There’s more to Vancouver than just stunning landscapes, like the many singles in the city you can meet. This is a city with over 630,000 people according to the latest census, and (according to a Movinga study) around half the population is single. So what are the best Vancouver dating apps and sites that actually work? Here’s a little preview:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try eHarmony 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder
Although you may want to meet someone in person, online dating is becoming increasingly more popular, especially after the pandemic as you can vet people before meeting them.
Around 36% of Canadians have tried dating apps according to eHarmony research, so there’s every chance you can find a great woman online. The only challenge you may face is finding the best Vancouver dating apps.After all, there are so many to choose from these days.
I’m a dating and relationships expert with many friends in this city who have complained about the state of online dating. But that changed after I recommended an app more suited to what they were looking for. I know from experience that your choice of dating app can make or break your online dating experience.
Thankfully, the team at HeartInsider tries all the dating apps on the market so you don’t have to. We test all apps using the same profile and same set of opening messages and base our verdicts on which websites make it easiest to meet amazing women. After all our research, we’ve narrowed down our choices to five of the best dating apps in Vancouver. Take a look at why we love each one to help you choose one that suits what you’re looking for in a partner.
How We Picked the Best Vancouver Dating Apps and Sites
The thing with finding dates in Vancouver 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 top dating apps in Vancouver:
- We start off by doing research online about which spots get the most buzz when it comes to finding dates in the city. We then create a list of places that seem popular enough to put on our list.
- We enlist the help of our ground crew--dating experts who have the experience and knowledge necessary to succeed in dating apps.
- Our experts then test each app and site to see how effective it really is. They use common techniques employed by regular people to find dates to see if the average Joe can find a date.
- They then compare and contrast their experiences across different dating sites in the city. The ones that were most helpful in finding them a date would make this list.
The 5 Best Dating Sites in Vancouver Right Now
There are hundreds of general and niche dating apps on the market, so choosing the best one for you depends on what you’re looking for in a partner. Do you want someone with the same culture or background as you? Try a niche app. Are you ready to settle down? Try an app targeted at long-term relationships. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a dating app available that can help you find it.
To appeal to our massive audience in Vancouver, I put together a small team with knowledge of this city to choose five general dating apps which are great for landing dates here. These choices all have great filters you can use to narrow down your search. Let’s jump into the reviews!
#1 - eHarmony (Android, iOS) is one of the best dating apps in Vancouver for singles looking for serious relationships
Even if you’ve never tried online dating, you’ve likely heard of eHarmony before as it’s been around since 2000. Despite its age, eHarmony is still popular, especially among people who are looking for something serious. It’s one of the best places to find a long-term relationship because of the site’s detailed matching algorithm.
When you sign up, you answer questions about your interests, lifestyle, and preferences in a partner. The site then uses your answers to offer match recommendations based on compatibility. This helps you save plenty of time and allows you to meet someone you actually have something in common with.
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 we love eHarmony
- Massive userbase in Vancouver
- Detailed matching algorithm saves you time
- 70% of users find their spouse within a year on eHarmony
What we don’t like about it
- The sign-up process is long
- Not as popular among young people in their 20s
What Other Users Are Saying About EHarmony
Anthony Smith - TrustPilot
I really appreciate the tips offered for dating, and the point system to see how compatable we are, as well as monitoring for those who do not have the best intentions. And I finally found someone where the communication just flows so easily and I was looking forward to waking up to see if she left me another message and she has. Thanks to Team eHarmony for all that you do!
Isaak Loeppky - Google Play
Security levels are quite sufficient and everyone is really friendly. I appreciate all the feedback eharmony gives, allowing a high level of success when a person finds the right one.”
#2 - AFF is one of the best dating sites in Vancouver for finding friends with benefits
AFF is the largest dating site in the world for casual flings. So if you just want to have a little no-strings-attached fun, this may be the place for you. AFF has plenty of fun features, like adult chatrooms, live shows, and erotic stories that make online dating much more interesting. The site is popular among a more mature audience, making it a great alternative to young hookup apps like Tinder.
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.
Why AFF is the most popular hookup site
- Everyone on the app is looking for the same thing
- Fun adult features
- Over 60 million users on AFF around the world
What we don’t like about it
- Limited search filters
- The app is hard to download and use
What Other Users Are Saying About AFF
u/ok_business_266 - Reddit
“I’ve been dating with my girlfriend who I met on AFF for 7 years now, we now live together and have a stable life.”
u/CelebrationOk7819 - Reddit
Been on AFF as a couple looking for married/single men. It is completely legit, have met many good people. Mostly milfs. That's correct. The problem that I have dealt with, that makes ALOT of guys think it's a scam, is they are not gold members. As a couple, if you can't afford gold, then you can't see our pics or actively chat with us... so, we will not bother. Then, the some that pay, get pushy and expect, because a woman is on there, they are expected to hook up just because they are asked. Women don't want little dicks, guys that don't take care of themselves etc.... with that being said, the positive reviews from men looking for females, are the guys that know how to talk, approach, bathe and have a package to offer.
