Winnipeg Unites Kamloops, Thunder Bay, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Saskatoon, Regina, and More: The Canadian Cities You Should Avoid Due to Being Unsafe in 2026 and Surging Crime Rates Leading to Travel Chaos!

Winnipeg Unites Kamloops, Thunder Bay, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Saskatoon, Regina, and More: The Canadian Cities You Should Avoid Due to Being Unsafe in 2026 and Surging Crime Rates Leading to Travel Chaos!

Winnipeg Unites Kamloops, Thunder Bay, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Saskatoon, Regina, and More: The Canadian Cities You Should Avoid Due to Being Unsafe in 2026 and Surging Crime Rates Leading to Travel Chaos!

Canada’s Crime Severity Index (CSI) for 2024 highlights cities with troubling crime patterns, marking Chilliwack, Kamloops, and Winnipeg as the top offenders. These urban centres are characterized by alarmingly high crime rates, with Chilliwack and Kamloops reporting CSIs of 141.7 and 129.9, respectively, indicating severe criminal activity above the national average. On the prairies, Winnipeg follows with a CSI of 124.4, coupled with persistent property crimes. Thunder Bay also stands out with the highest homicide rate, climbing to 6.08 per 100,000 residents. In British Columbia, cities like Kelowna and Nanaimo have seen steady rises in violent crimes, especially assaults and robberies. Central cities like Saskatoon and Regina continue to suffer from gang violence and property crimes, exacerbating the overall CSI. Cities like Lethbridge and Red Deer in Alberta also remain at elevated risk, with both cities facing persistent property crime issues. Travellers in 2026 should exercise caution in these cities, follow safety advisories, and stay aware of their surroundings.

Shocking Rise of Crime in Canadian Cities

A complex picture is painted by crime trends across Canada. It was reported by Statistics Canada that the national Crime Severity Index (CSI) decreased by 4 % in 2024, but alarmingly high scores continued to be recorded in certain cities[1]. Both the volume and seriousness of police‑reported crime are measured by the CSI; a base value of 100 corresponds to the national crime level in 2006. When the index is above that baseline, it means that crime is more frequent or severe. It was noted by the Nova Scotia Department of Finance that crime rates were particularly high in western Canada, and Chilliwack, Red Deer and Kamloops were identified as the most severe, with Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg also being above the national average[2]. Travellers planning trips in 2026 are advised to be aware that certain Canadian cities have persistent crime problems that may complicate visits. The worst‑affected urban centres are examined in the following sections by using only official government sources.

Chilliwack and Kamloops: Western Hotspots

It was revealed by the Crime Severity Index that Chilliwack, British Columbia recorded the highest CSI among census metropolitan areas in Canada, at 141.7 in 2024[1]. A CSI of 129.9 was posted by Kamloops, down 21 % from its 2023 value[1]. More severe crimes than the national average were indicated by these scores. It was emphasised by the Nova Scotia government that crime rates were highest in Chilliwack, Red Deer and Kamloops, and it was noted that western Canada’s urban centres exceed national crime averages[2]. The high CSI is contributed to by property offences such as break‑ins and vehicle thefts. Although an 11 % drop in provincial crime severity in 2024 was reported by the provincial government of British Columbia, these cities were not removed from the top of the national rankings despite local improvements. Caution should be exercised by travellers to Chilliwack or Kamloops in 2026; well‑lit areas should be chosen and valuables should not be left in vehicles.

Winnipeg and Thunder Bay: Prairie Danger Zones

On the prairies, Winnipeg continues to be regarded as a high‑risk destination. A CSI of 124.4 in 2024 has been recorded for Winnipeg[1]. It was noted in a news release from the City of Winnipeg that total crime volume had decreased only marginally while property crimes such as shoplifting remained stubbornly high[3]. A CSI of 107.7 was recorded in Thunder Bay[1], but an even more striking problem is its violent crime. It was highlighted in Statistics Canada’s homicide trends report that Canada’s highest homicide rate was recorded by Thunder Bay, rising from 5.41 to 6.08 per 100 000 in 2024, ahead of Chilliwack and Winnipeg[4]. It has been acknowledged by the city’s police service that crime severity remains higher than both provincial and national averages[5]. Nevertheless, it was emphasised by the Thunder Bay Police Service that its clearance rates exceed national averages, suggesting that vigorous enforcement is being used[5]. It is recommended that travellers to Winnipeg or Thunder Bay note the high levels of violent crime and plan accordingly—isolated areas at night should be avoided, local news should be monitored and guidance from local authorities should be followed.

