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Below, you'll have an opportunity to give us your tips for dating in Toronto, so let us know what you think!
The secret to finding love in this city is to be intentional. Get out there and have fun!
1. Hit up Singles Events
There are "Click at a Flick" movie nights downtown, and Dinnerworks hosts pressure-free dinner parties for singles looking to connect. A Stroll in the Park is a great club for folks who like a little fresh air with their introductions.
2. Pursue your Interests
There's "Scrabble in the City" at Kilgour's Bar, trivia nights, recreational sports teams, and running groups. When your favorite author is in town, show up at a reading. And look approachable. Like attracts like, or so goes the rumor.
3. Take a Class
Learning is sexy. Check out a cooking class, continuing education at the University of Toronto, or a dance class (a great option, as most studios welcome singles and do the matching for you). Guys, sewing classes are a great place to meet girls. The ratio will be hugely in your favor. And girls, while you may not meet Mr. Right at your Stitch 'n' Bitch class, when you do meet him, he'll be thankful for all the sweaters.
4. Embrace Culture
And pray. Toronto prides itself on its multiculturalism and diversity. If you're looking for someone with a certain cultural or religious background, you can find the hot spots with a little research and a smile. When it comes to places of faith, the general rule is that the closer you are to downtown, the more singles you're likely to find (as married folk like to move to the suburbs and buy backyards). Find like-hearted individuals at events such as MissionFest and the Jewish Film Festival.
5. Network
Make mingling your job until you've met The One. There are networking events for young artists and filmmakers. Or host a BBQ for singles, where everyone has to bring a single friend whom they're NOT dating. It's a great evening of making new friends. We're all connected. Just ask Kevin Bacon.
6. Don't Waste your Time with the Wrong Crowd
While the Madison or Red Room can be a blast, if you're over 30 and looking for quiet drinks and conversation, you're probably in the wrong spot. Do a little research and figure out that Ultra Supper Club is more your scene. Be especially careful during frosh week and Pride Week—unless you want to be hit on by frat boys or drag queens.
7. Be Present
In the summer, the city comes alive with concerts and festivals. Stay casual, wear sunscreen (skin cancer isn't really in), and don't travel in too large a group. Ladies, a guy won't approach you if you're this close with 12 other girls. These are also great, cheap first dates. Make an effort to check out a festival that promotes a food, music genre, or culture that you're not familiar with. For newbies, Taste of the Danforth and Caribana are classics.
8. Support the Locals
There are great cafés and breakfast spots in the city that make excellent first-date locations. Keep it casual at the popular Future Bakery, check out brunch at the hip downtown Fire on the East Side, or hunt for treasures along Queen West.
9. Be a Tourist
Embrace your inner photographer and take your date to the CN Tower, Toronto Zoo, Casa Loma, or CNE and have a blast. There are plenty of distractions (to ease any awkward silence and kick-start the conversation) and you'll probably even learn a little about your city. Just be sure to avoid the popular family weekend spots. You don't want screaming kids interrupting your fun.
10. Volunteer
It's a great date and also a great way to meet people. If nothing else, you're making yourself (and the city) that much better. Check out Volunteer Toronto for great ideas.
Don't put pressure on yourself to find The One at a singles night. Nor should you expect to fall in love at the Beaches Jazz Festival. But the more intentional you are about being at the right place at the right time, the greater your chances are that Mr./Ms. Right will do the same.
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