In a February 13, 2009 New Scientist article, "Valentine's Day Special: The Dating Game", author Valerie Jamieson states, "According to Mark Brooks, editor of onlinepersonalswatch.com, half of singletons in the US...now use internet dating. And a fair number, around 20 per cent, find long-term romance." But where do the other 80 per cent find romance? The following are sure-fire places for women in Toronto to meet men offline:
Driving Ranges Toronto
As the old saying goes, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em". Actually, many women are hitting the links these days so the old adage no longer applies. The overwhelming majority of those practicing their swing are men. These guys are more than happy to offer a tip or two on correct tee-off positions, which is a perfect way to strike up a conversation. Driving ranges in the Toronto area where women can meet new men include:
- Canada Sports Centres, Dixie and Dundas
- Polson Pier (The Docks) Driving Range,11 Polson Street
- Beach Fairway Golf Range, 411 Victoria Park Avenue
Rogers Centre
Women who are looking for men offline have to remember to go where guys hang out. One of the best ways to meet men is at the Rogers Centre while watching Toronto Blue Jays baseball. Attend the game with another girlfriend and chat about Roy Halladay's fastball with the two hot guys sitting nearby.
Air Canada Centre
The Air Canada Centre, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team, is overflowing with card-carrying members of the Y-chromosome club. Slip down to Lord Stanley's Mug bar on the first level at intermission where you can discuss Pavel Kubina's slapshot skills with potential new men.
Sports Bars Toronto
Some women can't afford the often pricey ticket to a sporting event in Toronto, but they can do the next best thing and check out the sports bars that are located near the sporting venues before or after a game. Popular downtown bars that also have big screen TVs for game night include:
- Wayne Gretzky's, 99 Blue Jay Way
- Hoops, 125 Bremner Blvd.
- The Bier Markt, 58 The Esplanade
- Harbour Sports Grille, 10 Yonge Street
Hardware Stores Toronto
Although this doesn't sound like the most exciting way to meet new men, the reality is this is where men go to buy the things to build the stuff that women love them to build. Engage in heated discussions in the power tools aisle about the most efficient hand-held drills. Head to Guytown Central (Keele and St. Clair) where women will find many men reaching a new level of awareness in the nirvana of Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Rona and Future Shop stores.
Meeting Guys at the Gym
Although meeting a guy at the gym is a good sign that he is fit, it can be a tricky place to engage in conversation. Many men hit the gym to work their biceps and then take off. A better option is to work out at your bff's downtown condo gym and meet her upscale neighbours! Guys will tend to be more relaxed and friendly in their own condo with those who are neighbours.
The Pet Friendly Park
What is it with these furry beasts? They're taking over the city! But walking Fido can be a great way for gals to meet guys at the local off-leash park. Bring along a coffee, snag a park bench and chinwag with the neighbourhood hottie while the canine crowd gets rid of their excess energy. And who isn't a sucker for a guy that loves animals? Off-leash parks are located at:
- Trinity Bellwoods Park, Queen and Shaw Streets
- South Stanley Park, King and Walnut Streets
- David Crombie Park, 131 to 171 The Esplanade at Lower Sherbourne
- Riverdale Park West, 375 Sumach at Carlton
Internet dating does not produce success rates for everyone. By revising their dating strategy to attend places where men hang out, women in Toronto will increase their changes of meeting men offline.
