This week Metro has tried to give busy singles constructive ideas about how to meet new people in a city with a reputation for making that difficult.

“These are the places that I personally know people that have met other people at,” said Executive Search Dating president Paddi Rice when asked where Vancouver singles should go to mingle.

“It’s all about really going to places that aren’t bars, and I’m not knocking bars, but you want to go to places where you’re going to find Vancouverites in their more natural setting,” he continued.

“Whenever you do that people are going to be more relaxed, and whenever people are more relaxed you have a better chance to get to know them.”

With that, here are Rice’s thoughts on the best places to meet Vancouver singles:

1. The Grouse Grind: The recipe here is simple — sweat, flirt with other fit, sweaty people, and make sure to hit the cocktail bar at the top.
2. Dragon boat racing: A great way to meet other active singles.
3. Jericho Beach: Rice says Jericho is one of the city’s best dating hotspots because it’s more laid back and less of a “scene” than Kits.
4. English Bay: Always packed full of people of every size and shape from every corner and walk of life.
5. Dog Beach/Hadden Park: Just west of Vanier Park, this off-leash area is the perfect place for pooch-lovers to bond.
6. Co-ed volleyball: Vancouver has a venue and tournament to fit every skill set.
7. Outdoor summer music concerts: A classic way to meet people who share your taste in music.

Vancouver dating coach and “Queen of Hearts” Kim Sarrasin offered a more general look at where to find single men and women. Of course, you can find both sexes doing all of these things, but if you are aiming for just one or the other, these are what the pros call “target-rich environments.”

Top places men hang out:
- Scotch/ Wine/ Beer tastings
- Golfing
- Car/ Boat Shows
- Sailing/ Group sailing lessons
- Rock climbing/ + lessons
- Running groups/ Biking groups
- White water rafting
- Business seminars and events

Top places women hang out:
- Health/ Wellness events & motivational keynotes
- Ballroom dancing/ Lessons
- Starbucks
- Pilates/ Yoga classes
- The mall/ Shopping centres
- Outdoor fitness bootcamps
- Singles events (always more women then men)
- Racetrack (women go in groups so they don’t have to sit alone)
- Parks (walking their dog)
- Happy hour (less hectic, more chill atmosphere)
- The seawall (TONS of women walking there all day)