I do not know much about Chapel Hill. I have lived near UBC (MANY years ago) and I know someone well who lives on campus. UBC has a huge campus and there are some condo’s on campus that are in most cases owned by non-students. I am a bit nervous that my recollections of UBC are old since I have not visited for quite a while.
Both universities have very good reputations and are solid well respected universities.
I was never worried at all about the safety around UBC. It is near a relatively safe part of Vancouver, on a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides, with Vancouver being the fourth side. In most cases the big cities in Canada tend to be safer than the big cities in the US. Of course with 55,000 students I cannot vouch for all of them (I actually do not know any of them right now), and Vancouver is a big city.
There is quite a bit to do in Vancouver. UBC itself has some outdoor activities. In addition to the ocean, there is a very good native American museum on campus as well as a botanical garden, a farm, and a forest (UBC has a very strong forestry program). It is a very big university with a wide variety of clubs. The part of Vancouver that it is near was relatively residential back when I lived in the area. However, housing is quite scarce and very expensive in Vancouver. Winters are VERY rainy, which cuts down on outdoor activities.
I am inclined to think that there might be some advantage in studying in whatever country you intend on staying in after graduation.