Is Winnipeg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Winnipeg is the capital and largest city in Manitoba, and a significant center on the Canadian Prairies.

About 700,000 people live in the city proper.

It has something for everyone — from boutiques to cheap value stores, Winnipeg has a considerable retail market, where a lot of new concepts are tried.

Travelers come here to see and feel native Canadian culture.

Visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and The Aboriginal Center – a gathering place and vital central resource for Winnipeg’s Aboriginal community.

To see tourists landmarks: The Forks. A tourist attraction on the Red River. It’s a Market with fresh and specialty foods plus more than 50 unique shops; and The Royal Canadian Mint – the Royal Canadian Mint’s facility in Winnipeg, designed by local architect Etienne Gaboury, produces billions of coins each year.

Warnings & Dangers in Winnipeg

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Winnipeg is a reasonably safe city, although, at night, it is better to avoid areas remote from the center. The town has beggars and problems with car thefts. But if you close the car and park in a guarded parking lot, you have nothing to worry about. It is also better not to carry a lot of cash and jewelry.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

By public transport it is easy to get to anywhere in the city, it is quite safe. Beware, only beggars and pickpockets. Taxi service is preferable if you return late at night. Use only licensed taxi services.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets can be found in tourist places. You may be distracted by another person while others are trying to steal your wallet, so always be on the lookout, especially in crowded public transport. Do not carry a lot of cash with you.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Winnipeg region rivers can pose a risk of flooding, and thunderstorms and tornadoes can occur anywhere. All regions are vulnerable to wildfires. In addition to natural disasters, there are other types of risks. There are power outages, industrial accidents, and major transportation accidents.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Armed robberies with severe consequences are rare here, but there are. Most often, criminals like to break into cars and steal things from there. So always close your vehicle and take all the stuff from there. Remember that a robber can break into a car even for the coins that you left insight.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Canada's current level is Medium, meaning that a violent act of terrorism could occur. There were no cases of terrorism in Winnipeg; however, travelers should always be on alert about this danger.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Most Winnipeg scams involve telephone and internet scams. When you are asked to transfer money or send a message about your allegedly winning money. To get it, you need to pay a commission, which is usually a way to lure money from you. Be careful not to disclose your data and bank card details to unauthorized persons.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Usually, for women traveling alone, there is no problem in Winnipeg. They are unlikely to attract unwanted attention from local men. However, it is always worthwhile to have common sense and remember the usual security measures.

So... How Safe Is Winnipeg Really?

The crime rate in Winnipeg is average.

The main crimes are related to robberies, theft of things, car theft, vandalism, and drug problems.

In the daytime, the city is considered absolutely safe.

At night, it is better to avoid remote areas of the city and poorly lit streets.

Areas, where a higher degree of caution is advised at night, include areas north of City Hall on Main Street and the area surrounding Central Park.

There are a lot of beggars in the city who can cling to you if they see jewelry or expensive devices on you.

Try not to shine with values and just pass by.

Winnipeg has a history of substantial auto theft and “smash and grab” problem.

Never leave a vehicle unlocked and under no circumstances should any object be left in the car interior where it can be seen.

An individual with drugs or alcohol dependency will not hesitate to smash a car window even for less than $1.

In winter, the city is cold enough, so if you travel to Winnipeg in winter, take increased measures to avoid hypothermia.

In winter, dangerous black ice also appears on the roads.

Be especially careful when driving.

The usual common-sense rules apply, and you should be fine.

How Does Winnipeg Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

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.

Weather

The best times to visit Winnipeg for ideal weather are June to October. Average temperatures in Winnipeg vary an incredible amount, and the weather feels cold for about half of the year and otherwise excellent with a low chance of precipitation most of the year.

Airports

Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is an international airport located in Winnipeg, located 9 km from the city center. It is the seventh busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic. The airport is co-located with Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg.

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.

Winnipeg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Canada - Safety by City