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If you have a Canadian IP address, you can access geo-blocked Canadian shows, websites, and services usually restricted to people within the country. If you would like a Canadian IP address, there are many good virtual private networks (VPNs) that can help. By connecting to VPN servers in Canada, you can virtually appear as if browsing from within the country and enhance your online privacy.
In this article, we’ll cover how to get a Canadian IP address from anywhere with a VPN, factors to consider when selecting a VPN, and the best VPNs for getting a Canadian IP address.
Best VPNs for Canadian IP addresses
What to look for in a VPN for a Canadian IP
Canadian IP address FAQs
Bottom line
How to get a Canadian IP address with a VPN
Getting a Canadian IP address is easy. Simply follow the steps below on how to set up a VPN and get a Canadian IP address:
- Choose a VPN: Select a VPN provider that has servers in Canada. Sign up and create your VPN account on its website.
- Install the VPN: Choose which device or platform you want to use the VPN on and follow the instructions to install it.
- Launch your VPN: Open your newly installed VPN application on the device of your choice. Enter the account credentials you created during sign-up into your VPN app.
- Choose a server in Canada: Once logged in, you'll see a list of countries or a map with available servers. Choose a server located in Canada.
- Start browsing: With your new IP address, you can surf the web as if you were in Canada. This means accessing websites, services, and content that are exclusive to Canada.
Whenever you are ready to turn off access to your Canadian server, simply click Disconnect. Your VPN connection will end, and you’ll return to having an IP address whenever you are physically located. To reconnect, toggle the Canadian server again.
Best VPNs for Canadian IP addresses
Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN are three well-known VPNs that can help you get a Canadian IP address. Each of these VPNs comes with unique features designed to help you keep your online activities private and have more control over your internet experience.
Here are the features that differentiate the best VPNs for Canada, including their server networks, security features, and speed.
Surfshark |
NordVPN |
ExpressVPN |
|
Starting price | Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $6.25/mo (billed annually) |
No-logs policy | |||
Servers in Canada | 120+ servers in 3 cities (Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver) | 480+ servers in 3 cities (Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver) | Servers in 3 cities (Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver) |
Streaming support | Netflix Canada, CBC Gem, BBC iPlayer | Netflix Canada, CBC Gem, BBC iPlayer, CTV, Disney+, Crave | Netflix Canada, CBC Gem, BBC iPlayer, CTV, Disney+, Crave, Fearless, STACKTV, OUTtv, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ |
Details | Get Surfshark | Get NordVPN | Get ExpressVPN |
Surfshark
What we love most about Surfshark is its affordability. Surfshark is the lowest priced of these three VPNs, with prices starting at $1.99/mo (billed every two years). It’s got 120-plus servers across three Canadian cities (Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal), ensuring you have options and good speed.
Surfshark had no trouble accessing various streaming services, and there were no negative impacts on speed or quality. We conducted tests on streaming platforms like Netflix Canada, BBC iPlayer, and CBC Gem, and we connected effortlessly without experiencing any noticeable delays or sluggish loading times.
Surfshark also uses obfuscation, which camouflages your data and your VPN use. Plus, they support robust security protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. They have a good knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, and support tickets via email. With Surfshark, you're in good hands for affordable, secure, and private online adventures while getting a Canadian IP address.
NordVPN
NordVPN has you covered in Canada with a speedy and dependable connection. Nord doesn't limit your bandwidth, plus it has over 480 servers in Canada alone. With unlimited bandwidth and so many servers, NordVPN can allow for seamless streaming with limited buffering. It allowed us to access Netflix Canada, and connecting to CBC Gem was smooth.
During our testing, there was a slight hiccup connecting to BBC iPlayer. We had to switch to Incognito mode in our Chrome browser at one point. This wasn’t a big deal, but something to note when masking your real IP address.
We like that NordVPN takes privacy seriously and doesn't log your data. You can connect up to six devices simultaneously, and live chat is available 24/7. NordVPN relies on AES-256 encryption and the NordLynx, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols.
NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, meaning it operates outside the scope of the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes alliances. Nord isn’t that expensive, either. Its two-year offering starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years).
ExpressVPN
Founded in 2009, ExpressVPN offers top-notch security with AES 256-bit encryption and several protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and its proprietary protocol, Lightway. You also won't encounter any bandwidth or data limits with ExpressVPN.
As for unblocking capabilities, ExpressVPN amazed us by effortlessly disguising our location. Accessing Netflix Canada, BBC iPlayer, and CBC Gem was a breeze. Establishing connections was straightforward, and we encountered no notable delays or sluggish connections.
ExpressVPN is committed to privacy with a strict no-logs policy and is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is not part of any intelligence-sharing group. It even bypasses internet service provider (ISP) throttling, giving you smooth internet. We’re also fans of its 24/7 live chat for customer support. It’s very easy to get answers to questions right away.
