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If the canoe is narrow you can paddle it solo using a double-blade.  I solo a tandem, a fattie, too fat to use a double-blade.

I had a double kayak paddle I bought at a garage sale and took on trip to try the double paddle idea.
Same problem, rental tandem was to wide for the length of the kayak paddle.

To keep from constantly banging the gunnel's, I had to paddle in a exaggerated windmill style which was exhausting to say the least and not meant for long paddling days.

A little research and I found that for a double paddle to work in a wider canoe, you needed to go to a 9 ft model. I bought one from Mohawk canoes that they advertised as a double canoe paddle.

Problem solved. I can do a rolling style trip stroke without any problems. Your using a different set of muscles than with a single paddle and it's not for everyone.

Seems to be a love or hate thing to those who have tried it.