Dating in Victoria, BC can be tricky. Though it’s a beautiful and romantic city with a lively downtown, locals often say it’s hard to meet people here. Maybe it’s the long winter months; nobody likes going out in the cold. Whatever the reason, it can be difficult to find love in this city. This is why so many people have turned to dating sites in Victoria. Here are some of the top ones we’ve tried:
eHarmony, AFF, Tinder
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Experience Highlights Try eHarmony 
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“No matter if you live in the populous areas of the country or you’re out in the more rural areas, finding love in Canada can be challenging,” explains dating writer Matt Seymour. “What’s exciting, though, is that technology has come a long way in the past two decades to address those issues and make dating that much easier.”
The online dating trend was already getting big when the pandemic really threw gasoline on the fire. Nowadays, it’s the favourite option in this city, from UVic co-eds to our older retirees looking for late-in-life love. Around 20% of relationships in Canada now begin online, according to data from EHarmony.
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to dating apps in Victoria. Not all of them, unfortunately, areis the real deal.
As a dating coach who has had more than my fair share of success dating in this city, I’ve decided to pen a guide to help you out. This article will help you navigate online dating in Victoria (also check out our dating app guide to Vancouver). Whether you’re new to it or you’ve just gotten frustrated with the process, this guide is all you need. Read on for everything you should know about the best dating sites in Victoria.
How We Picked the Best Victoria, BC Dating Apps and Sites
The thing with finding dates in Victoria BC 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 Victoria, BC:
- 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 Victoria Right Now
People want different things when dating online. Some want an easy interface so they can scroll with one hand while doing something else. Others want detailed profiles to really see who they’re matching with. There are sites and apps for both types and everyone in between. But whichever is your preference, good dating sites have a few things in common.
First and foremost, they have high-quality users and lots of them. The most popular sites are the ones where users can count on authentic, and interested matches. Too many spam accounts destroy the effectiveness of a site. Which in turn undercuts the value of a subscription. Our favourite sites are the ones that know how to weed out fake users.
With that in mind, here are the 5 best dating sites in Victoria:
#1 - eHarmony (Android, iOS) is among the best dating apps in Victoria for finding a spouse
Of all the dating apps in Victoria, and there are many, eHarmony truly stands out. It’s not just because it has one of the largest user bases, though that is certainly part of it. eHarmony has chiseled out a unique place in online dating with an amazing algorithm and an unimpeachable success rate. A full 70% of its regular users meet their spouse within a year.
That got your attention. For anyone who is looking for the love of their life, eHarmony is an app you must try. As a result of its matching algorithm, it has thousands if not millions of success stories. The one drawback is that the sign-up process is very time-consuming. But if you’re ready for marriage, that’s a small sacrifice to make for true love.
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 one of the best dating sites in Victoria
- More married couples who met online met on eHarmony than on any other site
- The thorough profile questionnaire helps ensure your matches are the real deal
- Using the site is very straightforward
What you might not like about it
- The users tend to skew toward their 30s and older
- The questionnaire is so long, some people give up on it
What Other People Are Saying About EHarmony
Rick Kevern - Google Play
“I've been using this for about a week. the people I'm meeting are real and so far not crazy! I feel like the Pay wall helps reduce the amount of scammers and catfish.”
Tatiana Kozak - TrustPilot
"I like this website. At my age, it’s impossible to find a partner without such a service. When I find my partner, I’ll give it 5 stars, but for now, it’s 4 stars. It’s very convenient that this website focuses on local partner searches and immediately shows the approximate distance between seekers."
#2 – Plenty of Fish (Android; iOS) is a free dating site that really works
Like eHarmony, Plenty of Fish has been around for quite a while. Approaching two decades, POF was once one of the biggest dating sites on the market. Its shine diminished quite a bit when apps like Tinder and Bumble hit the scene. But even if it’s not the most talked about app out there, POF still has a huge user base.
That’s honestly one of the biggest selling points for POF. With roughly 150 million registered users, it’s one of the top 3 largest dating sites in the world. There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles, and POF has been slow to embrace new tech features. At the end of the day, though, dating is a numbers game, and POF has the numbers.
Why we recommend POF
- In British Columbia alone, there are millions of users
- The subscription prices are among the best of any site
- The website is easy to use
What we don’t like about it
- The app is pretty cluttered and can be hard on the eyes
- We came across far too many spam accounts for our liking
What Other People Are Saying About Plenty Of Fish
Brian Mcinnerney - Google Play
“Much better than the other dating apps. Just seems more fluid and less hookup people on here.”
#3 - AFF is one of the best dating sites in Victoria for arranging a one-night stand
AFF exists for one reason, and one reason only: to help you have some casual fun. Whether you’re into a simple one-night stand or you’re looking for a regular arrangement, AFF delivers. There are also loads of couples on there looking to add a little spice into their love lives.
