The best VPNs for Canada in 2024

Want to stream Canadian TV channels or access services back home? A VPN can help. The best VPNs bypass geo-restrictions by providing access to IP addresses in Canada.

By using a virtual private network (VPN), Canadian internet users can ensure that all of their internet traffic is encrypted. This means their online activity is hidden from internet service providers (ISPs) and government agencies alike. Given the power that the Canadian intelligence services have, this can only be a good thing. The best VPNs also let you access region-blocked internet services, including watching Canadian streaming services like Crave from abroad.

We’ll get into more detail about individual providers later in this article. In the meantime, here’s a quick summary of the top VPNs for Canada:

1. NordVPN: Our #1 choice of VPN for Canada. Provides fast connections; 480+ RAM-only servers in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal; and rock-solid security. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Canada. Combines unlimited device connections and access to 126+ Canadian servers. It works well with all major streaming services and can bypass country blocks, too. 
3. ExpressVPN: Provides robust security, fast connections, and RAM-only servers in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Excellent access to streaming servers and enables easy protection of your entire home network.
4. Proton VPN: Swiss provider with 110+ servers in Canada and a speed-boosting tool for long-distance connections. Works great with international streaming providers and is a good option for torrenting, too. 
5. CyberGhost: Very fast connection speeds and a vast server network with hundreds to choose from in Canada alone. The company issues a quarterly transparency report detailing data requests and has an audited no-logs policy. 
6. Atlas VPN: Secure service offering unlimited device connections and fast connection speeds. Optimized servers in Canada provide consistent access to streaming providers and are P2P-friendly. 
7. IPVanish: Owns its entire server network, including those in Canada. Combines notably fast speeds with good security and an independently audited no-logs policy. 

Summary Table

Choosing the best VPN from the hundreds available isn’t easy, which is why we used the following criteria to narrow the field.

• Servers in Canada
• Fast connection speeds
• Ability to access Canadian streaming services
• Strong privacy and security features
• Good value for money
• Easy-to-use apps
• Responsive customer support

To be included as one of our top three providers, we also require VPNs to have independently audited software and infrastructure; a RAM-only server network; and effective obfuscation. You can read more about our testing methodology later in this article.

The best VPNs for Canada 

Here's our list of the best VPNs for Canada:

NordVPN has established itself as one of the leading VPN services. A combination of innovation – and successful marketing – have made it a fixture of the public consciousness. Indeed, in 2022, Time magazine named it one of the year’s best inventions.

NordVPN has 6,000+ servers worldwide, with 480+ in Canada alone. These are located in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. It takes seconds to connect, and the service works seamlessly with major streaming platforms, including the Canadian Netflix library. 

The NordVPN SmartPlay feature switches the DNS servers of connected devices, which means it can be used to help smart TVs and games consoles bypass streaming geo-restrictions. NordVPN can also be used for file-sharing and has dedicated P2P servers that are optimized for large transfers of data.

Features include one-click access to the Tor network; the ability to increase encryption by routing traffic through multiple servers; and obfuscation that can bypass blocks of the most restrictive countries i.e. China. 

Note that the Meshnet feature – where users can create private networks between devices they trust to pass network traffic – is now free for anyone, regardless of whether they have a Nord account. 

NordVPN apps have a clean graphical user interface (GUI) and are easy for anyone to get to grips with. They’re available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. Connections can also be manually configured with a wide range of routers. If you have any questions, a responsive support team is on hand 24/7 via live chat. 

NordVPN adheres to an independently audited no-logs policy. It protects customer data using 256-bit AES channel encryption, together with SHA384 authentication and a 3072-bit DHE-RSA key exchange. 

The provider gave its network security an overhaul after being hacked in 2018. Attackers at a third-party data center in Finland were able to steal configuration files and the private keys associated with certificates used to secure NordVPN web servers. NordVPN responded by instigating a bug bounty program; an independent security audit; and making the switch to a diskless server network. 

BEST VPN FOR CANADA: NordVPN is our recommended VPN for Canada. It has an audited no-logs policy, hundreds of Canadian servers, and easy access to all major streaming platforms. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark offers plenty of nifty features without making subscriptions overly expensive. It’s particularly good value for larger households as it places no limits on the number of devices that can connect at the same time.  

