The Increasing Trend of Solo Female Travel
The travel industry is experiencing a massive change: increasing numbers of women are opting to travel the world alone. In 2025, solo female travel is no longer a trend, it is a movement. Whether it’s the adventure of independence, the pleasure of meeting fellow travelers, or the pursuit of self-improvement, women are setting off alone and discovering the world on their terms.
But adventure also brings with it responsibility, and safety is always a top priority. Where you travel can make a significant difference to your sense of security and confidence as a solo female traveler.
We have therefore done our research and gathered together the Top 10 North American Safest Cities for Solo Female Travelers in 2025. From bustling city towns to serene nature havens, these cities provide an excellent balance between being safe, welcoming, accessible, and memorable.
How We Chose These Cities
Safety is not simply crime statistics, it is about what makes a city safe and inclusive for women. We examined:
Low rate of violent and petty crime
Public transportation safety
Female-friendly facilities and facilities
Experiences and testimonials of solo travelers
Cultural values for women
Medical and emergency accessibility
Ease of communication and language barriers
Let’s explore the safest and most rewarding destinations for solo female travelers throughout North America.
Vancouver, Canada
Why It is Safe:
Vancouver is regularly considered one of the most secure cities globally. It has a low crime rate, clean streets, and effective public transport, which makes it perfect for independent travel. Women also feel welcome and confident due to the inclusive nature of the city and significant female representation within the tourism industry.
What to Do:
Take a self-guided walk or bike tour through Stanley Park
Wander through the art galleries and boutique stores in Gastown
Relax amidst the ocean scenery in English Bay
Take a solo hike on Grouse Mountain or Lynn Canyon
Solo Tip
Stay in the city center, within walking distance, safe, and full of hostels and hotels that welcome solo female travelers.
Quebec City, Canada
Why It is Safe:
With its charm from days gone by and French-Canadian welcome, Quebec City is an enchanting but safe environment. It has a crime rate that is very low, and its historic quarter can be walked through, day or night.
What to Do
Wander through the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec.
Stop by the stunning Château Frontenac
Indulge in French-style cuisine at picturesque bistros
Take a nature break and visit Montmorency Falls
Solo Female Travelers Tip
Brush up on a couple of simple French phrases; even a quick “Bonjour” can go a long way toward getting cordial reactions from locals.
San Diego, California, US
Why It is Safe:
San Diego enjoys a combination of sunshine, ocean, and security. Famous for it is laid-back vibe and welcoming residents, it is one of the State’s cleanest and most pedestrian-friendly cities. Single women travelers frequently comment on feeling perfectly at ease venturing around the region on their own.
What to Do
Spend a beach day at La Jolla Cove
Travel to Balboa Park and it is top-notch museums
Travel by ferry to Coronado Island
Eat local food at Liberty Public Market
Solo Female Travelers’ Tips
Use the ride-sharing apps at night instead of taking public transport for additional peace of mind.
Montreal, Canada
Why It is Safe:
Montréal combines European charm and Canadian standards for safety. It is multicultural, vibrant, and has strong public facilities. It is famous for being open, progressive, and friendly to LGBTQ+ individuals.
What to Do
Take a Street Art Tour in Plateau Mont-Royal
Discover boutiques and café establishments on Rue Saint-Denis
Stop by Jean-Talon Market for fresh produce and regional eats
Lounge out in Mount Royal Park overlooking the city
Solo Female Travelers’ Tips
The metro system in Montreal is secure and convenient to navigate. Download the STM app for real-time transit information.
Ottawa, Canada
Why It is Safe:
The capital city of Canada is tranquil, well-organized, and very secure. It is less populated than Toronto or Vancouver but features excellent infrastructure and walkability.
What to Do
Tour Parliament Hill and witness the changing of the guard
Rent a bike and cycle down the Rideau Canal
Learn about Canadian history at the National Gallery
Participate in a cultural event or festival at ByWard Market
Solo Female Travelers’ Tips
Avoid walking alone through solitary parks at dusk, but otherwise, walking through downtown Ottawa is perfectly safe after dark.
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Why It is Safe:
Honolulu blends island beauty and city infrastructure. It is a large city, but one that is focused on tourism, so visitor safety is a top priority. A relaxed island attitude also ensures an inviting environment for solo female travelers.
What to Do
Waikiki Lounge at Waikiki
Hike to Diamond Head Crater
Stop by the Iolani Palace and find out about Hawaiian royalty
Participate in a group paddleboarding or snorkeling class
Solo Female Travelers’ Tips:
Be vigilant in tourist areas and do not go to secluded beaches after dusk. Stay on lifeguarded beaches for any water sports.
