In a city as cool and vibrant as Halifax, you might be thinking that finding casual fun with its many singles would be easy. In my experience, it’s been a bit of a mixed bag. While I was able to engage in my fair share of Halifax hookups, I found the most success doing so online. These are the Halifax hookup apps and sites that have worked the best in my experience:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder 
Experience Highlights Try Passion
As a long-time resident of Halifax, I've explored the dating landscape extensively. With its mix of urban excitement and small-town charm, it offers a vibrant dating scene. Whether you're a student at Saint Mary's University or a seasoned bachelor, there's something for everyone in this charming Canadian city.
However, not everyone agrees. “Halifax singles know that this is an amazing city…” says local dating expert Sophie Watson. “However, those looking for lasting love can soon discover that it can be hard to meet others on the same wavelength.”
“Looking for love in the HRM requires patience, openness and the ability to throw your dignity right out the window,” adds local journalist Jenn Lee. “It’s humbling and often demoralizing.”
I’m going to suggest that these individuals may not know the best spots to meet their fellow singles in Halifax.
I'm a dating expert who has been having fun in Halifax hookup bars from Hydrostone to the South End and there’s a lot to like. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of reasons to feel underwhelmed.
A study by The Coast found that there are 2.3 drinking establishments for every 1,000 residents in Halifax; far more than the likes of Toronto or Vancouver. But the problem is: for every great Halifax singles bar, there are two lousy spots. That’s true for hookup apps and sites here too, by the way. Options abound but there are more duds than real deals.
That’s why I've used my extensive experience and expertise to create this list of the best Halifax hookup apps, sites, and bars. This is a list for everyone, whether you’re a student at Saint Mary’s or a 40-something bachelor hitting the scene. If it’s been some time since you’ve had a hookup in Halifax, this should end your dry spell.
Keep on reading and give our suggestions a try. Once you have, let us know how it went in the comments.
Methodology for Finding the Ideal Spots to Hook Up in Halifax
The thing with finding hookups is that it's not something you can be good at in a matter of days, especially if you're new to the city. Good thing our team of experts at Heart Insider frequently collaborate to keep our list of recommendations as updated as possible. Here's how we found the best places to find Halifax hookups:
- We start off by doing research online about which spots get the most buzz when it comes to finding hookups. We then create a list of places that seem popular enough to put on our list.
- We enlist the help of our ground crew--locals who know the city well and know how to find hookups. They go to each location to see if it really is easy to meet women and talk to them. They then use their charm to find hookups at each spot.
- Every spot is vetted by a number of our experts, all looking for the most conducive places to find hookups.
- At the same time, our experts also use a variety of hookup apps and sites to see what the online dating scene is like in every city.
- After rigorous testing, we create our ultimate list of hookup hotspots in the city. Every few months, we update our recommendations to remove closed venues and replace them with new ones that we think you'll love.
Our favorite spots to find Halifax hookups
Dating’s fine but sometimes you just want a one-night stand. Try out these spots for quick hookups with Halifax singles. Just don't forget to dress sharp.
The undisputed best hookup app in Halifax is AFF
“Online dating isn’t as taboo as it used to be when it first came out in the ’90s,” says Hayley Matthews, editor of datingadvice.com. “In fact, it’s probably the most popular (not to mention easiest) way to connect with other singles.”
Indeed, 36% of Canadians have tried online dating, according to EHarmony data, while 16% have hooked up with someone they met online.
So when I dipped my toes into all the hookup apps and sites I could find, I quickly became an expert at what works and what doesn't. In time, I was able to deduce that out of all the hookup options out there, nothing beats AFF when it comes to real results.
Most guys out there are going to get their best hookup results on AFF, especially compared to the other sites out there!
Heart Insider has exhausted all of its efforts to test out and review over 100 different hookup apps with the help of dating site experts who have years of experience. AFF consistently comes out on top. It has a ton of users in Halifax, all of whom are actively looking to hook up.
A lot of guys use Tinder but it really isn't a great option unless you're in the top 10% of looks. If you're like me and can't make that claim, AFF tends to work a lot better.
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.
