Canada has strong legal protections covering equality, human rights, religious freedom and discrimination.

Equality and Anti-Discrimination

Federal and provincial human rights laws prohibit discrimination on grounds including race, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Visitors who experience discrimination may be able to access support through human rights bodies, community organisations or legal services.

LGBTQ+ Rights

Canada is widely regarded as one of the world's most LGBTQ+ inclusive countries. Same-sex marriage has been legal nationwide since 2005, and both Toronto and Vancouver have visible LGBTQ+ communities, venues and support organisations.

As with any country, incidents of discrimination and harassment can still occur.

Women's Safety and Gender-Based Violence

Canada is generally considered safe for women travellers. However, gender-based violence, harassment and sexual assault remain significant social issues.

Visitors should take the same precautions they would in any major city, particularly when travelling alone at night or using unfamiliar transport systems.

Public Demonstrations

Public demonstrations and political gatherings regularly take place in Canadian cities and are protected under Canadian law.

Visitors should monitor local information and avoid situations that feel unsafe or confrontational.