Where to Meet People in Vancouver: A Newcomer’s Guide
No matter what you’re into, Common Ground is the best place for finding ways to meet new people in Vancouver.
“When the road looks rough ahead
And you're miles and miles from your nice warm bed
Just remember what your old pal said
Boy, you've got a friend in me”
- Randy Newman, 1995
Welcome to Vancouver! It’s a city that’s notoriously hard for meeting new people. Is it the relentless rain? Is it the cost of living? Or is it just a self-fulfilling prophecy? We think it’s the latter. Which is why if you’re new to the city we want to set you up with all the tried & tested ways for meeting new people in Vancouver – it’s a much more social city than people give it credit for.
Why is it hard to meet people in Vancouver?
Vancouver obviously has its 'lonely city’ reputation for a reason, and if you’re heard the term “Vancouver Freeze,” you know what we’re talking about. The rainy weather, busy lifestyles (thanks to the high cost of living), and a culture that’s a little more reserved, can combine to give the city a frosty feel . A lot of connections here revolve around outdoor activities, so if hiking or skiing isn’t your thing, it might feel even harder to meet people. But don’t worry—it’s not all doom and gloom! There are communities abound in this city, you just have to know where to find them. Which is where this article comes in.
Run Clubs: The Active Way to Meet New People in Vancouver
Vancouver’s social running clubs are the perfect way to combine fitness with friendship and explore the city on foot. Whether you're dashing through the cobblestone streets of Gastown with A Very Good Run Club, cruising at a conversational pace with Kitsilano’s Kits Social Run Club, or hitting the pavement downtown with Social Run Club YVR, there’s a group for every vibe and every runner. These clubs welcome all fitness levels, from casual joggers to serious sprinters, creating an inclusive space to bond over shared goals and post-run victories.
But it’s not just about the running—it’s about the community. Many clubs go beyond the trail, hosting post-run coffees, brunches, and social mingles that make it easy to spark new friendships. Exploring a few clubs can help you find the perfect fit for your pace, personality, and postcode.
💡 You can find every single run club in Vancouver on Common Ground’s extensive list, including their pace, distance, and neighbourhood.
East Van Run Crew are one of Vancouver’s biggest & most social run clubs. You can find them and every other Vancouver run club (including their pace, distance & neighbourhood) on Common Ground’s extensive catalogue.
Social Events: The Experiential Way to Meet New People
Every week in Vancouver, events are hosted across the city designed especially for new people to meet. Common Ground is home to a lot of these events & experiences. From the Bike & Brews brewery tour, to Well Fed’s social dinners, to Draw Around Vancouver’s social paint nights, there’s something for everyone. Fancy something a bit more exclusive? Common Ground’s very own Secret Soirées whisk you away to a secret venue, where you’ll mix and mingle with a handpicked group of guests in an unforgettable setting. Every event is crafted to bring like-minded people together, so whether you're exploring the city, trying something new, or just looking for good conversation, Common Ground is where connections are made.
The Secret Soirée is one of Common Ground’s most popular social experiences, and a great way to meet new people in Vancouver.
Sports Teams: The Other Active Way to Meet New People
Vancouver’s social sports teams are another great way to stay active, pick-up a new (or old) hobby, and build lasting connections. Whether you're spiking volleyballs at Kits Beach, having a kickabout on the soccer field, or joining a laid-back softball league, there’s a team for pretty much everything. Organizations like Urban Rec make it easy to jump in, offering a variety of leagues for everything from dodgeball to ultimate frisbee, while places like Rec Sports Team have a comprehensive list of loads of independent clubs & leauges. Many teams keep the fun rolling after the games, with post-match drinks, team socials, or special events & parties. Don’t worry if you’re new to the sport—these teams are more about the fun than the score, making them perfect for beginners too.
Studios & Clubs: The Expensive Way to Meet New People
Most of what we’ve listed above are free/affordable ways to connect with people, but there is another slightly pricier route: the membership. Vancouver’s membership-based communities are tried & tested way to connect with like-minded locals while doing something you love. Join a class-based fitness studio, like 604Athletics or VanCity Yoga to sweat it out with a tight-knit crew that thrives on camaraderie and high-fives after every workout. Prefer something a bit more creative? Pottery studios like Bahoo Studio offer memberships where you can shape, spin, and glaze your way into new connections with fellow artists. For those seeking wellness and a bit of thrill, cold plunge and sauna spaces like Gatherwell provide a unique environment to recharge and bond over some Nordic cold plunge & sauna. If you want to try something out without the commitment, then you can find social events hosted by many of these places on Common Ground.
These memberships don’t just give you access to facilities—they invite you into a community, where it’s almost harder not to pick up some new pals along the way. Whether you’re getting stronger, more creative, or simply more zen, these spaces make meeting new people a doddle.
Gatherwell is a Nordic sauna & plunge spa, who host regular social experiences on Common Ground.
So, where’s best to meet people in Vancouver? Kind of everywhere.
So, despite its frosty reputation, Vancouver’s a pretty social place. No matter your interests or comfort zone, the city offers countless ways to meet new people and build new relationships. Whether you're joining a social running club, signing up for a sports league, attending a curated event with Common Ground, or diving into a membership-based community, there’s something for everyone. The key is taking that first step—showing up, saying hello, and seeing what happens next. Enjoy your time here, and keep us posted!