Too many hookups start online for you to ignore it. Check out AFF with their free trial link below and see why it's become so popular around town. It's a lot better than anything else out there right now if you just want something casual.
What people think of AFF
J.B. - TrustPilot
"Don't know what these other people are talking about. I can honestly say that I have met a a few chicks here. I suppose you just have to know what you're doing. Aff is as legit as it gets."
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"
The Bitter End is a great place to start looking for hookups in Halifax
@bitterendhalifax
Since its 2000 opening, the Bitter End has been voted over and over as the best cocktail lounge in Halifax. It gets my vote for attracting some of the most beautiful women in Halifax! The bartenders put a lot of love into their work but they aren’t pretentious. That means tasty but classic concoctions — you won’t be wondering why there’s a sprig of asparagus in your drink.
Not to be too blunt about it, but nothing turns a woman on like a sexy cocktail lounge. Of all the hookup bars in Halifax, few make the immediate impact that the Bitter End does. Walk into this cosy, dimly lit lounge and you are instantly aware that you’re somewhere special. Forget the name; the endings here are anything but bitter.
What Other People Saying About The Bitter End
Abolaji Lyiola - Google Maps
“My new favorite martini bar. It is low, high-end for people who want good martini and don't want to do fancy.”
The best Halifax pickup bars we've tried
Halifax is a city that has something for everyone. If you haven’t found a method for arranging hookups in Halifax yet, I've got a few more suggestions that I've personally tried.
The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse - Where you can get laid in Halifax
@OldTriangleHFX
Two blocks up from the water, on Prince Street, I once found myself in The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse. If I were to describe the ideal bar for meeting Halifax singles and hanging out with friends, it’d be this. Irish pubs just have something special that makes them a great time, every time. It helps that the food is always greasy goodness and the beers flow like a fountain. An awesome combination if you're looking for a great Halifax singles bar.
The Old Triangle’s particular charms rest in its wood-paneled walls and great menu. And then there’s Whiskey Wednesdays and nightly live music that always puts patrons in a good mood. Whiskey Wednesdays also seems to be a hit with lots of classy older women, in my opinion. Local talent play their hearts out while you wine and dine. In comparison to other Halifax hookup bars, it might not be the fanciest spot. But it’s one that will always feel like home.
What Other People Saying About The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse
Shawna Lennon - Google Maps
“Friendly staff, amazing food, great atmosphere and awesome live music! Couldn't have asked for a better place to go during our stay. We met some amazing people here and shared great laughs.”
East of Grafton Tavern - home for plenty Halifax hookups
@EastOfGrafton
In my early days of searching for Halifax hookups, I was never really a cocktail lounge kind of guy. I used to be more of a tavern guy because taverns just seem more friendly and less intimidating. If that's the vibe you're after, East of Grafton on Argyle Street is one spot you shouldn't miss. This all-wood watering hole makes you feel like you’ve entered a homey log cabin. A log cabin that just happens to serve some of the best food and drink in the city. I couldn't believe how easy it was to get cozy with some of the hottest women I've ever met in this unassuming little spot.
Like Halifax itself, East of Grafton mixes global influences with local pride. Their lunch, dinner, and drink menus are exceptional. All of it adds up to a great place to bring a date or meet new Halifax singles for a drink.
What Other People Saying About East Of Grafton Tavern
Alex Leprovost - Google Maps
“I love coming here, staff is always super nice and served fairly quickly, a bit more on the expensive but definitely worth the it! Check it out if you ever have the chance!”
Stubborn Goat Beer Garden is all about the company (and the beer)
@StubbornGoatBeerGarden
No matter the venue, a good crowd always beats out snzzy interiors. That's how I found out about Stubborn Goat. They offer a breezy, friendly atmosphere for drinking while making hangouts super easy. I always go here with a group of friends, and I've even gone here for a first date numerous times. Every city should have at least one good beer garden because they are such good options for finding a real hookup.
“Beer tastes better by the ocean,” according to Stubborn Goat, and I agree! Located right on the water, I would happily spend every warm weekend here. Throw back a craft beer, eat some delicious food and have a day (and night) to remember.
