As a solo paddler, tieing behind me isn't always the best option.  The reach-around is sometimes a tippy situation.  However, we soloists can run the line under the stern handle and tie to something a little more accessible.

Paul Mason used to have a cam rig on his decks for towing canoes in rapids.  He could quickly secure a painter line to start towing & quickly release it if he was getting pulled into the flow.