Americans Seek Canadian Dates: Finding Love is Just the Cherry on Top!

While many use dating apps to find love, there’s a growing trend of Americans using these platforms to seek dual citizenship.

Increasingly, singles from the U.S. are setting their dating app locations to Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. But they’re not just searching for love; they’re seeking an escape from the political turmoil, high healthcare costs, and general burnout they face at home.

“It’s a welcome change from the chaos happening in the U.S. right now,” shared Ellie Coverdale, a 39-year-old teacher from Arizona, with The Star. She switched her dating app location to Toronto in 2024, right before the elections. “Several friends have relocated to Canada and they’ve been praising the culture and political environment. I figured I might as well see it for myself,” she explained.

Ellie isn’t the only American looking northward. Following Trump’s re-election, MapleMatch, a dating app designed to connect Americans with Canadians after the 2016 election, experienced another spike in popularity. The app registered over 5,500 new users post-election, with 1,000 of those sign-ups occurring on Election Day itself.

“I receive countless emails from Americans who are fed up and seek my help to find a partner who shares their values,” stated Joe Goldman, the founder of MapleMatch. “Many feel isolated in small towns and believe someone from Canada could really understand them.”

For some, finding a Canadian partner also means access to free healthcare. Dating app bios are increasingly likely to mention “Will marry for healthcare and emotional stability” or “In search of love and a way out.”

Older adults are also getting involved. Chapter 2 Dating, a platform for widows and widowers, has reported that requests from Americans wanting to be featured on their Canadian site have doubled.

Tinder’s Year in Swipe report for 2024 noted that Mexico and Canada are the top destinations for Americans looking to match with someone across borders. “People are dating with more purpose,” commented Tinder’s CMO Melissa Hobley. “They are clear about their desires and unwilling to compromise.”

However, not all Canadians are eager to match with Americans. Toronto content creator Jess Katzman recounted, “I began chatting with someone only to discover he was in Florida. We still talk, but it’s less serious now. People often say they’ll move, but how many actually do?”

Relationship coach Channa Bromley summed it up: “When a nation feels unstable, so does its dating scene.” For many, pursuing a relationship across borders isn’t just about romance; it’s about seeking stability and safety.