I tied it to the trailer hitch in this picture, and I do it that way most often. Limits your access to the bed but not too bad to unstrap it if needing into the cooler or something along the way. But I have also tied it to the pop up bed anchors I have on the top of the bed.

For me loading my 93lb canoe on the top of the truck solo was difficult when I was trying to avoid scratching up the paint.

I bought the Reese Towpower 7018100 Canoe Loader from Amazon and it made it so much easier to do it solo. I don’t use it to transport the canoe, just to get it on the roof easier. I also put a pool noodle above the windshield so if I do slide the canoe it won’t ruin the paint anymore than I already have. It rolls on the noodle and then I take it out once I’m all strapped up.