The provider has 126+ RAM-only servers in Canada, which are spread across three cities: Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. These provide fast connections that are good enough to stream 4K content without buffering.

Surfshark works well with Netflix Canada, as well as being able to access international streaming services like Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. It can also help devices that aren’t compatible with VPNs – like smart TVs – get connected via its smart DNS feature.

Features include being able to detect when a torrent client is open and automatically connecting to a dedicated P2P server. Surfshark also has MultiHop servers for additional encryption; obfuscation (Camouflage mode) that works in China; and a CleanWeb tool that acts as a tracker, plus ad and malware blocker.

Privacy-wise, Surfshark has an audited no-logs policy and a Rotating IP service that regularly switches users’ IP addresses within each session. Internet traffic is protected using AES-256 encryption.

Surfshark apps are straightforward to use and available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. There are also audited browser extensions – with additional CleanWeb functionality – available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. 

One possible negative for would-be subscribers is that – like many other successful providers – Surfshark has been bought by a larger company. 

In 2022, Surfshark announced a merger with Nord Security – the parent company of NordVPN. According to a press release at the time, the two companies intend to operate autonomously, relying on separate infrastructures and product development schedules. Nevertheless, the merger is yet another example of the VPN industry becoming controlled by a relatively small number of players. 

GOOD VALUE: Surfshark has plenty of speedy Canadian servers and an audited no-logs policy. Subscribers get unlimited device connections and easy access to Netflix Canada. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN has an excellent reputation for privacy and security, with several audits of its apps and infrastructure, and a swathe of features designed to protect subscribers. It has RAM-only server locations in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, and thousands more in 105+ other countries. 

ExpressVPN works well with Netflix Canada, as well as Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. Its MediaStreamer tool allows users to change their device’s DNS settings, thus allowing devices that don't natively support VPNs to access geo-restricted content. 

A range of features include a fast and open-source proprietary connection protocol; built-in public WiFi protection; and obfuscation that helps internet traffic bypass blocks in countries like China. The company also has an Onion site where users on the Tor network can sign up almost virtually anonymously. 

Apps are free of DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, and are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Nvidia Shield, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. ExpressVPN also provides a dedicated app for routers, making it easy for subscribers to protect their entire home network, while only using one of the eight allotted device connections. 

In 2021, ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies. Kape – in its former incarnation as Crossrider – became notorious for selling software that could inject ad-ware into users’ browsers. Kape now styles itself as a cybersecurity solutions company and has several VPNs in its portfolio. These include CyberGhost VPN, Private Internet Access, and ZenMate. 

For its part, ExpressVPN says that it will continue operating as a separate brand and service. More importantly, it will continue to carry out independent third-party audits and penetration tests to recertify its no-logs policy and identify any vulnerabilities. It’s worth noting that ExpressVPN also has a one-time $100,000 bug bounty for anyone able to compromise its systems.

TRUSTED SERVERS: ExpressVPN has a global network of high-speed RAM-only servers, with several options available in Canada. It works well with streaming providers and plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN has 110+ servers spread across three Canadian cities. It offers an additional three SecureCore servers that route network traffic through servers maintained and owned by Proton VPN in privacy-friendly countries like Iceland and Switzerland.

For long-distance connections, Proton VPN has a speed acceleration tool that optimizes several processes involved in routing traffic. Speeds are decent overall and the provider works well with the Canadian libraries of internal streaming platforms like Netflix.

Proton VPN is a solid option for torrenting, too. Subscribers benefit from a kill switch that cuts the flow of internet traffic if the VPN connection drops out; split tunneling, which allows users to specify which apps use the VPN tunnel; and – more unusually – port forwarding. This latter feature enables users to connect to more peers and download files quickly. 

Other Proton VPN features include built-in DNS and IPv6 leak protection; 10 simultaneous device connections; and a stealth mode that obfuscates internet traffic so that it can bypass blocks in restrictive countries like China. 

