Skip to content
Few scams

North America

Tourist scams in Canada

Canada is generally safe for visitors, and tourist scams are not described as widespread. The main concerns covered here are misleading souvenir claims, high souvenir prices, persistent requests for money, pickpocketing, car theft and occasional group robberies.
  1. 1 ShoppingCommonMisleading claims about locally made souvenirsSouvenirs and crafts are marketed as typically Quebecois, but the small print often says they were made in China. A local-looking design does not mean an item was made locally.Quebec City 3Read
  2. 2 ShoppingCommonTourist-shop maple syrup markupsTourist shops can charge much more for maple syrup. In Ottawa, a bottle at the farmers' market can cost half as much as the same bottle in a souvenir shop. In Quebec City, small glass bottles in tourist shops carry a premium, while larger plastic bottles in supermarkets offer better value. A clearly displayed high price is not, by itself, fraud.Ottawa, Quebec City 3Read
  3. 3 TheftCommonCar theftCar theft is a notable property-crime concern in Montreal. No particular stealing method is described.Montreal 3Read
  4. 4 On the streetCommonPersistent requests for moneySome people asking for money continue after a refusal or act aggressively. In Calgary, people may approach drivers stopped at red lights with a cap or an outstretched hand. In Montreal, some people asking for money along Sainte-Catherine are more aggressive. Asking for money is not itself proof of a scam.Calgary, Montreal 2Read
  5. 5 TheftOccasionalPickpocketing in crowdsA thief takes belongings while your attention is on a street performance or the surrounding crowd. Pickpocketing is not very common in Montreal, but crowded settings need extra care.MontrealRead
  6. 6 TheftOccasionalGroup robberies on public transitThere have been incidents in which groups surround and rob people on buses or at transit stations. These incidents can happen during the day, although Ottawa remains generally very safe.Ottawa 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • Old Town, especially Basse-Ville, Quebec CityTourist shops often sell imported souvenirs marketed as typically Quebecois. Tourist-shop maple syrup also carries a premium.
  • ByWard Market souvenir shops, OttawaMaple syrup in souvenir shops can cost twice as much as the same bottle at the farmers' market.
  • Old City street performances, MontrealCrowds watching performers are places to watch your belongings, even though pickpocketing is not very common.
  • Sainte-Catherine downtown corridor, especially east of Place des Arts, MontrealCrime is more common along parts of this corridor, and some people asking for money are aggressive. Extra care is needed around 03:00 when bars and clubs empty.
  • Downtown core, CalgaryPeople asking for money are a regular sight, and some persist after a refusal.

Habits that keep you safe

Money

  • Treat prices marked with '$' as Canadian dollars unless another currency is stated.
  • Check souvenir labels and ask who made the item before paying.
  • Compare maple syrup prices at tourist shops, markets and supermarkets.
  • Keep receipts and check that the amount charged matches the agreed price.

Taxis

  • In Ottawa, check that the taxi has a meter.
  • Confirm the fare or how it will be calculated before setting off.
  • Ask about payment methods before the ride. Ottawa cabs may not accept credit cards for fares below C$10.
  • Arrange your return ride before a late night out. Taxis can be hard to find in downtown Halifax after last call.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and valuables secure in crowds, especially around Montreal street performances.
  • In Montreal, lock your car and take valuables with you.
  • On Ottawa transit, stay alert and locate emergency call boxes at stations.
  • Avoid resisting a robbery. Move to safety and seek help.

Nights out

  • Plan how you will get back before going out.
  • Take extra care around Montreal's Sainte-Catherine corridor at about 03:00, when bars and clubs empty.
  • In Calgary, avoid walking at night in East Village and Victoria Park.
  • In Quebec City, keep track of your route at night. People unfamiliar with their surroundings can be targeted.

Police and officials

  • In Montreal, ask SPVM officers for help if you have safety concerns.
  • On Montreal's Metro, use an emergency intercom in a car or an emergency phone booth on a platform when needed.
  • Use 911 for immediate danger or an emergency.

What travellers say about Canada

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Canada?

Canada is generally safe, and tourist scams are not described as widespread. Watch for misleading souvenir claims, high tourist-shop prices and theft in the situations listed here.

Are souvenirs sold in Quebec City always made locally?

No. Some items marketed as typically Quebecois have labels saying they were made in China. Read the label and ask who made the item before buying.

Where can I avoid paying too much for maple syrup?

In Ottawa, compare ByWard Market farmers' stalls with souvenir shops. The same bottle can cost half as much at the farmers' market. In Quebec City, compare supermarket bottles with small glass bottles in tourist shops.

Is pickpocketing a big problem in Montreal?

It is not very common, but keep your belongings secure around Old City street performances and in other crowds. Keep your bag closed and in front of you.

What should I do to protect a car in Montreal?

Lock the doors and take valuables with you. Car theft is a notable concern. If a rental car is stolen, report it to police and the rental company.

Is public transit safe in Ottawa?

Ottawa is generally very safe, but group robberies and violence have occurred on buses and at stations, including during the day. Stay alert, especially at night. Stations have emergency call boxes.

How should I respond to persistent requests for money?

Say 'No' clearly and keep moving if the person persists. Do not argue or take out your wallet under pressure. Persistent requests are mentioned in Calgary and Montreal, but asking for money is not itself a scam.

Are high taxi fares necessarily a scam?

No. Ottawa taxi rates are described as relatively high, and taxis should have meters. Confirm the fare basis and payment method before the ride. A high fare alone does not prove fraud.

Where should I take extra care after a night out?

Use extra care around Montreal's Sainte-Catherine corridor near 03:00. Avoid walking at night in Calgary's East Village and Victoria Park. In Quebec City, keep track of your route, as unfamiliar visitors can be targeted.

Who should I call after a theft or scam?

Call 911 if there is immediate danger or an emergency. Otherwise, report the incident to local police. Freeze missing cards through your bank, and contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.

Reviewed by