New to Vancouver? Start here.

Vancouver can feel like a hard city to meet people. These groups are free (or cheap), beginner-friendly, and welcoming to newcomers. Just show up.

Get moving

Y Adventure Kommunity (YAK) Free adventure club — hiking, paddle boarding, biking, bouldering, and camping to make friends through outdoor activities. Social Run Club Social runs for beginner to intermediate runners. Fun runs, not competitive. Just show up. Rueda de la Vida Free outdoor Latin dance every Friday with a beginner lesson at 7pm. No partner needed.

Make friends

We Should Be Friends Park hangs, pottery nights, spin classes, neighbourhood book clubs — focused on lasting friendships. DayOfUs — Dinner with Strangers Weekly curated dinners pairing you with 5 strangers at a surprise restaurant. Meatless Meetup Social events for vegetarians and vegans. 5,400+ members and growing.

Get creative

Draw Around Vancouver Drawing circles, creative flow workshops, and still life sessions. Slow, alcohol-free, beginner-friendly. Shut Up & Write! Vancouver Quiet writing time followed by chat at VPL Central. Accepting, supportive, judgment-free.

Learn something

Silent Book Club People gather to read silently together, then chat. Introvert-friendly, low-pressure social. Vancouver Philosophy Salon Philosophical dialogue and friendly debate covering wide variety of topics from Plato to Buddha. Vancouver Beer & Chess Chess + drinks in a social setting. "We play chess and get to know people who like chess."

Find your community

Vancouver Frontrunners Inclusive running and walking group. No-drop policy, LGBTQ+ friendly. Vancouver Gaymers 2SLGBTQIA+ gaming community. Board games, video games, and social events. The DUDES Club Men's talking circles focused on health and wellness. Participant-led community of brotherhood.

Ready to explore more?

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