Essentially, whatever you’re into sexually, you’ll almost certainly find it on AFF. And unlike so many other sites, you don’t have to worry about disguising your intentions. AFF is not a relationship site; it’s entirely for casual sex. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try. 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 you’ll love AFF
- There are over 50 million users ready for a good time
- You never have to worry about the people you meet on AFF catching feelings
- Every body type and sexual proclivity is represented
What could be better
- If you’re hoping for lust and love, don’t waste your time
- There is only a website, no app
What Other People Are Saying About AFF
Alison B. - Sitejabber
“Been on there off and on 10 or so Years. Been to SEVERAL meets and parties! I've made tons of fun friends and have more fun clubbing and swinging with them then any other peer genre! Too many nasty old, fat, desperate mean with high expectations. True sex addicts and swingers love this site and it works well for them.”
u/Changeusername5 - Reddit
“I think it partially comes down to the area you live in. I live within 30 minutes of a large city and have had decent success with the website. Yes, there are bots but they’re pretty easy to spot. Assume that any girl who has model looks or professional photos is likely fake. I find it humorous that a guy who is, say a 5 on a scale of 1 through 10, falls for messages from a gal who’s clearly way out of his league. When I message women on there I typically focus on those that are 7 or 8’s, as most bots use very attractive photos of themselves to reel in suckers.”
#4 – Zoosk (Android; iOS) has a truly impressive matching algorithm
With its younger user base, Zoosk is probably the most diverse dating app in Victoria. This is one of the few relationship-focused apps that cater pretty directly to the under-30 set. It’s a niche market: twenty-somethings that are looking for something long-term and serious.
That doesn’t mean everyone on Zoosk is looking for marriage. Younger Millennials and Gen Zers are approaching relationships with a different mindset. Often, they want a true connection without the cliche labels. If you’re looking for a partner but you’re still figuring yourself out, Zoosk is worth a look.
Why so many people love Zoosk
- The algorithm is excellent at finding compatible matches
- Creating a profile is relatively easy for this type of site
- A great website for younger people who aren’t into casual fun
What we don’t love about it
- Even 30-year-olds feel old on this site
- The free trial period is barely worth your time
What Other People Are Saying About Zoosk
Robert Weber - Google Play
“Greatest site I have ever been on! I took my time, and met the one I call my own. Thank you Zoosk for this tool to bring us together, as otherwise our paths we would not have crossed!”
#5 - Bumble (Android; iOS) is a favourite dating app for Victoria women
Few dating apps are more understanding of the female perspective than Bumble. Women enjoy casual sex as much as men. They just don’t want to be harassed by jerks and creeps. Bumble helps with that persistent issue by making it so the women have to send the first message.
It’s a pretty minor tweak to the Tinder formula, but it makes a huge difference. For that reason, women tend to prefer using Bumble, which means it’s also a great app for men. Plus, the shoe is on the other foot with this app. If you’re a guy who struggles with thinking up a good opening line, Bumble is a godsend.
Why Bumble is so popular
- The quality of users, of both genders, is higher than many other similar apps.
- Men don’t feel the pressure to come up with a witty opener
- You can find both people who want casual relationships and people who want a relationship
What we would improve
- Women tend to match more freely, but they don’t always choose to send a message
- Like Tinder, the profiles are very focused on photos, so looks are a major factor
What Other People Are Saying About Bumble
Dushyant J - Google Play
“It was a three-year long struggle.. Eventually found her. So ain't no way I'm not gonna add a five-star review.”
The Best Hookup Sites in Victoria
If the thought of getting married gives you hives, don’t fret, there are plenty of casual dating sites in Victoria. Whether you’re into one-night stands, friends with benefits, or casual flings, you’ve got options. These are the best Victoria hookup sites:
AFF is probably the best casual dating site in Victoria
Sometimes all you want is the simplicity of a non-committed, no-strings-attached hookup. Many people are perfectly happy with nothing more than one-night stands and casual dating. Those people turn to AFF, one of the best (if not the best) casual dating sites in Victoria.
As we discussed above, AFF is for those who aren’t looking to complicate their lives with a relationship. For close to three decades, it has allowed internet users to simply (and discreetly) arrange sexual encounters. There are lots of casual dating sites and apps out there nowadays. But AFF was the first, and it remains the standard.
On college campuses, Tinder is more popular than cheap beer
There’s no age limit on Tinder, but anyone who has used it knows that, unofficially, users age out after 29. If you’re in your 20s, there is no easier way to find hookups. We’d bet more students at the University of Victoria use their cellphones for Tinder than they do actual phone calls. If you’re young and attractive, Tinder is the best hookup site in Victoria.
The Best Dating Sites in Victoria for Relationships
For the relationship-focused dater, there are quite a few good Victoria dating sites. You want to find the sites that specifically advertise themselves as being for relationships. That way you know your matches are all on the same page. Here are our top choices:
eHarmony is an incredibly successful dating site for the marriage-minded
Has casual dating and meaningless sex gotten old? Maybe you’re ready to settle down. It’s time you finally gave eHarmony a shot. This is the Victoria dating site for anyone who is looking for lasting, committed love. Having produced hundreds of thousands of marriages, eHarmony gets the kind of results all other sites wish they could achieve. Just imagine what it can do for you.
