In certain instances, we may earn revenue when a reader makes a purchase or completes a form through our pages or on a partner’s website. We adhere to a strict Are you planning to visit Canada, or are you already residing there and looking for the best VPN for Canada? One might need a VPN in Canada for numerous reasons, mainly online security.
In recent years, Canada has introduced numerous surveillance legislations, namely the C-11 and C-18 bills, allowing internet service providers to catch copyright violations and monetize social media platforms to spread Canadian news publications. The country also belongs to the Five-Eyes Alliance, an intelligence-sharing network between five allies, including the US, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
So, a reliable VPN is a must if you want to access global content or improve your online security. By encrypting your internet traffic, a VPN essentially hides your data from any third parties, including your ISP. Additionally, you can change your real IP address, bypassing geo-blocks on streaming or news sites globally. Therefore, we examined over 20 VPNs on the market and shortlisted the top 5 best Canada VPNs based on security, performance, and price.
- Show Full Guide
The 5 Best Canada VPNs at a Glance
- NordVPN – Best Canada VPN overall
- Surfshark – Best cheap VPN for Canada
- ExpressVPN – Premium, easy-to-use Canada VPN for streaming
- PureVPN – Excellent low-priced VPN for Canada
- CyberGhost – Top Canada VPN for frequent travelers
How to Get a Canadian IP Address
- Choose a fast and reliable VPN with Canadian servers. NordVPN currently offers the largest number of Canada VPN servers.
- Download and install the NordVPN app on your preferred device.
- Connect to the Canadian server. Open the NordVPN app and connect to any Canada VPN servers in Vancouver, Montreal, or Toronto.
- Make sure the real IP is not leaking. After connecting to the server, go to an IP checking tool and enter the new VPN-generated IP address. If everything’s correct, you should see the new location’s IP address.
Why Do I Need a VPN in Canada?
Whether you’re living in Canada or just visiting, here are some reasons a VPN will be useful:
- Hide online activity – Canada is part of the Five Eyes Alliance, a comprehensive and highly secretive intelligence-sharing network accused of spying on citizens and tracking their online activities. A VPN encrypts your online data and changes your IP address to hide your internet activity from your Internet Service Provider and surveillance agencies, ensuring greater privacy.
- Public Wi-Fi security – When using public Wi-Fi at a hotel or airport, a VPN encrypts your connection so that no one can intercept your data or monitor your online activities.
- Bypass geographic blocks – Since Canada doesn’t have access to the streaming platforms of other countries, you’re restricted to content in Canada. A VPN lets you bypass these geographic blocks for a seamless no-border experience. This way, you can access global content in Canada and binge-watch your favorite Canadian shows when traveling.
- Better online deals – Websites use cookies and other trackers to monitor your online behavior and alter the pricing of their services or products accordingly. By disrupting trackers, a VPN can prevent you from being subject to such price changes.
See our guide to the best VPNs for travel for more recommendations.
Are VPNs Legal in Canada?
Using a VPN is completely legal in Canada, whether you’re a Canadian native, an expat, or traveling to Canada. A VPN is seen as a legitimate tool for improving online privacy and anonymity, bypassing geo-blocked content, and accessing top deals globally. However, using a VPN to participate in illegal activities remains prohibited by law, resulting in potential penalties.
Although there are doubts surrounding the legality of offshore operators accepting Canadian bets, engaging in gambling activities using a VPN with offshore operators isn’t a criminal offense. Additionally, VPN usage for producing and distributing child pornography, accessing unauthorized copyrighted material, and dealing with cybercrime can have severe legal repercussions in Canada, even long-term imprisonment.
Best VPNs for Canada Reviewed
After extensively testing over 20 VPNs, we’ve shortlisted the five best VPNs for Canada. During our evaluation, we considered factors like security features, privacy, server network, speed, and pricing. Take a look below:
1. NordVPN – Best Canada VPN Overall
| Server Fleet | 7,100+ servers across 118 countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in Canada | Yes, 480+ |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and browser extensions |
| Starting Price | US $3.39/month |
Why We Picked It
NordVPN is the speediest Canada VPN, featuring high-level security for data-guzzling tasks, and has the most VPN servers in Canada.
Features
NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol achieves 90% speed retention, making it one of the fastest VPNs in the market, perfect for 4K streaming or gaming. Plus, its military-grade encryption effectively masks your online activities.
NordVPN is also based in Panama, a privacy-friendly country outside the 14 Eyes Alliance. There’s also an independently audited no-log policy, which ensures that none of the user data is stored.
Moreover, the provider offers Threat Protection: a file blocker, an ad blocker, and a web protection to defend your system against malicious code. There’s also a double VPN feature, split tunneling to customize your VPN connection, dark web monitoring, and a kill switch to cut off your internet in case the VPN connection drops.
