Whether you’re visiting or live in the land of maple syrup and hockey, a VPN can be invaluable for maintaining online privacy and safeguarding sensitive information. On top of that, using a VPN in Canada will help you access geo-restricted content based abroad.
While Canada is a beacon of openness in many ways, it’s still a prominent member of the Five Eyes Alliance, a group of countries notorious for monitoring their citizens and sharing intelligence among themselves. So, while the country seemingly has a strong stance on internet freedom, you cannot be too careful.
We’ve tested and reviewed scores of VPN services based on relevant factors. This article will explore the top five VPN services for Canada so you don’t waste your time and money (or worse) on a dud.
Why Do You Need a VPN in Canada?
Canada has a reputation for open spaces, politeness, and friendly faces. But does that fully extend to the digital world? Freedom House rates the country pretty high in terms of access and open expression. Still, there are limitations lurking beneath the surface that a VPN can help overcome.
Take its Five Eyes membership. Sure, you’ll never find internet police patrolling cafes, but you cannot rule out the chances of government-sanctioned monitoring. In fact, in 2020, the Five Eyes requested backdoor access to encrypted communication services.
There are also security and privacy issues to worry about. Like everywhere else, hackers lurk in unprotected public networks, and ISPs can easily record your online activities (browsing history, download history, and metadata).
Plus, you may be locked out of your favorite websites or content libraries while in Canada, because of geo-restrictions.
A VPN handles all these issues and more. When you connect to a VPN server, the service reroutes your online traffic through an encrypted tunnel to that server, which may be in another country. This encrypts your data, making it unreadable to hackers and even your ISP. It also masks your actual location, allowing you to bypass those pesky geo-restrictions to access the content you want. If you wish to learn more, we have published an article that explains in detail how a VPN works.
That said, choosing the best VPN service is the key to making all this work properly in and outside of Canada.
The 5 Best VPNs for Canada in 2024 – Our Detailed List
Hundreds of VPN services are out there, so it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of options. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
We tested dozens of VPN providers specifically for Canadians, putting them through rigorous checks. The following five VPNs rose to the top. They optimally combine the best speeds, security, and features for smooth and secure online experiences. Let’s get down to it.
6300 servers
111 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9.4 /10
3000 servers
105 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
8 simultaneous connections
9.1 /10
27000 servers
45 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
10 simultaneous connections
9 /10
3000 servers
65 covered countries
30 days money-back guarantee
Unlimited connections
8.7 /10
12000 servers
100 covered countries
45 days money-back guarantee
7 simultaneous connections
8.4 /10
1. NordVPN – best VPN for Canada overall
NordVPN was an easy choice for the top VPN for Canada. In 2024, it remains one of the most trusted options. It comes with a massive collection of servers, with over 6,300 options distributed across 111 countries. It has 480+ servers in Canada, located in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
If you’re interested in speedy connections (of course you are), there’s no better option. 10 Gbps servers, a custom protocol built around WireGuard, and a well-optimized network all but guarantee excellent performance. It delivered the fastest long-range connections in our tests.
What’s more, exceptional unblocking capabilities allow you to unblock geo-restricted libraries on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and more. And when you’re abroad, your Canadian IP address comes in handy for accessing home-based websites and content.
As for security, the VPN implements military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to scramble your data and ensure secure transmission. A reliable kill switch, protection against DNS leaks, and several other advanced and extra features are included. Plus, NordVPN has undergone independent audits of its no-logs policy. Combine that with RAM-only servers, and you can rest assured no third parties have access to your online sessions.
NordVPN supports a wide range of platforms and devices, with a single subscription potentially covering up to ten devices at once. A 30-day money-back guarantee lets you test the VPN’s features and service before committing.
Pros
- 480+ servers in Canada
- Most reliable VPN for unblocking streaming platforms
- Apps for all devices
- Fastest VPN
- 24/7 live chat
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Doesn’t support port forwarding for P2P
- Lackluster malware-blocking results
2. ExpressVPN – most secure VPN in Canada in 2024
ExpressVPN isn’t far behind NordVPN when it comes to providing quality VPN service for Canada. It has a network comprising 3,000+ servers across 105 countries, and like the best VPN in Canada, they’re located in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
ExpressVPN’s servers deliver blazing-fast connections. During our tests, we encountered next to no buffering while streaming (even in 4K quality) and enjoyed lag-free online gaming.
