From sea to shining sea, Canada is generally a very safe country to visit alone. Even big cities are considered safe for solo trips for women and men alike. Rated the 6th most peaceful country in the world, there are countless ideal places to travel on your own. Here are our picks for some beautiful, safe spots to visit in Canada, where you will have fun alone, or with others you meet on your way.
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Victoria, BC
Victoria is a must-see on every Canadian’s bucket list. It’s also an excellent place to visit alone. Walk the Inner Harbour, take a whale watching tour, and dine in one of the many restaurants. If you extend your trip, Vancouver Island is Canada’s answer to Hawaii. The entire island has low crime rates and abundant activities to try. If you want some company in Victoria, book a foot or bike tour of the city and the surrounding area.
Vancouver, BC
Situated on the coast, Vancouver is one of the most picturesque cities in Canada, with its proximity to the mountains, ocean, and forests. Enjoy shopping and one of the largest markets at the Granville Island Public Market during the day. Vancouver is a relatively compact city and has extensive public transport. In the evening, dine in the classy and artsy neighbourhoods of Gastown and/or Yaletown. Book a whale watching tour, take the ferry to Victoria or take a shuttle to Whistler. If you’re looking for an adventure buddy, hostels in Vancouver are an excellent place to meet like-minded individuals.
Banff National Park, AB
While going on challenging hikes and outdoor activities might not be the safest idea if you’re alone, Banff is full of individuals who love the outdoors. Stay at a hostel to meet with like-minded people going out on scenic excursions. There are many easier hiking trails near Banff that are trafficked and easily accessible for solo travelers. Try the Lake Agnes Trail, a popular and moderately challenging hike at Lake Louise in Banff. Hikers will enjoy a tea house and a lake of reflections above.
Edmonton, AB
While Calgary and Edmonton are great places for solo travellers in Alberta, Edmonton boasts the famed West Edmonton Mall. You could spend days without leaving this mall. Stay at the hotel, enjoy the rides at Galaxyland, including the world’s longest and tallest indoor roller coaster. Outside of the mall, Edmonton has many cultural, historical sites to visit. Enjoy the gardens at the Muttart Conservatory, tour the Alberta Parliament grounds, and enjoy views of the Northern Lights in winter.
Ottawa, ON
For a history lover, Ottawa is an ideal place for a solo traveller. Take as much time as you want to meander through museums and art galleries without a care in the world. Visit the National Gallery of Canada as well as take a tour of the Parliament Building of Canada. Because the city has many tourists, it is easy to blend into the crowd. You won’t be the only one dining alone at one of the many wine bars, music venues, and restaurants around the city.
Kingston, ON
Kingston is the safest city in all of Canada, with the lowest crime rate. Explore the waterfront, visit the Correctional Service of Canada Museum to learn about Canada’s prison system, and explore Fort Henry, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ontario. Kingston is also an excellent place for people-watching, architecture-admiring, park-sitting, and local food-tasting.
Killarney Provincial Park, ON
Escape to nature at Killarney Provincial Park. Book a canoe or kayak tour or go on a hike. You can camp or book a stay in a nearby hotel in the town of Killarney. Many tours will take you to the provincial park, so you have options if you are uncomfortable braving the park alone.
Quebec City, QC
For a city with European elegance and low crime rates, head to Quebec City. Wander through the streets of Old Town for sights of Notre-Dame Basilica, Rue du Petit Champlain, and Terrasse Dufferin. Visit one of Quebec City’s many crepe spots and enjoy a crepe about Quebec’s history at one of the many historic sites, and people-watch from one of the numerous outdoor patios.
Moncton, NB
An adorable Maritime city with friendly locals, scenic landscapes, a bustling cultural scene, wineries, and a plethora of restaurants, Moncton makes an idyllic escape for the solo-traveler. Moncton is known as Canada’s most courteous city, and with low crime rates and plentiful things to see and do, your trip to Moncton is sure to delight. If you’re a wine lover, stay at Magnetic Hill Winery for wine tasting and cozy bed and breakfast comfort.
St. John’s, Newfoundland
The enchanting capital of Newfoundland is as beautiful and fun as it is safe. Abundant with tourists, friendly locals, and a never ending list of attractions, St. John’s has an extremely low crime rate. Many residents leave their front doors unlocked. Make sure you visit George Street, the perfect spot for a pub crawl with bars of any type imaginable. Hike up Signal Hill for panoramic views of one, if not the, oldest city in North America. St. John’s is also a very walkable city, so there is no need to spend money on cabs.
