North America/Canada

Is Toronto Safe in February 2026?

February is winter / low season in Toronto. Winter low season in the northern hemisphere means fewer tourists and reduced scam pressure — though year-round operators remain active at major indoor attractions and transport hubs. Our database documents 16 verified scam reports for this destination year-round — this guide contextualises that data for February travel specifically.

All 16 scamsFull safety assessment

Season

Low Season

Crowd level

Lower

February scam risk

Moderate-High

Year-round scams

16

JanuaryFebruaryMarch
February travel

Safety tips for Toronto in February

Season-specific guidance based on winter / low season conditions and how they interact with documented scam patterns.

01

February is low season in Toronto — you will encounter fewer tourists, but scam operators who work year-round may use more aggressive approaches with fewer targets.

02

Lower demand means better accommodation deals, but verify listings carefully — low-season closures and bait-and-switch tactics increase when competition drops.

03

Transport operators have fewer customers in February. Negotiate fares in advance or use app-based services to avoid inflated pricing on quiet routes.

04

Some attractions and services reduce hours or close entirely during low season. Verify operating schedules before travelling to avoid finding closed sites.

05

Regardless of season, the documented scams for Toronto remain the same — review the full list of 16 warnings before you travel.

06

Travel insurance is recommended for any trip to Toronto. Policies covering theft, medical emergencies, and trip disruption are essential regardless of when you visit.

What to watch for

Top scams in Toronto (active in February)

These scams operate year-round and remain active during February. Lower tourist numbers may reduce frequency but operators remain active.

CRA Phone Impersonation Scam

high

Callers claim to be from the Canada Revenue Agency, Service Canada, or the Canada Border Services Agency and tell victims they owe back taxes or face immediate arrest. Scammers create urgency by threatening police action or deportation, then demand payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre identifies this as one of the highest-loss scam types targeting visitors and new arrivals in Canada.

How to avoid: The CRA never demands immediate payment by phone, threatens arrest, or asks for gift cards. Hang up immediately — do not engage. If concerned, call the CRA directly at 1-800-959-8281 to verify any genuine outstanding amounts.

Distraction Theft on the TTC

medium

Thieves work in pairs on the Toronto Transit Commission subway — one distracts you (asking directions, dropping items) while an accomplice steals your phone or wallet.

How to avoid: Keep your phone in your pocket when not in use on the subway. Use a zip-up bag and stay aware of who is standing close to you in crowded cars.

Scalped Concert and Sports Tickets Near Scotiabank Arena

high

Street scalpers cluster on Bremner Boulevard and the lower Bay Street corridor outside Scotiabank Arena before major NHL, NBA, and concert events. They sell counterfeit or stolen tickets at inflated prices, often using sophisticated-looking printouts that fail arena scanners at the gate. Some scalpers pose as fellow fans "with an extra ticket," building rapport before negotiating. Victims typically only discover the ticket is invalid at the turnstile, with no recourse.

How to avoid: Buy tickets exclusively through Ticketmaster or the arena's official box office. If purchasing resale, use verified platforms such as StubHub with buyer guarantees. Refuse all street offers regardless of how credible the seller appears, especially on game nights.

Airport Taxi Overcharge

medium

Unlicensed taxi drivers at Pearson International charge 2-3x the metered rate, especially targeting new arrivals with luggage who look unfamiliar with the city.

How to avoid: Use the official UP Express train to Union Station or pre-book a licensed taxi or rideshare app. Official taxis have a flat rate from the airport posted on signs.

Fake Short-Term Rental Listings

high

Fraudulent listings on rental platforms advertise non-existent condos in desirable Toronto neighborhoods. After payment, victims arrive to find no such property exists.

How to avoid: Stick to verified Airbnb Superhost listings with substantial reviews. Never wire transfer money or pay outside the platform. Video-call hosts before booking.

Scam types

What types of scams occur in Toronto?

Street Scams

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.

5

Online Scams

Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers.

4

Money & ATM Scams

Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.

2

Taxi & Transport

Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.

1

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

1

Other months

Is Toronto safe in other months?

JanuaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Common questions

Toronto in February — answered

Is Toronto safe to visit in February?

Toronto is moderate-high risk for tourists in February. This is winter / low season for the North America region. Our database documents 16 scams year-round — during February, winter low season in the northern hemisphere means fewer tourists and reduced scam pressure — though year-round operators remain active at major indoor attractions and transport hubs. The most common risks are street scams, online scams, money & atm scams.

Is February a good time to visit Toronto?

February is the quietest period for tourists in Toronto. Fewer tourists mean lower prices and shorter queues, but some services may be reduced. Scam operators remain active year-round.

What scams are most common in Toronto during February?

The documented scam types in Toronto are consistent year-round: Street Scams, Online Scams, Money & ATM Scams, Taxi & Transport. During February (winter / low season), frequency drops but remaining operators may be more persistent. The specific scams and their locations remain the same regardless of season.

Is it crowded in Toronto in February?

Tourist crowd levels in Toronto during February are lower. You will have more space at attractions and easier access to accommodation and transport. Some services may operate on reduced schedules.

Should I get travel insurance for Toronto in February?

Travel insurance is recommended for Toronto regardless of when you visit. Low season brings weather-related risks and potential service disruptions from closures. Look for policies covering medical emergencies, theft/mugging, trip cancellation, and 24/7 emergency assistance.

What should I pack for Toronto in February?

Beyond weather-appropriate clothing for February in North America, pack with scam prevention in mind: a cross-body bag with RFID-blocking (pickpocketing is documented in Toronto), photocopies of your passport stored separately from the original, a phone case with a wrist strap (phone theft is reported), and a portable charger to maintain access to transport apps and maps. Avoid visibly expensive jewelry or electronics in high-risk areas.

Editorial note: Seasonal risk assessments for Toronto are based on 16 year-round scam reports cross-referenced with regional travel patterns. Scam data is compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Conditions change — always check current advisories before travel. Read our methodology →