Canada is not known for its oppressive censorship. However, not all online content is readily available to Canadians.
Moreover, with the introduction of the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11), the content you’ll get recommended may soon be shaped by government institutions. Want to make sure you always have access to any streaming services and apps you want? A VPN can help you out!
Using a VPN in Canada can help you unblock streaming providers like Hulu, which isn’t available in Canada. You can for example connect to a US server to access Hulu or connect to a French server to unblock French content that’s not available in Canada.
With so many VPNs on the market, finding the best VPN for Canada can be difficult. We’ve tested a lot of VPNs to select the best VPNs for Canada.
VPNs for Canada: Quick Overview
I tested 20+ VPNs to find the best VPN for Canada. When evaluating these VPNs, I focused on their security features, speed, the number of physical servers located in Canada, their ability to stream content, and their overall performance.
Our #1 Canada VPN is NordVPN. This provider is an unblocking powerhouse with enhanced security features to help you bypass online restrictions. NordVPN currently has an exclusive deal that gives new users up to 75% off!
Why Do I Need a VPN in Canada?
Compared to places like Iran or Russia, censorship in Canada is limited. In fact, Canada has a very open media landscape; you don’t need a virtual private network to watch independent news or access your social media accounts.
However, a VPN has many benefits for users in Canada:
- A VPN can help you stream region-restricted content (content unavailable in Canada).
- A VPN can help you access your TD Canada Trust or Scotiabank accounts if you’re traveling abroad.
- A VPN encrypts your internet connection, which prevents tracking and allows for more secure browsing.
- VPN services offer extra security features. Top VPN services provide a password manager or secure cloud storage to enhance your overall cybersecurity.
Bill C-11: Is Canada censoring the internet?
The Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11) is in its final stages of adoption. The CRTC implemented Bill C-11 starting in late 2025. The bill grants the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) a lot more regulatory power.
Why does this matter? With Bill C-11, you’ll find that the content you get recommended on audio-visual platforms like Netflix and YouTube might change. This is because the bill aims to promote Canadian content (“CanCon”) as much as possible.
While the intent might be good, Bill C-11 has been criticized as a censorship bill for various reasons:
- It’s nearly impossible to create good guidelines for what “Canadian content” really means.
- Giving the CRTC such regulatory power sets a bad precedent for future censorship.
- Though the bill claims to regulate large companies and not individual users, user-generated content will be affected either way.
The best VPNs for Canada will let you bypass restrictions on global streaming services without issue.
The Top 5 Best VPNs for Canada
Luckily for Canadian users, plenty of excellent VPNs work well in the Great White North. Which VPN is best for you depends on your personal preferences.
Keep reading below to learn more about what I have discovered through my extensive tests of the best Canada VPNs.
1. NordVPN: Best VPN for Canada overall
Based on my rigorous testing, NordVPN is the best VPN for Canada. It’s a fantastic VPN that doesn’t just encrypt your data but also offers 9300 servers in 137 countries (incl. Canada!).
The ultra-fast servers let you unblock any streaming service you want. I could easily unblock Netflix, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, and more with this VPN.
With AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, dedicated P2P servers, and Threat Protection to keep ads and malware at bay, NordVPN keeps you secure on all fronts. With NordVPN, your quality-to-cost ratio is unmatched!
If you’re looking for a fantastic Canada VPN with an extensive server network (300+ Canadian servers!) and incredible security features, this should be your choice. After all, a NordVPN subscription is just $ 3.49/month.
Pros
- Extensive server network with 300+ VPN servers in Canada
- Streaming powerhouse
- Highly advanced security features
- Affordable subscription plans
Cons
- Login through browser
Check out the NordVPN review to learn more about the best Canada VPN.
2. Surfshark: The most affordable Canada VPN
If you’re looking for the best Canada VPN that offers affordable plans, I highly recommend Surfshark based on my tests. For next to no money, you get unlimited simultaneous connections and a VPN that can unblock all major streaming services.
Surfshark has 4500 servers in 100 countries, including servers in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal. With Surfshark I could easily unblock international Netflix libraries and live sports streams from anywhere.
This zero-log VPN won’t leak any of your data thanks to DNS leak protection, RAM-only servers, secure VPN protocols, and CleanWeb ad blocker.
