Best VPN for Canada (Tested and Reviewed for 2020)

To jump right to the chase, online privacy is what’s missing in Canada; making internet privileges something of the past. However, with the best VPN for Canada, you’ll be able to gain all those internet advantages right back!

Canada may be the home to Hockey and maple syrup, but all fun and games go down-hill when your privacy and right to internet freedom is threatened.

Even though Canada is among many other countries that promote freedom, their efforts to prevent cyber threats or terrorism has taken over to another level. So, to achieve that, it started compromising the privacy of its people along the way.

But, there’s a way to take back what’s yours. Read on!

Everyone knows that Canada is part of the 5 eyes alliance. And for those of you who aren’t aware of what that is, the eyes alliance is a group of countries who have signed an agreement. This includes the monitoring of its citizens’ online activities, sharing of all your files, messages, and much more among other countries of the alliances.

To avoid all this and maintain your online privacy with the securest means possible, I’ve shortlisted the best VPNs for Canada.

They’re among the few providers that allow you to protect your data and access streaming sites from all over the world. It also applies to those traveling out of Canada.

Before we move on with why you need a VPN for Canada, here are the top 5 providers:

The best VPN for Canada

1. Surfshark – Top recommendation for Canada. Strong security and unblock restricted websites like US Netflix in Canada at $2.49/mo.
2. NordVPN – Top pick for largest coverage of Canadian servers, a no-logging policy, while providing access to restricted websites at $3.71/mo.
3. ExpressVPN – Top pick for fast speeds, strong security features, and ability to bypass restricted services at $6.67/mo.
4. CyberGhost – Top pick for providing access to Netflix, with good security and privacy in Canada at $2.75/mo.
5. FastestVPN – Top pick for budgeted VPN with strong privacy policies, security, and fast speeds at $1.11/mo.

How to choose a VPN for Canada

The reason for selecting just 5 VPNs out of the many providers in the industry is mainly to suit the needs of the people of Canada. This also extends to Canadian citizens traveling to a foreign land, needing to access local content from back home.

Now to pick the best Canadian VPN, I, of course, had to keep in mind what most Canadians look for and what they’re not. So, according to that, I chose the 5 Canadian VPNs. They include the following aspects:

• Marking safe jurisdiction, observing privacy, and strict no-data retention laws.
• A wide spectrum of server locations, including Canadian, US, and UK servers for unblocking or accessing both international and local content/websites.
• The ability to access streaming services, and also to safely access torrenting platforms.
• Should incorporate basic and necessary security features like a Kill Switch, unbreakable encryption, DNS and IP leak protection, etc.
• It should render fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth.
• A reliable refund policy and trial periods, in case the VPN doesn’t suit your needs.
• A good 24/7 or cooperating support chat system.
• Additonally, all the VPN services chosen for this list are offering the best VPN discounts in 2020.

Abridged reviews of the top 5 VPNs for Canada

Now that we’re a little caught up with why you need a great VPN in Canada, let’s get a little acquainted with details on each VPN provider. But, before moving on, always remember that no one should force you to buy a VPN nor should you invest in one just because a website says you should.

This article is about informing you about the dire need of a VPN in Canada, for certain reasons. These reasons involve tasks like accessing restricted streaming services, gaining privacy over the internet, or safely guiding you through an authentic internet experience.

So, if you ever need a super-reliable VPN for Canada with amazing features, security, and affordable rates, the 5 mentioned on my list should do the trick!

There are many great VPN providers in the market, but not all are suitable for every online activity or country; in this case, being Canada. Below you’ll find a short review on each of the VPN providers that I tried and tested, which actually works wonders as a Canadian VPN.

We start with:

1. Surfshark

Great All-Rounder VPN for Canada

Known to be one of the best all-rounder VPNs in the industry, Surfshark can provide great services in Canada, especially where bypassing restricted websites and privacy is concerned.

It has a platform of 1700+ servers in 64 countries, with the inclusion of numerous Canadian servers, perfect for unblocking and streaming local Canadian content (Canadian TV) from anywhere in the world.

Speaking of servers, it also has a wide range of US servers, helping you access blocked or restricted services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and much more with ease and top-notch security.

Another thing to look forward to in a VPN for Canada is good security measures. Surfshark is built with OpenVPN protocol on military-grade 256-bit encryption, has a Kill Switch safeguarding your data from any leaks, and provides good speeds.

It’s also compatible with a number of platforms and apps. Some of these include Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Nvidia Shield TV, FireStick, and much more.

To have a wider look, you can check out my detailed Surfshark review. It also allows you to make simultaneous connections on unlimited devices. You can test it out using the Surfshark free trial or go for its 30-day refund period if the free trial isn’t enough time.

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4. NordVPN

Best for Top Security Features in Canada

NordVPN is known in the industry as a top security VPN provider, which we’ll discuss a little further on. This Panama based VPN also has one of the widest platforms of servers; 5000+ servers in 59 countries. It includes a huge coverage of both Canadian (433) and the US (1902) servers.

