You need to declare the countries you've been for the past 10 years. Travel history are important for the reason to prove to a visa officer that your are capable to travel and that you did not overstay in the country that you've been to. Some applicants don't have a travel history but still gets approved. As long as their purpose is valid, they have strong ties (job, assets, family) and are financially capable to travel.
Better present all available assets (house/car) and funds.Need to show past 6 months statement of your bank account as the visa officer wants to see your cash flow. Provide an employment certificate which indicates your position, date you joined the company, salary, approved dates of leave and the phrase that your company expects you to be back at this date.
If you are really visiting friends, you can ask them for an invitation letter. On the Letter of Explanation (like cover letter) just indicate there that you've known these people for XX years. You just have no pictures together to back this up. State why you plan to visit them.
Family ties are checked between your country and Canada. If you have dependents, which is none as you are single. For Canada, I assume you have no siblings there as well.