HOW IS DATING IN MONTREAL- CONNECT IN THE CITY

The atmosphere at Connecting the City, a singles event held in Montreal, was lively, filled with food, music, and the promise of new connections. Yet amid the laughter and conversations, one recurring theme emerged from participants: the city’s dating scene remains uniquely challenging.

For many attendees, the event offered a refreshing alternative to online dating platforms like Tinder or Bumble. “I missed that whole connecting with people face-to-face,” said Eva, one of the participants. “It’s different from swiping on an app—it’s real, and you can tell right away if you have chemistry.”

Still, Eva pointed to what she believes is one of the major issues in Montreal’s dating landscape: the lack of male participation. “There are far more women here than men,” she noted. “In Montreal, men are less willing to take risks, while in Toronto, events like this are packed because people there think more long-term.”

The gender imbalance was echoed by others at the gathering. “It was a beautiful event with great food and music,” said another attendee, “but if there’s one thing missing, it’s men. We need more men in the room.”

Organizers and consultants at the event acknowledged the challenge. One management consultant suggested the solution might lie in how events are promoted. “It depends on the channels where tickets are sold. If most are marketed on female-dominated platforms, women will buy. To fix this, organizers may need to use outlets that reach men more effectively.”

Beyond numbers, however, many participants saw value in the event itself. Some described it as an opportunity not only to meet potential partners but also to network for business and friendship. “I came to meet women, but I also made contacts for my business,” one guest remarked. Others stressed the importance of creating more spaces where people could comfortably step outside their routines. “If you don’t leave your comfort zone, you won’t meet anyone in Montreal,” said a young woman, who left the evening with new friends and future plans.

Suggestions for improvement varied. Some called for more accessible pricing, while others emphasized stronger advertising within the Black community and on diverse platforms. “Had it been promoted more widely on Black platforms, it would have been a killer,” said Eva. “This was their first one, and I’m glad I was here, but visibility matters.”

The evening was also filled with optimism. Organizers hinted at expanding Connecting the City to other Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary. Abby, one of the organizers, said, “Montreal gave us the vibe, but we’re looking forward to connecting people across Canada. Dating here can be challenging, but events like this prove that real connections are still possible.”

By the end of the night, participants agreed on one key takeaway: Montreal’s dating culture may be difficult, but gatherings like Connecting the City offer hope, community, and perhaps, the beginning of something more.