Online dating is all the rage in Canada. Some 36% of Canadians have tried it, according to data from EHarmony. Online dating in Calgary is more than just picking a random app and hoping for the best though. If you choose a dud dating app, you’re in for a world of misery. You’ll waste a lot of your time and money.
To give you a little preview of the Calgary dating apps that work, here’s what we recommend:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try eHarmony 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder
But you’ll need a little guidance, which I can provide. I’ve worked for many years as a online dating expert for Heart Insider. After testing out over 150 popular apps, we’ve found what works best for Calgary. So whether you’re from Beltline or Hillhurst, Signal Hill or Edgemont, St. Mary’s U or Ambrose, we know which apps will help you find someone special.
Methodology: How we reviewed the best dating apps in Calgary
At Heart Insider, we follow a strict methodology for all of our dating app tests. This allows us to make reliable comparisons between them and confidently recommend the best for you.
With each test, we use the same photos, bio and demographic information. We send messages to 50 suitable women using our vault of tried-and-tested online dating openers.
Our verdicts are based on how responsive the women are - and how successful we are at swapping contact details with the intention of meeting for a date.
Other factors are considered too, such as the cost and the range of features. However, we know that men are mostly interested in landing great dates with ease. Our list of the best Calgary dating apps is based mostly on this factor.
#1 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) is the best app for relationships
eHarmony is extremely popular here and has an amazing track record of helping Calgary locals find long-term partners. In fact, 70% of all marriages that start online begin on eHarmony. Pretty impressive right?
In our experience, it has been a really consistent way to meet other singles looking for exactly the same things. It has a TON of people in Calgary using it and makes a lot of the most frustrating parts of dating a lot easier.
If you want a REAL relationship and could use a little help making it happen eHarmony is one of the best dating apps in Calgary that you can use.
Need more info on how eHarmony works for a regular guy? We’ve created an eHarmony review where you can see how the site works, how you can meet people, and how you might one day find love online!
Why eHarmony is great
- The best success rate out there for long-term relationships
- 70% of users find their future spouse within a year
- Does a lot of the heavy lifting for you in terms of dating in Calgary
What we don’t like
- It definitely takes more time than most to get started
- Not super popular with those 18-22
What Other People Are Saying About EHarmony
Glenn Newell - Apple Store
If you're sincerely looking for that special someone you'll more than likely find them here. it really works!
Mickey - TrustPilot
By dating site standards Eharmony does well. There is still the usual rejection that is a part of on line dating but it seems to be a little less on Eharmony. I think it has to do with it costs money so people take it a little more seriously when they are spending their money, LOL
#2 - AFF is Calgary's best hookup app
AFF is the best hookup app in Calgary right now and it's not really close. Tinder is decent but now it's more of just another dating app and isn't really focused on shorter-term fun. AFF is 100% focused on more casual fun in the bedroom and does a great job of helping you find it.
It's become really popular in Calgary and has over 60 million active users (that's a lot). The people using it seem a lot more willing to meet up than most of the other apps we've tried and it has led to much better results, especially for single guys. To give you a more detailed look at how AFF works and how it performs for regular guys, you can also have a look at our Adult FriendFinder review.
Give their free trial a shot below and see why it's growing so fast.
Why AFF is one of the best dating sites in Calgary
- Tons of Calgary users and really popular in general (over 60 million)
- Where single men are doing the best
- It’s very straightforward and easy to use
What we don’t like about it
- Many users can only access via web app
- The app is a little dated and not as polished as some others
- Sometimes people are a little TOO upfront with what they want
What Other People Are Saying About Adult Friend Finder
u/Fit-Act8910 - Reddit
I joined AdultFriendFinder over a week ago. My experience so far has been interesting to say the least. I had several online interactions with a lot of women and they politely ask you to continue messaging them away from the AFF platform.
Justin T - SiteJabber
Some fake profiles, just weed through them and don't waste your time. With a little bit of patience you will sure find some real members. Adultfriendfinder still pretty much kicks $#*!. In my honest opinion adult sites like Adultfriendfinder still work better than any popular dating app. At least everyone on here is pretty much forward and gets straight to the point
#3 - Wingman (Android; iOS) lets your friends do the matching
We’ve heard this story: “Oh, so and so got us to meet up and we hit it off from there!” Now imagine that scenario but using a Calgary dating app and you’ve got the basic premise of Wingman. As one of the best online dating options in Calgary for friends who love to play matchmaker, it’s one of the easiest ways to find a date. Your friends sign you up, and they do the matching for you. Once your friends find you a good match, you and your match can begin talking. It’s ingenious.