Kelowna, Nanaimo and the British Columbia Interior

In the Okanagan and coastal regions, a CSI of 108.8 for Kelowna remains high despite a decline[1]. A CSI of 106.7 was recorded in nearby Nanaimo[1]. It was explained in a Nanaimo RCMP public safety report that although calls for service have decreased since 2019, the severity of crime is increasing, largely because of assaults, robberies, weapons offences and homicides[6]. Although property crime has been reported to have dropped by 29 % over five years, theft of automobiles and arson cases were reported to have surged in 2022[7]. The same report observed that Nanaimo’s CSI peaked in 2019 and has been rising again since 2020[8]. These patterns indicate that violent crime is driving the city’s high crime severity. Bar‑districts after dark should be avoided by visitors to Kelowna and Nanaimo, and hotel safes should be used for valuables. Community outreach has been invested in by local police, but vigilance must be maintained by travellers.

Saskatoon and Regina: Saskatchewan’s Struggle

Central Canada’s prairie cities are also facing significant crime challenges. A CSI of 106.7 was recorded in Saskatoon, while one of 100.3 was posted by Regina[1]. Gang‑related violence and property crime have long been struggles for these cities. Although some improvements have been noted, it was reported by the Nova Scotia government that Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg still exceed the national crime rate[2]. High violent CSI values—107.3 for Saskatoon and 109.3 for Regina according to Statistics Canada—indicate a large number of assaults and robberies. A 2024 crime report has not yet been published by either police service, but persistent challenges related to gangs, poverty and addictions are emphasised in previous annual reports. Well‑patrolled downtown areas should be stayed near by travellers, isolated neighbourhoods should be avoided and any travel advisories issued by local authorities should be heeded.

Lethbridge and Red Deer: Alberta’s Mid‑Sized Danger

While relatively low crime severity is enjoyed by Alberta’s large cities such as Calgary, the mid‑sized cities of Lethbridge and Red Deer remain problematic. A CSI of 105.5 was recorded in Lethbridge, while 118.7 was recorded in Red Deer[1]. It was announced in a Red Deer RCMP news release that the city’s CSI fell 19.7 % between 2023 and 2024 thanks to targeted policing initiatives[9]. Increased patrols, targeted enforcement against prolific offenders and community engagement programmes were credited with the decrease[10]. Even with improvements, the index for Red Deer remains well above the national figure, and pockets of violence can still be found in the city. A recent report has not been issued by Lethbridge, but data indicate that property crimes and drug‑related offences fuel its high CSI. Caution should be exercised by travellers around night‑time entertainment districts, and belongings should not be left in vehicles.

Abbotsford–Mission and Moncton: Outliers in B.C. and Atlantic Canada

Heightened risks are also posed by some smaller cities. A CSI of 94.96 was recorded in Abbotsford–Mission, and 93.83 in Moncton[1]. Despite their smaller size, the national average is exceeded by these cities. It was highlighted by the Nova Scotia government that crime rates were generally lower across Ontario and Québec, but Moncton’s crime rate was higher than other Atlantic cities[11]. According to regional police briefings, property offences, drug trafficking and domestic violence are significant issues. The same precautions as in larger cities should be exercised by travellers—valuables should be secured, busy areas should be stayed in and local police advisories should be checked.

Vancouver: Urban Complexity on the Coast

A CSI of 81.2 was recorded in the metropolitan area of Vancouver—lower than some western counterparts but still above national averages[1]. Wide variations are hidden by the CSI: violent crime is concentrated in certain neighbourhoods, particularly the Downtown Eastside, while property theft is endemic city‑wide. It was noted in Statistics Canada’s homicide report that Vancouver was one of the few large CMAs where homicide rates declined in 2024[4], but robberies and assaults are still straining police resources. Investments in supportive housing and mental health services are continuing to be made by city officials, yet the 2024 citizen survey found that 42 % of Kamloops residents identified a rise in crime as a key factor worsening quality of life[12]; similar sentiments are echoed by Vancouver residents. It is advised that travellers remain aware of their surroundings, avoid leaving bags unattended and use registered taxis or ride‑share services after dark.

