Is Vancouver friendly for newcomers?
People say it’s hard to make friends in Vancouver. But I disagree!
An in-person or hybrid job is a great way to make friends. I wish I had done this when I moved!
Also, people are very outdoorsy and sporty here. I recommend getting into a sport, dance, or hiking group or something of the like. Try to get out there at least one time a week to meet new people.
All of these have been vouched for, either I have gone, or they have been personally recommended by friends. Here are real ways for how to make friends in Vancouver.
How to make friends in Vancouver
1. Let’s adventure van
Again for anyone! If you want to skate, go to sports events, do cold plunges, do outdoor activities or just go to one of their bar meetups. They also organize trips in BC.
2. We should be friends
They offer a variety of activities from doing pottery, crafts, paint & sip, cold plunges at Tality, dinners and more.
3. Infer (AI meetup) and Tech meetups through Luma
Join Luma or come to Infer if you’re into tech, startups, or AI! These events are great and it’s a lovely community. This is my friend’s event where I volunteer and have met a bunch of friends:
Infer: Testing LLM Apps, and Model Selection SOTU · Luma
4. Join a fun sports team (Urban rec)
Great for people who like sports and want to join a team. You don’t have to be good!
Register Individual | Urban Rec - Vancouver's Sport and Social Club
5. Meetup.com
Includes a wide variety of topics, or if you want to network, or meet people in the same industry as you.
Meetup Meetup | Find Local Groups, Events, and Activities Near You
6. Language exchange
For people who want to practice speaking another language, or like to meet people over a drink. I went and didn’t do any language exchange, a nice group of people just invited me to their table.
Meetup Make friends & BlaBla Language Exchange Vancouver #1 | Meetup
7. Facebook
You can search groups for whatever you’re into! The groups feature is very active. This one is for expats (not just Irish folks):
8. Sober Babes events
As the name states, for women who are sober, who want to hang out with other sober friends.
Instagram (@soberbabesvancouver)
9. Partying
Ravers unite: If you love to party and meet people in a club setting.
The best ones are underground raves that I can’t post publicly, but they do exist and are a lot better than the Roxy.
Queer events:
Instagram (@birdhouseartspace)
Resident Advisor has the best parties, hint: go to the TBA location ones.
Resident Advisor Events · Vancouver ⟋ RA
10. Dance
You can do drop-in classes at Harbour Dance if you want to boogie and make friends. You don’t need any prior experience.
11. Latin Dance
Make friends while learning how to dance; salsa, bachata, swing dance, you name it.
I’ve heard of friend groups and couples come out of these. It was recommended to me.
12. Couchsurfing (Community)
I thought Couchsurfing died, but I met a group recently that met each other through it, not actually doing couch surfing just using the community.
13. Bumble BFF app
I have heard a lot of nice stories about finding friends on Bumble BFF.
If using apps is easier than meeting in person, this one is for you.
14. Volunteering
Engaging in volunteer work is a meaningful way to contribute to the community while meeting friends.
If you have more ideas on how to make friends in Vancouver, then let me know at jaycee@movingtovancouver.ca.
Final tips?
Be proactive. Just say hi. Ask people for their Instagram and follow up. Make the effort even though it’s hard!
Next steps after you have made friends:
Meet them at a cafe:
Best Cafes to Work in VancouverWhat neighbourhoods you should hang out with your new friends in:
Top 10 Best Vancouver Neighbourhoods