A Guide to Finding Love In Vancouver Without Using Dating Apps

Vancouver’s dating scene has changed dramatically over the last decade, and can be frustrating for singles trying to meet people the old-fashioned way.

Gone are the days of meeting one’s soul mate on the train like Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy’s characters in the romantic epic, Before Sunset. Gone are the days of starting a conversation with someone at a coffee shop or dog park and building a connection over your mutual love for Coronation Street and hatred of Nutella.

Fewer singles are now meeting in public places, and the opportunities for random encounters are becoming a thing of the past.

Apps like Bumble and Hinge have become the home for people who are looking for a significant relationship (or temporary fling). Despite being easily accessible and fostering numerous successful dates and relationships, these dating apps can be challenging for singles searching for a genuine connection.

Why does everyone respond in overly mysterious, one-word texts? Was putting that frog emoji in my bio a colossal mistake? Am I being catfished…again?

These are just a few of the countless stressful thoughts that can float through one’s mind while using a dating app.

Online dating may be the most popular way to find a date, but it isn’t the only option. Here is a list of some Vancouver-based events and social groups that are perfect for hopeless romantics searching for love.

Vancouver Single Professionals

Vancouver Single Professionals (VSP) is a group for business-minded, 28- to 48-year-olds that want to build social connections with new people. Members are notified in the group’s online forum of upcoming social events and workshops. VSP challenges busy bees to get out of their condo caves and meet singles over networking lunches at Café Crepe and afternoon barbeques.

Speed Dating

Mecheekydate and SpeedVancouver host a wide variety of speed dating events throughout Vancouver for people of different age groups and diverse sexual orientations. Guests can socialize at the bar or during the seven-minute long speed dates. At the end of the evening attendees jot down a list of their potential dates on a scorecard—within 24 hours of the event guests will receive an email notifying them of any potential matches.

Events and Adventures

“If you are married you must wait until you have filed for divorce to become a member.” This is an actual quote on Events and Adventures’ website. Probably a good rule for dating, in general.

Events and Adventures is an invitation-only club that provides adventurous singles a chance to mingle at their local outdoorsy events, sport viewing parties and international trips. This is your chance to meet new people while horseback riding, river rafting or bungee jumping.

Vancouver Social

This singles networking group is for anyone who is interesting in meeting others through wine tastings, social dinners and pub nights. Members typically post open invitations to upcoming concerts and parties on the group’s online message board. If you are into low pressure meet-ups, this may be the group for you.  

Trivia Night

Acclaimed Vancouver pubs like Manchester Public Eatery, the Lamplighter and Colony host themed trivia game nights with prizes and drink discounts. While these trivia nights aren’t specifically catered towards singles, it’s a perfect opportunity to meet and socialize with people who share your love for The Office or the cinematic triumphs of Vin Diesel.