Solo Travel in Canada | 10+ Beautiful and Safe Destinations
Canada is generally a very safe destination, especially for solo travellers. As with any destination, it’s a good idea to not look like a tourist and to do your research on areas that may be less/unsafe. However, Canada is a wonderful place to discover on your own. The country is vastly different from coast to coast. Solo travel in Canada may look a little different than other parts of the world. The population of the country is very spread out so you’ll find way less budget accommodations, like hostels, compared to places like Europe. It’s not a cheap country to explore, but it’s worth it!
The maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland/Labrador) are home to arguably the nicest people in the country. Alberta and British Columbia are beautiful provinces with the Rocky Mountains and the most scenic drives. Ontario is the most populated province and you’ll find more towns between cities than most of the other provinces. New Brunswick and Quebec have French roots with amazing food. The Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are the least populated parts of Canada but are stunning year round with the Northern Lights in the winter and stunning hikes in the summer. Saskatchewan and Manitoba are two prairie provinces with a slow travel mentality and land as far as the eye can see. Every province and territory have their own provincial and national parks that are worthy of a visit.
You cannot go wrong with solo travel in Canada and here are some of the best destinations!
Banff National Park, Alberta
One of my favourite places on earth is Banff National Park in Alberta. If you enjoy the outdoors, this is the place for you! Visiting this place by yourself is easy and more budget friendly if you take the bus from Calgary to the Town of Banff, and use public transit within the park. Be careful of bears if hiking or camping alone and note that some hikes are mandatory in groups of 4 or more because of wildlife. It’s not the cheapest part of the country to visit but it’s possible to do on a budget and to visit the beautiful Rocky Mountains. There are hostels in the Town of Banff for the budget traveller.
Read more: Banff Road Trip | Ultimate 4-day Fall Itinerary
Calgary, Alberta
The third most populous city in Canada is Calgary. Nicknamed “Cowtown”, it is home to the annual Calgary Stampede: a July rodeo and festival that’s great for people of all ages! It is the 17th highest ranked safe city in North America which makes it a great destination for solo travel in Canada. Make sure to visit the Calgary Central Library, an award winning architectural building. Other great activities for the solo traveller include: Fort Calgary; a walking tour; the Monster Zipline; walk through Prince’s Island Park; and more!
Read more: Calgary Guide | 20 Best Things to do in the City
Prince Edward County, Ontario
While Prince Edward County is a destination best enjoyed with friends or family, it’s a wonderful part of Canada to explore! Filled with wineries, breweries, bike tours, farm-to-table restaurants, and more. Book accommodations in Bloomfield or Picton to stay in the heart of the county. Consider joining a wine tour to meet other visitors!
Read more: Ultimate Prince Edward County Staycation | Ontario Travel Inspiration
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa is the capital of Canada and the fourth largest Canadian city. It has historically been described as a boring government town but I promise it has so much to offer! Take a free tour of Parliament Hill, enjoy local restaurants, free museum Thursdays, a boat cruise on the Ottawa River, skating on the world’s largest outdoor skating rink, and more! As a solo traveller, you can easily stay in downtown neighbourhoods and walk or take public transit to destinations around the city. Stay in the Jail Hostel for a truly unique experience!
Read more: Fantastic Ottawa Staycation for the First Time Visitor
Montreal, Quebec
As Canada’s second largest city and the capital of French Canada, Montreal is a fantastic destination for solo travel in Canada. You’ll find festivals, art and culture, amazing dining, history and more! Head to Mont Royal Park for the best views in the city. Old Montreal port is a fantastic area to explore on foot and enjoy the waterfront and dining. The Notre-dame Bascilia is a beautiful cathedral. The botanical garden and biodome are perfect for people who love nature and wildlife. The Jean-Talon market is a great stop to pick up food for a picnic in the park. Make sure to stop by Schwartz’s for their world famous smoked meat sandwiches. The Grand Roue (large ferris wheel) offers great views of the city but is also great in photos! Stop by Le Plateau Mont-Royal for colourful row homes.
Quebec City, Quebec
You’ll find a taste of Europe in Quebec City. The capital of the province of Quebec, Quebec City has a quaint and old time charm with beautiful historic landmarks and modern activities. Exploring Old Quebec City is idyllic and you can enjoy a wooden toboggan ride from 1884, wander Quartier Petit Champlain and have Afternoon Tea at the world’s most photographed hotel (Fairmont Chateau Frontenac). With many activities to do, historic landmarks to visit and an exciting nightlife, you’ll love discovering this city on your own.
Read more: 10 Exciting Winter Activities in Quebec City to Forget the Cold
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The east coast Canadians are some of the nicest people in the country. Halifax is a very walkable city with day tour options if you want to explore more of the province. Wander along the picturesque waterfront and boardwalk, visit the iconic Peggy’s Point Lighthouse, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg, eat the freshest seafood (Halifax is the country’s capital for lobster), enjoy the local craft beer scene, and more!
Read more: Ultimate Halifax Weekend Itinerary
Prince Edward Island
The smallest province in the country has a lot to offer! It would be more economical to visit with friends and rent a car to explore the entire province but this island has a lot to pack in! Stay in Charlottetown and enjoy the vibrant dining scene, beaches, museums and local shops. Rent a car and tour the province to see red sand beaches, lighthouses, dip your feet in the Atlantic Ocean, visit the Anne of Green Gables museum, and more.
Read more: Ultimate Prince Edward Island Road Trip including 10+ Stops
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The capital of Manitoba and the 7th largest Canadian city is Winnipeg. One of the top attractions is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights: the first national museum built outside of the National Capital Region. Average temperatures in the winter are -19C so I recommend visiting during the summer. Visit the Assiniboine Park (700 acre park including a zoo), the Forks Market, the Royal Canadian Mint, and Manitoba Museum.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, BC is a destination perfect for the outdoorsy type. It’s a hip and eco-friendly city with amazing destinations for hiking, surfing, skiing, and more. Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Kitsilano Beach, Gastown, and Olympic Village for a perfect solo getaway. Make sure to stay in the right neighbourhood and enjoy walking this city and exploring all it has to offer!
Read more: 15+ Things to do in Vancouver, Canada
Victoria, British Columbia
Take a quick detour from Vancouver to Victoria by ferry boat. Enjoy the city, and visit Vancouver Island and Tofino or the Butchart Gardens!
Read more: Vancouver and Victoria Itinerary | Ultimate 4-days on the Canadian West Coast
Toronto, Ontario
As with any large city, there are certain areas you want to avoid but overall Toronto has a very vibrant nightlife scene, world-class dining, parks, beaches and more to explore on your own. Home to the Blue Jays MLB team, the Toronto Maple Leafs NHL team and the Raptors NBA team you can catch a sports event to fit your desires! Head downtown for waterfront patios, the iconic CN Tower (try the Edge Walk), craft breweries, world renowned museums, the St. Lawrence Market, Distillery District, High Park and more. As Canada’s largest city, there is endless possibilities for someone looking to explore this major centre on their own.
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