6 Best VPNs for Canada in 2023

Canadian Communications Security Establishment (CSE) logs citizens' data and is part of the 5-Eyes Alliance. That said, if you plan to visit the country anytime soon or already reside there, it’s a great idea to use a Canada VPN to keep your sensitive data away from prying eyes.

We’ll also mention that Canadian regulations leave loopholes, allowing intelligence agencies to actively monitor citizens’ activities online. The government’s surveillance has only strengthened over time with the availability of new electronic technologies. 

A capable VPN for Canada will protect your privacy through various tools in its arsenal. Also, when you connect to a VPN server in Canada from abroad, you can access geo-restricted sites and streaming services. You just need to know which VPN you should use.

This article will walk you through the best VPNs for Canada and highlight their features that help seamlessly secure your connection. We'll also show you how to use a VPN, explain what to expect from one, and we'll answer some FAQs. Let's begin!

Best Canada VPN - Our Shortlist

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN for Canada
2. NordVPN - Best Option for Extra Security Features
3. CyberGhost VPN - Best Privacy-Friendly Canada VPN
4. Private Internet Access - Best VPN Servers in Canada
5. Surfshark - Best for Unlimited VPN Connections
6. IPVanish - Best VPN with High-Grade Security

How to Use a VPN in Canada

It’s easy to use a Canada VPN, as all you need to do is - subscribe to your chosen service and connect to one of its servers to secure your connection. Here’s how that’s done:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works in Canada (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device(s).
3. Open the app and log in to activate your account.
4. Connect to a VPN server in Canada or elsewhere, based on your needs.
5. You can now securely browse the Web. That’s it!

Use a VPN to quickly get a Canadian IP address and access sites only available in the region. On the other hand, if you’re facing trouble accessing certain apps or sites in Canada, connect to a server elsewhere on the globe to immediately restore access.

Best Canada VPN

The criteria for choosing the best Canada VPN aligns with the criteria explained in our guide to the best VPNs with the most servers. That's because your chosen VPN must have plenty of servers in Canada across multiple locations. However, to unblock websites from within the country, you also need plenty of VPN servers abroad.

Then, it must have a stringent no-logs policy that prohibits the VPN from collecting any of your data. This data can take many forms, including your IP address, browsing history, and connection timestamps. Also, a solid VPN will support the latest VPN protocols like OpenVPN and feature unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption.

Last but not least, you'll want a VPN that's reasonably fast for Web services to work reliably. You'll also want to pay attention to simultaneous connections, platform compatibility, money-back guarantees, and customer support.

Based on the criteria explained above, these are the 5 best Canada VPNs in 2023.

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN for Canada

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Canadians as it offers super-fast speeds that leave other VPNs in the dust. But, more importantly, this VPN has 3,000+ servers in 90+ countries. It offers servers in Canada as well, in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Few Canada VPNs give as much forethought to every aspect of the user experience as this VPN. You get intuitive apps for devices like phones, tablets, computers, routers, smart TVs, and game consoles. This VPN also gives you 5 simultaneous connections.

ExpressVPN features best-in-class AES-256 encryption that guards your data against network snoopers. The service goes a step further by offering its own unique VPN protocol called Lightway, in addition to supporting robust protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2.

We'll also mention that ExpressVPN is a verified no-logs VPN service. Its servers are RAM-based, so there's no chance of your data being stored on its servers.

Also, this Canada VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to help you evaluate all features and still get a refund if you don’t like the service. ExpressVPN also offers 24/7 customer service over live chat in the rare event that you face any problems.

2. NordVPN - Best Option for Extra Security Features

NordVPN is one of our favorite Canada VPNs, thanks to its blazing-fast performance and rich feature set. At the moment, it has 5,000+ servers in 60 countries worldwide and 450+ servers in Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto.

This VPN doesn’t log any Internet data and is headquartered in Panama, a privacy-friendly country with no mandate to collect any information. Aside from that, we particularly like the advanced features NordVPN packs in, including double VPN functionality.

NordVPN allows you to route traffic through two servers and benefit from double encryption. The first VPN server masks your IP address before it reaches a second server to disguise it, further cementing your privacy online again. All that happens with AES-256 encryption.