All of Proton VPN’s apps are open-source and have additionally been independently audited. They’re easy to use for novices, but with plenty of customization options – like adjustable encryption – for those with more VPN experience. Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Linux. Subscribers are allowed to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

ProtonVPN is owned by Proton Technologies AG, which many will know as the owner of ProtonMail. Many will also know that ProtonMail was compelled to begin logging the details of one of its customers. While some might assume that this could happen to VPN customers as well, ProtonVPN insists that its no-logs policy could not be undermined in this fashion. Its website states that: “Within the current Swiss legal framework, Proton VPN does not have forced logging obligations.” 

STRONG ON PRIVACY: A favorite among journalists and privacy advocates, Proton VPN is also a great option for connections to Canada. It offers plenty of server choice, reliably fast speeds, and an audited no-logs policy.

Read our full Proton VPN review.

CyberGhost has a huge global network of impressively fast, RAM-only servers. Some 484+ of these are in Canada, and can provide secure and private access to streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. 

Features include a kill switch; built-in DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection; 24/7 customer support; seven simultaneous device connections; and free browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. 

Split tunneling is only fully available on Android, while Windows users get access to the Smart Rules feature. This allows them to specify which servers particular apps should connect to, and what the app should do when it detects various WiFi networks.

Apps can be navigated intuitively, and are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. While connected, users’ internet traffic is protected using a combination of 256-bit AES encryption, 2,048-bit RSA keys, and SHA256 authentication. 

Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies – a company that, in its previous guise, had made money by selling ad-injection software. Since its acquisition, CyberGhost has continued to issue quarterly transparency reports that detail various authorities’ data requests. It has also undergone independent audits of its VPN server network, management systems, and – by extension – its no-logs policy. 

Although originally based in Germany, CyberGhost has moved beyond the reach of the 5/9/14 intelligence-sharing alliances by settling in Romania. It has its own data center in the country where it tends to its high-security NoSpy servers. For a fee, subscribers can use these servers and enjoy a dedicated uplink, more bandwidth, and yet faster speeds. Claims that they are “impenetrable” should be taken with a pinch of salt, however.

FAST CONNECTIONS: CyberGhost combines fast speeds and the ability to access a range of streaming platforms. It has hundreds of servers in Canada and reasonably priced long-term subscriptions. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

Atlas VPN has a relatively small server network, but is nevertheless able to offer consistently fast connection speeds using Canadian IP addresses. Its streaming-optimized servers provide access to all the major platforms, though only to the US content library with Netflix.

Features include MultiHop servers; data breach monitor and malware blocker; built-in leak protection; split tunneling; and a kill switch. Some servers – unfortunately, not those in Canada – provide access to Atlas VPN’s SafeSwap system. This allows users to rotate through multiple IP addresses while connected to a single server.

Users’ internet data is protected using 256-AES encryption, together with SHA-384 or Poly1305 authentication, and BLAKE2s for hashing. Atlas VPN adheres to a no-logs policy, which has been independently audited. 

Apps are available for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. There’s an app for Linux, but it’s command line only. 

Like Surfshark, Atlas VPN has been acquired by NordVPN’s parent company, Nord Security. A press release at the time stated that the team behind Atlas VPN would continue to act independently, provided that it adhered to core transparency principles and performed regular third-party audits. While this all sounds good on paper, the acquisition isn’t ideal for the market as a whole as it further limits the available competition. 

STRONG ON SECURITY: Atlas VPN provides unlimited device connections and fast, reliable connections to Canadian servers. It works consistently well with the largest streaming platforms and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

IPVanish offers some of the fastest connection speeds available and has plenty of options for using a Canadian IP address. It also adheres to an independently verified no-logs policy and owns the majority of its network hardware. 

It isn’t, however, the best option for streaming – though it’s certainly better than most providers at changing your location. So, while it didn’t work with BBC iPlayer during tests, it did work with Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Moreover, it was able to access Netflix, though not the Canadian library. 

Subscribers are able to connect as many devices as they like simultaneously, and can choose from a range of apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, and FireTV. There’s no app for Linux, but the more determined users can configure a connection manually – there’s help to do this in the IPVanish knowledge base. Alternatively, users can contact customer support, which is available 24/7 via live chat. 

