Check out these unique, confidence-boosting experience gifts solo adventurers will actually want.
Trying something new on your own can be one of the best experience gifts you give yourself. Experiences aren’t just for couples or groups, because they’re perfect for solo adventurers too. In fact, many of Canada’s most exciting activities are best enjoyed when you go at your own pace, on your own terms. Be it an outdoor adventure, skill-building, or a bit of quiet activity, Canada has something just for you.
Why Experience Gifts Work So Well for Solo Adventures
Unlike stuff that ends up in a drawer, experience gifts stay with you. They make you braver, happier, and often, a little more yourself. Choosing to go solo gives you full control over the experience, and that’s a confidence-builder all on its own.
Plus, according to a 2023 report by Deloitte, more people are spending on travel and self-growth activities than ever before. Forbes also found that millennials and Gen Z are increasingly prioritizing experiences over possessions, which further fuels the demand for travel and self-growth activities.
10 Solo Canadian Experiences to Gift Yourself
If you’re looking for ideas that offer more than a basic escape, these solo-friendly experiences promise growth, fun, and brag-worthy memories.
#1 Aerial Obstacle Course, Whistler
Test your balance, nerves, and ninja skills 60 feet in the air!
Imagine yourself navigating rope bridges, tightropes, swinging logs, and ziplines, all surrounded by towering trees in Whistler’s wilderness. This Aerial Obstacle Course is a confidence boost wrapped in a forest adventure! Whether you’re hopping from platform to platform or mastering the cargo net, you’ll get a full-body challenge and a sense of accomplishment like no other.
👉Treat yourself to this treetop thrill here: Aerial Obstacle Course, Whistler
#2 Archery Lesson
Channel your inner Katniss or Legolas with archery lessons.
Few things feel more empowering than hitting the bullseye. These private archery lessons across Ontario let you learn the ropes with one-on-one coaching. You can choose from Caledon, Guelph, and Niagara Falls, all of which will allow you to master the basics of form, aim, and safety. It’s a calming, focused activity that builds patience and precision, and it’s strangely meditative too.
👉Pick your range and take your shot:
🏹Caledon
🏹Guelph
🏹Niagara Falls
#3 Banff Via Ferrata Tour
Climb a mountain without needing full climbing experience.
Via Ferrata, which means “iron road” in Italian, combines hiking and climbing with fixed cables and ladders. This guided tour in Banff gives you the thrill of scaling cliffs with full safety support and zero pressure to keep up with others. You’ll cross suspension bridges, ascend rock faces, and enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Canadian Rockies—all at your own pace.
👉Feel the high-altitude rush solo: Banff Via Ferrata Tour
#4 Blacksmith Class – Forge Your Own Knife, Axe, or War Hammer
Turn fire and steel into your own handmade creation.
Learn the ancient art of blacksmithing in Ottawa with this hands-on class where you forge your own knife, axe, or even a war hammer. There’s something deeply satisfying about crafting a tool with your own hands, especially when it’s done with hammer swings and dramatic sparks flying. No experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
👉Book your forge time here: Blacksmith Class – Ottawa
#5 Edmonton NASCAR Race Car Driving Experience
Feel the rumble and speed with no one in the passenger seat.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel what 400+ horsepower feels like under your foot, this solo NASCAR-style driving experience in Edmonton is your chance. You’ll suit up, get behind the wheel of a real race car, and hit the track. Without distractions, you can focus entirely on speed, control, and the thrill of driving like a pro.
👉Ready to drive your own victory lap? NASCAR Experience, Edmonton
#6 Exotic Car and Supercar Driving Experience, Canadian Tire Motorsports Park
Drive dream cars without owning one.
Slide into the seat of a Ferrari, McLaren, or Aston Martin and take it for a spin on a professional track. Located at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, this solo-friendly experience lets you test out exotic cars without anyone judging your gear shifts or speed choices. A pro will ride along, but it’s your hands on the wheel.
👉Make your supercar dream real here:Supercar Driving Experience
#7 Introduction to Rock Climbin g, Squamish or Whistler
Climb actual cliffs, not gym walls.
If you’ve ever tried bouldering indoors, this is the perfect next step. Learn to climb real rock walls in Squamish or Whistler with expert guides who help you build confidence and technique. It’s a small-group setting, but solo climbers are very welcome and often discover a new passion here. No previous climbing experience is required!
👉Find your footing here: Rock Climbing Lesson
#8 Kayak Lesson, Granville Island, Vancouver
Float your stress away in the calm waters of False Creek.
This beginner-friendly kayak lesson on Vancouver’s Granville Island is a peaceful, skill-building solo escape. Instructors walk you through paddling, safety, and steering while you explore the shoreline from a totally new angle. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a relaxing water adventure without having to deal with choppy seas.
👉Get paddling here: Kayak Lesson, Vancouver
#9 Learn to Play Polo, Toronto
Yes, you can learn polo solo!
You don’t need a fancy background or horse experience to try this sport. In this fun and welcoming Toronto experience, you’ll learn the basics of polo from the ground up, literally. Meet the horses, practice riding skills, and swing a mallet like a pro. It’s more accessible than it sounds and way more fun than you might expect.
👉Take your first swing here: Learn to Play Polo
#10 Sea Kayaking Lesson, Halifax
Explore Nova Scotia’s waters with just a paddle and your curiosity.
Sea kayaking might sound intense, but this Halifax-based lesson makes it simple and beginner-friendly. Paddle along scenic coastlines while learning how to handle ocean conditions with confidence. You’ll discover a mix of peace and adventure that’s perfect for solo travelers who like the water but want to feel secure out there.
👉Start your sea adventure here: Sea Kayaking Lesson, Halifax
The Takeaways
Going solo isn’t second-best. It’s a chance to reconnect, recharge, and challenge yourself in ways that stick. Every one of these Canadian experiences is crafted to help you do just that.
So skip the plus-one this time. Book an adventure just for you, and enjoy every second of it!
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Need help choosing your first solo adventure? Explore all our solo-friendly experience gifts and learn how they work at Breakaway Experiences.