Surfshark has optimized servers for torrenting. You won’t have to sacrifice downloading speeds either, as Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs of the moment. Also, the most affordable, as Surfshark pricing starts at $ 2.49/month.
Pros
- 120+ servers in Canada
- AES 256-bit encryption and great security
- Premium budget VPN
- Optimized servers for P2P
- Works with all major streaming services
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
- Not the most extensive server network
Read more about this excellent Canada VPN in our extensive Surfshark review.
3. Proton VPN: Reliable Canada VPN with robust security
Proton VPN is another excellent Canada VPN. With AES 256-bit encryption and strong VPN protocols this is a secure VPN to use in Canada.
Proton VPN is very user-friendly. With 20300 servers in 148 countries (including Canada!), it’s no problem to unblock a lot of content worldwide.
During my Proton VPN test, I found that it can unblock all the major streaming sites and live sports channels I was interested in.
Proton VPN is fast and during my test I didn’t experience any lag. You can get a Proton VPN subscription for $ 2.99/month.
Pros
- Great speed for streaming
- Works with all the major streaming services
- Secure VPN
- Unblocks region-locked content
Cons
- No dedicated IP's
Read our extensive Proton VPN review for more information.
4. CyberGhost: Best beginner-friendly VPN for Canada
This VPN for Canada is great for people new to using VPN services and who don’t want to break the bank. Every time I test and review CyberGhost, I am impressed by its features and performance. It certainly deserves a top spot in our list of the best Canada VPNs.
The interface is easy to navigate, and the 24/7 support team will help you with any questions. Thanks to optimized servers for streaming, CyberGhost is a great streaming VPN. With thousands of server locations and counting, CyberGhost can unblock a world of entertainment for you.
CyberGhost offers a fantastic malware, spyware, and ransomware blocker. Moreover, you can safely handle your finances online, knowing you’re covered by an automatic kill switch and AES 256-bit encryption.
CyberGhost is an affordable VPN. They offer great VPN deals throughout the year. You can have up to seven simultaneous connections for less than the price of a cup of coffee!
Pros
- Beginner-friendly Canada VPN
- Optimized servers for streaming
- Very affordable
- Safe VPN with strong encryption
Cons
- A little slower on distant servers
You can read more about this beginner-friendly Canada VPN in our CyberGhost review.
5. Private Internet Access: VPN for Canada with the largest VPN server network
If you’re looking for a secure VPN service that’s reasonably priced and offers an expansive server network, Private Internet Access (also known as PIA) is the best Canada VPN for you. From testing Private Internet Access, I can confidently say it’s a VPN worth checking out if you’re on the hunt for the best VPN for Canada!
You can use any of its 35000 servers for free for 30 days and unblock your favorite sites without committing. PIA has the biggest server network with 35000 VPN servers across 91 server locations.
You can get PIA on unlimited devices, meaning you can share your account with friends and family. PIA is also one of the cheapest VPNs. Whether I was streaming Netflix, Disney+, or just browsing the web, PIA would block annoying ads and detect malware before it could infect our device.
While PIA is located in the US (part of the Eyes Alliance), it has proven in court that it doesn’t hold onto any private user data.
Pros
- Secure Canada VPN
- Expansive server network
- Cheap VPN
- Can unblock all major streaming services
Cons
- Located in the US (part of the Eyes Alliance)
Check out our extensive PIA review for more information on this secure Canada VPN.
How I Picked the Best VPN for Canada
In order to score highly, a virtual private network has to give excellent results on multiple fronts, from online security to ease of use. There are several things I keep in mind when selecting the best Canada VPNs.
When selecting the best Canada VPN, I looked at the following factors:
- Security features: Each VPN in this list has been tested in Canada for DNS and WebRTC leaks. I analyzed PIA’s encryption, VPN protocols, kill switch, and additional features like an ad blocker or split tunneling.
- VPN speeds and daily use: Slow VPNs are frustrating. You don’t want to see drops in browsing or streaming speeds. We conducted extensive speed tests and only selected the best VPNs for Canada that performed exceptionally well in terms of speed.