The apps’ features include split tunneling; automatic start-up; a kill switch; access to a SOCKS5 proxy; and built-in DNS leak protection.

Internet traffic is protected using a combination of 256-bit encryption, SHA512 for authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2048 key exchange. IPVanish uses the lightweight WireGuard connection protocol by default, though you can use OpenVPN, IKEv2, or IPSec if you prefer.

Although it has now had its no-logs policy audited by the Leviathan Security Group, IPVanish had previously come under fire for providing data logs that identified one of its customers to the US Department of Homeland Security. However, the company has changed ownership several times since the incident, which happened in 2016. Its current owners – J2 Global – have included the provider in the NetProtect portfolio of businesses.

SPEEDY CANADA VPN: IPVanish has several options for connecting in Canada, and very fast servers to do it with. The company owns its network hardware and has a robust privacy policy. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

Methodology for choosing the best Canadian VPNs

With so many choices available, trying to pick just one provider can be surprisingly difficult – particularly as so many of them appear to offer almost identical services. We ignore each company’s marketing guff and objectively compare them against a specific list of criteria using our testing methodology. This is outlined below: 

• Servers in Canada: Accessing geo-restricted Canadian content when traveling abroad requires a Canadian IP address. The best way to do this is by connecting to a server in Canada – ideally one that isn’t heavily loaded or blackout-prone. The best VPNs for Canada have numerous servers available for online content. 
• Fast connection speeds: We regularly test all of the top VPNs to ensure that we only recommend those fast enough for day-to-day activities like streaming or gaming. They should at the very least allow for HD streaming content without buffering issues. It should also offer a reliable service.
• Ability to access Canadian streaming services: While most VPNs with servers in Canada can be used to watch national TV channels, far fewer can access the Canadian libraries of international streaming platforms. We regularly check whether VPN providers work with American content via platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max. We also conduct tests for sports streaming. 
• Strong privacy and security features: A VPN that doesn’t protect your data is worse than useless. We only consider providers that have a clear no-logs policy and a combination of 256-AES encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection at the very least. Ideally, they should also offer split tunneling, obfuscation, MultiHop servers, and port forwarding. As such, we've looked for privacy-focused VPNs.
• Good value for money: If you don’t want to be constantly exposed to advertising, then you’re going to have to pay to use a VPN. The good news is that subscriptions needn’t be excessively expensive – particularly if you move onto a long-term plan. In making our recommendations, we try to find the right balance between the quality of service and the corresponding subscription charges. If a VPN service doesn’t represent good value, then we don’t recommend it.  
• Easy-to-use apps: Well-designed apps enable those new to VPNs to find their way around and establish a connection without having to delve into the supporting documentation. When they’re ready to explore further, the available options should be easy to access and easy to undo. The very best apps manage to combine the appearance of minimalism with an in-depth functionality that keeps experienced users happy, too.  
• Responsive customer support: When problems arise, there’s nothing more reassuring than having someone immediately available to help. We, therefore, value those providers that offer 24/7 live chat. They should also maintain a searchable and detailed knowledge base. 

Bonus points

In addition to the criteria above, we also award bonus points to VPN companies that provide any of the following (each of our top three providers offers the below):

• Access to China: The Chinese government is exceptionally skilled at controlling the flow of internet traffic in and out of the country. All but a very few VPN providers are able to provide access to the country.
• Diskless servers: Servers that are able to permanently store customer information pose a security risk. With this in mind, better VPN providers are switching to RAM-only servers. These are physically unable to store sensitive information long-term, with the memory being wiped at every reboot. In addition, diskless servers provide more consistent service as they can run from copies of the same up-to-date software.   
• Incorporation outside the scope of intelligence alliances: The cross-border sharing of intelligence is well-established. The existence of international alliances – such as the 5 Eyes – have been in place for decades, and allow for the mass surveillance of normal citizens. To avoid being compelled to monitor subscribers, the best VPNs choose to place themselves in places like Panama and the British Virgin Islands, which are not members of any publicly-known intelligence alliance.
• Audited software and infrastructure: Over the years, it’s become increasingly clear that some VPN providers store customer data – even though they claim to have a no-logs policy. To restore consumer faith, increasing numbers of VPN companies are paying for independent audits of their hardware and software. These verify claims about a no-logs policy and also identify any exploits or vulnerabilities that could compromise the security of apps or servers. 

