Baltimore

Travel advisory: Check travel advisories

Source: Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca) · Updated 2026-10-17

At a Glance

Exercise normal security precautions — same caution level as in Canada; no country-wide threat.
Street crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods — avoid certain areas entirely; stay in established visitor zones.
US entry requires valid passport; Canadian citizens enter visa-free — ensure your passport is not expired or expiring within 6 months.

Baltimore has significant violent crime in specific neighborhoods — West Baltimore (including Sandtown-Winchester, Gwynn Oak, parts of Fayette and Fremont) and East Baltimore (Govans, Belair-Edison, Clifton-Bmore) see frequent homicides and armed robbery.

Prepare: Research your hotel and planned neighborhoods on crime maps; stay in Inner Harbor, Federal Hill, Canton, or Fells Point.

Petty theft and car break-ins occur city-wide — leave valuables out of sight; do not leave unattended vehicles unlocked or with items visible.

Prepare: Store bags, phones, and wallets securely; use hotel safes.

Avoid walking alone at night outside tourist areas — especially after dark in unfamiliar neighborhoods.

Prepare: Use taxis, rideshare, or stay in groups; plan daytime outings.

No required vaccinations — routine immunizations (MMR, polio, Td) should be current.

Prepare: Check your routine vaccine record before departure.

No active disease outbreaks affecting travelers in Baltimore.
Tap water is safe — municipal water meets US standards.
Medical care is excellent — Johns Hopkins Hospital is world-class; standard US insurance or out-of-pocket costs apply.

Prepare: Confirm your travel health insurance covers US emergency care, including repatriation.

Canadian citizens enter visa-free under the US Visa Waiver Program (ESTA not required for land entry, but recommended for air travel).

Prepare: Apply for ESTA (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) if flying; cost ~USD 14; valid 2 years. Arrive with proof of onward travel if requested.

Valid passport required — must not be expired; validity of 6 months beyond return is a best practice (not strictly enforced by US).

Prepare: Renew passport if it expires within 6 months; processing takes 10–15 business days.

Verify all visa and entry requirements directly with the nearest embassy or consulate before travel. Requirements can change without notice.

Marijuana is legal in Maryland but remains illegal under US federal law; do not attempt to cross state lines with it.

Prepare: Leave any cannabis at home.

Alcohol and tobacco laws are standard North American — legal drinking age is 21; ID required.
US gun culture is prevalent — firearms are commonly owned; remain aware but do not engage or touch any firearm.
Tipping is expected — 15–20% in restaurants, USD 1–2 per drink at bars, USD 1–2 per bag for bellhops.

Currency is USD (US dollars) — card payments are ubiquitous; ATMs are available throughout the city.

Prepare: Notify your bank of US travel; exchange small amounts of cash (USD 50–100) before arrival or withdraw at airport ATM.

Power outlets are Type A and B (flat two-pin and three-pin) — voltage 120V (same as Canada).
Cell service is reliable — bring your Canadian phone (roaming charges apply) or buy a US prepaid SIM (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T widely available).

Prepare: Contact your carrier for roaming rates or purchase a prepaid SIM for USD 20–40.

Public transit (MTA buses and light rail) is available but limited after 10 p.m. — use rideshare (Uber, Lyft) after dark.

Best time: April–May and September–October — mild temperatures (15–22°C), low humidity, minimal rain.
Summer (June–August) is hot and humid — temperatures reach 28–32°C; afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Winter (December–February) is cold and occasionally icy — 0–5°C; rare snow.
Hurricane season is June–November — direct hits on Baltimore are rare, but tropical storms bring rain and wind.

Prepare: Check weather forecasts weekly during hurricane season; plan flexible outdoor activities.

National Aquarium — world-class marine life exhibits and the iconic giant kelp forest tank; located in the Inner Harbor waterfront district.
American Visionary Art Museum — eccentric, immersive contemporary art in a former warehouse; one-of-a-kind experience.
USS Constellation — historic US Navy frigate docked in Inner Harbor; guided tours trace 19th-century naval history.
Inner Harbor waterfront promenade — pedestrian-friendly district with restaurants, shops, and museums; safe and lively day and evening venue.
Fells Point neighborhood — historic rowhouses, vintage shops, restaurants, and bars; maritime heritage and walkable nightlife.

Inner Harbor — epicenter of tourism; waterfront museums, restaurants, and hotels; heavily policed and safe day and night.
Fells Point — historic cobblestone streets, boutique hotels, breweries, and seafood restaurants; walkable and vibrant; avoid very late night (after midnight) in smaller side streets.
Federal Hill — gentrified neighborhood south of Inner Harbor; upscale restaurants, parks, and rowhouse B&Bs; safe and popular with young professionals.
Canton — east of Inner Harbor; trendy restaurants and bars; pleasant waterfront walk (Canton Waterfront Park); generally safe.

Canadian consulate in Baltimore — none (nearest is Philadelphia). Contact is through the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC: +1-202-682-1740 (general), or consular services after-hours emergency: +1-613-944-8200 (call collect from outside Canada).
US Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance): 911
Government of Canada emergency line (24/7): 1-800-387-3124 (from Canada or US)
Non-emergency Baltimore police: 311
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222