Things To Do Alone in Toronto: 25 Fun Ways To Explore Solo

Navigating a city by yourself can be one of the best ways to experience it. You get to set the pace, make all the decisions, and skip the group debates over where to eat. Toronto is a fantastic city for solo adventures, with plenty of activities that feel just right when you’re on your own. If you’re looking for some inspiration, here is a guide to 25 things to do alone in Toronto, broken down into ways to enjoy the city at your own speed.

25 Things To Do Alone in Toronto: Solo Travel in Toronto

Get Outdoors and Explore

1. Escape to the Toronto Islands

Take the ferry from the downtown terminal and feel the city’s hustle fade away. You can rent a bike to see the islands, walk the boardwalks, or find a quiet spot on the beach. It’s a simple way to get some fresh air.

2. Chill out at Trinity Bellwoods Park

On a sunny afternoon, this is the place to be. Grab a coffee from a nearby shop on Queen West, spread out a blanket, and just watch the city go by. It’s a great spot for people-watching or reading a book.

3. Walk or bike the Don Valley Trails

This network of trails feels worlds away from the downtown core. It offers a green escape with paths that follow the river. A good stop along the way is Evergreen Brick Works, where you can grab a snack and walk around the ponds.

4. Watch the sunset from Polson Pier

For one of the city’s top skyline views, head to Polson Pier. It’s a prime location to sit and watch the sun go down behind the CN Tower and the downtown buildings.

Arts, Culture, and Quiet Corners

5. Explore the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

The AGO is easy to navigate alone. You can spend as much time as you want with the Canadian and Indigenous collections or wander through the halls of European art. General admission is free on Wednesday nights after 6 p.m.

6. Browse the Toronto Reference Library

Located in Yorkville, this library is known for its open-concept design. Find a seat on one of the upper floors for a great view of the atrium. It’s a peaceful place to work, read, or just enjoy the quiet.

7. Catch a solo matinee at TIFF Bell Lightbox

Watching a film by yourself is a simple pleasure. The TIFF Bell Lightbox shows a mix of independent, international, and classic films you might not find elsewhere. A midday show means fewer people and more elbow room.

8. Take street art photos in Graffiti Alley

This laneway, running just south of Queen Street West, is a constantly changing canvas of public art. It’s a good place to practice your photography skills without feeling rushed.

9. Find quiet at Allan Gardens Conservatory

This historic greenhouse is filled with tropical plants and flowers year-round. It’s a warm, calm space to take a short walk or sit on a bench for a while.

10. Visit the quirky Bata Shoe Museum

This museum offers a focused look at the history of footwear from around the world. It’s small enough to see in about an hour and is full of interesting displays.

11. Roam the Distillery District

The cobblestone streets and Victorian industrial architecture make this a nice area for a walk. You can browse the art galleries, check out the small shops, or just find a patio for a coffee.

For the Solo Foodie

12. Snack your way through Kensington Market

This market is ideal for solo dining. Instead of a formal meal, you can wander through the streets and grab single servings of tacos, empanadas, or dumplings from various vendors.

13. Have a bite at St. Lawrence Market

A Toronto institution, this market is always busy. Go to the lower level for produce and goods, or stay on the main floor to grab a classic peameal bacon sandwich. There’s counter seating and an upstairs area to sit and eat.

14. Brunch solo like a pro

Many of Toronto’s top brunch spots, like Lady Marmalade or Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, have bar seating that’s great for single diners. Enjoy your meal without having to make conversation.

15. Read or journal at Indigo Bloor’s café

The second-floor café at this large bookstore is a comfortable spot to settle in with a book or a notebook. It’s a quiet refuge from the busy downtown streets below.

Learn a Skill or Try Something New

16. Try a drop-in pottery or art class

Local studios often have drop-in sessions for activities like pottery or painting. It’s a structured way to spend a few hours, and you get to focus on creating something with your hands.

17. Take a cooking class for one

Many cooking schools in the city welcome solo participants. You can learn to make anything from fresh pasta to sushi in a friendly, group setting.

18. Sing solo in a private karaoke room

Places like Bar+ or Echo Karaoke offer small, private rooms. You can book one for yourself, pick all your favorite songs, and sing without an audience.

19. Throw axes solo

Axe-throwing venues like BATL Grounds accept walk-ins and will often pair you with a small group for a lesson. It’s an interesting way to blow off some steam.

20. Climb the CN Tower stairs

This is a seasonal charity event, but if you’re looking for a physical challenge, this is it. Climbing the 1,776 steps is a major accomplishment.

Classic Toronto Experiences, Solo Style

21. Watch a Blue Jays game from the 500-level

Tickets in the 500s are affordable, and the view is still great. It’s a low-pressure way to enjoy a ball game; just grab a hot dog and take in the atmosphere of the Rogers Centre.

22. Thrift around Leslieville

Queen Street East in Leslieville is lined with vintage stores, record shops, and independent boutiques. It’s a fun neighborhood to spend an afternoon browsing without a specific goal in mind.

23. Ride the 501 Queen streetcar end to end

For the cost of a TTC fare, you can take a scenic tour across the city. The 501 route travels through many different neighborhoods, from the Beaches in the east to Long Branch in the west.

24. Book a solo float session or spa treatment

For some dedicated downtime, book a session in a sensory deprivation tank or get a treatment at a spa. It’s a direct way to relax and disconnect.

25. Join a themed walking tour

Sign up for a guided tour focused on Toronto’s history, food, or street art. It’s a good way to learn more about the city and see it from a different perspective.

What’s your go-to solo spot in the city? Drop your recommendations in the comments below!

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