Winnipeg is a fairly safe place to visit.  Having said this, there are certain precautions that travelers should take when visiting this Canadian city.  As always, common sense is the most important tool for staying safe. 

This is a general recommendation for any unfamiliar area, but should be followed in Winnipeg as well:  Walking alone at night is never a good idea, especially for women. If staying with a group is not an option, make sure to remain in lighted areas and take safe modes of transportation (car or taxi). 

Street crime, vandalism, and petty theft rates are relatively low in Canada, but Winnipeg has the highest rates of the country’s major metropolitan areas.  Not that these issues should cause major concern, but certain rules should be followed to avoid possible problems.  Don’t carry around large amounts of money, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or looking flashy.  Drawing attention to yourself is never a good idea.  Try blending into the crowd instead of sticking out.

In case of an emergency, contact the local police department by dialing 911 from any phone.  For non-emergency situations dial 986-6222, or visit the Winnipeg Police Website .  This site contains lots of useful information.