We'll also add that NordVPN supports up to 6 simultaneous connections. You get apps (which are very easy to install and use) for any platform imaginable. And, of course, this is an audited no-logs VPN service.

NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there are no risks involved in buying its subscription. They also have a responsive customer support team that you can reach out to over live chat (24/7-available) or email.

3. CyberGhost VPN - Best Privacy-Friendly Canada VPN

CyberGhost has 450+ servers in Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto, making it one of the best Canada VPNs. Overall, it has 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries around the world. No matter where you are, you’ll always find a server close to your location for fast and anonymous browsing.

This VPN for Canada has been independently audited and goes by a solid no-logs policy. The company is based in Romania, one of the most privacy-friendly countries, with no mandates to collect your data.

Another feature we’re fond of is CyberGhost’s RAM-only servers. When you connect to one of CyberGhost VPN’s servers, you leave no trail on their systems. Aside from that, this VPN is powered by OpenVPN and WireGuard, both of which are secure options.

If you want to stream movies and TV shows, CyberGhost has streaming-optimized servers for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more. There are even dedicated gaming- and torrenting-optimized servers.

CyberGhost offers an industry-leading 45-day money-back guarantee, a rare offering these days. Let's not forget to mention that 24/7 live chat support awaits as well.

4. Private Internet Access - Best VPN Servers in Canada

Private Internet Access is a trusted name in the VPN space, and for good reason - it’s one of the oldest players in the cybersecurity industry. However, what makes PIA particularly great is that it has many VPN servers in Canada. You’ll find fast servers in Montreal, Ontario, Vancouver, and Toronto.

PIA has a vast network of ultra-fast servers in 80+ countries, so you can always connect to a server anywhere on the planet to unblock restricted sites in Canada. And if you often access American websites, know that PIA has servers in all 50 US states.

PIA provides easy-to-use apps for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and smart TVs. The icing on the cake is that PIA’s apps are open source, which sets the VPN apart from its competitors. Since the source code is fully open, anyone can inspect PIA’s code, which brings unparalleled transparency.

Then, you'll get WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec across all PIA's Canadian servers. Using those, you can secure your traffic, browse the Web freely, stream media, and even download torrents.

PIA has a stringent no-logs policy that mandates the company not to store user data logs. Also, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which provides you with ample time to test out all features. Finally, you can count on 24/7 live chat support in case of any questions.

5. Surfshark - Best for Unlimited VPN Connections

Surfshark is a great Canada VPN option for those who want to enjoy VPN protection on a strict budget. This VPN has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries globally and sports 100+ Canada servers in 3 locations: Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. 

In addition to powerful 256-bit AES encryption and support for advanced VPN protocols like WireGuard, Surfshark also packs in several other cool features. Take its cookie pop-up blocker, for example, which automatically blocks cookie consent pop-ups. It’s a feature you don’t find in most VPNs and comes in quite handy indeed.

Another interesting tidbit is that Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections. It also supports practically any device imaginable by offering nicely designed software.

Surfshark offers an entire portfolio of privacy and security-focused solutions. That said, you can also try Surfshark Antivirus — a power-packed anti-malware solution for your Windows, macOS, and Android devices.

Lastly, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee when you purchase a subscription. On top of that, you get 24/7-available live chat support.

6. IPVanish - Best VPN with High-Grade Security

IPVanish is an independently audited no-logs VPN provider that operates 50+ servers in Canada across 3 locations: Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. And if you need to access global content, IPVanish has 2,200+ VPN servers in 75+ locations worldwide.

This VPN supports unmetered connections with no bandwidth restrictions whatsoever, and this is good news for users looking to pick IPVanish for streaming. You get to connect an unlimited number of devices with no restrictions on data consumption.

Also, IPVanish is one of the few VPNs offering a SOCKS5 proxy. That protocol is designed to hide VPN traffic, which is useful in evading ISP detection in Canada. You can access SOCKS5 servers through the IPVanish app, as well as choose between other protocols, like OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec, and WireGuard.

Since IPVanish is based in the USA and falls under the Five Eyes’ jurisdiction, having an audited no-logs policy provides some level of confidence in the service’s ability to keep your online activities private.