Server Fleet and Streaming
Boasting 7,100+ servers well distributed across 118 countries, NordVPN has the largest geographic coverage among our picks. It also has this list’s leading server count in Canada, with over 480 servers in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
NordVPN seamlessly bypasses geographic restrictions to unlock Canadian streaming platforms such as Crave, CBC Gem, TSN, and Sportsnet. Plus, I was able to accesses Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ in the US, UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, and other regions.
Pricing
NordVPN’s starter plan is US $3.39/month and protects ten devices. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee, and Android users get a 7-day free trial exclusively.
Who It’s Best For
Fast server speeds and all-around protection make NordVPN the best for Canadian users and visitors seeking smooth performance while 4K streaming, multiplayer gaming, and video calling.
For more information, read our NordVPN review.
Pros
- 7,100+ servers worldwide (480+ in Canada)
- Lighting-fast speeds
- Extensive security package
- Effective ad blocker and web protection
Cons
- Free trial limited to Android users
2. Surfshark – Best Value for Money VPN for Canada
| Server Fleet | 3,200 servers in 100+ countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in Canada | Yes, 120+ |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and browser extensions |
| Starting Price | CAD $2.79/month |
Why We Picked It
Surfshark is the only Canada VPN on this list with unlimited device connections. Not to mention, its speedy protocol, powerful security, and low price make it a superb choice for versatile online protection.
Features
Surfshark has trustworthy security features, like RAM-only servers that don’t store any user data, a kill switch, an audited no-logs policy, DNS and leak protection, an ad and tracker blocker, and multiple tunneling protocols.
Its security goes beyond VPN protection, with email masking and antivirus to safeguard from phishing, malware, and malicious sites, fortifying your security in Canada and outside.
Moreover, its speed retention exceeds 86% for a fast VPN connection suitable for data-intensive streaming and video conferencing.
Server Fleet and Streaming
Surfshark has 3,200 RAM-only servers in over 100 countries, with an impressive 120+ servers in three Canadian cities (Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver).
Surfshark successfully unblocks Canadian streaming platforms like DAZN, FuboTV, Criterion Channel, and FX Canada.
It can also access global content libraries on streaming sites, such as Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+, in the US, UK, France, Japan, Australia, and India.
Pricing
Surfshark’s starter plan costs just CAD $2.79/month and supports unlimited connections. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Regarding the free trial, Android, iOS, and Mac users get seven days for testing.
Who It’s Best For
Surfshark is ideal for Canadian users who want comprehensive security, speed, and unlimited connections at an affordable price. Its proficient geo-unblocking and security extras considerably enhance its value for money.
For more information, read our Surfshark review.
Pros
- Affordable prices
- 3,200 servers globally (120+ in Canada)
- Comprehensive security features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
- No free plan
- No free Windows trial
| Server Fleet | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in Canada | Yes, N/A |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and browser extensions |
| Starting Price | US $4.99/month |
Why We Picked It
ExpressVPN‘s simple interface, tough security, and excellent geo-unblocking prowess make it a dependable Canada VPN, especially for streaming.
Features
ExpressVPN’s swift and secure proprietary Lightway protocol promises high-speed retention ranging from 77% to over 90%, aptly complementing its server distribution and geo-unblocking capabilities.
Along with being based in a privacy-oriented country, it follows a strict no-logs policy and includes a kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. Plus, there’s a post-quantum encryption, a rare feature among VPNs, that defends against potential threats from quantum computing advancements.
Although missing a double VPN and dedicated IP, ExpressVPN has handy security and privacy features like a password manager, parental controls, and an ad and tracker blocker.
Server Fleet and Servers
ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, 80% of which have 10Gbps bandwidth for enhanced speed. It has an undisclosed number of servers in Canada, spread across Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
ExpressVPN effortlessly unblocks Canadian streaming platforms like Crave, CTV, Fearless, and DAZN during my testing.
You can also use it to access Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, and other global platforms and libraries in the USA, UK, Australia, Italy, Ireland, etc.
Pricing
ExpressVPN is the most expensive VPN on our list, costing US $4.99/month and covering eight connections. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial for iOS and Android.
Who It’s Best For
ExpressVPN is best for users willing to spend more for a user-friendly, premium VPN service that reliably bypasses geo-blocks globally without compromising speed or security.
For more information, read our ExpressVPN review.
Pros
- Fast connection speeds
- Global geo-unblocking
- User-friendly app
- Strong security measures
Cons
- Expensive
- No double VPN or dedicated IP
4. PureVPN – Best Low-Cost VPN for Canada
| Server Fleet | 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in Canada | Yes, 2+ |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Compatibility | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and browser extensions |
| Starting Price | US $2.14/month |
Why We Picked It
PureVPN is the cheapest VPN for Canada on this list and one of the few that has dedicated servers, dedicated IP, and port-forwarding add-ons.
