Your Guide to Solo Trips to Canada - Embrace the Freedom of Independent Travel

Canada is a perfect place to travel solo with a huge network of infrastructure and tons of amazing places to keep yourself busy. You can jump on a tour with other solo travelers, stay somewhere, and explore or can hit the road and discover all that there is to see in Canada. Solo travel in Canada is very safe and very popular. 

Many solo travelers visit Canada in the winter months and experience majestic mountains in the snow, but solo travel in Canada is much more popular in the summer months. If you're planning a solo trip to Canada well, you can make a life trip and find new friends and memories!

Best places for solo travel in Canada

Tips For Solo Travel In Canada

Here are some tips to help make sure you enjoy your solo trip to Canada.  

Join A Guided Group Tour

Joining a tour is a great way to experience the locals’ perspective and ensure you see the cool stuff, rather than just following the crap in a guidebook! Another benefit is that small group tours often have other solo travelers to meet and share experiences with. This often allows you to meet new people to eat and drink together and continue your journey, which may even become lifelong friendships!

Meet lots of people

Sometimes, traveling solo can feel intimidating, and it might be hard to strike up conversations with others. It’s easy to feel a bit isolated, but remember — many people around you are often in the same situation and would welcome a friendly chat. Make it a habit to talk to strangers you meet along the way. Don’t be afraid to break the ice with a silly or lighthearted question — it’s a great way to start a conversation! For example: “Sorry, is this the moon? Oh, it’s not? That’s cool! So, where are you from?”

Hit Up Your Barista/ Bartender

Sometimes it’s easy to spot locals or people who are spending the season in a resort town. Baristas and bartenders are a great way to get to know the local scene, or even get tips on local hiking groups or popular bars. Try this next time you’re traveling alone in Canada!

Stay At a hostel (or visit one)

When planning a solo trip to Canada, choosing where to stay is very important. While hostels aren’t for everyone, they are a great place to meet other solo travellers.

Tips For Solo Trips To Canada

Things you should consider when planning a solo trip to Canada

Solo travel in Canada can be an enriching and liberating experience, allowing you to explore new cultures and places at your own pace. When planning a solo trip to Canada, there are a few considerations that can help you make the most of your trip.

Best time to solo travel to Canada

The best time to visit Canada is from mid-April to June and from September to early November. During these times, the temperatures are mild enough for sightseeing, and there are fewer crowds and more affordable prices.

Is Canada good for solo travel?

Canada solo travel is great for  first-timers and veteran travelers alike. It’s generally a very safe destination and is popular amongst solo travelers who want to experience the snow-covered mountains during the winter season and also the breathtaking scenery in the height of summer

If you enjoy exciting outdoor adventures while also experiencing boutique food and drink, then solo group travel in Canada is definitely for you. Imagine rafting through canyons surrounded by pine trees and wildlife in British Columbia, caving in Banff National Park, and taking in pristine alpine views from 7,000 feet - with a Caesar cocktail in hand. Travel through this picturesque show with a small group of like-minded travelers, and Flash Pack will take care of all your accommodations and insider travel arrangements in advance.

How to get to Canada

Most visa-exempt travelers need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before flying to Canada. U.S. citizens are exempt, but other nationalities should check requirements on the official Government of Canada website.

Most major Canadian cities have international airports, with the busiest airports including Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL), and Calgary International Airport (YYC). There are many direct flights from the United States and the United Kingdom, but fares and flight frequencies vary by season. Booking long-haul flights to Canada as early as possible is the best way to get cheap airfare. 

Travelers driving from the United States can choose to travel by road or bus; some border crossings are busier than others (the Canada Border Services Agency publishes current wait times), and holidays can affect traffic. There are also direct train routes such as the Amtrak Adirondack (connecting New York City to Montreal) and the Maple Leaf (linking New York City to Toronto). In addition, a train connects Vancouver with Seattle and Portland. On both coasts, passenger ferries operate from select U.S. destinations to Canada, offering another scenic travel option.

How to get around Canada

Renting a car is popular in Canada, and there are plenty of bus routes for long-distance travel, but if you're pressed for time or want to visit areas that aren't accessible by road, you may want to consider the country's train, ferry, and domestic flights that connect: Train travel offers some stunning scenery and luxury options, such as sleeper trains that serve gourmet food. Once you've reached your destination, all major cities have buses, subways, taxis, and bike routes to help you get around easily.

Getting around Canada for solo travelers

What to pack for solo travel in Canada

You’ll need adapters for both A and B plugs, as well as your usual travel essentials, such as your all-important passport, as well as a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) depending on which country you’re travelling from (make sure to check in advance), insurance documents, and money – both cash and cards (Canada’s currency is the Canadian dollar). 

As plenty of Canada’s attractions are smack in the middle of the great outdoors, pack appropriate gear such as sturdy footwear, and keep an eye on the season.

10 Best Solo Trips in Canada

Here is a list of the best places to travel alone in Canada that are sure to amaze and enchant you with their beauty and grandeur.

1. Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies is one of the best places in Canada for solo travel, allowing you to enjoy nature’s most stunning beauty and its pristine scenery. Hiking along the trails, you can see Canada’s famous glaciers and tranquil lakes.  Visit any of the lookouts around the Rocky Mountains to get some great photos of the mountains. Stay overnight in a mountain hut run by the Canadian Alpine Club and stargaze.