With 12 years of experience in the VPN industry, IPVanish is more than a worthy VPN for Canada. You can try it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Its customer support team is available 24/7 via live chat and email.

Why Do You Need a VPN for Canada?

You need a VPN for Canada if you wish to stay anonymous online and escape mass surveillance. A good Canada VPN will not only make your Internet connection more private and secure but also help you access geo-restricted content.

Use a VPN in Canada to:

• Mask Your Identity: A VPN helps mask and hide your IP from government authorities, cyber-criminals, ISPs, and other snoopers. A good VPN also keeps DNS leaks away to boost your anonymity on the Internet. 
• Secure Public Wi-Fi Access: A VPN encrypts your connection end-to-end to protect sensitive information on unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi at cafes and hotels.
• Unblock Canadian Content Anywhere: Using a VPN server in Canada gives you access to Canadian TV series and movies from anywhere in the world.
• Boost Connection Speeds: ISPs often restrict your bandwidth when streaming or gaming to preserve the network performance. A VPN encrypts your connection, so your ISP can no longer restrict your speed based on your Internet activities.
• Bypass Firewalls: You can use a VPN to torrent and game even on restricted networks. It can also bypass firewalls at school or work to access blocked sites. 
• Keep Malware Away: Many VPNs go a step further and block malicious content and ads from loading in your browser.

That’s not all; if you still need more reasons regarding why use a VPN, our comprehensive guide covers it all.

What to Look for When Choosing a Canada VPN?

Choosing a VPN for Canada comes down to a few criteria that we will outline for you:

• AES 256-bit encryption: Encryption is the process of converting data into an unreadable format. It prevents a third party from monitoring your activities. The best VPN for Canada must offer strong security in the form of AES 256-bit encryption, which is the toughest symmetric encryption available.
• Global VPN servers: A VPN with servers in various regions of the world allow you to access content not available in the country. Similarly, look for a VPN with servers in Canada, as that will let you access content with a Canadian IP address from anywhere in the world.
• No-logs policy: A VPN with a no-logs policy ensures that it will not log what you do online. Always look for a Canada VPN that has also been audited by a third party.
• Compatibility: Having broad compatibility with platforms like Windows, Android, and iOS will let you use the VPN on multiple devices. Moreover, the feature will be more useful if the VPN provider supports simultaneous connections.

Can I Watch Canadian TV in the US?

Yes, you can watch Canadian TV in the US. Whether you live in the US or are there for work or vacation, you can still watch popular Canadian TV and streaming platforms like CBC, Crave, CTV, and Club Illico, even from the US. 

Going for the best VPN in Canada remains your surest bet for this. That’s because a Canada-based VPN server is your gateway back to all your favorite Canadian TV content. 

As a result of your US IP address, your geo-data would be revealed to Canadian streaming platforms, and your access would be restricted. You would therefore need to change your IP address using a Canada-based VPN server. 

Can I Use a Free VPN for Canada?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for Canada, but we highly recommend against it as it can compromise your privacy rather than protect it. 

Running a VPN service incurs many costs, including the costs of maintaining a massive global server infrastructure. If a VPN offers its services to you for free, it’s likely to log your data and sell it to third parties to generate revenue.

Free VPNs also often analyze your browsing and inject ads into your Internet traffic, which is a blatant invasion of your privacy. Premium VPNs charge you to keep their services functional and have a no-logs policy - guaranteeing they won't capture or sell your data to anyone. 

That said, we strongly recommend avoiding any risks. Ensure your sensitive data is handled carefully, which only premium VPNs can guarantee. So, pick any of the recommendations from above, or visit our central guide to the best VPN.

Final Thoughts

The best VPN for Canada is one that can mask your identity in the country, protecting you from mass surveillance and keeping network snoopers away. An ideal VPN hides your IP address, encrypts your connection, and offers Canadian servers for a fast VPN connection. As you can see, those are plenty of requirements, and you have every right to be picky when choosing a VPN. 

We recommend ExpressVPN as the best Canada VPN for its no-logs policy, fast servers, and truly global server network. The service also has top-notch advanced features, including split tunneling and DNS leak protection.

That’s all for our guide to the best Canada VPNs. If you have questions, we’re all ears! Please leave us your thoughts in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!