Love is just a swipe away: The best dating apps in Vancouver

Feb 10 2024, 8:00 pm

Meeting new people in a city like Vancouver can be tough. It’s so tough that swiping right (or left) has now become the norm when it comes to finding dates.

While the thought of endlessly scrolling through profiles filled with mirror selfies and hiking pics may seem daunting, online dating does have some perks.

For example, you can set specific preferences on certain apps to weed out people you don’t think you’ll be compatible with.

Plus, you can swipe away and get to know a potential match from the comfort of your own home before taking the leap and going on a date with someone you may have very little in common with.

Finding contenders can seem overwhelming with the sheer volume of dating sites at your disposal. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best ones and why you should use them.

Hinge

 

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Hinge is one of the most popular options in Vancouver’s dating scene. Self-described as the app “designed to be deleted,” Hinge is a great option for those looking for something more long-term.

With the number of prompts available, this app is great for getting a good sense of the person you’ll be meeting. If it doesn’t work out, at least there will be some funny responses to the prompts you can chuckle about.

The app is free, but members looking to send a special like (a rose) can upgrade to a paid membership.

Tinder

 

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When people talk about Tinder, it’s often assumed that it’s just a hookup site. But there have been lots of people who have found their significant others on the app.

As it’s one of the more popular apps, there may be more profiles to go through, but that just means there’s more potential for finding a match that is perfect for you.

Tinder is free, but it allows users to upgrade to a paid version that has added features, which include buying “super likes” and “boosts” to make your profile stand out.

Bumble

 

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Bumble is unique in that women make the first move (in heterosexual matches). In same-sex matches, either party can message first.

It adds a little bit more excitement as a match can disappear if there’s been no communication in a 24-hour period. While that could be discouraging to some, it will help determine who is on the app to boost their ego and who is actually interested in meeting new people.

The app is free but has some optional premium features to enhance the experience for daters willing to pay. The features include the ability to go back to a potential match if you accidentally swipe left on them and the ability to extend the time on your current matches.

eHarmony

 

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Those who are more serious about finding a life-long partner should consider eHarmony. It requires users to fill out an extensive questionnaire, which then helps to match them with compatible partners.

It’s unlikely anyone just looking for a fling would put in all this effort. And each profile is vetted to prove the person is who they say they are, which also weeds out potential catfish.

A membership with eHarmony can cost anywhere from $35 to $65 per month.

Happn

 

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This lesser-known app allows users to find people they’ve actually crossed paths with. Every day, we pass by potential matches on the street, at a bar or even at work.

This location-based app aims to match people with others in their area. They can “like” or “dislike” other users and can only chat with one another if they both select “like.”

Using the basic features on Happn is free, but there are premium versions available as well, just like with the other apps.

Coffee Meets Bagel

This app prides itself on being less about swiping and more about matching, chatting and actually dating. Which is definitely a mission we can get behind.

The app delivers a handful of matches (called bagels) every day and aims to help people make more meaningful connections.

Like the majority of others, Coffee Meets Bagel is free but has some added features available for those willing to shell out some money.

Elite Singles

 

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This is a great option for working professionals and academics looking to dive into the online dating pool.

The app is designed for committed users between the ages of 30 and 50 who are ready to find lasting, meaningful love.

Elite Singles has a basic membership that allows users to take a personality test, view partner suggestions and have limited communication with other users. The premium subscription gives them access to the full site and costs approximately $70 per month (that cost goes down to $40 per month if you sign up for a year-long subscription).

Will you be trying out any of these apps? Let us know in the comments below.

Meagan GillMeagan Gill

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