#3 - Match (Android, iOS) is the oldest dating site on the market
Match is actually the oldest dating site on the market as it’s been around since 1995. Despite its age, the site has remained relevant to this day, especially in Vancouver. Match stays relevant by regularly adding new features to keep things interesting. We love this dating site because of how detailed profiles can be.
When you sign up, you can upload up to 26 pictures, write a bio up to 4,000 characters long, and complete 10 sections describing your views, lifestyle, and beliefs. This is a great way to get to know your matches so you can find common ground and send a unique pickup line. As there are still over 21.5 million people on the site, you shouldn’t struggle with finding your perfect match.
Why Match is still popular today
- Super detailed profiles
- Tons of free features
- Plenty of users in Vancouver
What we don’t like about it
- Not as popular among younger people (ages 18 to 25)
- Some profiles may include too much detail
What Other Users Are Saying About Match
Smileqte - Apple Store
“I have every thanks to Match for helping me find my other half! I’m going on to write a review years later!!! We met 2016 and are now married and have one sweet girl and a boy on the way!!!”
#4 - Hinge (Android, iOS) helps you form genuine connections
Hinge is one of the most unique dating apps on the market as it almost feels like a social media platform. To use Hinge, you upload six pictures and answer three conversation prompts. Then to match with someone, you must like or comment on a specific picture or prompt. This makes online dating more interactive and fun. It also helps you slow down and actually look through people’s profiles so you can get to know them.
Why Hinge is awesome
- Large userbase of young people
- Free features, like seeing who liked you
- Easy to find a conversation starter
What we don’t like about it
- Limited likes per day using the free version
- Daily matches aren’t really based on compatibility
What Other Users Are Saying About Hinge
Garrett Avery - Google Play
“After less than 3 days, my favorite dating app I've ever used. I'm a bit on the deeper side and this app really hit the sweet spot for that.”
#5 - Tinder (Android, iOS) is one of the most popular dating apps in the world
Although Tinder isn’t the oldest dating app on the market, it’s still one of the most popular. While it’s not targeted specifically at people who want to hook up, it’s what most people are on the app for, as Tinder is appearance based.
To use the app, you look through a few pictures, read a short bio, then swipe right if you like them or left if you want to skip the profile. Tinder is so easy to use, which is why most people use it to find hookups, but there are still people on there looking for something more serious. As it’s free and has tons of users in Vancouver, we think it’s worth a shot.
Why Tinder is so fun
- Free to use with the option to pay for more features
- 75 million users on Tinder around the world
- Change your location to meet people in different cities or countries
What we don’t like about it
- Profiles are limited
- Seems to work the best for hot singles
What Other Users Are Saying About Tinder
Domonic Sachin - Google Play
“It gives you what you ask for and more. Love this app, for real.”.
The Best Hookup Sites in Vancouver
If you just want to have a little fun online, try one of these Vancouver hookup sites to find like-minded singles:
You can never go wrong with AFF
AFF is one of the best casual dating sites in Vancouver, so it deserved a second mention. It’s clearly marketed as a place to find hookups, so you don’t need to worry about having any awkward conversations about your expectations in a partner, just have a little fun instead. You can match with people based on proximity, so you won’t even need to go far for a fling.
Cast your line on Plenty of Fish
Plenty of Fish isn’t targeted specifically at people who are looking for something casual, but it’s what most people use the app for nowadays. With its video chat feature, you can see what your matches really look like before deciding to meet up with them. Plenty of Fish is also free, so you won’t need to invest much into your search. There are over 100 million users on the app worldwide, so there really is plenty of fish in the sea.
The Best Dating Sites in Vancouver for Relationships
If you’re after something a little more serious, here are two of the best Vancouver dating apps for long-term relationships:
eHarmony is one of the best dating sites in Vancouver
eHarmony is so good we had to mention it twice! It’s the perfect place for people to find love and get married. It’s actually helped over 600,000 couples do just that. While the rigorous sign-up process and paid membership may put some people off, we definitely think it’s worth it. Consider it an investment into your future as you’re sure to find love on eHarmony.
Zoosk is the best place for younger singles looking for love
Many dating apps targeted at younger people focus on casual flings, but not Zoosk. It’s an alternative to these hookup apps as it’s targeted at people in their 20s who want something serious. As there are over 27 million users on Zoosk, you shouldn’t struggle to find your perfect match.
