10 Ways You Can Meet New People In Toronto
There are 2.5 million people in Toronto, and sometimes all you need is one. Okay, enough with being cheesy, but the truth of the matter is that meeting new people in a big city like Toronto can be surprisingly tough. Making friends while intoxicated and in class doesn't always suffice. So I've come up with some different ways to meet your new BFF in the beautiful city of Toronto.
1. The Dog Park
Only if you have a dog of course, otherwise it's just weird. Make use of your furry friend and bring them to one of the local dog parks. There’s a million of them in the city and it's a great chance to connect with other dog lovers. You'll be suprised how easy it is to strike up a conversation when you suddenly have a common interest.
2. Join A Book Club Or Attend A Reading
The Toronto Public Library has 99 locations across the city, many of which offer different book clubs to join or book readings you can attend. This is another way to connect with others that have a common interest as you, and a great way to make connections with people outside of just getting wasted at the bar.
3. I Want To Do That, Just Not Alone Meet-up
Ever wanted to do something in the city but can’t seem to convince any of your current friends to do it with you? This meet-up group in Toronto is filled with other people just like you! The mission of the group is to provide good company as well as a positive and safe environment for members to experience things that, for whatever reason, you longed for but weren’t able to do before! Plus, any member of this group can add their own event for free!
4. Talk To Strangers
This may go against everything you were told as a child, but the truth is, making an effort to get to know the people who are already around you is the easiest way to meet new people. Invite your neighbours to dinner, or knock on their door and introduce yourself, talk to people waiting in line at the grocery checkout, or connect with others through Twitter that live in Toronto and seem to have common interests with you.
5. Attend A Conference Or Networking Event
Toronto is filled with different conferences and networking opportunities for just about every industry, hobby, or interest. Do some research on upcoming conferences or events in your area and save the dates. These events make it super easy to connect with new people, because they're made for the sole purpose.
6. Join Neighbourhood Facebook Groups
Just about every neighbourhood or business improvement area in Toronto has a Facebook group, you just need to take the time to seek it out and join it. These groups are great for connecting with others that live in your area, and you’ll usually be able to find fun events and happenings in your neighbourhood here too!
7. Attend A Food And Drink Festival
The Macaroni and Cheese Festival, Beer Festivals, Food Truck Festivals, Wine Festival, Rib Fests, need I say more.?You can basically find a different food or drink festival every weekend in Toronto, and no, it’s not weird if you go alone!
8. Try New Things Toronto Meet-Up Group
The Try New Things in Toronto meet-up group is a place created for you to meet friends, and try new restaurants and activities in Toronto. This meet-up group is for all ages and has hosted events that include canoeing, comedy shows, paintballing, board game nights, bowling, and more.
9. Find A Team To Join On Toronto Sport + Social Club
Toronto Sport + Social Club is the go-to spot to finding a sports team in just about everything. This site lists teams you can join from sailing, to soccer, to inner tube water polo! If you don’t want to commit to joining a team, the site also lists several tournaments and events you can join too.
10. Use Tinder
Everyone finds it so scandalous to be use dating sites and Tinder, but the truth is, not everyone on these sites are on there just to hook-up or meet their soulmate. Create a profile clearly stating that you are only looking for new friends and some of your interests or activities you’re looking to do, you never know who you’ll end up connecting with!