Canada is considered a generally safe destination, with friendly people and stunning landscapes. But it still pays to be prepared. Here’s what to know before traveling to the World Cup in Canada.
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Headed to Canada for the World Cup tournament? Vancouver and Toronto have spent months preparing for you and hundreds of thousands of other visitors – but any event of this size can pose hazards. Here's what to know about crime, crowds, and extreme weather before you go.
- Canada’s overall safety reputation
- Host cities and urban safety
- Public transit safety during major events
- Weather considerations
- Health care access for visitors to Canada
- Travel resources for the 2026 World Cup in Canada
Headed to Canada for the World Cup tournament? Vancouver and Toronto have spent months preparing for you and hundreds of thousands of other visitors – but any event of this size can pose hazards. Here’s what to know about crime, crowds, and extreme weather before you go.
Canada’s overall safety reputation
Known for its polite, friendly residents and cosmopolitan cities, Canada is considered an overall safe destination for travelers. The 2025 Global Peace Index has Canada tied for 14th of 163 countries. And the US State Department has issued its lowest-level travel advisory, Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, for Canada.
Nonetheless, crime does occur here. While a 2025 report from Statistics Canada indicates that crime is down in Canada, 62% of Canadians feel crime is a growing concern in their communities. Canada’s terrorism threat level has been listed as Medium since 2014, indicating authorities remain vigilant and prepared to respond to potential threats. And while gun control laws are strict, nine people were killed in a mass shooting in a remote part of British Columbia in February 2026.
Crime during the World Cup
Will Canada be safe for soccer fans? Travelers should be aware that FIFA has strict stadium guidelines that all venues must adhere to, and safety, infrastructure, and crowd management requirements that host cities must prioritize.
But it’s still important to prepare and stay vigilant. Check out our World Cup safety tips to help ensure a trouble-free visit.
Host cities and urban safety
Toronto, Ontario
Canada’s largest city, Toronto gets its name from the Native term for “meeting place.” It’s one of the world’s most ethnically diverse cities, known for vibrant culture and great food.
The World Cup 2026 is expected to bring more than a million people to Toronto. To host the tournament, the City of Toronto is spending an estimated CAD $380 million. Around $150 million will be spent on safety, security, and long-lasting upgrades to ensure the city meets all FIFA requirements. Plans include:
- Temporary, closed-circuit surveillance cameras around World Cup events
- Cooling infrastructure, such as misting stations and water trucks
- Increased transit services, with priority lanes for buses and streetcars on Bathurst and Dufferin streets
- A new, larger streetcar stop east of the gates to Exhibition Place near Fleet Street
BMO Field
Located at Exhibition Place west of the city center, BMO Field (renamed Toronto Stadium for the tournament) will host six World Cup matches.
Of the 16 total World Cup venues, BMO Field is undergoing one of the largest renovations. “Fans can expect a much different landscape around the stadiums than normal, with an expanded secure zone,” said Peter Montopoli, Chief Tournament Officer, Canada, for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Improvements and updates include:
- Adding 17,000 temporary seats to bring capacity up to the FIFA-required minimum of 45,000
- New approaches to entrances and exits
- Three new elevators to improve accessibility
The temporary stands have drawn criticism online, with some residents questioning their safety. But Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which operates BMO Field, says they were designed to meet FIFA’s stringent safety requirements. The City of Toronto assured the stands meet building codes and will be tested before use.
Officials warn there will be very limited parking at the stadium. Fans are encouraged to use other transportation methods.
Other FIFA World Cup 2026 events in Toronto
- Fans without stadium tickets can watch the matches at Toronto’s Fan Festival, being held at the Bentway, a new public space under the Gardiner Expressway.
- Pride House Toronto 2026 offers a safe, inclusive game-viewing space and social hub for LGBTQI+ communities.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Flanked by snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is a scenic and cosmopolitan city with a walkable downtown.
Tragic events are not unheard of here – the city made news in April 2024, when an SUV drove through a crowd at a Lapu Lapu Day festival, killing 11 people. But Vancouver also has wide experience with hosting major sporting events, including the 2010 Winter Olympics and nine matches during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015.
Security operations and infrastructure upgrades for the 2026 tournament include:
- 200 temporary, closed-circuit surveillance cameras in areas associated with the tournament (required under Vancouver’s contract with FIFA)
- Major transit increases along Metro Vancouver’s TransLink network, such as:
- Extra bus service to routes serving the FIFA Fan Festival at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)
- A dedicated shuttle between the PNE and main SkyTrain lines
- More frequent and extended service on the SkyTrain before and after matches
According to Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, security planning for the tournament will be led by the Vancouver Police Department in partnership with other Canadian law enforcement agencies. In February 2026, in response to concerns, he stated that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would not be involved in security operations.
BC Place
Vancouver will host seven FIFA World Cup matches at BC Place Vancouver, its iconic downtown stadium. BC Place is conveniently located a short walk from the SkyTrain. Though the stadium was upgraded for the 2015 Women’s World Cup, additional improvements are in the works for the 2026 tournament, including redesigned entrances, more elevators, and gender-neutral washrooms.
As part of their host city agreement with FIFA, the city will create a controlled area of about 1.25mi (2km) around the stadium. Extra precautions will be taken in the zone to ensure public safety.
Other FIFA World Cup 2026 events in Vancouver
- Vancouver’s Fan Festival will be held at Hastings Park within the PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) grounds.
- Pride House Vancouver 2026 will offer game screenings, cultural events, and more.
Public transit safety during major events
Both Canadian host cities have extensive and reliable public transit. When I visited Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics, my SkyTrain ride featured a jovial crowd of Canadians singing O Canada. I felt very safe, but it’s important not to let your guard down.
Toronto and Vancouver police have warned of a rise in pickpocket thefts at festivals, shopping malls, public transit, and other crowded places.
To avoid becoming a victim:
- Carry your phone or wallet in an inside pocket or a zipped crossbody bag kept in front of your body – not in a back pocket where it can be easily stolen without you noticing.
- Stay extra vigilant in crowded places, packed trains, and busy stations or transfer points.
- Be wary of strangers in your personal space. Thieves have been known to use distraction techniques and sleight of hand to rid victims of their valuables.
- Use your mobile phone only when necessary – otherwise, keep it secure and out of sight.
Weather considerations
Extreme heat is becoming more common in Canada. In summer 2025, Toronto had double the average number of days over 90°F (32 °C), while temperatures rose above 104°F (40 °C) in British Columbia, breaking Canada’s record for September.
Extreme rainfall events are also more frequent, along with severe storms and tornadoes in Ontario.
If there’s a heat wave while you’re visiting Canada, follow these tips:
- Stay hydrated and seek out misting stations or shade
- Stay inside during the hottest parts of the day
- Wear a sun hat, sun-protective clothing, and sunscreen
To stay informed in the event of a heat wave, tornado warning, or wildfire:
- Download the WeatherCAN mobile app to get weather alerts and forecasts
- Visit Environment Canada for up-to-date information on affected areas
Health care access for visitors to Canada
Canada has a publicly funded, universal health care system – but it’s for citizens and permanent residents only. If you’re a visitor, Canada will not pay for your hospital or medical services. And your personal health insurance may not cover expenses if you get sick or injured when you’re away from home.
To avoid paying out of pocket for expensive medical bills, it may be wise to consider travel insurance with emergency medical coverage.
Travel resources for the 2026 World Cup in Canada
The Government of Canada has compiled these helpful resources for fans planning to visit for the World Cup.
For city-specific tips and advice, visit the official World Cup sites for Vancouver and Toronto.
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