These Are Canada’s Safest Small Cities in 2026

Canada is generally safe, and this recent data shows that it’s generally becoming safer. But we wanted to dig into the data to find the safest parts of Canada. Here’s what we found out.  

Key Takeaways 

• Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island are the safest provinces in Canada.  

• Barrie, Ottawa, and Sherbrooke are the safest cities in Canada in 2024.  

The Safest Provinces in Canada

Here’s how the provinces compared, based on the StatsCan 2024 Crime Severity Index data:  

1. Ontario 
2. Quebec  
3. Prince Edward Island 
4. Nova Scotia  
5. New Brunswick  
6. Newfoundland and Labrador  
7. British Columbia  
8. Alberta 
9. Manitoba  
10. Saskatchewan  
11. Yukon  
12. Nunavut  
13. Northwest Territories. 

The Safest Small Cities in Canada

The data also highlighted the crime severity index in certain Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs). A CMA is a region in Canada outside a major urban core, with a total population of at least 100,000.  

Here’s the data on Canada’s safest small cities:  

1. Barrie 
2. Ottawa 
3. Sherbrooke 
4. Saguenay 
5. Québec 
6. Guelph 
7. Hamilton 
8. Saint John 
9. St. Catharines–Niagara 
10. Kingston 
11. Toronto 
12. Gatineau 
13. Trois‑Rivières 
14. London 
15. Peterborough 
16. Montréal 
17. Calgary 
18. Windsor 
19. Belleville–Quinte West 
20. Greater Sudbury 
21. Drummondville 
22. Brantford 
23. Victoria 
24. Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo 
25. Fredericton 
26. Halifax 
27. St. John’s 
28. Vancouver 
29. Moncton 
30. Abbotsford–Mission 
31. Regina 
32. Edmonton 
33. Lethbridge 
34. Saskatoon 
35. Nanaimo 
36. Thunder Bay 
37. Kelowna 
38. Red Deer 
39. Winnipeg 
40. Kamloops 
41. Chilliwack. 

Most Improved Safety Rankings in Canada 

Here are the CMAs with the largest drops in Crime Severity Index from 2023 to 2024: 

• Kamloops (–21%) 

• Red Deer (–20%) 

• Lethbridge (–19%) 

• Kingston (–18%) 

• Nanaimo (–16%) 

Other CMAs with notable improvements include Calgary (–14%), Fredericton (–13%), Greater Sudbury (–12%) and five tied at –11% (Moncton; Regina; Chilliwack; Abbotsford–Mission; Victoria). 

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Canada’s Safest Small Cities? 

So, you’ve got the numbers when it comes to safety in Canada – but what about cost? Is it a good financial decision to live in these comparatively safe areas? Let’s take a look:  

Barrie

Barrie tops the safety charts with a CSI under 50, yet your dollar still stretches farther here than in most of Ontario. Rents and groceries cost less than the national average, and home prices stay within reach for many newcomers. You’ll enjoy quiet neighbourhoods without sacrificing easy access to Toronto’s jobs and amenities. 

Ottawa

Canada’s capital blends a low crime rate with surprisingly reasonable living costs. You’ll find plenty of government‑sector job opportunities, a walkable downtown, and rents that won’t break the bank. In Ottawa, you get big‑city perks—museums, festivals, bike paths—without the sky‑high price tag of Toronto or Vancouver. 

Sherbrooke

This charming university town boasts a crime index in the low 50s and some of the country’s most budget‑friendly living expenses. Cafés, parks, and bike trails are all within easy reach of student‑friendly rents. If you love a friendly, slow‑paced vibe where you can safely stroll at dusk, Sherbrooke is hard to beat. 

Saguenay

Nestled along the Saguenay River, this city is small enough to feel cozy but big enough to offer modern conveniences. Crime is rare, and three‑bedroom apartments can go for under $1,500 a month—an unheard‑of bargain in Canada’s bigger centres. Outdoor lovers will appreciate miles of hiking and cycling right outside your door. 

Québec City

With its cobblestone streets and fortified old town, Québec City feels like Europe—and it’s just as safe. Living expenses hover below the national norm, especially if you shop at local markets and opt for smaller apartments. Culture buffs will love festivals year‑round, knowing they can explore worry‑free. 

Each of these cities proves you don’t have to choose between safety and savings. Whether you crave urban buzz or a laid‑back pace, there’s a community where you can settle in confidently and comfortably. 

• Check out our destination guides to learn more about Canada’s incredible cities.