Dating in a Smaller Canadian City
4 min read · 中文版
Toronto and Vancouver have large Chinese communities, but if you live in a city or town with fewer Chinese residents, the pool of people you can meet may feel small. A small community has its upsides too: relationships are closer. Here's how to widen your circle and find the right person.
Make the most of local circles
Local Chinese associations, Chinese schools, churches, hometown associations and university student groups are all places to meet people. In a small community, introductions from friends work especially well.
Hobby groups and volunteering help you meet more people locally too. Our guide to meeting new people has more.
Widen your range online
On dating sites, widen your search distance to include nearby cities. Say in your profile which city you're in and whether you'd meet in another city.
Chat and video call first, then decide whether to meet, so you don't spend hours travelling for nothing.
Dating across cities
A city an hour or two away is easy to visit at weekends. Take turns visiting, or meet halfway.
Once things are steady, talk about where you'd settle. Our guide to long distance in Canada can help.
What to keep in mind in a small community
People tend to know each other, so be especially polite and discreet when ending things or saying no, and respect their privacy among mutual friends.
Safety still matters: meet in public the first time and tell a friend your plans.
Frequently asked questions
Should I only date people in my own city?
Not necessarily. Widen your range to nearby cities, and think about whether you'd move one day.
The community is small. What if a date goes badly and it gets awkward?
Stay polite and sincere, and end things clearly. Most people understand that not every match works out.
Who does the travelling when we live in different cities?
Take turns or meet halfway. Agree on it early so one person isn't always making the effort.
Ready to meet someone serious?
Join free and get matched with verified Chinese singles in your city — with video calls before you meet.