What Other People Saying About Stubborn Goat Beer Garden
David McPherson - Google Maps
“Stopped in with work friends while visiting halifax. Great spot to relax, eat some good food and try some drinks. Great atmosphere, music is not too loud, easy to carry on a conversation.”
The hookup apps in Halifax dating coaches prefer
A huge number of hookups start online now. You don't have to spend all day on the apps but spending 10-20 minutes a week sending messages can really pay off. These are the best hookup apps in the city right now:
| Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Hookup Site Right Now | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try AFF For Free |
Great If You're Handsome | Tinder Highlights
| 8 | Try Tinder |
2nd Best For Most Guys | Experience Highlights
| 8 | Try Passion |
How To Stay Safe On Hookup Apps In Halifax
Canadians lost around $50 million CAD to online romance scams in 2021, according to The Canadian Anti-Fraud Center (CAFC). Follow these tips to keep yourself protected.
- Look for verified profiles. Some 53% of Canadians admit to lying in their online dating profile, according to an EHarmony poll. A verified profile on a trustworthy website at least means you’re talking to the person in the profile photo.
- Do extra research. Add your online matches on social media. Do a reverse image search on their photos. Arrange a video call before agreeing to meet them. These moves will help you discover any information your online matches might be hiding.
- Watch out for love-bombing or extended leave of absence. Most romance scammers will overwhelm their victim with loving sentiments, yet have a convenient excuse for why they can’t meet for a date right away. "Suspects will often claim to be in the military or in business, and they will really craft their story profile and images to suit whatever story they are giving their victims,” said CAFC spokesperson Jeff Horncastle.
- Don’t give money to online strangers. After building a strong online bond with their victims, romance scammers construct plausible reasons why they need to borrow money. “Sometimes the demand for money will come after months (of texting, emailing or talking) when they know they have made an emotional connection with the victims,” Horncastle says. The best way to avoid such a heartbreaking scam is to make a hard rule to NEVER give money to online strangers.
The best clubs for finding hookups in Halifax
The trendiest Halifax singles bars and nightclubs are where there are always beautiful women dancing the night away and looking for someone to sweep them off their feet. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Halifax singles on the dance floor!
Pacifico is where girls go to dance, dance, dance!
@PacificoBar
I used to hate noisy, crowded clubs until I checked out Pacifico. This popular dance club on Barrington St., attracts a younger crowd looking to have a wild night out. Most people are under 25--young, wild, and free to find hookups! There is a huge dance floor and the DJs are really good at hyping up the crowd, so everyone’s raring to dance until the morning. The entry fee and drinks are also reasonably-priced, and there is also a cheap coat check service.
In case you’re not into dancing, you can also play pool, video games, and so on. It’s a great way to talk to girls if the dance floor is getting too rowdy. The options for fun are what make this dance club a great Halifax singles bar.
What Other People Saying About Pacifico
Siba Saoud - Google Maps
“Pacifico Night Club is an absolute gem! The atmosphere is fantastic, creating a friendly vibe that instantly puts you at ease. The drinks and appetizers are top-notch, and the spacious layout ensures you never feel crowded. The music? Absolutely on point! If you're looking for a great time in a vibrant yet comfortable setting, Pacifico is the place to be!”
The Dome Nightclub offers fast pass admission tickets
@thedomehalifax
At The Dome, there is no need to wait in line for hours just to meet Halifax singles. Just make sure that you get a fast pass admission ticket, which grants you access from a special “express” door. Girls enter for free before midnight, so you’ll see more girls here than guys. The first time I went here with friends, I was dumbfounded by just how many more women I saw than men!
There are three full bars, and since the venue is located in proximity to the downtown entertainment district, it’s always crowded. The cover fee is a bit higher than the average in town. But the cheap drinks make up for that. Unlike most other clubs in the city, this is the one club where I don't think you need to pregame much!
What Other People Saying About The Dome Nightclub
Reinald Santos - Google Maps
“The Dome Nightclub has certainly evolved over the years, and I'm confident that it will regain its former glory as the premier club in downtown Halifax.”
