Tips on Toronto Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Toronto Warnings and Dangers

Toronto, the largest city in Canada, is filled with annual cultural events, among them for sports, opera, theater, or nightlife. Note, however, that there are some warnings for travelers to consider.

North Is Not at the Top of the Map

Generally, Toronto is mapped using the grid system but it’s still easy to get lost. Sign are very general and if you run across a map north may not be at the top. Sometimes they have east at the top. Going in the wrong direction can steer you down a place you do not wish to enter.

Panhandlers Along the Bloor

There are some who will ask for money, food, cigarettes, and other things. Sometimes they can attack, either alone or with a few of their friends. Downtown is a popular area for panhandlers.  Keep your valuables close by and be aware of your surroundings.

It’s on Yonge Street

Yonge Street is the longest street in the city at 53 miles long, so ask for the specific neighborhoods of Yonge when looking for a destination. Walking the street will take through some undesirable parts of town, so be careful if navigating it after dark.

Avoid These Areas

Toronto is overall a safe city, especially considering its size, but you may want to avoid the following areas: Jane & Finch area, St. Jamestown, Regent Park & Moss Park, Cabbagetown (after dark), Kipling & Albion area, Neilson & Finch, and the Malvern area.

Bike Couriers – Faster Than a Speeding Bullet

Bike couriers deliver packages to businesses like UPS does in the U.S. It can be quite dangerous for the pedestrian to be in their path for they are notorious traffic violators and have sped right over some of their fellow Torontonians. With their zig-zagging, bobbing, and weaving, they’re like speeding, sweaty missiles plowing their way past slower automobiles and pedestrians alike, ignoring every rule of the road and traffic light in their path.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers for Toronto.