 Enjoy solitude and natural beauty in the Canadian Rockies

2. Whistler, British Columbia

As one of the top places to start your solo trip in Canada, Whistler offers travelers a great experience. Whistler has more activities and better tourist infrastructure than anywhere else in the world. With plenty of hotels, bars, and a fun village, Whistler is one of the best places in Canada for solo travelers. Come in the summer to hike around the lake or in the winter to test your skiing skills!

3. Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax is the best place to travel alone in Canada for many reasons. The city is small and walkable. There are countless cozy pubs and bars around Halifax, especially near Argyle Street and the waterfront.. The food is top notch. Halifax is full of cultural and maritime charm. The locals are very friendly and there's so much to do in the city of Halifax, including exploring the local beaches!

  Explore Halifax with local history, a vibrant culinary scene, and exciting events

4. CN Tower

No solo trip to Canada is complete without a visit to the famous CN Tower. As the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere, you will be treated to stunning views of Toronto. Be sure to try the EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk to the top of the tower’s main cable car. It’s safe to say that this is not for the faint of heart. You can enjoy a meal at the 360 ​​Restaurant, which serves delicious food and stunning views of the city from the top of the tower.

5. Granville Island

Around 80% of Canada’s population lives in urban areas, making its cities vibrant cultural hubs. Vancouver, one of the top places for solo trips to Canada has an entire regional island built just for it. Granville Island is a popular attraction for tourists in Vancouver, named for its great shopping. Take a small tugboat ferry to explore the peninsula. The Granville Island Public Market is packed year-round with stalls filled with gourmet food, seafood, produce, and souvenirs for home. Walk across the street and enjoy a night out at one of the city’s famous theaters.

Granville Island has some great shops, food and a fabulous market. 

6. Peggy’s Cove

Peggy’s Cove  is one of the best places to travel alone in Canada which is home to several incredible natural and man-made wonders. One of these is Peggy’s Cove, with a working lighthouse in the background. The lighthouse itself has iconic status, in part because it is the most photographed lighthouse in the world. Other must-see attractions include the William deGarthe Art Gallery, The Fishermen's Monument and numerous gift shops.

7. Ottawa, Ontario

If you’re a globe culture lover or a history buff, the country’s capital, Ottawa, is a great place to start your solo trip. Ottawa is renowned for landmarks such as the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian War Museum, and the Canadian Museum of Nature. It’s also home to the 19th-century Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, a magnificent Gothic Revival church with stunning architecture and intricate interior sculptures that are well worth a visit.

For nature lovers, Ottawa offers beautiful green spaces like the Dominion Arboretum and the Central Experimental Farm, where you can explore thousands of plant species amid rolling gardens and scenic walking paths. Don’t miss the stunning view of the Rideau Falls, where the Rideau River meets the Ottawa River in a dramatic cascade.

Ottawa is Canada’s capital city and one of the  best places in canada to travel alone

8. Niagara Falls

Failure to make a solo trip to the Niagara Falls, Canada would be almost criminal. Niagara Falls may be jointly owned by the United States and Canada, but everyone knows that the falls are best viewed from the Canadian side. Take a boat tour over the falls and back. There are walking food tours for all the food lovers, covering local bakeries and restaurants. Head to the Skylon Tower to admire this natural beauty, which is best seen at night.

Niagara Falls is the perfect solo travel destination when you need a little time to yourself

9. Toronto

While Toronto might not be the top choice for the average adventure traveler, it does offer a huge urban playground for solo travelers who want to experience Canadian culture and urban vibes. There are numerous hostels and thousands of unique and delicious restaurants and bars to indulge in while traveling alone. You can rent a bike to explore the city, or take public transportation to get lost! Toronto is considered the best places in canada to travel alone

Toronto is famous for a wide variety of things, from iconic landmarks to its delicious food and successful sports teams

10. Montreal

If you want to practice your French, head to Montreal — the largest French-speaking city outside of Paris and one of the best places for solo travel in Canada. Montreal offers a unique blend of European charm and North American energy, with museums, vibrant shopping streets, and even a dormant volcano, Mount Royal, at its heart.

For a panoramic view of the city, take a walk or bus ride up Mount Royal to the Belvedere Lookout, a scenic viewpoint offering spectacular views, especially in the fall when the foliage bursts into color.

The city is also famous for its dynamic street art scene — stroll along Duluth Street or Boulevard Saint-Laurent to discover colorful murals. Don’t miss St. Joseph’s Oratory, the largest church in Canada and an impressive architectural landmark.

Wander through Old Montreal and the Old Port, where cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and riverfront paths create a romantic atmosphere. Climb the bell tower of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel for a sweeping view of the river, shop for fresh local produce at the Atwater Market, and enjoy a peaceful picnic by the canal.

Conclusion

Traveling solo to Canada is one of the most exciting things you can do; setting off on your own, with no safety net, no one else to rely on but yourself (and maybe your travel guide).

It’s intimidating, no doubt, but the truth is, nothing can compare to the adrenaline rush you get when you embark on an adventure that’s all yours.

It’s bravery, it’s freedom, you’ll gain a lot of confidence and it will change your life

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge and embark on your solo travel adventure, the next step is to choose your travel destination.

Canada has become a top destination for solo travelers thanks to its safety, friendly locals, and stunning natural diversity — from glacier-fed lakes to snow-capped mountains and vibrant cities

Canada has become a top destination for solo travelers thanks to its safety, welcoming locals, and a wide variety of natural and cultural experiences — from mountains and lakes to vibrant urban centers.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Canada right away and treat yourself!