Best places to meet sexy Halifax girls during the day
In my experience, women tend to be on the more defensive side when you approach them at bars and clubs. That's why I always like to mix it up by meeting women in broad daylight. Here's where you might meet someone special in the daytime:
Little Oak draws out a sexy, mature crowd
@littleoakbar
If you’re a wine lover, you’ll want to head down to Bishop’s Landing. There you’ll find Little Oak, the best wine lounge in the city, and a damn fine restaurant. Whether you’re out for dinner or are just looking for a nice drink, they’ll take good care of you. Get a seat near a window, or, better yet, on the patio for beautiful marina views. This consistently provides top-notch service, food, and drink. That's also why I think plenty of classy women go here.
With its impressive wine list and refined food, Little Oak does tend to draw an older crowd. If you’re in pursuit of a cougar, this is the place to go, for sure. You could try making a connection there, or agree to meet someone off of Cougar Life. Either way, if you enjoy an experienced lover, Little Oak will be one of your favourite Halifax hookup bars.
What Other People Saying About Little Oak
Daniel Kerpel - Google Maps
“Fantastic service, delicious cocktails, and amazing food. I always feel welcomed as soon as I enter the building. The atmosphere is amazing very intimate and relaxing! Always a favourite spot to stop by when I visit Halifax!”
Cabin Coffee - Meet plenty of hot hookups in Halifax during the day
@Cabin-Coffee-221654094531233
I love a coffee house for meeting friends and new people. The atmosphere in a good coffee house (i.e., not Starbucks) is warm and inviting. The employees generally don’t care if you hang out all day and a drink can last you an hour. It’s an ideal place to set up shop and get to know someone new.
There are plenty of good cafés in the city but my top pick is Cabin Coffee on Hollis. Their log cabin design just reinforces that this is a place to get comfortable. Striking up a conversation with an attractive stranger can be simple. Catch someone’s eye and comment on their book or whatever they’re working on. Anything goes after that.
What Other People Saying About Cabin Coffee
Claire Moore - Google Maps
“Seriously the coziest coffee shop. It was pretty busy when I went there but was able to find two seats anyway. The whole cabin theme is very inviting and comfortable.”
Good Robot Brewing Co. is for beer and conversations
@goodrobotbrew
A sunny day in Halifax is a great place to visit a beer garden. So if you’re looking for the right spot to meet girls while getting some drinks, go to Good Robot Brewing Co. With a very social vibe and lots of girls to met, there’s no way you won’t make some new friends here. Add to that the wide selection of beers on tap and you’re good to go!
Drop by in the daytime for some coffee and lunch or go in the evening for drinks and music. It's surprising the number of women I've met here on a sunny Saturday afternoon. No doubt this is one of the best places to pick up girls in Halifax!
What Other People Saying About Good Robot Brewing Co.
Mariah Butler - Google Maps
“We went for my birthday yesterday and I was shocked at how amazing the food was. My and my three friends enjoyed every part of our meal. I also enjoyed the selection that they had for drinks but I would highly recommended going for the atmosphere and the food!”
Fitness FX, one of the largest gyms in town, is a great place to socialize
@fitnessfx
I'm no fitness buff, but I do take care of my health by exercising whenever I can. When the mood strikes, I go to Fitness FX, a huge gym that offers Barre, kickboxing, warrior bootcamp and other classes, which are great for meeting single girls. Choose the fitness class that sounds more appealing to you, and you’ll quickly realize why this gym is one of the best places to pick up girls in Halifax!
If you’re the type who likes to fly solo, you’ll also appreciate the modern equipment they have. So whether you want to meet girls while in the weight area or in class, Fitness FX gives you that chance!
What Other People Saying About Fitness FX
Frederique Kerry - Google Maps
“This gym is absolutely insane! I love that all the sections (cardio, powerlifting, and machines) are divided in sections that gives you a feeling of privacy you wouldn’t get in an open concept gym.”
Other great spots to get laid in Halifax
Some of our friends have bad games, but they still have sex frequently..how? Online dating.
Bumble and Tinder make it easy for you to meet with some of the hottest women on the planet. And yes, you can use it to get laid in Halifax.