Why Wingman is one of the best dating apps in Calgary
- Your friends do the matching
- It’s consistently updated
- The user base is growing fast
Why it’s not the best
- It’s kind of a buggy Calgary dating site
- If you don’t trust your friends’ tastes in dates, you’ll hate this
What Other People Are Saying About Wingman
Jake Foster - Google Play
“Fantastic dating app. Highly recommended. I love the part of wingman and recommending certain profiles to your friend (wingman) what a great idea.”
#4 - Silver Singles(Android; iOS) is one of the best dating sites in Calgary for people over 50
In case you're wondering, yes, online dating in Calgary isn't just for the "young and hip". Even older singles are turning to the internet!
Silver Singles helps older singles navigate the world of online dating without making it intimidating. For a long time, anybody over the age of 50 has had a very difficult time finding someone else their age who also happens to be single. With Silver Singles, you can be sure that the people you’ll meet are around your age. And the best thing is that the site also helps ou find matches based on your personality and preferences. It doesn’t get easier than that!
Why we love it
- It’s an exclusive platform for mature singles
- The site is owned by Spark Networks – a reputable company that also owns numerous other successful dating platforms
- Their personality test works super well
Why we don’t like it
- One of the Calgary dating sites where the browser site is better
- The personality test takes a while to answer
What Other People Are Saying About Silver Singles
David Saho - Google Play
I like the way it's all set up even older generation friendly.
#5 - Raya (iOS) is one of the best Calgary dating apps for anyone with a huge following
We’re just gonna cut straight to it: you will not be allowed on Raya if you have under 5000 followers on Instagram. I know, it sounds sort of weird, but you have to look at it from another perspective. Celebrities and influencers tend to live a certain lifestyle that makes it hard for them to date. This is why they prefer to date someone who can relate and also won’t just use them for money. This is the beauty of Raya: it’s so exclusive that only influential singles are allowed in to level the playing field.
As far as Calgary dating sites for rich people go, Raya is one of the best. So if you have the cash and the following, this might make dating in Calgary a lot easier for you.
Why Raya is great
- One of the best dating apps in Calgary for the rich and famous
- Each and every user is verified so there aren’t any fake accounts
- Despite how targeted it is, the app is growing in user-base VERY quickly
Why Raya isn’t that great
- You need to have a huge following
- To use the service you MUST pay monthly
- Exclusive for dating in Calgary for rich folks
What Other People Are Saying About Raya
u/ChillChiGuy2022 - Reddit
The matches are definitely better than other apps I’ve been on. I live in Chicago so it’s been worth it for me. I’d say give it a shot.
#7 - Hinge (Android; iOS) is for young, serious daters
Hinge is a super cool online dating option in Calgary. Not only does it have an enormous userbase, but it’s also a mix of fun swiping and serious algorithms to help you find a match. There’s more; it specifically targets people in their mid-20s who want something serious (their motto is literally “designed to be deleted”). With that being said, if you’re young and want something that’s NOT casual, this app was made for you.
Why Hinge is one of the best Calgary dating apps
- It’s mainly for serious dating
- Most of the users are in their mid-20s or so
- Their team is constantly updating the app to better fit the needs of users
- User profiles are fun to read and most users actually read them
What we don’t like
- Their “discover” feature isn’t all that functional sometimes
- “Best matches” is only accessible once you pay
What Other People Are Saying About Hinge
Sharad P Jayaraj - Google Play
Probably one of the most straightforward apps out of all the usual suspects when it comes to apps.
#7 - CoffeeMeetsBagel (Android; iOS) the dating app built to even the dating field
CMB (CoffeeMeetsBagel) was created to pull more women into dating apps. The creators, three women, saw that there was a problem with so many more guys being on dating apps and started to wonder why. So they did their research and found startling statistics such as men being 85% more active on these platforms than women.
That’s when they created CMB. This app gives women 6 of the most quality matches every day at noon. As they say, quality over quantity. It’s up to the women to choose who they want to entertain and that makes them more active on the app.
The reason we think it's one of the best dating apps in Calgary is that it's so easy to use, and super convenient for busy singles. So if dating in Calgary has been tough lately, try CBL.