Looking to scale over digital borders for exclusive content? We found that ExpressVPN comes through much more often than not. It easily unblocks various Netflix libraries, as well as other popular platforms like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video. You can also rely on it to watch American TV from Canada.
ExpressVPN offers industry-standard and advanced features like AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and obfuscation. Its encrypted tunnel is airtight and prevents DNS queries from leaking. What’s more, the provider’s TrustedServer technology keeps it running on volatile memory that wipes clean with each reboot, helping enforce its strict no-logs policy.
The VPN has apps for popular operating systems and works with several others without native VPN support. It offers protection for up to eight simultaneous connections per account. In addition, you have up to 30 days after purchasing a plan to cancel and get your money back or continue using the service.
Pros
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Easy-to-use apps
- Great for unblocking streaming services
- Split tunneling
- Good performance
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Lack of advanced features
3. Private Internet Access – the cheapest Canada VPN
Private Internet Access has VPN servers in every American state. It’s not quite as prevalent in Canada, but that vast network — 30,000+ in 91 countries — means you’re spoiled for choice anyway.
The VPN comes with 10 Gbps servers. That said, connection speeds aren’t always consistently fast. Still, with so many servers available, switching to a faster option is super simple, especially as the provider has handy ping labels to guide you. You’ll experience the best performance by connecting to nearby servers and using WireGuard.
You’re in luck if you’re interested in enjoying Netflix US or other services like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video from Canada, as PIA unblocks them. And when you’re abroad, connecting to its streaming-optimized server in Ontario will provide you access to local content.
If PIA’s American headquarters sets off any alarm bells, it’s worth noting that the VPN has undergone independent audits to verify its no-logs policy. And that it uses RAM-based servers and is open-source.
The highly customizable VPN is packed with security features, including bank-level encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and an ad-blocker.
We especially like that there’s no limit on simultaneous device connections. Combined with its cheap pricing, that spells great value for your money. On top of that, this reliable VPN for Canada has a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. You get a full refund if you’re unimpressed.
Pros
- Very affordable
- 30,000+ servers
- Open source apps
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Good for streaming and torrenting
Cons
- Could be faster
- US jurisdiction
4. Surfshark – top option to protect your entire family
Surfshark is another budget-friendly VPN for Canada that packs a punch. In fact, it’s easily one of the best providers on the market in 2024.
The VPN boasts a network with over 3,200 servers spread across 100 countries. And when you’re seeking a truly local experience on your trips abroad, you can connect to one of the 120+ servers located in Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver.
They’re not all 10 Gbps servers (the VPN is rapidly upgrading its network, though), so don’t expect NordVPN-level speeds. Still, you’ll barely notice any hiccups in your internet connection while connected to a Surfshark server. Moreover, there are no bandwidth limits or data caps to worry about, which means uninterrupted browsing, streaming, and downloads.
One of Surfshark’s under-the-radar strengths is its ability to seamlessly overcome geo-blocks. While testing the VPN, it didn’t back down to any geo-restrictions on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
Surfshark comes loaded with top-of-the-line features, including an AES 256-bit encryption algorithm, a kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, malware and tracker blocker, and more. Positive results from independent testing verify that the provider doesn’t collect or store personally identifiable logs on its servers.
There’s no device cap — with one Surfshark subscription, you can protect as many devices as you want. Each account includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day VPN free trial, allowing you to try one of the best VPN services for Canada risk-free.
To make an informed decision, know that we recently compared Surfshark and NordVPN side by side.
Pros
- Servers in 100 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connection
- MultiHop and split tunneling
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- High monthly price
- 9-Eyes jurisdiction (Netherlands)
5. CyberGhost – reliable VPN for streaming, gaming, and torrenting in Canada
Private Internet Access is the only VPN with a bigger collection of servers than CyberGhost, with the latter offering 12,000+ servers in 100 countries. That’s 126 locations globally to guarantee you have at least one nearby, wherever you are. And with its 500+ servers in three cities, you can obtain a Canadian IP address from abroad.
CyberGhost recommends using WireGuard for better performance. So, we tried it out and found that it did provide faster speeds and consistent connections.
It’s the only Canadian VPN with optimized servers for online gaming, which explains why it’s high up our gaming VPN list. In addition, CyberGhost offers dedicated servers for better torrenting and streaming.