- Zero-logs VPN: Since Canada is part of the Eyes Alliance, I recommend VPNs that don’t store any private data and have been independently reviewed. I combed through the privacy policy of the VPNs to make sure they keep their promise.
- Server network: The larger your VPN’s server network, the more content you can unblock. The best Canada VPNs have a diverse server network, with servers in different parts of the globe.
Can I Use a Free VPN in Canada?
Generally, we’re careful to recommend using a free VPN service. Though there are some great free VPNs out there, they often come with limitations. The main risks include:
- Poor privacy policy: A free VPN might store your data and sell it to third parties.
- Data caps or bandwidth throttling: Most free VPNs usually offer a limited data volume or throttle the bandwidth.
- Small VPN server network: Free VPNs often have limited server networks.
You can also take advantage of free trials for premium VPNs. You can use the NordVPN free trial and test the VPN risk-free for 30 days.
Having said this, there are some great free VPNs you might explore if you are looking for the best VPN for Canada. One we’d like to highlight specifically as one of the best free Canada VPNs is PrivadoVPN because of the security and unblocking features it offers.
PrivadoVPN: Best free VPN for Canada
The best free VPN for Canada is PrivadoVPN. This is a highly secure VPN with a strict zero-logs policy. On top of that, it offers ten different server locations, including Canada.
When testing Privado, I was impressed with how easily the free VPN manages to unblock streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.
While there is a 10 GB monthly data limit, you get unlimited speeds (rare for a free VPN!). Moreover, there’s an automatic kill switch and a split tunneling option, which you don’t see often with free VPN services.
Unless you want to do some heavy streaming — which I don’t recommend you do with a free VPN, anyway — PrivadoVPN is a great choice for Canada! Get started right away by clicking the orange button.
Are VPNs Legal in Canada?
Yes, VPNs and other tools to bypass online censorship, such as a proxy server, are still legal in Canada. At some point down the line, the Canadian government might start targeting VPN service providers, especially in light of Bill C-11.
At the moment, however, using a virtual private network is perfectly legal. Unfortunately, not every single VPN is safe. There are certainly some to avoid. For example, we recommend staying away from VPNs that collect your data.
Unblock the Internet From Anywhere With A Canada VPN
Using a virtual private network in Canada opens up a world of possibilities. With a Canadian VPN, you’ll be able to access streaming services from all around the world and bypass any regional internet restrictions.
On top of that, the best VPNs for Canada ensure that you’re much better protected against cyber threats, as well as surveillance tech. The #1 VPN I recommend for Canada right now is NordVPN.
With an extensive global server network, as well as 300+ Canadian servers, NordVPN opens up the internet for you and encrypts your data while at it, and you can now make use of one of the best deals NordVPN has ever offered!
Check out some of our other articles if you want to find out how to use a VPN in different countries:
- Best VPN for India: Our Top Picks
- Best VPN for Iran: Safely Bypass Internet Censorship
- The Best VPNs for Spain: Our Top Picks
- Best VPNs for CBC Gem
Do you have any questions about VPNs in Canada and why you might need one? Check out our FAQ section below.
The best VPN for Canada is NordVPN. This affordable VPN service offers lightning-fast speeds, excellent security, and tons of additional security features that will keep you safe online.
It also deserves the #1 spot in the list because it can unblock any streaming service you want access to, making it one of the best streaming VPNs available now.
One of our favorite free VPNs of the moment is PrivadoVPN. This VPN has a great free plan available, has a strict no-logs policy, and gives you access to ten different server locations (including Canada!). It also unblocks content easily.
VPNs are completely legal in Canada and work well! Ideally, I recommend that you avoid using free VPNs since they aren’t as reliable. NordVPN is our number 1 VPN for Canada.
Canada isn’t known for internet censorship, but some of the issues Canadians may be facing is that they can’t access all streaming services or international sites in Canada. Here, a VPN can really help you out!
More importantly, a VPN encrypts your data so you can browse the web and partake in online banking without worrying about online threats.
Yes VPNs are worth it in Canada. There are streaming websites which are geo-restricted from Canada. You can use a VPN to bypass these restricions and acces streaming services such as Hulu, HBO and American Netflix.
Yes, NordVPN works in Canada. This VPN can help you unblock streaming providers like Hulu, which isn’t available in Canada,
