Moncton Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Moncton.
Healthcare System
Moncton operates under Canada's public healthcare system, which provides universal coverage for Canadian residents. International visitors are not covered under this system and will be charged for medical services. The city has modern medical facilities and well-trained healthcare professionals, with services available in both English and French.
Hospitals
The Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre (506-862-4000) and The Moncton Hospital (506-857-5111) are the city's two main acute care facilities, both offering emergency departments, diagnostic services, and specialist care. Several walk-in clinics are available for non-emergency medical issues, including Medisystem clinics and Appletree Medical Clinic.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Moncton, including major chains like Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean Coutu, and Lawtons Drugs. Most are open extended hours, with some 24-hour locations. Pharmacists can provide advice on minor ailments and over-the-counter medications. Prescription medications from other countries may not be accepted; visitors should bring adequate supplies or obtain a Canadian prescription.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all international visitors and essential for non-residents, as medical costs can be substantial. Even minor emergency room visits can cost $1,000-$3,000 CAD, while serious medical issues can result in bills exceeding $50,000. Canadian residents from other provinces should bring their provincial health card.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient prescription medications for your entire trip plus extras, along with copies of prescriptions using generic drug names
- Keep your travel insurance information and policy number easily accessible at all times
- For minor health issues, call 811 (Telehealth NB) for free advice from registered nurses before visiting a hospital
- Walk-in clinics are more economical than emergency rooms for non-urgent issues
- Ensure your vaccinations are up to date; no special vaccines are required for Moncton beyond routine immunizations
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
The most common crime affecting visitors in Moncton is theft from parked vehicles, particularly in parking lots near hotels, shopping areas, and tourist attractions. Valuables left visible in cars are frequent targets.
Bicycle theft and theft of items from porches, yards, or unsecured areas occurs occasionally, particularly in downtown areas and near universities.
Moncton experiences harsh winters with heavy snow, ice, and temperatures dropping to -20°C or lower. Icy sidewalks, winter driving conditions, and extreme cold pose risks to unprepared visitors.
Like many Canadian cities, Moncton experiences incidents involving impaired drivers, particularly on weekend evenings and during holiday periods.
New Brunswick has seen an increase in blacklegged ticks that can carry Lyme disease, particularly in wooded and grassy areas during warmer months.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Fraudulent vacation rental listings appear on classified sites or social media with attractive prices. Scammers request payment via wire transfer or cryptocurrency, then disappear. The property either doesn't exist or isn't actually available for rent.
Individuals approach tourists in downtown areas or shopping centers claiming to collect for local charities or causes, sometimes using fake identification or clipboards with petition-style forms.
Some unlicensed or unscrupulous taxi drivers may quote inflated flat rates to tourists unfamiliar with the city, or take unnecessarily long routes to increase metered fares.
When visitors try to buy items locally through Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace, scammers may offer fake tickets to events, non-existent products, or request payment before meeting.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep valuables secured and out of sight; don't flash expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics unnecessarily
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in downtown areas after dark
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, ID, insurance) separate from originals
- Share your itinerary with someone back home and check in regularly
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone and written down as backup
Transportation Safety
- Winter driving requires special skills; consider using taxis or rideshares if you're not experienced with snow and ice
- Always wear seatbelts; it's the law in New Brunswick with strict enforcement
- Don't leave your vehicle running unattended, even to warm it up in winter (it's illegal and invites theft)
- Be cautious of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in downtown areas
- Plan routes in advance and use GPS; some rural areas have limited cell service
- Keep your gas tank at least half full in winter in case you're stranded
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Keep your room locked at all times, even when inside
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
- Know the location of emergency exits and fire extinguishers on your floor
- Don't advertise your room number or travel plans to strangers
Outdoor Activities
- Dress in layers and always bring more warm clothing than you think you'll need in winter
- Tell someone your plans and expected return time before hiking or outdoor activities
- Carry a charged phone, but don't rely solely on it as some trails have limited reception
- Stay on marked trails and respect all posted warnings and closures
- Bring water, snacks, and a basic first aid kit for outdoor excursions
- Check tide times before visiting coastal areas and never turn your back on the ocean
Health Precautions
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Moncton
- Wash hands frequently, especially during cold and flu season (October-March)
- Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days; UV rays reflect off snow in winter
- Stay hydrated; winter heating systems can be very drying
- Be aware that cannabis is legal in Canada but has strict regulations about where it can be consumed
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, busy areas
- Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates to avoid cards being blocked
- Carry a mix of payment methods; while cards are widely accepted, some small businesses prefer cash
- Be discreet when handling money; don't count large amounts of cash in public
- Keep small amounts of cash separate from your main wallet for daily expenses
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Moncton is very safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. Canada has strong gender equality, and women traveling alone are common and unremarkable. Harassment is rare and generally limited to occasional unwanted attention near bars late at night. The city has good lighting in most areas, reliable transportation options, and a culture that respects women's independence and safety.
- Solo female travelers will find Moncton welcoming and comfortable; harassment is uncommon
- Trust your instincts and don't feel obligated to be polite if someone makes you uncomfortable
- Use licensed taxis or rideshare apps rather than walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep your phone charged and share your location with trusted contacts when out alone
- Downtown bars and restaurants are generally safe, but be aware of your drink and don't accept drinks from strangers
- Hotel staff are professional and helpful; don't hesitate to ask for assistance or recommendations
- Join group tours or activities if you prefer company while exploring
- The local Facebook groups and tourism office can connect you with other travelers if desired
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Canada has comprehensive legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Same-sex marriage has been legal nationwide since 2005. Sexual orientation and gender identity are protected grounds under federal and provincial human rights legislation. Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal.
- LGBTQ+ travelers will find Moncton welcoming overall, with few safety concerns
- The Triangle, a local LGBTQ+ organization, hosts events and provides community resources
- Pride celebrations occur annually in July with community support
- Major hotels and businesses are LGBTQ+-friendly and professional
- While acceptance is good, public displays of affection may attract more attention than in larger cities
- Healthcare providers are professional and non-discriminatory
- Some rural areas outside Moncton may be less familiar with LGBTQ+ issues, though hostility is rare
- The city has limited LGBTQ+-specific nightlife compared to larger cities, but general venues are welcoming
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for all visitors to Moncton who are not covered under a Canadian provincial health plan. Medical costs in Canada are expensive for those without coverage, and even minor emergencies can result in bills of thousands of dollars. A simple broken bone requiring emergency room treatment, X-rays, and casting can cost $3,000-$5,000 CAD. More serious incidents requiring hospitalization, surgery, or medical evacuation can exceed $100,000 CAD. Beyond medical coverage, insurance protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel disruptions.
Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for Moncton Safety Guide before you go.