Where to Meet Singles in Montreal in 2026 (Without Dating Apps)

This might be the most self-serving blog post I’ve ever written… but here we go.

Let’s be honest: dating apps are kind of dead.

The big tech companies got greedy. They made millions (billions, probably), and somehow that still wasn’t enough. So they tweaked the algorithms to keep you swiping, keep you addicted, and—ironically—keep you single.

And guess what? It backfired.

People are burnt out. Conversations go nowhere. Matches feel disposable. More and more singles are deleting their apps altogether.

So now what?

If we’re not swiping, how do we actually meet someone in real life?

Here’s the truth: meeting the right person requires a mindset shift. A few things need to happen first.

1. Develop grit and endurance

Meeting new people is hard.
Making friends is hard.
Making a romantic connection? Even harder.

Sometimes, putting yourself out there can actually make you feel lonelier. But there’s no shortcut around that discomfort, it’s part of the process.

Dating isn’t like ordering something on Amazon. You don’t scroll, click twice, and have the perfect partner show up on your doorstep the next day.

It takes effort. Rejection. Patience. Trying again.

Think of it like college: you work hard, you show up, you study, but you also grow, meet people, and create memories along the way. The work is what makes the experience meaningful.

We live in a world where everything is instant, and I truly believe that’s affected how we date. We expect quick results. But real connection takes time.

If you want love, you need stamina.

Build resilience. Expect a little frustration. Keep going anyway. Dating isn't Amazon Prime !

2. Be intentional, not just social

There’s a difference between being busy and being intentional.

Sure, you can go out to bars or random parties… but if no one there is actually looking for something serious, you’re wasting energy.

Dating becomes easier when you put yourself in environments where everyone shares the same goal.

That’s why curated events (like FFL) work so well, everyone is single, open, and there for a reason. You skip the guesswork.

But don’t stop there.

Stay active in your life:

• join a run club

• take a class

• try a book club

• say yes to dinner parties

Hobbies make you more interesting and give you things to talk about. Plus, Montreal is small, connections overlap. The person you meet at an event might know someone from your yoga class or your friend group.

And here’s something people forget: tell others you’re single and serious.

People love playing matchmaker.

Make friends. Build community. Every genuine connection can lead you one step closer to your person.

It’s not about being transactional, it’s about being open and intentional with the people you meet.

3. Be clear about what you want and open to surprises

Know your standards. Don’t settle.

But also… don’t be so rigid that you miss something great.

Sometimes we think we know exactly what we want — and then someone completely different shows up and changes everything.

Not every date has to be “the one.”
Some dates are just lessons.
Some are practice.
Some help you clarify what you don’t want.

And that’s still progress.

Every experience gets you closer to the right match.

In my experience, many people stay single not because there’s no one out there but because they’re unclear about what they truly want when it shows up.

Clarity + openness is the sweet spot.

Why in-person events still work

This is exactly why dating events — and especially FFL — are so effective.

When you walk in:

• everyone is single

• everyone is open

• everyone is there to meet someone

You’re already on a date the moment you arrive.

There’s no awkward “are they single?” guessing game. No endless texting. No weeks of back-and-forth.

And if you do match with someone?
You’re basically already on date #2. You’ve skipped the small talk and can actually get to know each other.

It’s faster, more natural, and honestly… way more fun.

Dating isn’t broken — we’ve just been relying on the wrong tools.

Get out. Be intentional. Stay open. Build endurance.

Your person isn’t hiding in an app.
They’re out there living their life.

Go meet them.

Best,
Jenn