Features
PureVPN’s 67% speed retention lags behind the other VPNs, but it has add-ons like dedicated servers, dedicated IP, and port forwarding, which can enhance speed and privacy.
Importantly, it doesn’t skimp on security – you get multiple protocols, a no-logs policy with an always-on independent audit, a kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection.
In addition, its obfuscated servers mask your VPN usage, and quantum-resistant encryption protects you from quantum computing threats.
Server Fleet and Streaming
PureVPN’s impressive server fleet includes over 6,000 servers in 65+ countries, with an exceptional 20Gbps bandwidth on some. It has a few servers in Canada (Toronto and Vancouver) and is compatible with Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, and browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Firefox). PureVPN also has torrenting-optimized servers in 35+ countries for faster P2P file sharing and downloads.
The provider isn’t the most efficient VPN for geo-restriction bypassing, but it unlocks many Canadian streaming services, such as CBC Gem, Crave, CTV, and DAZN. It also unblocks Max, Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+, Spotify, and Netflix in regions like the US, France, Singapore, and Australia.
Pricing
PureVPN is among the cheapest on the market, with prices starting at US $2.14/month for ten devices. There’s a 31-day money-back guarantee but no free trial.
Who It’s Best For
PureVPN is ideal for users living in or regularly traveling to Canada who want a budget VPN option and don’t mind the long-term commitment. Its configurable extras and large server count also make connections more secure.
For more information, read our PureVPN review.
Pros
- 6,000 global servers (2+ in Canada)
- Affordable prices
- Reliable security measures
- Cheap add-ons
Cons
- Speed could be better
- Servers in only 65 countries
- No free trial
5. CyberGhost – Best Canada VPN for Frequent International Travelers
| Server Fleet | 11,700+ servers in 100 countries |
|---|---|
| Servers in Canada | Yes, N/A |
| Simultaneous Connections | 7 |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Browsers |
| Starting Price | US $2.19/month |
Why We Picked It
CyberGhost has the highest server count on our list, making it a reliable Canada VPN for stable connections, whether you’re in Canada or traveling across different continents.
Features
CyberGhost’s speed retention can vary from 67% to 86%, depending on the connecting server’s distance. Nonetheless, it safeguards users with its sturdy security offerings, including multiple tunneling protocols, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, and a no-logs policy.
CyberGhost is also based in Romania, a privacy-friendly country outside the jurisdiction of 5, 9, and 14 eyes countries. It has NoSpy servers (in Romania) that are wholly owned and managed by it without third-party involvement.
Add-ons include dedicated IP for helping users maintain a consistent online identity and avoid getting blacklisted by websites in other countries and antivirus for Windows.
Server Fleet and Streaming
CyberGhost’s 11,700+ RAM-only servers are distributed in 100 countries, including three Canadian cities (Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto). The provider also offers optimized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
CyberGhost successfully unblocks CBC Gem, DAZN, and Crave in Canada. It also bypasses geo-blocks in countries such as the US, Brazil, Australia, and Japan, allowing access to platforms like Paramount+, Peacock, Hulu, Sling TV, and Netflix (regional libraries).
Pricing
CyberGhost’s cheapest subscription retails for $2.19/month and covers seven devices simultaneously. Uniquely, this VPN has one of the longest money-back guarantees – 45 days.
Who It’s Best For
CyberGhost is best for frequent international travelers who want seamless access to Canadian or international websites, regional streaming platforms, and global news outlets while prioritizing privacy.
For more information, read our CyberGhost review.
Pros
- Remarkable server count and distribution
- Effective geo-unblocking
- Dependable privacy offerings
- Dedicated IP and antivirus add-ons
Cons
- Inconsistent speed retention
- Only seven devices
- Fewer features on Apple devices
Best VPN for Canada Compared
Check out this table for a quick comparison of all the VPNs discussed above:
| NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | PureVPN | CyberGhost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server Fleet | 7,100+ servers across 111 countries | 3,200 servers in 100+ countries | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries | 11,700+ servers in 100 countries |
| Servers in Canada | Yes, 480+ | Yes, 120+ | Yes, N/A | Yes, 2+ | Yes, N/A |
| Speed Retention | 90% | 86%+ | 77% to 90% | 67% | 67% to 86% |
| No-log Policy | Yes, independently audited by Deloitte | Yes, independently audited by Deloitte | Yes, independently audited by PwC, Cure53, and KPMG | Yes, independently audited by Altius IT | Yes, independently audited by Deloitte |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unblocks US Netflix | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unblocks Canada Netflix | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes, 7 days | Yes (macOS, iOS, Android) | Yes (Android, iOS) | No | Yes |
| Starting Price | US$3.39/month | CAD$2.79/month | US$4.99/month | US$2.14/month | US$2.19/month |
How I Tested and Reviewed Best Canada VPNs
- 20 VPNs Tested
- 25 Datapoints Measured
- 300+ Hours Testing
- 500+ User Reviews Read
To provide our readers with accurate and well-informed recommendations, I tested over 20 leading VPN services to find the best Canada VPNs in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
Security Features I ensured that all providers on the list use strong encryption and fast tunneling protocols for the best security and performance.
