When you’ve checked into your room, look on the back of the entrance door for a map showing the escape route to take in case of fire. Always leave the security latch in place when in your room and don’t admit strangers. Some hotels have floors just for women – ask when booking, if you are a woman traveling alone.

City health officials inspect most Vancouver and Victoria food establishments, including pubs and delicatessens, regularly. Reports may be viewed online.

Various emergency and helplines are available to call in a crisis.

Skytrain (including Canada Line) platforms provide designated waiting areas in Vancouver; these are recommended at night. Available on most Victoria and Vancouver buses and some regional buses in BC, Request Stop allows a woman to get off a bus at locations between regular stops. Tell the driver at least one stop ahead of where you want to get off, and leave the bus by the front doors. The rear doors will remain closed so that no one can follow you off.

Carry a good map with you and check out the route to and from your destination before starting out. If you plan on returning late, make sure you have enough change and cash to call for and pay for a taxi. Avoid dark places such as parks and alleyways at night, especially if you are on your own, and avoid known danger spots.

Emergency treatment is available 24 hours a day.

The BC Dental Association can link you with a nearby dentist during regular office hours. After office hours, go to a hospital emergency room.

Vancouver is a smokefree city and smoking is not allowed in public spaces, including parks and beaches, or in workplaces.

The majority of pharmacies in Vancouver and Victoria are open from 9am to 9 or 10pm. Some are open later. There are three 24-hour Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies in Vancouver. The most central is on Davie Street.

To help prevent theft don’t flash cash around. Your wallet or valuables should be stored close to your body, not in your backpack, back pocket, or belt-pack, where they can be easily pilfered. If you carry a purse, ensure it closes tightly. When leaving your hotel room – even just for a short time – first lock up valuables and important documents in your room’s safe, if it has one. If it doesn’t, have them put in the hotel’s safe.