Canadians are increasingly frustrated with content restrictions and the erosion of online privacy, leading many to seek out a good VPN for Canada. This is especially true for Canadian ex-pats looking to unblock streaming websites that are geo-restricted to Canada or other countries abroad.
However, finding the best VPN for Canada can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it's difficult to know which VPN will meet your needs. Many people assume that Canadian-based VPNs are the best choice, but this is not necessarily the case. In fact, Canada's membership in the Five Eyes Alliance, a powerful international surveillance alliance, means that VPNs based in Canada may not be able to guarantee users' privacy and security.
Top VPNs for Canada
When it comes to choosing the best VPN for Canada, there are a few key factors to consider. The VPNs that made the cut for this guide are the following:
NordVPN
SurfShark VPN
AtlasVPN
All of the recommended VPNs for Canada meet the following criteria:
High-quality VPN apps for all major operating systems and streaming devices
Trustworthy and well-established VPN provider based in a good privacy jurisdiction
A large, high-performance server network
Secure VPN protocols, strong encryption, and zero leaks
24/7 live chat support and a money-back guarantee
The use of VPNs in Canada has continued to grow due to privacy, security, and streaming concerns. With laws that allow agencies to investigate and record online activity, many Canadians are seeking more privacy and security when using the internet. Additionally, a VPN can help improve streaming and access geo-restricted content.
NordVPN – Best VPN for Canadians
NordVPN
NordVPN offers apps for all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The apps come with built-in leak protection (kill switch) and utilize strong encryption standards. The desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux support the OpenVPN and WireGuard VPN protocols and give you access to the full NordVPN feature set. NordVPN mobile apps give you most of the capabilities of desktop apps while being optimized for smartphones and tablets. NordVPN also provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
NordVPN’s Reputation and Jurisdiction
NordVPN is based in Panama and is a well-regarded no-logs VPN service with a good track record. Panama is not a member of any international surveillance alliances and has no mandatory data retention laws, making it an excellent jurisdiction for privacy.
NordVPN Server Network Performance
NordVPN has an extensive server network spanning more than 5,600 servers across 60 countries. Their servers are completely diskless (RAM-servers), ensuring that no personal data is ever available on the servers. NordVPN’s engineers continue to update the network for greater security and privacy. In addition to containing thousands of standard servers, the NordVPN network has a large number of specialty servers tailored to specific uses, including double VPN servers, Onion over VPN servers, P2P servers, dedicated IP servers, and obfuscated servers.
Security and Privacy
NordVPN has completed numerous third-party audits that verified all aspects of the network and apps. Additional audits performed by Versprite and other companies confirm that this no-logs VPN delivers on its promise not to log your activity.
Threat Protection and Threat Protection Lite
NordVPN offers two different threat protection features: Threat Protection and Threat Protection Lite. Threat Protection is a full-featured anti-malware and anti-phishing tool that protects your device from online threats. Threat Protection Lite is a pared-down version of the tool that provides basic protection against malware and phishing.
Streaming and Torrenting with NordVPN
NordVPN is an excellent choice for streaming and torrenting. NordVPN’s P2P servers are optimized for torrenting and other P2P file transfers, making it the best VPN for torrenting. NordVPN also offers SmartPlay technology, which allows you to access geo-restricted streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
Price and Value
NordVPN is priced competitively at $3.19 per month, making it an excellent value for the features and performance it offers. NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
NordVPN’s Cyber Deal is Live:
NordVPN is currently offering a Cyber Deal with a discount of up to 70% off their regular price. This deal is only available for a limited time, so act fast to take advantage of this excellent offer.
Overall, NordVPN is the best VPN for Canada in 2023, offering excellent performance, security, and privacy features at an affordable price.
Check Price on NordVPNSurfshark – A cheap VPN for Canada with great performance
Surfshark
Surfshark is a VPN service that offers a secure and fully-featured VPN at a very low price. Despite being a relatively newer service (launched in 2018), Surfshark has taken the VPN world by storm.
Surfshark features
Surfshark offers a very secure VPN service that is packed with features and options. Some of the features include MultiHop (double-VPN) servers that pass your traffic through pre-defined pairs of VPN servers in different countries, Dynamic MultiHop servers, Camouflage mode to conceal VPN traffic and get through blocking attempts, CleanWeb & CleanWeb 2.0 features to block ads, trackers, and malicious domains, Bypasser split tunneling feature, Static IP servers, and Dedicated IP servers.
With the growing privacy concerns in Canada, Surfshark’s added features may be quite useful. The VPN has completed multiple audits conducted by outside (third-party) auditors. Of particular interest here is that at the end of 2022, Deloitte completed an audit of Surfshark’s no-logs policy. Finally, there is independent confirmation that Surfshark is indeed a no-logs VPN.