Calgary, Canada
Why It is Safe:
Calgary is tidy, modern, and has a polite and welcoming resident population. It is one of Canada’s safest cities, and numerous solo female travelers enjoy it is easy atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
What to Do
Explore Prince’s Island Park
Stop by the Calgary Tower for urban panoramas
A day trip to Banff National Park
Enjoy fresh food and art within the Beltline District
Solo Female Travelers’ Tips
Utilize Calgary’s superb public transport system, particularly the CTrain, which is free within the downtown.
Austin, Texas, USA
Why It is Safe:
Austin is an exciting, young, and vibrant city with a close-knit community. It’s well-lit, vibrant, and popular among solo adventurers and digital nomads.
What to Do:
Find live music at an intimate venue on 6th Street
Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake
Eat street tacos and food trucks on South Congress
Stop by the Blanton Museum of Art
Solo Female Travelers’ Tips
Live in neighborhoods such as Zilker, Downtown, or East Austin for safety, walkability, and proximity to cultural attractions.
Toronto, Canada
Why It is Safe:
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, but one of it is safest for women to travel alone. The multicultural atmosphere and high-quality public facilities make it a smart choice for solo travel.
What to Do
Explore the Distillery Historic District
Stop by the Royal Ontario Museum
Eat your way through Kensington Market
Take a ferry to the Toronto Islands
Solo Female Travelers’ Tips
When taking the subway late at night, remain within the areas that are under surveillance on the platform, which are specifically designated “safe zones.”
Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Why It is Safe:
Asheville is a gem hidden away, safe, artsy, and encompassed by nature. It is a top pick for solo female travelers looking for a combination of art, relaxation, and connection to nature.
What to Do
Hike the Blue Ridge Parkway
Tour the Biltmore Estate
Participate in meditation or yoga retreats
Stop by local craft breweries and farmers’ markets
Solo Female Travelers’ Tips
Asheville has a robust solo travel community. Keep an eye out for meetups or Airbnb Experiences for like-minded activities.
Safety measures for solo female travelers in North America
Even the safest locations demand a little street smarts. Here are a few practical tips for staying safe:
Local safety apps: download them, such as Citizen (USA), Transit App, or emergency contact apps.
Use women-only or vetted facilities: Host A Sister or reliable hotels.
Stay connected: Charge your phone and let a trusted friend know your location.
Avoid secluded places at night, particularly beaches, parks, or nature trails.
Trust your gut: If it doesn’t feel right, leave the situation or get help at once.
Packing Essentials for Safe Solo Travel
Portable door lock or wedge
Personal alarm or whistle
First aid kit, Photocopies of passport/ Offline maps or travel apps, Reusable water bottle, and light snacks. Solo Female Travelers Share Their Experience Alicia from New York: “Last year, I traveled to Vancouver and walked late at night, downtown was safer than it would be in broad daylight in NYC!” Marie, France: “Quebec City was enchanting.
All the people we encountered respected us, and I received locals’ tips from nice shopkeepers.” Tina from Australia: “Montreal is a perfect place for solo food lovers like me. I was perfectly comfortable eating alone and striking up conversations with locals.”
Conclusion
Empowerment through Safe Solo Female Travel. Traveling alone as a female traveler in 2025 is more exciting and within reach than it is ever been before. With the proper destination, proper planning, and savvy decisions, your travels can be both safe and downright transformative.
Whether you are taking in the culture of Montreal, getting your hike on in Asheville, or sipping sunsets in Honolulu, North America’s got some of the world’s safest cities for a solo female traveler. So go ahead, book that ticket, pack your bags, and enter the world on your terms.
Most Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the safest city in North America for solo female travelers?
Vancouver, Canada, takes the top spot due to its crime rate, walkability, and welcoming atmosphere.
Are U.S. cities safe for solo women travelers?
San Diego, Austin, and Honolulu are among the cities that have excellent reputations for solo female safety.
Is solo travel costly in North America?
It is possible, but there are affordable and secure alternatives available, for example, Ottawa, Asheville, and Calgary.
How can I safely make contact with other solo female travelers?
Participate in women’s Facebook groups, organize group tours, or go to meetups locally through sites like Meetup or Couchsurfing.
Is it safe to use public transport within the cities?
The majority of cities mentioned have reliable, clean, and safe public transport systems, particularly during the daytime.