With NordVPN, you’ll successfully bypass any geo-restricted websites in Canada, allowing access to the US Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and much more, with its Double VPN feature, providing double the encryption.

As I mentioned, NordVPN is known to be one of the best where security and privacy are concerned. This VPN runs on bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption, providing DNS and IP leak protection. It also has a CyberSec feature for blocking ads and malicious websites.

Other advanced features include an Onion Over VPN feature and something called SmartPlay, which is the perfect solution for bypassing restrictions put over streaming services worldwide.

NordVPN is compatible with numerous devices and apps. Some of these include Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, Firestick, and much more. Another great thing is that it allows you to simultaneously connect up to 6 devices per subscription.

For more insight, you can check out its full performance report in my NordVPN review. You should also give this Canadian VPN provider a test using its free trial or 30-day refund period.

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3. ExpressVPN

Best for Speed and Bypassing Geo-Blocks in Canada

Also hailing from a privacy-friendly region in the British Virgin Islands, we have ExpressVPN, making it another safe choice for a Canadian VPN. Some may say that ExpressVPN is a little overpriced. However, if it covers up for the price in providing amazing features; which it does, then I’m good!

It has 3000+ servers in a huge coverage of 94 countries. This includes numerous Canadian servers in 3 locations (Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver) and a wide platform of US server locations. This is great; providing you equal access to unblock streaming services like US Netflix, HBO GO, Amazon Prime, and other local Canadian channels if ever traveling abroad.

Now, coming to its security, it secures your traffic with OpenVPN protocol on 256-bit AES encryption, provides a Kill Switch, Split-tunneling, a built-in Speed test feature to test out the best servers for you. It also has a SmartDNS feature called MediaStreamer; aiding in gaining access to multiple restricted streaming services.

For its overall testing and performance, have a look at my ExpressVPN review.

Coming to compatibility, it supports a number of major devices and apps for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Routers, Fire TV, browser extensions and more, while allowing you to make up-to 5 multiple-device connections per subscription.

To put ExpressVPN to the test, and to find out if this provider is one of the best VPN choices for Canada; try out its free trial or its 30-day refund period.

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2. CyberGhost

Best for Privacy and Anonymity in Canada

CyberGhost, known for having some of the best privacy laws, makes a great VPN choice for Canada.

It has one of the biggest platforms of 6000+ servers in 90 countries, with around 295 of its servers in Canada. It also has around 1026 US servers, allowing you to unblock geo-restricted services like Disney Plus, US Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO GO, BBC iPlayer and so much more.

Moving on to its security, let’s start by saying that it’s a Romanian based VPN, meaning it observes strict no-data retention laws. It has military-grade 256-bit encryption, Ad and Malicious Website Blocking, Online tracking feature, and fast speeds. For a full report on its speed and performance, check out my CyberGhost Review.

It is compatible with all the major devices like Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Browser extensions, Fire TV, and a lot more, along with allowing you to make 7 multi-device logins per subscription.

You can put CyberGhost to the test, using its free trial for 7-days on Android or iOS phones, for 24-hours on PC, or just utilize its 45-day refund for a longer period on multiple devices.

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5. FastestVPN

Best for Staunch Security and International Streaming in Canada

To choose a VPN for Canada, you definitely need to pick one that observes strict privacy or no-data retention laws. For this reason, I’ve tested a privacy-friendly VPN, hailing from the Cayman Islands, called FastestVPN.

It has a simple server list of around 350+ servers in 31+ countries, with the inclusion of servers in Canada and the US, making it great for accessing international and local services privately in Canada. It undoubtedly unblocks some of the biggest streaming services in the world, like US Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and DAZN.

Besides being great for privacy in Canada, it also has some of the best security features in the VPN industry. It secures your traffic with the widest list of protocols including OpenVPN with impenetrable AES 256-bit encryption.

FastestVPN also includes other features like Ad-Blocking, Anti-Malware, DNS leak protection, and a Kill Switch. Other advanced features include Smart Connect, which selects the best server with great speeds for you, according to your location.

It also supports a wide platform of devices and apps for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Fire TV/ Stick, and makes a great VPN choice for a Chrome VPN extension, and more. For a deeper look, check out my FastestVPN review. Another plus point is that it supports up-to 10 multi-device connections per subscription.

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Unblocking international geo-blocked streaming services from Canada

Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, BBC iPlayer, and HBO GO, are all part of the geo-blocked or restricted committee, rendering its services to only its privileged citizens within its country of origin.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a Canadian or an Australian in this aspect, because all the VPNs provided on this list (Surfshark, CyberGhost, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and FastestVPN), are selected for more than just being a suitable VPN for Canada.

Thing is, yes, the main target is scoring a reliable VPN for Canada, however, for that, you’re probably not going to be able to access some of the best streaming services within Canada, due to copyright laws or restricted access.

So, to make things easier for you, I’ve rounded up these 5 VPN services based on the fact that they’re the best for avoiding Canada’s surveillance outbreaks, accessing local Canadian content from abroad, and bypassing the strongest geo-blocked websites in the world.

