Toronto, Canada
Artsy neighborhood with indie shops, cafes, and restaurants. Less polished than Yorkville, more lived-in than the Distillery District.
Queen West is where you'll find indie shops, vintage stores, galleries, cafes, and restaurants along Queen Street from University to Gladstone. The crowd skews young and artsy. During the day people are shopping, getting coffee, looking at street art. Lots of cafes where people camp out with laptops. English is main language but you'll hear everything. The area stays busy into the evening with decent lighting, though you should be aware of your surroundings after midnight like anywhere else. Less touristy than the Distillery District, more of a real neighborhood feel.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
ModerateGetting By in English
Excellent"Liked the artsy vibe, comfortable during the day"
"Lots of cafes to work from"
"Walked around until 11pm then got an Uber"
"Felt more authentic than tourist areas"
"Good people-watching, street art"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Italian neighborhood along College Street with old cafes, patios, and local spots. More affordable than downtown, gets quiet after midnight.
Bohemian area with vintage shops, cheap international food, and street art. Gets quiet after 9-10pm. More gritty than polished.
East-end neighborhood with independent cafes, restaurants, vintage shops. Local feel, 20 minutes from downtown.
Help other women stay safe in Queen West
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.