Hinge can help you break the ice
Marked as the app that is “designed to be deleted,” Hinge wants its users to find love. Unfortunately, for a lot of people, a big barrier is their opening line. The main selling point of Hinge is that it helps its users, especially guys, get the conversation started. With its fun prompts and effective algorithm, Hinge breaks the ice for you. There’s a reason a lot of guys call Hinge the best dating app in Victoria.
The Best Free Dating Sites in Victoria
If you’re only dating casually or are still uncertain about online dating, you’ll probably want a free app. That makes sense, but do beware: most free sites and apps are garbage. Often, sites either offer free tastes to hook you into a subscription, or they just exist to harvest your data.
We always recommend people try multiple free trials just to get a feel for the different sites. Then, when you find one you like, go for the subscription level that works best for you. Your chances of successful dating are much higher that way.
Still, there does exist a handful of free sites that are legitimately free and do get results. Based on our experiences, these are the best free dating sites in Victoria:
- OKCupid
- Match
- Tinder
Try them out, and see how they work for you. If you don’t have much success with them, try the other ones we’ve recommended above. Either way, we wish you all the luck with your dating adventure and hope it’s a fruitful process.
How To Stay Safe on Dating Sites in Victoria
Canadian citizens lost a combined $59 million CAD to online romance scammers in 2022. Male and female users of all ages were targeted so it’s important to be on your guard to keep your money safe. These tips should help you to remain vigilant.
- Keep your personal details safe. Scammers will often try to discover your personal data to commit an identity fraud.
- Learn how to identify catfish. More than half of online daters lie on their profile, according to EHarmony data. You can out catfish by performing a reverse image search on their photos or by asking for a video call.
- Watch out for love-bombing. Romance scammers take a shining to you really fast. “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,” explains FTC marketing attorney Rhonda Perkinsan. “They’re really good at building those connections.” So, remember: if it seems too good to be true, it usually is.
- Don’t send money to online strangers. Notable research on romance scammers suggests they tend to ask to borrow small amounts first. Then, they ramp up their requests as the relationship grows. “Never under any circumstance send money for any reason,” a Saanich Police Department spokesperson says. “The scammer will make it seem like an emergency, they may even express distress or anger to make you feel guilty but DO NOT send money.”
- Send deterrent messages. A study by CRIMRXIV suggests that sending messages like “I know what you’re trying to do” or “i’m reporting you to the police” is the most reliable way to cease contact with romance scammers. You should report their profile to the police and the dating app itself.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dating Sites in Victoria
Is Victoria BC good for singles?
Victoria BC has historically had more women than men, yet most reports are suggesting it’s the guys who are struggling in the dating game.
“Finding love in Victoria can be as challenging for men as women, despite what statistics show, said local dating writer Sarah Kittensmittens in a recent interview. “There are all these myths about men and women.”
“What I've seen with what I would consider the younger men, those who are under 40, is a lot of confusion around how to behave with women,” adds local relationship counselor Cherish Dorrington. “They don't want to be perceived as the bad guy and so they are hesitant, and I think that shows up in our dating scene.”
This suggests that men who know what they’re doing with women will be able to clean up in this city. That’s certainly what I’ve witnessed during my time here.
Does Victoria BC have a hook-up culture?
Victoria BC isn’t necessarily known for having a strong hook-up culture although the growth of dating apps has fuelled short-term relationships somewhat.
Some 36% of Canadians are online dating according to data from EHarmony, and figures from the same study suggest around one in three women have had sex on the first date after meeting someone online.
What is the best dating site in Victoria BC?
If we had to choose one, it would be Adult Friend Finder. It’s simply the most reliable for arranging a steamy no-strings attached hook-up. But that doesn't mean that other options like EHarmony, Zoosk, or Bumble should be ignored.
Is Tinder popular in Victoria BC?
Tinder has plenty of users in Victoria but the majority of men won’t find it effective. Data shows that only a small percentage of the most attractive male users get all of the attention on this app. Tinder was named the ‘most hated app in Canada’ following an analysis of online sentiment by Electronics Hub, which shows that the majority of people don’t enjoy using it at all.
Is it expensive to date in Victoria BC?
Researchers at Elite Singles recently analysed the cost of an average date in 15 major Canadian cities, and Victoria ranked as the fourth most expensive. This study suggests you’ll find dating significantly more expensive than the average Canadian in this city compared to the average Canadian.
Indeed, Victoria also recenly ranked as the third most expensive Canadian city for cost of living in a separate study by Savvy New Canadians.
“British Columbia is the least affordable Canadian province on this list, having the second-highest cost of living estimate,” the study’s authors concluded. “Buying a house in B.C. costs a fortune, as prices exceed the country’s average.”
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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 can 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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