One con is that ExpressVPN is the most expensive VPN on our list. ExpressVPN’s one-year plan costs $6.25/mo (billed annually). ExpressVPN also only has four Canadian server locations — two in Toronto, one in Montreal, and one in Vancouver.
Free VPNs
Whether you’re using a free or paid VPN, performance matters. That’s because U.S. internet speeds today average 139 Mbps for downloads and 41 Mbps for uploads.[1] If you’re looking for reliable and 100% free VPNs to access Canadian servers, consider hide.me and TunnelBear.
hide.me was founded in Labuan, Malaysia, away from intelligence surveillance. On its free plan, you can access eight server locations on one device and use 10 GB of monthly data. Lastly, there’s no speed throttling, ads, trackers, or logs, even in its free version.
We tested hide.me while connected to servers in Canada. Our verdict: hide.me is best for basics, not streaming sites or gaming, due to its significantly worse latency results.
TunnelBear was founded in 2011 in Toronto, Canada. The company is independently tested, has a no-logs policy, and doesn’t take away performance from its free plans. TunnelBear allows free users only 2 GB of secure browsing and doesn’t disclose the number of devices it can connect to on its free version.
We also tested TunnelBear while connected to servers in Canada. TunnelBear beat hide.me in all download speeds, upload speeds, and latency. But TunnelBear has browsing limits, is headquartered in Canada, and has a U.S. jurisdiction after being acquired by McAfee in 2018. The U.S. and Canada are part of the Five Eyes alliance, so privacy advocates who take their privacy seriously should take note.
Both are good free VPNs but weigh the risks and pros and cons of each to browse responsibly. Read our TunnelBear review and hide.me review for more information.
What to look for in a VPN for a Canadian IP
When picking a VPN to get a Canadian IP address, there are a few essential things to consider:
- Servers in Canada: Look for a VPN with many servers in Canada. With more servers, your connection will be faster, since the traffic is more spread out.
- Speed: You want a VPN that doesn't slow down your internet when you connect to a Canadian server. Check if the VPN's Canadian servers are known for being fast so that your online activities stay quick and responsive. You can also run an internet speed test.
- Accessing Canadian websites: Not every VPN unblocks everything. Ensure your VPN unlocks websites and online services available only in Canada. This lets you enjoy Canadian content no matter where you are.
- Security: Choose a VPN that uses strong encryption, like AES encryption, to protect your personal information from prying eyes. This is like a digital shield that keeps your online actions confidential.
- No-logs policy: Go for a VPN that promises not to keep records of what you do online. This means your online actions stay between you and the websites you visit.
- Reliability and uptime: You want a VPN that is always ready to use. So, pick one with servers that rarely go down, ensuring you have a stable connection.
- Ease of use: Not all VPNs are equal in the user experience department. If you are a beginner, look at VPNs with simple interfaces.
- Device compatibility: Ensure that your VPN works on all of your devices, or at least the devices you use the VPN on the most. Not all VPNs support every device, but most support Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- Helpful customer support: Ensure your VPN has a quality customer service department with multiple contact points. It's wise to have a VPN provider that offers 24/7 support and a solid knowledge base if you have any problems or questions.
- Try before buying: Some VPNs let you try their service before you commit. This is an excellent way to try a VPN before spending money.
- Cost and plans: Consider the cost of the VPN and the different plans they offer. Make sure it fits your budget while giving you the features you need. Don’t settle when it comes to your security and privacy!
By thinking about these factors, you can choose a VPN that gives you a Canadian online experience, keeps you safe, and works well for your needs.
Canadian IP address FAQs
How do I change my IP address to a specific country?
In your VPN, choose a server from the list of servers in whatever country you want to connect to. Click Connect or toggle ON the VPN to connect to your desired server. Your IP address will then reflect the country you have decided on.
How do I get a VPN in Canada?
Getting a VPN in Canada is relatively easy, as VPNs are legal to use in Canada. First, sign up for a VPN. Download the VPN to your device, log in with your created account, and then choose a server from the list of Canadian servers.
What is the best free VPN in Canada?
We recommend hide.me as the best free VPN for Canada due to its generous 10 GB monthly data cap, security features available, and location outside the reach of the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes alliances. We’ve also compiled a list of the best free VPNs if you want to explore other options.
Bottom line
Using a VPN to get a Canadian IP address lets you access Canadian content and websites no matter where you are. Whether you're traveling, want to watch geo-restricted Canadian TV shows, or simply want to enjoy the benefits of a Canadian online presence, a Canadian IP address makes it possible.
There’s a VPN to access Canadian IPs for everyone, depending on your budget and needs. If you want a free VPN, check out hide.me. Surfshark VPN offers an affordable paid solution without skimping on features. For added security, NordVPN is a reliable choice. If you want to invest more, ExpressVPN brings top-notch security and dependability.
You can check out our detailed guide to learn more about the best VPN services for Canada. With these options, you can explore the online world from a Canadian perspective in no time.