Best VPN for Netflix in Canada – Reddit

Reddit is one of the best platforms where the community gets together and shares their personal experiences with a number of products, including the best Reddit VPN.

Of course, user experience and preferences often vary from VPN to VPN, so I like turning to Reddit for more information on VPNs. I came across a question asked by one Reddit user regarding the best VPN to use in Canada for Netflix, to which someone replied:

Are VPNs legal in Canada?

Yes, VPNs are completely legal to use in Canada.

Yes, the surveillance laws are a tad bit overbearing, but there are many locals as well as government officials who also still use VPNs for various purposes. There are countries like China who also partake in the mass surveillances within its country and block off VPNs altogether.

Canada doesn’t work that way. It does keep a strict eye on any activities carried out online by its citizens but still continue the use of VPNs within the country. But, always remember to carry out whatever activities or services that you’re trying to reach, with great caution.

What about torrenting in Canada? Is it illegal?

Yes, torrenting in Canada, among many other countries in the world, is illegal.

Even though using a VPN isn’t illegal to use in Canada, there are certain activities like torrenting that are looked down upon. It goes against the Copyright Modernization Act, taking immediate action by asking any users who download copyrighted content to pay a fine of $5000.

Looking at the circumstances, I urge you to use a VPN according to your own will and keep in mind the consequences.

Do you need a VPN in Canada?

In short, yes, you do need a VPN in Canada. The thing is, most of us want to secure our privacy online and all the activities we want access to, a VPN can encrypt all your data, securing it through an encrypted tunnel.

However, some of you, who might be skipping in between pointers, might’ve missed the part where I mentioned that Canada is indeed part of the Eyes alliance.

Keeping this apart, even though Canada is a wonderful place to live in, it among many other countries in the world still tab into what their citizens are doing online, keeping track of all their digital footprints, sharing them with other members of the alliance.

However, not all surveillances are looked down upon. There still exists some pretty valid reasons like the Protection Act, to conduct online monitoring, preventing future cybercrimes.

On the other hand, it still comes back to the point that in order to stay online in Canada, some safety measures have to be taken, concerning the protection of basic privacy.

Below you’ll find some of the reasons why you should definitely use good VPN services in Canada or abroad. They are:

Copyright Modernization Act

Also known as Bill C-11, was introduced allowing the government or ISP’s to retain any information provided to them by the users, determining if any copyright violations go against their code. This is why torrenting is also illegal in Canada, which we’ll discuss later on.

The PRISM effect

Not long ago, Edward Snowden, the man of the hour, revealed some pretty dark and classified information from the NSA’s PRISM program, unveiling the fact that the US along with other countries like Canada, had been involved in a major mass surveillance movement. However, Canada still continued to endorse the plan; moving ahead with the surveillance on its citizens.

Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act

Introduced in 2013, this Act allowed the government to monitor every movement and activity taking place online. This was put up in order to prevent future cyberbullying or crimes of various forms, leading to the endangerment of people, mainly teens.

Anti-terrorism Act 2015

Passed by the Harper government in 2015, and also known as Bill C-51, allowing the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to wire into any device, monitoring any activity carried out by its users on the internet. This was due to the multiple threats of terrorism towards the government VIP officials from 2013-2014.

Besides the above, since it was made quite easy for Snowden to hack into the US NSA program, there are countless hackers prevailing, waiting for opportunities to hack into your device, stealing your data, or checking into more sensitive information like your online bank account.

And to thread onto lighter reasons, there’s also the part where you won’t be able to bypass certain restrictions from websites like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and much more.

Secondly, if you’re a Canadian traveling to another country for a holiday or due to migration, you’re going to need VPN services that can provide a Canadian IP address to gain access to local content from back home.

Can I use a free VPN in Canada?

No!

What’s the point of using free VPN services when they don’t provide half the security or privacy you need in Canada?

A free VPN or a proxy will always manage to steal your data in some form or the other, disrupt your streaming speeds, spread virus’ or malware through your device, and throttle with your bandwidth. They also come with a lack of server locations, faltering in connecting to any geo-restricted streaming service.

You’ll find it extremely easy to find a free VPN with enticing offers, but none of them come with a slight hint of trustworthiness that a good VPN provider should have. Plus, a free VPN is never going to get you access to US Netflix or other platforms with major restrictions. There are only a handful of safe free VPNs that work, but there’s still no surety of its performance within Canada.

Always go for premium VPNs with free trials or a budgeted choice.

In conclusion

Canada is a beautiful place to be in, but, of course, not everything is rosy. It may be a great land, but it falls short in providing its people basic freedom to online privacy, whatever the reason may be. For situations like this, it’s always wise to get yourself a reliable VPN for the job.

 However, in this case, to survive the surveillance laws of Canada, you’re going to need the best VPN for Canada (Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and FastestVPN), restoring your online privacy, providing you with fast streaming speeds, being compatible with all the major devices and securing your overall online experiences.