 28.9, Safety Index 71.1
Ottawa: Crime Index 31.0, Safety Index 69.0
Montreal: Crime Index 32.8, Safety Index 67.2

Official Canadian crime measures are typically based on police-reported incidents and standardized legal definitions.

A well-known example is the Crime Severity Index, which incorporates both volume and severity of police-reported crime over time.

It is normal for Numbeo’s rankings and official measures to diverge.

The 2026 ranking highlights a clear pattern: Canada remains broadly safe, but a small set of cities stand out for higher reported safety concerns.

In 2026, Surrey’s placement is also a reminder that rankings do not exist in a vacuum.

Real-time public safety developments and community confidence can shift quickly, and those shifts matter just as much as the numbers.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What should I check first if I am moving to one of these cities in Canada?

Look at neighbourhood-level information: commute routes, lighting and transit access, local community updates, and building security features. Citywide rankings are a starting point, not a final answer.

Why do mid-sized cities sometimes rank higher for crime than major metros?

Crime ranking datasets can shift as new survey responses are added. When several cities cluster close together, small movements can change the order even if conditions feel broadly similar.

What crime types usually drive “high Crime Index” scores in Canadian cities?

Crime index scores typically rise when people report higher concern about property crime and day-to-day safety, especially vehicle theft, break-ins, theft, vandalism, robbery risk, and feeling unsafe at night. These are the categories that most directly affect routine behaviour, so they heavily influence survey answers.

What are the most common safety risks people face in Canadian cities?

The most common day-to-day risks are opportunistic property issues: vehicle break-ins, theft of unattended items, package theft, bike theft, and occasional street-level harassment. These incidents are far more common than serious violence and are best reduced through visibility, secure storage, and routine precautions.

How can two cities have similar Crime Index scores but feel very different to live in?

Citywide averages can hide neighbourhood variation. A city with a few high-incident corridors can feel very different depending on where you live, work, and commute, even if the overall index is similar or higher.

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.