Moving to Toronto for the first time was a culture shock to me. As someone who grew up in a suburban neighborhood, Brampton, the pace and size of the city seemed overwhelming. At first, it felt like I had been dropped into a land of high-rises, traffic, and unfamiliar faces. But as I settled in, I taught myself how to navigate this city and overcome my fears.
Navigating a big city like Toronto can be exciting, but for women, it often comes with numerous safety concerns whether that’s safely navigating the TTC or walking on the busy streets in the city. According to WomanACT, studies suggest that up to 75 per cent of women in Toronto have experienced harassment on public transit. Whether you’re a visitor, or someone new to the area, being prepared and aware of your surroundings can make all the difference.
Students at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) come from all over the world and as a commuter school, many students are unfamiliar with Toronto – especially in the heart of the city. As a TMU student who had to figure things out on my own, this guide breaks down practical safety information, backed by research and tips from women who frequently navigate the city giving you a little nudge into figuring out the best ways to confidently move through the city.
1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Keep an eye on who’s around you, especially in crowded areas like Yonge-Dundas Square. This means paying attention not only to people around you but also to your environment. Zoe Davaajargal, a third-year University of Toronto student says the important thing is the way you present yourself in public. “Learn to walk in a way that’s confident enough that people don’t approach you and catcall you,” she says.
Walk with a purpose, even if you’re unsure of your exact route. Regularly scanning your environment allows you to stay in control of your surroundings and quickly notice if anything feels off.
2. Be Assertive
Toronto is a walkable city, so it entails being in crowded places with numerous people. One of the simplest safety tools is your voice and being assertive. It can help you maintain control over situations that make you uncomfortable. Assertiveness doesn’t mean ignoring your fear; rather, it’s about acting confidently despite it. Acknowledging fear is crucial, as it’s a natural response to potential danger. Even terms such as yelling “fire” get more people to help with or save potential victims who would otherwise be reluctant to help (I Was Taught to Yell Fire).
Elena Bast, a third-year TMU student had only lived in Toronto for two months when she was faced with an unwanted situation. A food delivery biker lingered near her, making comments on her way home. She reacted by putting distance between them. “It’s hard dealing with strangers in that sort of situation because I was taught to speak up, be loud, make yourself heard.… put as much physical distance as possible,” Bast notes.
3. Be Mindful of What You Carry
Stay aware of your environment; keeping your eyes up and being mindful of what’s happening around you can increase your sense of security. While it’s natural to want to express your style, consider being mindful of valuables such as jewelry and phones that can draw attention in certain areas. According to Toronto Police Service, there have been 2,312 robbery cases in 2024 which marks a 5.7 per cent increase since 2023.
4. Use Your Phone to Your Benefit
Tools such as the WalkSafe program is a service available to all TMU community members where a security member will escort you to various locations near campus. Uber also offers an option where you can share the status of your ride with a friend, similarly to Find My Friends, an Apple product feature that lets you share your location.
Apart from useful tools, staying off your phone makes you more aware of what’s around you leading you to notice more. “For my headphones, I have these big ones so I usually have one ear open and I have the noise cancellation off,” Davaajargal says.
5. Self Defence Strategies
Being prepared with self-defense strategies can give you an extra layer of security and confidence. You don’t need to be a martial arts expert to protect yourself—often, just knowing a few basic techniques can make all the difference. It’s about using skills to protect yourself if necessary.
According to the National Women’s martial arts foundation, women in Canada who took a class in self-defense were 46 per cent less likely to be raped, and 63 per cent less likely to experience attempted rape than those who hadn’t. TMU offers a self-defense course with Wen-Do, a Women’s Self-Defense registered charity and Canada’s oldest women’s self-defense organization.
With a fifteen-hour basic course that covers various physical and verbal self-defense techniques, and strategies such as physical techniques – blocks, strikes, body holds, and hair grabs. As well as verbal techniques – distracting, reasoning, and confronting an attacker, is what Wen-Do offers and teaches.
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