Best Dating Sites
Looking for a dating site you can trust? Search no more.
Vancouver is the largest suburb of Portland and the fourth largest city in the state of Washington, so you’d think it’d be easy to meet singles here. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes adults have difficulty making headway in the social scene because they’re so caught up in their jobs, or they don’t know where to go, and sometimes it’s just plain hard to relate to locals in the Pacific Northwest.
“The PNW is known for its reserved attitude and aloof niceness,” said one Vancouver local in a discussion forum. “It takes a while to break the ice and for people to warm up to you here.”
Don’t worry, though, because the right dating venue can help singles melt hearts and land dates in real time. We’ve scoured Vancouver’s dating scene to identify the best ways to meet singles in the area and build relationships online and offline.
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Vancouver Dating Sites
If I were writing this list 15 years ago, online dating probably wouldn’t be the number one way to meet quality dates. It may not have even shown up on the list, honestly, because it was once so stigmatized and unpopular. Well, as Bob Dylan once said, the times they are a-changing. Today’s young singles have come of age in a technological world, and they have fewer qualms about meeting people and forming relationships online. As a result, the number of 18- to 24-year-olds who have used online dating has tripled in the last few years.
Best Singles Site
Match is generally the best all-purpose dating site for singles interested in long-term dating. Since 1995, the dating site has honed its match algorithm to identify personal compatibility based on age, location, lifestyle, interests, and relationship goals. If you want to invest in your romantic future, then you should invest your time and energy in Match.
★★★★★
Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships
Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
Our Experts Say: “Match has facilitated the most dates and relationships of any dating site, and its large audience and high success rate make it our top review...” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| All Singles* |
49%*
51%*
|
39.7 Million* | Try Match FREE |
Best Site for Professionals
Vancouver’s prosperous and picturesque city attracts many young professionals hoping to carve out a life for themselves in Washington. These high-earning singles can use EliteSingles to network with people on their level. This premium dating site caters to high-caliber daters who have graduated from college, excelled in their careers, and want a partner to share in that success. Over 90% of EliteSingles members say they are looking for a relationship.
★★★★★
Relationships: Serious Relationships
Match System: Search, Receive Partner Suggestions
Our Experts Say: “EliteSingles is a leading dating site just for busy, single professionals. More than 80% of members have earned a college degree, and most are looking for a serious commitment...” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| All Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
2 Million* | Browse Profiles Free |
Over 50 & Senior Sites
OurTime has flipped the online dating script upside down by catering to mature singles over 50. This senior dating site only allows people of a certain age to create a profile and mingle online. If you don’t feel comfortable with the young crowd on general dating sites, OurTime can offer an age-appropriate solution that works for you.
★★★★★
Relationships: Dates and Relationships
Match System: Search by profiles by zip and more
Our Experts Say: “OurTime is well-known in the over-50 dating crowd, particularly because it has a ton of helpful search features and an easy layout...” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| Mature Singles (50+)* |
48%*
52%*
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8.9 Million* | Over 50? Try It FREE |
For Black Men & Women Only
It’s no secret that Vancouver is a pretty white-bread community with nearly 81% of the population identifying as white in the 2010 census. However, online dating allows locals to broaden their horizons and diversify their date prospects. BlackPeopleMeet is a niche dating site designed to introduce black and biracial singles to one another. Singles of all races and ethnicities are welcome to join, of course, but the main purpose of this platform is to find love in the African-American community.
★★★★★
Relationships: Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates
Match System: Search by location, age, more
Our Experts Say: “BlackPeopleMeet.com is the one of the largest and most popular dating sites for black and biracial singles, and the site is used by more than 5 million people a month...” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| Black Singles* |
47%*
53%*
|
5.7 Million* | FREE Trial for New Users |
Hookup & Sex Site
Adult Friend Finder is a hookup site that supports one of the largest sex and swinger communities in the world. Over 95 million dating profiles are available here. Free members enjoy unlimited browsing and can upgrade their accounts when they’re ready to take things to the next level in the site’s live chat rooms and private messages.
★★★★★
Relationships: Hookups Only
Match System: Search by location, interest, more
Our Experts Say: “Make no mistake: this site isn't about making friends, it's about finding hookups and casual encounters. No adult site has a larger or more active user base of those seeking discreet fun...”
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| All Singles* |
65%*
35%*
|
25.5 Million* | 3 Months @ $19.95/Mo |
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Popular Dating Apps
Dating apps weren’t even a thing 15 years ago, but now they’re in the pocket of millions of singles around the world. The convenience of being able to contact your crushes anytime and anywhere is ideal for singles who lead busy lives and may not always have time to sit down at a desktop computer to read their messages. Many dating sites have adapted into dating apps in the last couple years, so you can benefit from a vast mobile network of singles by creating a profile on a platform you trust.
