Trip ideas and tours for solo travellers in Ontario
Ottawa River | Ottawa Tourism
There are several benefits to travelling alone. Solo travellers are more apt to meet and mingle with new people. This is especially true on group tours and guided adventures where fellow travellers share similar interests.
On the flip side, for some, solitude, peace and time of self-reflection are the reasons for a solo trip. And there’s no need to compromise on what activities to do or which restaurants to try. When you’re travelling alone, the decision-making is all your own.
Ontario is great for solo travellers. Canada is known as a safe place to travel. Of course, taking precautions and being prepared is always a good idea, especially when travelling alone. Get safety tips and emergency information in Ontario.
Here’s a list of fun guided and self-guided activities and getaway ideas that welcome individuals. Note that some tours may require a minimum number of participants.
Foodie experiences
Explore the taste of place on a guided or self-guided food tour. Step up your culinary skills at a local cooking or baking class, on a foraging adventure or a mixology workshop.
Guided walking food tour in Midland
Embark on a fun three-hour stroll in downtown Midland with a local guide to sample signature dishes and drinks at over half a dozen restaurants. Group sizes are kept small. Dress comfortably and come hungry!
Location: Downtown Midland
Cocktail classes at Elora Distilling Company
Pick up new mixology skills as you learn to craft three different cocktails, including classics and new creations.
You’ll want to stay locally to walk home after the class. Luckily, Elora has fabulous accommodation options, including the luxurious Elora Mill Hotel & Spa.
Location: 102 Metcalfe Street, Unit 4, Elora
Guided foraging tour with Puck’s Plenty
Up your culinary game by learning to identify wild edible plants and incorporate them into your cooking. Take a professionally led foraging tour along woodland trails in Southern Ontario.
Location: Stratford
Explore the great outdoors
Find adventure in the great outdoors, from guided fishing trips, hikes and cave tours to kayaking excursions and stand-up paddling lessons.
See the mighty Niagara Falls
Whether it’s your first or fifth time, seeing the majestic Niagara Falls never fails to impress. Make a day trip or overnight getaway to soak in the spectacular sights with Journey Behind the Falls or on a boat tour with Niagara City Cruises.
Travel seamlessly and car-free with GO Transit from Toronto combined with WEGO bus service in Niagara Falls.
Location: Niagara Falls
Find adventure on the St. Lawrence River with Dive Brockville
The St. Lawrence River is known to provide some of the best freshwater scuba diving experiences in the world. Alternatively, you can paddle the 1000 Islands by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Rentals are available for a couple of hours up to a full week.
Location: 12 Water Street East, Brockville
Visit Scenic Caves with Travelling Chicken
Explore fascinating caves and caverns, cross an exciting suspension bridge and hike to gorgeous lookouts along the southern coast of Georgian Bay.
Travelling Chicken offers customized, guided adventure tours in Ontario. The company’s founder travelled solo as a newcomer to Canada, so takes special care to accommodate guests who are booking for one.
Available on select dates from May to October.
Location: Round trips depart from Toronto.
Scenic Caves is located at 260 Scenic Caves Road, The Blue Mountains
Day trips with ParkBus
Travel from Toronto to great hiking destinations like MacGregor Point Provincial Park, Algonquin Provincial Park or Bruce Peninsula National Park on a day trip with ParkBus. Multi-day transportation can be arranged for some destinations.
Also check for upcoming group hikes, a great option if you want to mingle with other nature lovers.
Location: Depart from pick-up locations are in Toronto, with various destinations available.
Whitewater kayaking and canoeing at Madawaska Kanu Centre
Located along the banks of the Madawaska River in Ottawa Valley, Madawaska Kanu Centre provides guests with a full suite of packages and programs designed to teach and improve kayaking and canoeing skills and to introduce the joy of whitewater paddling.
You can even create a customized itinerary and craft your perfect water-based getaway.
Location: 247 River Road, Barry’s Bay
Fly fishing with Grand River Outfitting
Learn the art of fly fishing on one of Ontario’s popular rivers including the Grand, Saugeen, Maitland, Thames or the Upper Credit. Grand River Outfitting will help connect you with a local guide.
Location: Southern Ontario
Algonquin Park Photography with Algonquin Adventure Tours
Algonquin Adventure Tours is one of Ontario’s top outdoor tour companies and has been operating in Algonquin for over 25 years. This private photography workshop is all about getting you water access to beautiful wildlife and landscapes in one of Canada’s most treasured parks.
Location: based out of Dwight, tours in Algonquin Provincial Park
Photography workshop with Follow Me North
Connect with local professional photographers at Follow Me North to arrange a private and ethical wildlife photography guiding and coaching session at Aspen Valley Wildlife.
This is an experience of a lifetime for budding photographers and animal lovers.
And to sweeten the deal, proceeds go back to the sanctuary.