The latter category helps you unblock exclusive content on many streaming services worldwide, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. We tried out several of those servers and found they largely worked as advertised.
CyberGhost implements AES 256-bit encryption to keep hackers and snoops guessing. It also comes with a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and an ad-blocker. With the VPN installed, you can hop on a public Wi-Fi network, assured that it’ll protect your personal data from malicious actors.
A minor drawback is that you can only attach seven devices to your CyberGhost account. However, a generous 45-day money-back guarantee on its long-term plan makes up for it.
If you’re having trouble making a choice, take the time to read our review of CyberGhost or our NordVPN vs CyberGhost analysis.
Pros
- A lot of servers in Canada
- Audited no-logs policy
- Very reliable for streaming and torrenting
- Several add-ons (antivirus, dedicated IP address, etc.)
Cons
- Its ad blocker could be more efficient
- Only 7 simultaneous connections
How We Selected the Best VPNs for Canada
There’s a wide range of capabilities in the VPN market, so several considerations came into play while making this list. Here are some factors we looked out for on our hunt for the best VPN for Canada.
- Security: This is the foundation of any VPN. We looked for providers with robust encryption (like AES-256) and top-notch features to safeguard your data from prying eyes, including hackers and your ISP.
- Privacy: A no-logs policy is non-negotiable for a VPN. More points for third-party verification and RAM-only servers, as that means all but guarantees your data is for your eyes only.
- Server Network: We prioritized VPNs with large server networks across the globe, especially focusing on those with servers located in Canada for optimal performance and bypassing geo-restrictions.
- Speed and Performance: Slow providers are incredibly frustrating. We tested VPNs for speed to ensure you can enjoy smooth streaming, browsing, and downloading without buffering or lag.
- Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Many Canadian residents want access to geo-blocked content in the US and elsewhere. So, we seriously considered each VPN’s ability to unblock popular streaming services and websites from other countries.
- Compatibility and Connections: We prioritized VPNs with support for your preferred devices (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, etc). Plus, we looked out for providers that allow connecting many devices simultaneously with one subscription.
- Customer Support: It is vital for when you need assistance. The best Canadian VPNs have quality customer service available around the clock.
- Money-back Guarantee: We looked for VPNs with generous money-back guarantee periods. That way, you get to try the service risk-free to see if it meets your requirements before committing.
Can You Use a Free VPN in Canada?
You can use free VPNs in Canada — some even offer Canadian servers. However, it’s not something we generally recommend, as providers in that category are usually not worth your trouble.
For instance, most free VPNs are severely restricted in terms of network size. That inevitably translates to congested servers and frequent slowdowns. Combine that with data caps and bandwidth limits, and you have a recipe for frustration.
It can get worse than that and usually does. Many free VPN services aren’t shy about harvesting your data for profit, a practice that undermines the essence of using a VPN in the first place. What’s more, they may come with inadequate features and protocols, basically providing a backdoor for external actors.
Stick to premium options like those listed above for quality and reliable service. If your budget is the issue, you may opt for an affordable VPN like Private Internet Access.
Conclusion
Canada’s spot in the Five Eyes Alliance is cause for concern for privacy-conscious residents, but the rising cybercrime rates are an even bigger problem. Plus, while there’s content curated for Canadian audiences, it’s never really enough, is it?
Thankfully, you can subscribe to a premium VPN for Canada to effectively handle these issues. We’ve tested dozens of options, and this article ranks the top five.
Our favorite? NordVPN, with its lightning-fast connection speeds, reliable service, and feature-rich toolkit. Each plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you don’t take any financial hit if unsatisfied.
Bypass blocks at school with NordVPN
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best VPNs for Canada, as well as our responses.
What’s the best VPN to use in Canada?
NordVPN is the best VPN you can use in Canada. It’s feature-rich, offers unparalleled performance, and easily bypasses geo-restrictions on blocked websites and online services. The other providers on the list above are suitable alternatives.
Do VPNs actually work in Canada?
Short answer: yes, they do. A VPN service encrypts your data and masks your online presence, shielding you from intrusive surveillance and cyber threats. In addition, it allows you to access exclusive content behind geo-blocks.
Are VPNs legal in Canada?
Yes, VPNs are completely legal in Canada, as no laws or policies ban or restrict their use. However, breaking existing laws while using a VPN may land you in legal trouble.