Available on: iOS, Android
- Relationships: Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
- Match System: Browse by location, age, interest, and more
- About the App: Available via the App Store and Google Play, Match is a fantastic app for dates and relationships. With a user base of 30 million singles, Match is where you'll have a high chance of success. It's free to download, create a profile, search for date prospects, and receive compatible matches based on personalized preferences. Free members can also chat with select members and send unlimited likes.
- Browse Free: View Profiles Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Singles* |
49%*
51%*
|
13.5 Million* | Free Download |
Available on: iOS, Android
- Relationships: Deep Relationships
- Match System: Search by education, lifestyle habits, age
- About the App: Commitment-minded, professional daters will feel at home with EliteSingles, which can be downloaded for free in the App Store or Google Play. Not only is everyone looking for a long-term partner, but 80% of members hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree. EliteSingles sees 210,000 visitors and 2,500 users finding love every month, so it's one of the fastest growing and most reputable apps.
- Browse Free: View Profiles Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Singles* |
43%*
57%*
|
290,000* | Free Download |
Available on: iOS, Android
- Relationships: Casual Dates, Relationships
- Match System: Search for and receive matches
- About the App: Zoosk is the number one app for finding dates, and if you sync up your Google+ or Facebook account, you can have a profile in seconds. The app has 38 million members and will deliver matches to your inbox on a daily basis based on your behavior such as who you search for, like or don't like, and message. The Carousel is another section for matching (tap the heart if it's a yes and the X if it's a no).
- Browse Free: View Profiles Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
3.8 Million* | Free Download |
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Vancouver Singles Bars
Sure, online dating is going viral, but that doesn’t mean meeting singles in person is outdated or extinct. You can still find plenty of attractive and interesting people mingling at local watering holes throughout Vancouver. Whether you enjoy shooting pool at a dive bar or sipping handcrafted drinks at a cocktail lounge, you can enjoy a friendly, low-key environment while making conversation with people at the bar. Here are a few of our favorite bars in Vancouver where the drinks are cold and the dating opportunities are plentiful.
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Low Bar
Low Bar actually sets a high bar for pubs and eateries in Vancouver. Since 2012, this place has served fantastic craft beer, specialty cocktails, and juicy burgers. Its kitchen uses fresh, local ingredients in every appetizer, sandwich, salad, and main dish. Plus, the bar serves breakfast all day and offers a piece of fried chicken as a side. You can't really beat that. Low Bar packs in a crowd during its holiday celebrations, and the bar includes National Egg Day, National Bourbon Day, and National Martini Day on its calendar of events, so you always have a reason to go out and party it up.
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Tap Union Freehouse
Tap Union Freehouse is all about good beer and good times. Its tap list is full of inventive and tasty concoctions, including apple ciders, gingerbread beer, and smoked dark lager. These beers rotate in and out frequently, so it's always a new experience exploring this menu. This tap house has a limited food menu of small plates (popcorn, anyone?) and sandwiches, but it's a hot spot for food trucks, and patrons are encouraged to bring in their own food to pair with their beers. This is a social hub for anyone looking to drink beer, play bar games, and meet new people.
3
Gray's
Located in the Hilton Vancouver Washington, Gray's is an upscale date venue where sophisticated singles and couples mingle. Since it opened its doors in 2005, Gray's has delighted people with its diverse culinary menu and thoughtful selection of drinks. The bar takes classic pub grub and cocktails and then puts a fun twist on them to surprise and satisfy foodies. You'll see out-of-towners as well as locals mingling here and enjoying the sophisticated yet friendly ambiance.
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Jorge's Tequila Factory
Jorge's Tequila Factory is a family-owned Mexican bar with a rich heritage. Its Mexican fusion cuisine is both unexpected and delicious, highlighting authentic flavors while bringing something new to the table. The seasoned chefs make every plate of nachos, tacos, and churros from scratch, and they use the freshest seafood, meat, and vegetables they can find to make the dish stand out. You can't go wrong on this menu. Jorge's has a lively atmosphere that can stimulate romance and help diners create wonderful memories. As the owners say, "Our restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate birthdays (with sombreros!), big wins, and date night — we’ve even had a few engagements."
