🇨🇦 Best Solo Travel Destinations for Canadians in 2025

Solo travel has exploded in popularity recently among Canadians, marking a significant shift in the way individuals approach their adventures. This growing trend can be attributed to a variety of factors that resonate with the modern traveler.

Many people are tired of the hassles associated with group travel, such as coordinating schedules, managing differing preferences, and navigating the complexities of group dynamics. The desire for personal freedom and the ability to tailor experiences to one's own interests have led many to embrace the idea of exploring the world on their own terms.

This Guide will highlight some of the best destinations for Canadians wanting to travel solo this year.

1. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹

Affordable, Walkable, Vibrant

Compared to some of Western Europe, Lisbon is much more affordable, and there are plenty of hostels available, making it easy to meet other travelers as well as cut costs. English is widely spoken, and it is easy to get around on foot, making it perfect for solo travelers.

Lisbon ranks among the safest destinations in Europe, offering easy access to day trips just a short train ride away, like the castles in Sintra or the beaches in Cascais. Hop on a tram or explore the historic neighborhoods on foot. Savor the local food and wine, and experience the traditional fado music.

For Canadians, Lisbon is one of the easiest European capitals to reach, with direct flights from Toronto and Montreal that are often cheaper than Paris or London.

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Top 5 Hotels in Lisbon for Every Budget

Discover the charm of Lisbon through its diverse array of hotels, each offering a unique blend of comfort and local culture. Whether you seek luxury, budget-friendly options, or boutique experiences, Lisbon has accommodations to suit every traveler's needs.To help you navigate Lisbon’s hotel scene, we’ve handpicked five standout options that offer something for every kind of traveler. Whether you're after rooftop views, cozy charm, or unbeatable value, these hotels combine comfort, location, and

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2. Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵

Safe, Dynamic, Unique

Japan is consistently recognized as one of the world's safest countries, with a culture that is particularly accommodating for solo travelers.

Tokyo boasts some of the safest and most dependable public transport systems globally, making it easy to explore the city and visit attractions. Although English may not be widely spoken, locals are friendly and eager to assist tourists. Tokyo offers numerous activities for solo adventurers, including restaurants tailored for individual diners and capsule hotels.

Delve into the diverse cuisine and culture, discover Japanese fashion, participate in a sushi-making class or tea ceremony; there is always something to do in Japan.

3. Banff, Canada 🇨🇦

Scenic, Adventurous, Relaxing

Banff is an ideal place for a solo domestic adventure. Located in the Alberta Rockies, it combines stunning scenery, social hostels, hikes, and tours, making it easy to meet other tourists.

Start your mornings by hiking trails such as Johnston Canyon or Lake Agnes, where you'll be rewarded with waterfalls, mountain views, and alpine teahouses. Guided day tours provide easy access to iconic locations like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake and offer a great opportunity to connect with fellow travelers. After a day of outdoor activities, relax at Banff Upper Hot Springs or enjoy the vibrant restaurant scene in town.

Banff also has a well-established hostel culture, with places like HI Banff Alpine Centre organizing social events and group hikes. For something more private, boutique mountain lodges offer cozy stays with postcard-perfect views.

Accessible by car or shuttle from Calgary, Banff combines world-class nature with Canadian hospitality, making it an ideal solo trip that’s adventurous yet comfortable.

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5 Best Places to Stay in Banff: Ultimate Guide by Guide Anchor

Banff’s an easy place to fall in love with, but figuring out where to stay isn’t always as simple. The town is full of hotel options, and the range is huge: you’ve got historic mountain lodges, modern boutique stays, resort-style getaways, and a few places that are just good value with a good location.This guide pulls together six reliable picks that offer a mix of price points and experiences. Whether you want to be right downtown, up on a quiet ridge, or in something with a little extra space

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4. Mexico City, Mexico 🇲🇽

Cultural, Flavourful, Lovely

Mexico City is lively, dynamic, and surprisingly welcoming to solo travelers. Once ignored, it has now become one of the most thrilling destinations in the Americas, offering amazing food, culture, and history at prices much lower than those in Europe. With budget flights from Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, it’s also one of the easiest ways for Canadians to explore Latin America.

For those interested in culture, the choices are endless: visit the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán, admire Diego Rivera’s murals downtown, or spend an afternoon at the expansive National Museum of Anthropology. Food is another highlight — from bustling street taco stands to gourmet dining, every meal is an adventure. Joining a guided food or mezcal tour is an excellent way to meet others while tasting the city’s finest flavors.

Day trips are equally rewarding. The Teotihuacán pyramids, located just outside the city, provide a breathtaking look into Mexico’s ancient civilizations. Back in the city, neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa offer trendy cafés, leafy parks, and boutique hotels ideal for solo travelers.

4. Reykjavik, Iceland 🇮🇸

Safe, Stunning, Otherworldly

Mexico City is lively, dynamic, and surprisingly welcoming to solo travelers. Once ignored, it has now become one of the most thrilling destinations in the Americas, offering amazing food, culture, and history at prices much lower than those in Europe. With budget flights from Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, it’s also one of the easiest ways for Canadians to explore Latin America.

For those interested in culture, the choices are endless: visit the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán, admire Diego Rivera’s murals downtown, or spend an afternoon at the expansive National Museum of Anthropology. Food is another highlight — from bustling street taco stands to gourmet dining, every meal is an adventure. Joining a guided food or mezcal tour is an excellent way to meet others while tasting the city’s finest flavors.

Day trips are equally rewarding. The Teotihuacán pyramids, located just outside the city, provide a breathtaking look into Mexico’s ancient civilizations. Back in the city, neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa offer trendy cafés, leafy parks, and boutique hotels ideal for solo travelers.

5. Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸

Social, Sunny, Artistic

Barcelona has long been a favorite for solo travelers, and it’s easy to see why. It’s safe, social, and offers a balance of culture, food, nightlife, and relaxation that few cities can match. For Canadians, it’s also well-connected, Air Canada and other airlines offer direct flights to Barcelona, making it one of the most accessible European gateways.

The city is bursting with things to do on your own. Gaudí’s masterpieces like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell are awe-inspiring whether you’re with a group or by yourself. The Gothic Quarter and El Born are perfect for wandering solo, with endless tapas bars and boutique shops tucked into narrow medieval streets. When you need downtime, Barceloneta Beach is right at your doorstep.

Barcelona’s social side is one of its biggest draws. Tapas tours, wine crawls, and free walking tours are everywhere, giving solo travelers plenty of chances to meet people. Day trips are simple too, Montserrat’s monastery and the Costa Brava’s beaches are just a train ride away.