The Best Free Dating Sites in Vancouver
As Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada, you may be on a budget that doesn’t include paying for a dating membership. If that’s the case, you can use a free app instead of paying for a membership, but it’s important to note that paid dating apps always offer better results. As long as you’re okay with that, take advantage of a free trial or app to dip your toes into online dating.
Here are three of the best free dating sites in Vancouver:
- Bumble
- OkCupid
- Hinge
If you’ve tried some of these apps and not had any success, don’t let that discourage you. You just haven’t found the right app for you yet. Test out a couple of different ones to find features and potential matches you like. Canada has some of the nicest people in the world, you’re sure to find your perfect match in Vancouver soon.
How To Stay Safe On Dating Apps By Vancouver
Canadian residents lost $59 million to online romance scams in 2022, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center (CAFC). Follow these tips to protect yourself when using dating apps in Vancouver.
- Look for verified profiles. Most mainstream dating apps allow you to verify your profile by submitting a selfie or government-issued I.D. On these apps, look for profiles that have been verified or ask your matches to verify their profile.
- Do extra research on your matches. Add them on social media. Do a reverse image search on their photos. Arrange a video call. Some 53% of Canadians lie on their dating profiles, according to an EHarmony poll, but these steps can help you learn more about who the person behind the profile really is.
- Watch out for love bombing. Romance scammers will usually create a super-attractive fake profile then bombard their victim with loving sentiments. Remember if something feels too good to be true, it usually is. “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. After building an online connection, romance scammers create plausible reasons why they need to borrow money. You can avoid this trap by promising yourself to NEVER send money to online strangers. "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.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Dating Apps in Vancouver
Is Vancouver a good city for singles?
People are torn on whether Vancouver is a good city for singles.
On one hand, it was recently ranked among the top 30 global cities for romance in a study by Movinga.
However, many local writers and thought leaders are highly critical of the dating culture in this city.
“We have no dating culture here,” said local matchmaker Ron Lee. “In Edmonton, Toronto, Calgary there is a much higher chance that people will come out just to meet you for a coffee, just for the social aspect.”
“If you are thinking of dipping your toes in the dating pool in Vancouver, you might want to think again,” added Vancouver-based journalist Ashley Harris. “The city is pretty well known for having a brutal dating scene.”
It would appear that most local residents agree. In a poll by Thrivve, 79% of Vancouver residents said that dating there was hard.
Is there a hook-up culture in Vancouver?
Hook-up culture would appear to exist in Vancouver more than most Canadian cities.
“Most people seem to be looking for shallow relationships with zero to non-intimacy,” said Thrivve writer Javier LaValle. “Just have something quick, casual and straight to the point.”
“Generally, people are very casual and relaxed about dating in Vancouver in comparison to other parts of the world," agrees Vancouver-based relationship expert Amy Chan. "The culture prioritizes comfort, being laid back, and letting things flow.”
A big reason for this might be the skewed ratio of single men to single women, which is 0.88, according to a Movinga study. Hook-up culture tends to thrive in cities where there are less single men to go around.
Is it expensive to date in Vancouver?
The average cost of a date in Vancouver is about $117 CAD, according to a Movinga poll.
Where can I find dates in Vancouver?
There are always bars and clubs that you can go to, but the fastest way is by using apps like eHarmony, AFF, and Zoosk.
How do I meet single people in Vancouver?
The most efficient and quickest way to meet singles in Vancouver is through dating apps like Zoosk, AFF, and eHarmony.
Is it hard to meet people in Vancouver?
No. With plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs there's no shortage of options for meeting new people. Plus, the increase in popularity of dating apps like AFF, eHarmony, and Zoosk makes meeting singles a whole lot easier.
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References:
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.
Harris, A. (2022) 6 TikToks that prove the dating scene in Vancouver is so rough & people are relating hard. Narcity.
Healey, J. (2021) Christmas season is also catfishing season. Los Angeles Times.
LaValle, J. (2023) 5 things you need to know about dating in Vancouver according to international students. Thrivve.
Ryan, D. (2012) Vancouver’s dating scene: Why is it so hard to score? Vancouver Sun.
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.
Turner, A. (2022) Here’s what it’s like to date in Vancouver according to locals. Vancouver Is Awesome.
Vancouver Sun (2019) Single? Vancouver ranked 29 on list of best cities for romance.
Vilani, M. (2022) ‘So heartbreaking’: Calgary senior warns of romance scam after losing nearly $800K. CTV News.
World Population Review (2023) Vancouver population 2023.
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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