How to use a VPN in Canada

It’s easy to protect yourself online and access otherwise restricted services by using a VPN. Just follow these steps:

1. Choose a VPN with servers in Canada – we recommend NordVPN as the best option for most people.
2. Decide on a subscription length and sign up. 
3. Download and install the relevant app for your device.
4. Restart the device when the installation is complete.
5. Open the app and choose “Canada” from the list of available countries.
6. Choose a location within Canada. The most common options are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Choose whichever is nearest for optimum connection speeds.
7. Click the “connect” button.
8. Wait until the app lets you know that a connection has been established.
9. Enjoy using the internet with encrypted data and a Canadian IP address.

Can I use a free VPN for Canada?

We don’t recommend it. For one thing, they rarely have enough servers to provide decent connection speeds – especially if you’re intending to stream. Users experience frequent delays before being connected, with some providers even operating a queuing system. 

More troubling are free VPNs’ privacy policies. Most will log at least some of your activity and may sell it on to third parties as a way to generate revenue or be forced to reveal it if legally compelled to do so by their country’s government. Others require unnecessary permissions that could inadvertently put your device at risk. 

If you can’t afford a subscription, some good quality providers do offer a stripped-down version of their paid-for products for free. Designed as a way for people to test-drive their service, these free versions tend to be as secure and private as the parent product. What they don’t have are the same feature set. For example, you may only be able to choose between a few servers. Some also impose data limits. It'll be difficult to use a free VPN to access blocked Canadian sites. 

Best VPNs for Canada – FAQs

Should I use a VPN in Canada?

We’d recommend using a VPN at all times. If you’re in Canada, you can still connect to a Canadian server and access all of the same services as you normally would. However, by connecting via a VPN, you’ll be protecting your internet traffic from third-party inspection.

A general right to privacy is not enshrined in Canadian law. Indeed, according to Freedom House, both ISPs and mobile service providers may be legally required to aid the government in monitoring the communications of their users. 

In 2017, the government passed Bill C-59, which addressed some problematic features of previous anti-terrorism laws. However, as critics pointed out, it still allowed the government to engage in mass data collection. 

Is it legal to use a VPN in Canada?

Yes, VPNs are legal everywhere in Canada. That’s not to say that they should be used for illicit activities. Canada’s Criminal Code can be used to prosecute those using a computer to incite hatred, threaten or intimidate others, or counsel suicide. It’s also illegal to share intimate or sexual images or videos of a person without their consent.

What Canadian TV can I watch with a VPN?

Canada has a variety of national TV channels for both English and French speakers. These include: 

• Noovo
• CBC 
• Citytv
• CTV
• Global TV
• Crave
• RDS

Do I need a fast VPN in Canada?

Most people in Canada have fast broadband and mobile internet that is good for streaming, torrenting, and other data-intensive tasks. This makes it important for those users to get a VPN that will not destroy their online experience by bringing their internet to a grinding halt. 

Unfortunately, the vast majority of VPNs have cheap networks that will slow down your internet by anything between 30 and 90%. This is incredibly frustrating because it makes it hard to watch HD TV, play games, and make video calls.

The VPNs we have recommended in this guide were chosen because, in addition to providing watertight security, they also have fast servers and protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN UDP. This ensures that you can gain online privacy while still enjoying the same fast speeds you pay your ISP for.

Of course, even the fastest VPNs have to encrypt your connection and route your data via an intermediary server. However, the VPNs we have suggested in this guide all do so without slowing down your internet unnecessarily, and you can expect less than a 10% drop in speed, allowing you to continue streaming, torrenting, and video calling in private.

Can I access US services in Canada with a VPN?

Yes. If you are visiting Canada or living in Canada but need to use American internet services, you can easily regain access with a VPN. Simply connect to a VPN server in the state where you require an IP address. When the VPN connects, you will get a valid US IP address, which means you can log in and use Netflix US, Hulu, or any other US-only service that is usually unavailable in Canada.