Analysis and Travel Tips for 2026

What is meant for travellers planning to visit Canada in 2026 by these figures? While the vast majority of trips will be safe, additional caution is required by the cities listed above. Government data show that crime severity remains elevated in parts of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. High homicide rates in Thunder Bay, Chilliwack and Winnipeg[4] indicate that violent crime can spill into public spaces. Improvements are reported by local police services—Red Deer’s drop in CSI[9] and high clearance rates in Thunder Bay[5]—but complacency should not be allowed. Planning strategies include: choosing accommodation in central, well‑lit areas; avoiding late‑night travel in unfamiliar neighbourhoods; following updates from police or municipal websites; and engaging with local tourism offices for safety information. By being informed, Canada’s culture and scenery can be enjoyed by visitors while risk is minimised.

Conclusion

Despite a general decline in national crime indicators, pockets of severe criminality across Canada are highlighted by government data. Chilliwack, Kamloops, Winnipeg, Red Deer, Kelowna, Thunder Bay, Nanaimo, Saskatoon, Regina, Lethbridge, Abbotsford–Mission, Moncton and Vancouver all registered Crime Severity Index values above the national average in 2024[1]. Specific problems include high homicide rates in Thunder Bay and Winnipeg[4], surging assaults and robberies in Nanaimo[6], and persistent property crime in Red Deer[9]. Vigilance should be maintained by travellers considering trips to these cities in 2026, and local safety guidance should be heeded. By understanding where and why crime is concentrated, Canada’s urban diversity can be better appreciated by visitors and safe, memorable journeys can still be enjoyed.

Category‑wise Crime Severity Table

City (CMA)Crime Severity IndexViolent Crime Severity IndexNon‑violent Crime Severity IndexChange in CSI (%)Chilliwack141.7137.5143.5–10.81Kamloops129.9125.1132.3–21.27Winnipeg124.4139.3118.3–4.28Red Deer118.7119.5118.3–19.73Kelowna108.8130.3102.5–8.78Thunder Bay107.7206.391.68.09Nanaimo106.7114.1104.0–15.63Saskatoon106.7107.3107.3–8.89Lethbridge105.5118.7102.0–18.71Edmonton101.1117.096.1–5.17Regina100.3109.395.7–11.21Abbotsford–Mission94.9689.796.9–11.04Moncton93.8383.596.5–10.64Vancouver81.278.481.9–8.36

A summary of government‑reported crime statistics for 2024 is provided by the table. Figures have been taken from Statistics Canada tables[1]. A rise in crime severity is indicated by positive change values (Thunder Bay), while improvements are shown by negative values. Understanding the relative danger of each city is aided by these indicators, and it is emphasised that caution is warranted when certain parts of Canada are visited.

Sources:

[1] Police-reported Crime Severity Index and crime rate, by census metropolitan area, 2024
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/250722/t004a-eng.htm
[2] [11] Nova Scotia Department of Finance – Statistics
https://novascotia.ca/finance/statistics/archive_news.asp
[3] 2024 Annual Statistical Report | City of Winnipeg
https://www.winnipeg.ca/police/community/news-releases/2025-05-07-2024-annual-statistical-report
[4] The Daily — Homicide trends in Canada, 2024
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/251202/dq251202a-eng.htm
[5] Policing News & Updates | Thunder Bay Police Service | Thunderbay
https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/the-shift
[6] [7] [8] Microsoft Word – 2024 Public Safety Statistics.docx
https://pub-nanaimo.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx
[9] [10] July 2025 RCMP News Archive: Red Deer RCMP reports significant reduction in Crime Severity Index – The City of Red Deer
https://secure.reddeer.ca/whats-happening/news-room/rcmp-news-releases/rcmp-news-archive/2025-rcmp-news-archive/july-2025-rcmp-news-archive/red-deer-rcmp-reports-significant-reduction-in-crime-severity-index.html
[12] City%20of%20Kamloops%202024%20Survey_Draft%20Report_20250106.pdf
https://www.kamloops.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/City%20of%20Kamloops%202024%20Survey_Draft%20Report_20250106.pdf

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