Privacy Policies I looked for VPNs that implement a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by a third party. An additional bonus is if the provider uses RAM-only servers.
Server Fleet To ensure that you’ll be able to attain Canadian IP but also access foreign content when in the country, I looked for VPNs with large global and Canada-based server fleets.
Geo-Unblocking I tried to access numerous streaming sites, like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and many more, to see whether the VPN service is capable of unlocking geo-restricted content.
Compatibility I made sure that the VPN provider is compatible with the most popular operating systems and offers dedicated, easy-to-use apps.
Price and Value for Money I examined all providers’ offerings, plans, and pricing to ensure that the packages were feature-rich and priced accordingly.
Internet Censorship in Canada
Although Canada is among the most open online countries, the CRTC’s (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) Online Streaming Act and Online News Act have come under scrutiny:
- The Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11), enacted in April 2023, regulates online streaming services, including Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify, to promote the visibility of Canadian-produced content. This legislation aims to support Canadian creators, highlight Indigenous storytelling, and increase the representation of marginalized Canadian communities on broadcasting platforms. Viewers in Canada worry that the CRTC might censor or regulate user-generated content under this law, despite the CRTC debunking that as a myth. Additionally, critics argue that if Canadians wish to view local content, they can easily do so through search functions, questioning the CRTC’s real intentions behind targeted content promotion.
- The Online News Act (Bill C-18) became law in June 2023, mandating that tech giants like Google and Meta negotiate agreements with Canadian news publishers and compensate them for distributing news content on their platforms. According to the CRTC, this measure helps media companies stay financially healthy so they can continue producing quality journalism. In response to this law, Meta started restricting news stories on its platforms in Canada. Concerned Internet advocates, who rely on Google or Meta for news updates, worry that this law will limit the diversity of news stories they can consume.
Features to Consider When Choosing the Best VPN for Canada
Consider these factors when choosing the best VPN for Canada:
- Canadian server options: Ensure the VPN provider you select has servers in Canada to stream content, unblock games, and seamlessly browse with a Canadian IP address, no matter where you are.
- Security and privacy: Cyber-related crimes skyrocketed by 387% in Canada between 2014 and 2022. That’s why choosing a reliable VPN with hefty security features such as powerful encryption, a verified no-logs policy, a kill switch, multiple protocols, and a tracker blocker is crucial.
- Server fleet: Canadian residents must select a VPN with a sprawling server count to access content globally, from geo-blocked platforms to the best local deals. Providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost boast servers in 100 or more countries.
- Speed retention: While a VPN connection inevitably leads to internet speed drops, a provider with a high-speed retention percentage still maintains near-optimal performance to enjoy lag-free internet.
- Multiple connections: VPNs with multiple simultaneous connections are useful for households with many internet users or users with many devices. It’s common to find VPNs with 8 to 10 device connections, but some providers like Surfshark offer unlimited device connections.
- Pricing: On average, two-year subscription plans offer ⅕ of the single-month price. So, long-term subscriptions will always reduce the monthly rate significantly. If you’re willing to make a large upfront payment, this will save you money in the long run.
- Simple interface: Regardless of whether you’re a new user or an advanced cybersecurity expert, the VPN app should be easy to use and navigate. So, look for modern and clutter-free VPN apps.
Can I Use a Free VPN in Canada?
Free Canada VPNs may help you save on costs, but the gaps in their security could leave your internet traffic unprotected and expose your sensitive data to online hackers.
Free VPN services lack the resources to invest in more robust security and a greater server count, defeating the purpose of an effective VPN. Besides, you can’t download heavy files due to limited bandwidth, the over-congested servers dramatically slow down connection speeds, and frequent ad pop-ups can be a nuisance.
So opting for a paid VPN, like NordVPN, with a free trial or money-back guarantee is a safe option to effectively conceal your IP address and enhance your online security.
Conclusion – What is the Best VPN for Canada?
As one of the founding members of the Five Eyes Alliance, online privacy in Canada has always been in question. Recent legislation like the Online Streaming and News Acts hasn’t helped ease citizens’ minds either. So, for an extra layer of security and privacy while in the country, a reliable VPN is a must.
I tested over 20 of the leading providers for this guide, and NordVPN proved to be the best VPN for Canada. It operates under a verified no-logs policy, so your personal data and online activities remain private at all times. In addition, its global server network easily bypasses regional restrictions, and its blazing-fast performance ensures smooth streaming and gaming.