Location: Rosseau, Muskoka
Cycling trips and tours
Explore Ontario on two wheels! Find diverse bicycle tours through downtown neighbours, scenic vineyards and picturesque backcountry roads.
Toronto Bicycle Tours
Explore the diverse pockets and neighbourhoods of Toronto that give the city its unique personality with local guides. Most tours will require a minimum number of participants, so you’ll get to share the experience with fellow travellers. Bike, helmet and water is included.
Location: Downtown Toronto
Gravelocity Cycling Tours
Cruise the scenic backroads of Southern Ontario on a weekend cycling getaway with all the planning and logistics included so all you have to do is ride and enjoy.
Locations: upcoming trip locations include Peterborough, Elora and Fergus and Oxford County
Pedal Pushers Cycling
For more women-only cycling clinics and tours, check out the various programs offered in Central Ontario.
Locations: Collingwood and Muskoka
Visit Ontario by Bike for more guided rides and cycling tour events and ideas.
Discover history, art and culture
Explore your creative side on a walking tour or attend a hands-on workshop. And discover unique culture and history along the way.
Self-guided walking tour in Orillia
Take an art tour through Orillia's Arts District, where a collection of galleries displays niche, locally made creations.
Location: Downtown Orillia
City walking tours with Tour Guys
Exploring a city on foot is the best way to learn about it, but navigating a new place alone can be overwhelming. Tour Guys invites you on fun and informative walking tours led by locals who love their city.
Locations: Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton
Happy hour at the Ottawa Art Gallery
Bring your love of art to the Ottawa Art Gallery and enjoy a drink, snack, art-focused discussion and hands-on creativity during this elevated happy hour.
Check online for upcoming event dates. Pre-registration is required and all the art materials will be provided.
Location: 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa
Glass blowing workshop with Yours Outdoors
Book a half-day workshop to learn the basics of glassblowing at Artech Studios. After an engaging tour and demonstration, you can try your hand at creating your own stunning glass pieces.
Yours Outdoors connects visitors like you with local art, outdoor, food, drink and cultural experiences.
Location: Haliburton Highlands
Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel
The Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel served as a prison for over 100 years! Now a cozy and inviting accommodation, this downtown hostel offers single rooms with towels, linens and complimentary breakfast. You can arrange a free prison tour to learn about the history of your accommodation or a tour around Ottawa.
Location: 75 Nicholas Street, Ottawa
Relax in nature
Let Ontario’s forests and rural countryside be the backdrop for a relaxing spa day, farm visit or wellness retreat.
Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain
Scandinave Spa offers soothing indoor and outdoor pools and spa treatments, as well as a tranquil forest bathing trail.
Location: 152 Grey County Road 21, The Blue Mountains
Go off-grid with Cabinscape
If a cozy and environmentally low-impact off-grid cabin overlooking a lake and surrounded by forest sounds like the right fit for your solo getaway, check out the tiny cabin rentals throughout Southeastern Ontario.
Location: Haliburton Forest, Kawarthas, Ottawa Valley and Lanark County
Forest bathing at Wild by Nature Forest Sanctuary
Set out on an immersive self-guided forest bathing experience through this private forest sanctuary and find unique and peaceful places to connect with nature.
Wild by Nature Forest Sanctuary is located along the Bruce Peninsula, a UNESCO World Biosphere.
Location: 953 Dyers Bay Road, Miller Lake
Goat yoga at Haute Goat
Haute Goat is a whimsical farm in Port Hope home to alpacas, Icelandic horses and an adorable herd of Nigerian dwarf goats. Tour the farm, meet all the furry residents and practice “caprine vinyasa,” a gentle style of yoga stretching, as goats mingle and entertain you.
Location: 1166 5th Line, Port Hope
Glamping getaway at Whispering Springs
Treat yourself to a luxurious, nature-inspired getaway in one of the unique glamping tents and cabins at Whispering Springs. All-inclusive packages make it easy to relax and enjoy the comfort and serenity.
Location: 141 Mercer Lane, Grafton
Retreat for one at Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre
From yoga and meditation to hiking and nature viewing, this peaceful retreat caters to individuals. After a visit, you’ll find yourself relaxed and centred.
Location: 5720 Forgets Road, Wyebridge
Guided Bush Breathing at Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre
Experience the gentle healing of nature on an immersive two-hour walk through apple orchards, meadows and wetlands.
Location: 1296 Concession Road 10, Ramara
Wellness retreat at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands
Embark on a wellness journey at Dimensions with guided therapeutic sessions and the healing power of nature. Enjoy cozy cabins and delicious, healthy meals.
Location: 1218 Canopy Lane, Algonquin Highlands
Canada is a popular travel destination and welcomes visitors from all over the world. Single and solo travellers will join Ontario's global community of like-minded adventurers.
Last updated: April 8, 2025