Why CBL is amazing
- It was designed to give women more quality matches
- There are over a million users
- Swiping sort of makes people a commodity, so CMB has completely done away with that feature
Why it’s not the best
- The built-in chat is buggy
- The account-system isn’t the greatest (some users report losing their profiles out of nowhere)
What Other People Are Saying About Coffee Meets Bagel
Rene - Google Play
I found a special someone on CMB. I am writing this review to recommend CMB to people who are looking for a serious relationship. Stay away if you are looking for casual flings or not ready to commit to a serious relationship.
#8 - Hily (Android; iOS) breaks the ice
Hily has built-in features such as ice-breakers, video calls and compatibility checks, so you won’t have an issue finding something to talk about. The great thing about this app is that it makes video calling so accessible. No need to exchange contact details since you can do it all in the app. Add to that the fact that video calling is a more personal, more human way to get to know each other.
Oh, and did we mention that it’s almost impossible to catfish someone on Hily thanks to the video calls and verification? As far as legit Calgary dating sites go, Hily is a fantastic option.
Why Hily is worth a shot
- One of the best dating apps in Calgary if you hate just texting
- Video chatting helps you get to know your matches
- ALL of the users are verified
- You get video prompts so you won’t run out of stuff to say
What we don’t like
- Most features are behind a paywall
- Sometimes you see matches that are SUPER far away
- Not everyone is a fan of video chatting
What Other People Are Saying About Hily
Jayse Coatman - Google Play
I CANT STOP GETTING THE FEMALES HOORAY!!!!!
How To Stay Safe On Dating Apps
Some $50 million CAD was lost to romance scams in Canada in 2021, according to The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Keep yourself safe by following these tips.
- Look out for verified profiles. Most mainstream dating apps feature a profile verification option for users to prove they are the person in their photos. If you’re suspicious about someone you’ve matched with, ask them to verify their profile. It would only take them a couple of minutes.
- Add your matches on social media. A EHarmony poll found that 53% of Canadians lie on their dating profiles. Adding your matches on social media will help you find out more about them before you go on a date, including whether they’ve been representing themselves accurately.
- Keep a calm head. It’s easy to lose your emotions when you’ve discovered an absolute babe online who seems to really love everything about you, but it’s important to keep a logical head on your shoulders. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Romance scammers usually engage in love-bombing before they target your money. “If you’re religious, they’re religious. If you love pets, they love pets. If you’ve just been through a devastating loss, they’ve just been through a devastating loss,” says Rhonda Perkinsan, FTC marketing practice attorney. “They’re really good at building those connections.”
- Don’t give money to online strangers. Promise yourself now you won’t do it, even if it feels like you’ve developed a strong bond. Remember that scammers are experts at manipulating your emotions then giving you plausible reasons why they need funds. "They will tell you, that you’re 'the one' and of course you believe them, but then, sooner or later, they suddenly need money,” explains University of Calgary professor Thomas Keenan. “That's a major red flag and if they want your money, they're not your honey.”
FAQs about Calgary Dating Apps
Where can you meet singles in Calgary?
Using dating apps and sites in Calgary will give you much better odds of meeting singles than any bar or club.
Is Calgary good for singles?
Calgary is hardly known as a hub of activity for young and good-looking single people. Not as much as larger cities like Toronto or Montreal anyway. With a total population of 1,306,780 as per the latest census, you might find that Calgary isn’t as thriving with romantic options as these cities either.
Many locals have noted that the best men and women tend to settle down quickly, leaving the scraps for those who aren’t so fortunate to find their true love quickly.
"I think if you're over 35 and you're not married, it's a tough city,” says Alexis Peters, a sociology professor at Mount Royal University.
Thankfully, there’s plenty of action to be found on the city’s best dating apps.
“Like all cities, it is more common now for people to meet on dating apps than in ‘real life’ and Calgary is no exception,” says local blogger Alyssa Negard. “It’s seemingly normal now to hear couples include in their wedding vows how they are ‘so glad they swiped.’
There’s a great opportunity to meet single people on dating apps throughout the country. Around 30% of Canadians now live in one-person households, according to Statistics Canada.
“The biggest story in the past 15 years is that online dating is here and it's not just people in their twenties or thirties that are doing it,” says sociologist Sarah Knudson from the University of Sakatoon. “It's people in their forties, fifties and beyond."
Does Calgary have a hook-up culture?
