Understanding Canada's crime landscape is crucial for residents, potential immigrants, and visitors. While Canada remains one of the world's safest countries, certain cities face higher crime rates than others. This comprehensive analysis examines the most dangerous cities in Canada based on the latest crime statistics and Crime Severity Index (CSI) data.

Understanding Canada's Crime Statistics

Before diving into the most dangerous cities in Canada, it's essential to understand how crime is measured. Statistics Canada uses the Crime Severity Index (CSI), which considers both the volume and severity of crimes, providing a more nuanced view than simple crime counts. The Crime Severity Index (CSI) in Canada rose by 2% in 2023, marking the third consecutive year of increase, indicating evolving crime patterns across the nation.

The Complete List: Most Dangerous Cities in Canada 2024-2025

1. Surrey, British Columbia - Canada's Most Dangerous City

Surrey tops the list as the most dangerous city in Canada for 2025. Its crime index of 64.7 reflects concerns over property crimes, violent offences, and gang-related activities. This British Columbia city has consistently ranked among the most unsafe cities in Canada, making it the most dangerous city in Canada according to recent data.

Key Crime Statistics:

• Crime Index: 64.7 (2025)

• Primary concerns: Gang violence, property crimes, drug-related offenses

• Population: Over 500,000 residents

2. Winnipeg, Manitoba - The Violent Crime Capital

Winnipeg, the capital and largest city of Manitoba, is the most dangerous city in Canada. As of 2022, it holds the second-highest per-capita rate of homicides, standing at 7.2 per 100,000 people. Winnipeg saw the largest jump in crime severity – 20 percent – of any other Canadian city from 2021 to 2022, cementing its position among the most violent cities in Canada.

Key Crime Statistics:

• Homicide rate: 7.2 per 100,000 people

• Crime severity increase: 20% (2021-2022)

• Major issues: Violent crime, gang activity

3. Red Deer, Alberta

Red Deer has a crime index of 62.88 in 2024, ranking it among the top crime cities Canada must address. This Alberta city faces challenges with both violent and property crimes, making it one of the worst cities in Canada for crime rates.

4. Lethbridge, Alberta

Lethbridge, Alberta, recorded the highest property crime rate in the country at 5,521 per 100,000 people, more than twice the national urban average of 2,513. This makes Lethbridge particularly notable among the most unsafe cities in Canada for property-related offenses.

5. Kelowna, British Columbia

Kelowna has a crime index of 61.6 and ranks among the dangerous cities in Canada. Kelowna, BC follows with a property crime rate of 4,778, highlighting significant challenges with theft and property-related crimes.

6. Kamloops, British Columbia

Kamloops tops our list with a Crime Severity Index (CSI) of 165.3 in some reports, making it one of the most dangerous cities in Canada by CSI measurements. Kamloops has seen a notable increase in its CSI, suggesting a rise in the severity of crimes.

7. Regina, Saskatchewan

Regina, SK has a property crime rate of 4,496, ranking it among the top ten most dangerous cities in Canada. The city faces ongoing challenges with both violent and property crimes.

8. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

As of 2023, the crime severity index in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, stood at 116.31, placing it among the most unsafe city in canada candidates. Prairie cities like Saskatoon face unique challenges with gang activity and violent crime.

9. Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is the biggest city on our list and represents one of the major urban centers among the most dangerous cities in Canada. According to Calgary Police Service data, violent crime on transit increased by 15% compared to the previous year.

10. Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver ranks sixth nationwide, leading among major Canadian cities for property crime rates, with Vancouver recording 3,885 property crimes per 100,000 people.

Regional Crime Patterns: Understanding Canada's Most Dangerous Cities

Western Canada Dominance

The most dangerous cities in Canada are predominantly located in Western provinces, particularly British Columbia and Alberta. This pattern reflects several factors:

• Economic pressures from boom-bust cycles in resource industries

• Urban growth outpacing social services

• Drug trafficking routes through major ports and transportation hubs

• Gang activity concentration in metropolitan areas

Prairie Province Challenges

Prairie gang activity: Winnipeg and Regina struggle with gang-related assaults, keeping homicide rates above national averages, highlighting why these cities rank among the worst cities in Canada for violent crime.

Urban vs. Suburban Crime Trends

Ontario suburban surge: Brampton and Vaughan show rising carjackings as crime pushes outward from Toronto, indicating that crime patterns are evolving beyond traditional urban centers.

