With big-city attractions and a safe, easy-to-navigate downtown, now’s the time to carve out time for yourself in Toronto.
There’s no need for a plus one when you visit Toronto. A safe, friendly and walkable city, the 6ix is the perfect destination for solo travellers.
Here’s how to make the most of your me time.
Toronto’s best hotels for solo travellers
Just because you’ve got a bed to yourself doesn’t mean your hotel stay needs to be a solitary experience. Check out these smaller hotels that cater to solo travellers with special perks and social activities.
Canada’s first Ace Hotel buzzes with creatives and digital nomads working in the lobby café. At night, head to the rooftop bar Evangeline to discover Toronto’s best DJs and emerging artists over craft cocktails.
Its Fashion District location is close to everything, including buzzy Queen Street West, trendy King West, eclectic Chinatown and boho Kensington Market. Dog lovers can book a “Pet Package,” which includes credit to a nearby doggie spa.
Nearby in the Entertainment District, the quiet Soho Hotel boasts large rooms, all with king beds, and wellness offerings like a saltwater pool, on-site aerobics classes and a partnership with Sweat & Tonic in The Well that makes it easy to keep up your fitness routines.
Midtown’s Canopy by Hilton is in the heart of Toronto’s luxury shopping neighbourhood, Yorkville, yet is surprisingly affordable. Your choice of modern rooms includes a suite with a Peloton bike, yoga mat and weights.
Explore these unique neighbourhoods
Toronto’s streets were made for walking (we have excellent public transit, too, BTW), so put on your responsible footwear and check out these downtown neighbourhoods for unique shopping, global cuisine and entertaining people-watching.
Ossington Avenue between Queen and Dundas Streets West was named one of the coolest streets in the world by Time Out and is the place to go for boutique shopping, cute cafés and good vibes.
The strip is hopping at night if you want to bar crawl, from sophisticated wine bar Paris Paris to friendly dive bar Sweaty Betty’s.
Daytime is perfect for browsing records at Rotate This, designer finds at I Love You Vintage or suits at Tiger of Sweden, then noshing at trendy Mandy’s Gourmet Salads or divine Greek taverna Mamaka’s.
Oh, and the line-ups for Bang Bang ice cream sandwiches are worth it!
Bohemian Kensington Market is always lively and a must-visit for vintage shopping and non-stop snacking.
Join the queue at popular joints like Rasta Pasta, Dipped Donuts and Jumbo Empanadas or relax over a pint at (Anthony Bourdain- and Jason Momoa-approved) locale Ronnie’s.
And check out Pedestrian Sundays on the last Sunday from May through October for even more art and action.
Wander the charming Distillery Historic District to immerse yourself in a fine collection of Victorian-era industrial buildings and cobblestone streets.
Old meets new at modern art galleries and the latest interactive shows at Illuminarium. November and December bring a winter wonderland with Toronto’s favourite holiday market, but this is a magical place any time of the year.
Here, you can find one-of-a-kind apparel from Canadian designers like Saucy Milliner and John Fluevog.
Best restaurants for solo diners
Table for one? No problem! Dig into the city’s best food and drink at these Toronto restaurants that make single diners feel welcome.
Toronto’s first dedicated solo restaurant is Yunnan Noodle Shack in cute Baldwin Village, where individual seats are divided like study desks—your attention will be all on the elegant Chinese dishes.
Downtown Yonge Street’s Richmond Station boasts a seasonal tasting menu that’s a win from any spot in the house, but single foodies will love the chef’s counter where eight diners are seated side-by-side, and you can see right into the kitchen.
MICHELIN gave Grey Gardens a Bib Gourmand for its high-quality, good-value menu and interesting wine list. The cozy Kensington Market dining room gets our gold star for offering half-portions of many menu items for solo guests.
Things to do solo in Toronto
If you’re looking for other travellers to hang out with or just want to get lost in the crowd quietly, there are so many fun ways to immerse yourself in Toronto’s arts and culture scene.
Toronto loves cinema, and solo movie-goers will feel right at home at the TIFF Lightbox on King West, where you can silently enjoy film festival faves alongside other cinephiles.
On the other hand, you could also laugh with a crowd at Paradise Theatre events like Queer Cinema Club and Drag Me to the Movies.
Guided walking tours of Graffiti Alley’s street art, downtown’s best donuts or the haunted history of the Distillery District are a great way to see the city on foot in a group.
Get creative at the Art Gallery of Ontario’s monthly social Drawing and Drinks workshop. It’s beginner-friendly and set up for mingling.
You don’t need a partner for social dancing lessons: just show up at Lula Lounge, and they’ll pair you with others to learn and practise.
This Little Portugal mainstay is known for fiery Friday nights of live Cuban music and salsa. Or get retro with Swing Toronto’s rockabilly or lindy hop dances.
Everybody is welcome to work out at Body Positive Fitness on Spadina Avenue, where you can take drop-in classes in joyful movement, boxing or weightlifting.
And when it’s time to wind down your Toronto adventure, sign-up for a guided Finnish-inspired sauna and ice bath sesh at Alter.