Some 16% of Canadians have had sex with someone they met online, but hook-up culture isn’t as rampant in Calgary as in Canada’s larger cities.
The population is smaller, plus there’s more men than women in Alberta, which plays into this. Interestingly, Alberta is the only Canadian province where the gender ratio doesn’t play into single men’s favor.
Does Tinder work in Calgary?
Tinder was voted was found to be most hated app in Canada, following a study of social media sentiment by Electronic Hub. It can work well if you’re young and handsome, but regular guys tend to find it incredibly frustrating. We have found success in online dating when they use eHarmony or AFF.
How can I succeed on dating apps?
Your photos are the most important part of your dating profile, so it’s worth putting in the effort to make incredible photos. Remember, you’re competing with a lot of other guys. Investing in a professional photoshoot can often pay dividends especially if you’re a photographer who is aware of what types of shots work well on dating apps.
When it comes to your bio, it pays to be honest about who you are and what you’re looking for. “Is your goal to be in a committed relationship and have two kids? That is a noble goal if that's what you really want to do," said Peters. "Don't apologize for it."
Speed is often the name of the game when it comes to messaging. Don’t make the mistake of being a woman’s ‘texting buddy’ for weeks or months at a time. When you don’t pull the trigger, your beau could end up dating someone else instead, such is the fast-paced nature of online dating.
“Strike up a conversation within the first 24 hours of matching,” family psychologist Greg Matos recommends. “With millions of active monthly users, it is easy to become just another match who is not pursued.”
Is it expensive to date in Calgary?
A study by Elite Singles weighed up the cost of the average date in all major Canadian cities - and found that Calgary was the third most expensive. A date consisting of an 8-kilometer taxi ride, a dinner for two with a bottle of wine and two movie tickets would typically cost around $130 CAD, according to the study.
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References:
Barrett, J. (2019) How a culture of coupledom, some loneliness and just getting older complicates dating in Calgary. CBC.
Barrett, J. (2019) Why dating in Calgary is such a crazy mix of energy and anxiety. CBC.
City of Calgary (2021) Data about Calgary’s population.
Daily Hive (2020) YYC stories: What it’s really like to be single in Calgary.
eHarmony (2021) 10 online dating statistics you should know.
Foran, P. (2024) Looking for love on Valentine’s Day? Canadians lose $59M to romance scams. CTV News.
Healey, J. (2021) Christmas season is also catfishing season. Los Angeles Times.
Keith, E. (2018) Date night in Canada’s major cities was just revealed and it’s tragic. Narcity.
Matos, G. (2024) The harsh reality men face on dating apps. Psychology Today.
National Trending Staff (2022) Swipe left: Study reveals Tinder is the most hated popular app in Canada. Daily Hive.
Senkus, T. (2024) 2024 eHarmony review: Will eHarmony find your perfect match? Heart Insider.
Senkus, T. (2024) Adult FriendFinder review 2024 - Is this app worth it? Heart Insider.
Vilani, M. (2022) ‘So heartbreaking’: Calgary senior warns of romance scam after losing nearly $800K. CTV News.
Yard, B. (2017) More people meeting online regardless of age, says expert. CBC.
Contributing Authors:
Joe Elvin
Joe Elvin is an internationally known confidence and dating coach with nearly a decade of experience. He is the successful author of several dating and confidence books that have helped thousands of men find success. While traveling the world Joe consistently finds new and valuable ways to meet and attract women. Joe has a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University and he has been featured in many large publications including AskMen, TSB Magazine and The Good Men Project.
As one of the most prolific writers on Heart Insider, Joe has reviewed over a hundred dating apps. He is the site’s foremost authority when it comes to selecting what dating app works for whom. From an app’s mechanics to its algorithm to telltale signs that a dating app is a scam, Joe’s is able to expertly discern between dating apps that provide value and those that don’t.
Tom Senkus
For more than two decades, Tom has dated extensively and studied behavioral psychology as a way of understanding the complexities of human nature until he became an expert. After traveling as a touring musician and living in more than 15 countries, Tom has cross-referenced his experience in seduction, dating, and interpersonal dynamics with the ever-changing landscape of 21st-century dating. His work as a writer has appeared in 500+ publications (digital and print). Tom is also the author of several books (available on Amazon). In his free time, you can find Tom recording music and cooking the best Cincinnati-style chili you’ve ever had.
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