Trip ideas for solo travellers in Ontario

Explore the outdoors

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. Join Abucs Scuba Charters on a guided, group (2 to 12) diving charter aboard the Helen C. pontoon. Alternatively, paddle the 1000 Islands by kayak or stand up paddleboard. Rentals are available from 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 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’re looking 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

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 sight with Journey Behind the Falls or on a boat tour with Niagara City Cruises.

Travel seamlessly and car-free with GO Transit service from Toronto combined with WEGO bus service in Niagara Falls.

Location: Niagara Falls

Cycling trips and tours

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

Humdinger Bicycle Tours

Single and multi-day, both guided and self-guided cycling tours are offered for cyclists of all skill levels from novice and recreational to advanced. Also guided women-only bikepacking and gravel clinics in Simcoe or Haliburton are a great option for solo women travellers.

Location: trips focus on Georgian Bay, Muskoka and Haliburton

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.

Soak in culture

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 on your own 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

Foodie experiences

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 so you can walk yourself home after the class. Luckily Elora has some 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 how to identify wild edible plants and how to incorporate them into your cooking. Take a professionally led foraging tour along woodland trails in Southern Ontario.

Location: Stratford

Relax in nature

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

Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain

In addition to soothing indoor and outdoor pools and spa treatments, there’s also a tranquil onsite forest bathing trail at Scandinave Spa.

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

Goat yoga at Haute Goat

Haute Goat is a whimsical farm in Port Hope that’s 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 just 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, you’ll find yourself relaxed and centred after a visit to this peaceful retreat that caters to individuals.

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

Develop new skills

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’ll be able to 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

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

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

Stay at a unique place

Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel

Check in at the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, once a prison. Cozy single accommodation is available with towels, linen and access to electrical outlets. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast each day during your stay. 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

Get more information on guided tours in Ontario and road trip ideas and itineraries.