5
Heathen Brewing Feral Public House
The Heathen Brewing Feral Public House has a tap list that just goes on and on and on. The bar has over 50 craft brews on tap, and it's honestly hard to choose just one. The knowledgeable bartenders are happy to make a recommendation or pour a free sample to help patrons find their new favorite drink. The pub also offers kegs to go if you're really feeling a certain beer. Many singles stop by this brewing company for $2 tacos on Tuesdays or 75-cent wings on Wednesdays, but really any day is a good day to head to the Feral Public House.
6
Back Alley Bar & Grill
Back Alley Bar & Grill has a little something for everyone. Its traditional American bar bites and beer draft list can fuel you during a game of pool, a karaoke performance, or a football game. The bar doesn't put on airs or try to be anything but a fun place to relax during the evening. The kitchen closes up shop at 10:30 p.m., but last call isn't until 2 a.m., so you don't have to cut your fun short even on a weeknight. The Back Alley Bar is a favorite among locals on a budget because its classic drinks don't cost a fortune, and there's no cover charge to get inside and start flirting.
4
Vancouver Speed Dating
Some singles are willing to take their time and let dates come to them, while others are on a tighter schedule and would prefer to land a date sooner rather than later. Speed dating events give time-conscious singles the chance to take control of their dating experience and make fast connections at a fun event. Participants establish chemistry in exciting five-minute conversations and move from one mini-date to the next without pause. At a speed dating event, you can sift through dozens of love interests and pursue the ones who interest you the most.
5
Vancouver Singles Events
A chill singles event can really take the pressure off active daters and help them have fun while meeting new people. Most singles events focus on a particular theme or activity, so everyone who shows up will have something in common to get the ball rolling. Whether you’re attending an over-40s meetup, dinner party, or a wine tasting, you can create organic friendships in good company at a local singles event. You can search Meetup by the keyword “singles” to find the right mixer for you.
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Vancouver Singles Clubs
Dating can become very scripted as you introduce yourself to person after person, and all that small talk can really wear singles down. Fortunately, a popular nightclub can bring people back up and inspire them to make connections on the dance floor. You can attract dates without saying a word at a dance club, and that’s an exciting prospect for singles who get tongue-tied when meeting someone new. Many Vancouver singles head to the club scene looking for adventure and romance, and they rarely go home empty-handed.
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Vancouver Chat Rooms
The thing that’s great about chat rooms is that singles can join anonymously and have a flirtatious conversation without jeopardizing their privacy. You don’t have to connect your profile to social media or give the site your full name — it’s all very discreet and low-risk. Singles may not always feel comfortable putting their personal data on the web, so chat rooms provide a space where they can be themselves and keep their online presence separate from their personal and professional lives. If you want to practice your pickup lines and mix things up, you can jump into the following local chat rooms.
8
Vancouver Personals
Dating personals websites are like the quick version of dating sites. You don’t have match algorithms or inbox filters to stand between you and a hot date. Anyone can create an ad and send a message on these open-ended forums. These sites exist to help singles meet viable local dates, so you don’t have to worry about making small talk or playing it coy. Casual daters often outright state in their profiles that they’re looking for a hookup, and that can be really liberating for singles who want the same things.
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Volunteer Projects Give You a Reason to Connect
Volunteer events can bring people out of their shells and give them a common purpose, and that’s great news for the community and for singles. You can do a good deed while meeting good-hearted folks at a nonprofit or charitable cause.
Vancouver has many volunteer programs to help locals do their part. Whether you’re planting trees, cleaning up parks, or conducting workshops, you can work alongside like-minded people to make a difference in your hometown.
Vancouver volunteers pull together to work toward a common good.
Singles can meet people who share their values at a volunteer event, and it’s not unusual to see volunteers build friendships that extend beyond a one-time project.
You can also volunteer to help organize a community event to spark new connections in a fun environment. The Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival hosts over 13,500 people each year and relies on its volunteers to pour wine, set up tents, provide security, and staff the event.
Create a Bright Future in the American City of Vancouver
No matter where you live, building relationships with people can take time, and it’s probably not going to happen overnight. You have to continue putting yourself out there and forging connections until something sticks.
As you get older, you may run out of date options in your social circle, and that’s when it’s time to expand your reach by using local dating resources. Our list of ways to meet singles in Vancouver can point you in the right direction if you want to find a date or get in a relationship in the Pacific Northwest. We recommend trying a combination of online and offline date strategies to give yourself the best odds of meeting that special someone.
At the end of the day, your dating success depends on you. You can’t rely on a dating site or bartender to wave a magic wand and deliver your dream person to you — it’s up to you to start conversations and pursue attractive singles in your area. Good luck!
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