Crime Types Driving Canada's Most Unsafe Cities

Property Crime Epidemic

Property crimes dominate the statistics for many of the most dangerous cities in Canada. Theft, break-and-enters, and vehicle crimes significantly impact crime severity indices across multiple cities.

Violent Crime Concentration

The most violent cities in Canada face challenges with:

• Gang-related violence

• Domestic violence

• Assault and robbery

• Homicide rates above national averages

Emerging Crime Trends

More current crimes that are increasing include drug-related offences, fraud, sexual assault and theft, with fraud increasing 46% between 2008 and 2018, showing how crime patterns are evolving in Canada's urban centers.

Factors Contributing to High Crime Rates

Understanding why certain cities become the most dangerous cities in Canada involves examining multiple factors:

Socioeconomic Factors

• Income inequality

• Unemployment rates

• Housing affordability crisis

• Social service availability

Geographic and Demographic Influences

• Population density

• Immigration and integration challenges

• Proximity to international borders

• Resource industry economic cycles

Law Enforcement and Policy Factors

• Police staffing levels

• Community policing programs

• Crime prevention initiatives

• Court system efficiency

Safety Measures and Crime Prevention

While these cities rank among the most unsafe cities in Canada, many have implemented comprehensive crime reduction strategies:

Community-Based Initiatives

• Neighborhood watch programs

• Youth engagement activities

• Mental health and addiction services

• Economic development programs

Law Enforcement Enhancements

• Increased patrol presence

• Gang task forces

• Technology integration

• Inter-agency cooperation

Urban Planning Solutions

• Improved lighting and infrastructure

• Community center development

• Public space design improvements

• Transportation safety measures

Comparing Canada's Crime Rates Internationally

Despite having the most dangerous cities in Canada, the country maintains relatively low crime rates compared to international standards. Canada ranks 11th on the Global Peace Index, indicating overall safety despite localized challenges in specific urban areas.

Future Trends and Predictions

Crime patterns in the most dangerous cities in Canada continue evolving due to:

Technological Factors

• Cybercrime growth

• Digital fraud expansion

• Online drug markets

• Social media-facilitated crimes

Social Changes

• Population growth and urbanization

• Economic inequality trends

• Climate change impacts

• Drug policy evolution

Policy Responses

• Criminal justice reform

• Mental health system improvements

• Housing policy changes

• Immigration integration programs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most dangerous city in Canada?

Surrey tops the list as the most dangerous city in Canada for 2025, with a crime index of 64.7. However, Winnipeg is also considered the most dangerous city in Canada by some measures, particularly for violent crime.

Which cities are considered the worst cities in Canada for crime?

The worst cities in Canada for crime include Surrey, Winnipeg, Red Deer, Lethbridge, and Kelowna, based on various crime indices and Statistics Canada data.

What makes these cities the most unsafe cities in Canada?

The most unsafe cities in Canada typically face combinations of property crime, violent crime, gang activity, and socioeconomic challenges that contribute to higher-than-average crime rates.

Are the most violent cities in Canada getting worse?

The Crime Severity Index (CSI) in Canada rose by 2% in 2023, marking the third consecutive year of increase, indicating that some of the most violent cities in Canada are experiencing ongoing challenges.

How do the top crime cities Canada compare to US cities?

While Canada has top crime cities Canada residents should be aware of, Canadian cities generally have significantly lower crime rates than comparable US metropolitan areas, with less gun violence and lower homicide rates.

What are the top ten most dangerous cities in Canada?

The top ten most dangerous cities in Canada include Surrey, Winnipeg, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Kelowna, Kamloops, Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary, and Vancouver, though rankings vary depending on the specific crime metrics used.

Which province has the most dangerous cities in Canada?

British Columbia and Alberta contain many of the most dangerous cities in Canada, with multiple cities from these provinces appearing in top crime statistics.

How is the most unsafe city in Canada determined?

The most unsafe city in Canada is typically determined using Statistics Canada's Crime Severity Index (CSI), which considers both the volume and severity of crimes, rather than just counting total incidents.

What types of crimes are most common in Canada's most dangerous cities?

The most dangerous cities in Canada typically see high rates of property crime (theft, break-and-enter), violent crime (assault, robbery), drug-related offenses, and in some cases, gang-related activities.