Is it advisable for a female to travel alone (first time) in Toronto or anywhere in Ontario?

Question

Will it be safe? Will it be difficult finding my way around? Thanks

Answer 1

I am a born and raised female from Toronto and while I think it is a fairly safe place to be I would hesitate saying it is safe to travel around by yourself alone if you have never been here simply because you are unfamiliar with certain areas of the city.  It really depends on where you intend to travel inside Toronto.  The downtown area and tourist spots are pretty good and you should be fine (both in the day and night) however I wouldn't be visiting unknown neighbourhoods on your own.  Plan your itinerary in advance, book a hotel in a good area (like the Harbourfront or Yonge/Bloor area) and stick with destination day trips such as the Harbourfront, zoo and Yorkville area.

Answer 2

I think it depends where you plan on going.

If your plan on staying the in downtown area, you'd be fine, i am 20 and have lived down there bymyself since 18.  Take TTC, ask the TTC people for directions if your not sure.  Its fairly easy downtown, theres alwyas people and the subway especially is all over.

Answer 3

I can't give you the best answer, but I can share my personal experience as a visitor to Toronto as a single female.

I found it to be a VERY safe, friendly, and easy to get around in city. Again, that was just my personal experience, but I had no problems whatsoever.

I used the TTC (subway) primarily. It is so easy to use, and generally gets you where you need to be fast (well, as "fast" as a tourist needs to get somewhere).  The only "eyeopener" experience I had was when I had to take a TTC bus to the Toronto Zoo. I asked the driver if he could let me off at the Zoo, and he took one look at me and said "Are you sure you want to take this bus? You might not want to do that".

True, I was the only blonde (OK, white period) person on that bus, hehe, but the fact is, I didn't even notice or care. I know Toronto has a problem with black gangs in certain areas, but I still was surprised that he would make such a charged comment. I guess I looked like a young and innocent tourist, hehe... (well, I WAS 18).

Truth is, I'm originally from Winnipeg, where we have our fair share of racial tension and gang violence. To be honest, I've seen it all. More often than not, "bad" areas are sensationalised by the media. That said, don't be stupid and walk around in "bad" areas at night, but I think a daytime trip to the zoo on a bus should be fine, IMHO.

Avoid Jane and Finch, some parts of Cabbagetown (someone else here can be more specific), Kippling, and Regent Park. Apparently Eaton Centre is bad at night, but reasonably OK for the most part during the day as long as you're using common sense. I mean, don't walk around flashing your iPod and diamond rings to a crowd of suspicious looking gangsters.

If you are going to the "typical" touristy things, you should have no problems at all.

My advice is to plan your destinations online (try http://www.rethinkto.com for ideas) and call the TTC for transportation advice.

Note: The best way to get from the airport to downtown is to take the coach Airport Bus. It's way cheaper than a cab and better (quicker, safer, less smelly) than taking a city bus.

Have fun!