Is Kitchener Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Kitchener and Waterloo were pioneered by Mennonites from Pennsylvania, Cambridge by British, principally Scots, in the early 19th century.

Travelers come here to see Waterloo Pioneer Memorial Tower; walk-in Victoria Park – amazing park in downtown with a large lake, a magnificent clock tower taken from the old city hall when it was demolished, a statue of Queen Victoria and a small restaurant that plays host to many musical acts among other things.

Here are held some festivals such as Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, the largest in the world outside of Germany;
Walter Bean Trail – A trail for hiking and bicycling that will run along the Grand River through Kitchener.

Warnings & Dangers in Kitchener

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Overall the city is quite safe. Certain areas should be avoided, and travelers should be cautious of drunk people and gangs. Drug gangs are operating in the city, but they usually don’t touch tourists. Homeless people and beggars can molest on the streets.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Taxis and public transportation are a safe and proper way of transportation. Use common sense when driving in vehicles and watch your pockets in crowded transport. Be sure the taxi driver turns on a taximeter. Always pay the bus fare. Otherwise, you will have to pay a hefty fine.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The risk of pickpocketing is low in Kitchener, but it can happen in dangerous areas of the city. Be careful in crowded bars and transportation. Sometimes things are taken out of your pockets when you are distracted or too relaxed. Vigilance in this regard must be present.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The city area suffers from floods, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes from time to time. Discover the weather situation before your visit. However, Canada has gotten used to such vagaries of nature and developed a plan of rescue operations and preventive measures, in Kitchener, you can also be calm about this.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Grave mugging is possible in dangerous areas of the city. It is also better to avoid night streets. Contact the police if such an incident occurred. On the streets near bars late at night, they may try to grab your phone or bag.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Canada's current terrorism level is medium, meaning that a violent act of terrorism could occur, and has been at this level since October 2014. There is the possibility of acts of terrorism in Kitchener due to it exist in Canada at all. Avoid political demonstrations and explore the news before the visit.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scam rarely happens. If you use common sense, you are unlikely to encounter fraud here. You can only be fooled by selling an item at an inflated price when it’s not worth it. Be attentive to this. Beware of ATM scams and withdraw money only at ATMs at banks.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Traveling women can feel safe if they do not walk alone late at night and avoid bars and don't get drunk. Be cautioned in public transport at night, and you'll be ok. Most fears are removed if you don’t wear provocative clothing.

So... How Safe Is Kitchener Really?

Kitchener has a moderate level of crime, but it was increasing last year, and the biggest problem concerns drugs.

The city still holds the highest rate of hate crimes than anywhere else in Canada.

Tourists should exercise caution when walking in the cities downtown core during the night.

It is relatively safe in the daytime, but you may run into a group of rowdy peoples who have the aim to do petty crimes such as muggings.
Greenfield Avenue in Kitchener more dangerous than others in the city.

Avoid it in the nighttime.

At Victoria Street, you can meet drug traffic or prostitution. Unless you’re involved directly in those activities, you’re in no immediate danger.

In some areas, Kitchener has a major Gang problem, and the police seldom respond to these crimes.

Just avoid some neighborhoods for travel alone at night.

Another problem in the city can be called homeless and beggars. There are more and more of them, and they can bother tourists. Firmly tell them “No,” and they will let you go.

Another danger in the city may be imperceptible ice in the cold season.

So you should watch your steps and drive carefully.

How Does Kitchener Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

A foreign national wishing to enter Canada must obtain a temporary resident visa from one of the Canadian diplomatic missions. A visa to enter Canada for tourists that stay less than 180 days is not obligatory for certain nationalities, and that can be checked online. A valid passport is a must.

Currency

The official currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar (It is often called "loonie"). The Canadian dollar has a symbol: $ and code: CAD. It is divided into 100 cents. The Canadian dollar is popular with central banks because of Canada's relative economic soundness, the Canadian government's strong sovereign position.

Weather

The best times to visit Kitchener for ideal weather are from mid-May to October. Temperatures feel cold for about half of the year, the chance of rain or snow is great for most of the year.

Airports

Region of Waterloo International Airport or Kitchener/Waterloo Airport is an international airport serving located 13 km from the city. There are a licensed sit-down eating area and a vending area for people traveling through the airport.

Travel Insurance

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

Kitchener Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Canada - Safety by City