Halifax locals can still do OK on Tinder
Who hasn't heard of Tinder? When I first tried Tinder, I thought it would open up a world of hot hookups, one after the other. But reality rarely matched my expectations. The truth about Tinder is that there are plenty of beautiful women here, sure. But they almost always swipe left on guys unless that guy happens to be the boy-next-door equivalent of Chris Hemsworth. Rarely do average guys like me stand out on apps where everyone is so looks-obsessed. This is probably why Tinder was found to be the most hated app by Canadians, in a study of social media sentiment by Electronics Hub
Not to say that Tinder never works. It does, sometimes. But even after you spend days swiping and chatting up your matches, it's hardly ever guaranteed that you'll get laid. So if you want to make Tinder work, make sure you have a selection of eye-catching photos that show off your abs or a 6-digit salary. Otherwise, stick to apps that have been used by experts--like AFF!
What people are saying about Tinder
A Google User - Google Play
"I've been on quite a few dates over just the past month (as a free user), thanks to Tinder - mostly. I used to view it as an app that people used for a quick one night stand, but it seems have evolved into something more unique. It's not for everyone, but it's better than nothing. Put forth the effort to get to know somebody and safely hangout and you'll have some success and fun, at the very least. Unfortunately, these apps are the best ways to meet new people nowadays. Might as well start with Tinder."
Frequently Asked Questions About Halifax Hookups
Where can I meet singles in Halifax?
The quickest way is to use apps like AFF and eHarmony. But if you feel like exploring the city then places like The Bitter End, Pacifico, and East of Grafton Tavern are proven spots for meeting singles in Halifax.
Does Halifax have good nightlife?
Yes. Taverns, Beer Gardens, Wine Bars, and Night Clubs are what make the nightlife in Halifax better than good.
Is Halifax good for dating?
Halifax is a relatively small city; its population totals just over 439,000 according to the latest census. But the people of Halifax make it a great city to date. Just under a third of them are single - and the vast majority are friendly and good people.
“Life in Halifax is slower than what you’ll find in most cities,” says travel blogger Nina Out And About. “It’s characterized by the endless Maritime friendliness and a great work-life balance that means it’s easy to enjoy the amenities Halifax has to offer.”
On top of that, There are a lot of bars, clubs, and cafes where you can bring a date or meet someone.
Is it expensive to date in Halifax?
An Elite Singles study measured the cost of an average date in 15 major Canadian cities and Halifax ranked as 11th most costly. You can expect to pay significantly less than the average Canadian when dating in Halifax, according to this study.
Better yet, a poll of Halifax residents by The Coast found that 45.1% of them believe in splitting the bill on the first date, making it potentially even cheaper.
“Owning or renting a home is actually possible in Halifax, especially when you're comparing us to Toronto or Vancouver,” says local blogger Julia Belittchenko. “And because so much of our population is made up of students, most of the city is already reasonably priced.”
This article may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you
References:
Belittchenko, J. (2016) 10 reasons why Halifax is the best city in Canada. Narcity.
Bosquet, T. (2011) Halifax really does drink. The Coast.
Clapperton, N. (2021) 22 pros and cons of Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia 2024. Nina Out and About.
Daily Hive (2022) Swipe left: Study reveals Tinder is the most hated popular app in Canada.
eHarmony (2021) 10 online dating statistics you should know.
Foran, P. (2023) Toronto woman ‘horrified’ after losing $95,000 to romance scam. CTV Toronto News.
King, K. (2023) 2023’s best hookup apps & hookup sites we’ve tried personally. Heart Insider.
Lee, J. (2023) Your definitive guide to a successful firtst date in Halifax. The Coast.
Mahoney, S. (2023) 8 proven places to find casual hookups near you in 2023. Heart Insider.
Matthews, H. (2023) 9 ways to meet singles in Austin, TX. Dating Advice.
Northcott, P. (2022) Just the facts: Romance scams. Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Point2Homes (n.d.) Demographics in Halifax, NS.
Senkus, T. (2023) Adult FriendFinder review 2023. Heart Insider.
Statistics Canada (2021) Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population.
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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