Surfshark is cheap and gives you unlimited connections
Surfshark is a high-quality service with an extremely low price. If you use the discount coupon below, you can get a 2-year subscription to Surfshark for under $2.50 per month. Then there is the way Surfshark handles connections. Most VPNs allow a limited number of simultaneous connections with a subscription. Surfshark eliminates this problem by supporting an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
Surfshark apps
Like the other best Canada VPNs, Surfshark offers an excellent lineup of apps for all major operating systems and devices. These apps include built-in leak protection settings and all the privacy and security features discussed above.
Streaming and torrenting with Surfshark
Surfshark is a very capable service for streaming and torrenting. They support Canada Netflix, as well as 14 other Netflix regions. It is also a great VPN for other streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. Surfshark also does a great job as a VPN for Kodi streaming, and supports all sorts of streaming devices, including Smart TVs and Firestick.
Surfshark is very fast and won’t leak your IP address, so it should be no surprise that it makes for a great torrenting VPN. As a matter of fact, it joins NordVPN on our list of the best VPNs for torrenting.
Surfshark servers
Surfshark boasts a large server network that is comparable to AtlasVPN and NordVPN with 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. With this many server locations, you should be able to find a fast and reliable server in whatever region of the world you need.
Surfshark VPN Coupon:
Get 82% off Surfshark VPN (drops the price down to $2.30 per month) plus 2 months FREE. Check out our Surfshark review for more info and test results.
All Surfshark plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 24/7 live chat is always available directly through the Surfshark website.
Surfshark’s Canada VPN server locations include Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Overall, Surfshark is a cheap VPN for Canada that offers great performance and a large server network. Its unlimited connections and strong privacy and security features make it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable VPN service.
Check Price on SurfShark VPNAtlasVPN – Secure and reliable Canada VPN
AtlasVPN
AtlasVPN is a reliable VPN service that is based in the British Virgin Islands. It has a squeaky-clean track record, and its no-logs policies have been audited and verified by PWC. The service offers excellent security features, including 256-bit AES encryption using the OpenVPN or IKEv2 protocols. It also supports the Lightway protocol, which is similar to WireGuard.
AtlasVPN apps
AtlasVPN offers user-friendly and secure apps that support all major operating systems and platforms. The apps are clean and minimal, while also integrating all the crucial features you expect from a VPN. The Network Lock feature (kill switch) integrates with the operating system firewall to block all non-VPN traffic if the connection drops.
The service currently has over 3,000 server locations in 94 countries around the world, including Canada. AtlasVPN has servers located in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, making it a good option for users in Canada who want to access geo-restricted content.
AtlasVPN Coupon:
Users who sign up for the 12-month plan can get three months added to their subscription for free. The coupon is applied automatically, and it's a great way to save money on this premium VPN service.
AtlasVPN also offers 24/7 live chat support and email support for users who need assistance. The service has a 30-day money-back guarantee with all subscriptions, so users can try it out risk-free.
Pros
User-friendly and secure apps
Split tunneling feature (for macOS, Windows, and routers)
Works with Netflix and most streaming services
24/7 live chat support
Passed independent third-party audits for security and no-logs
Very large server network
Cons * Above-average prices * Fewer features * Average OpenVPN speeds (use Lightway)
Overall, AtlasVPN is a great option for users in Canada who want a secure and reliable VPN service. With its excellent security features, user-friendly apps, and large server network, it's a great choice for streaming and accessing geo-restricted content.
Check Price on Atlas VPNDo You Need a VPN for Canada?
Online Privacy Concerns in Canada
Canadians are increasingly concerned about their online privacy. The country has enacted several laws that infringe on their right to online privacy. For instance, the Copyright Modernization Act forces data collection by internet providers and search engines to enforce copyright claims. Similarly, the Antiterrorism Act of 2015 gives Canadian authorities sweeping authority to hack, record, and monitor practically any device that uses the internet in Canada. Additionally, the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act expanded the ability of authorities to access online data, phone records, and digital tracking with only “reasonable grounds for suspicion.” This means that people in Canada can now be snooped and surveilled by internet providers, telephone companies, and government agencies, which is all perfectly legal.
The best solution to these problems is to use a VPN whenever you are online. VPNs work great on computers, tablets, phones, and more. They encrypt and anonymize your online activity, thereby making it unreadable to third parties.
Canadian Internet Providers Record Your Browsing Activities
Canadian internet providers can easily record every website you visit. They can do this by simply recording DNS requests, which reveal all the websites you visit and are sent to your internet provider in cleartext. This is a trend that is becoming common in many countries, such as Australia. However, when you use one of our recommended VPNs for Canada, your DNS requests are encrypted and handled by secure private DNS systems, meaning they are hidden from Canadian ISPs and other third parties.
Heavy-Handed Copyright Laws in Canada
Canada is also home to some very harsh copyright laws. Thanks to the Copyright Modernization Act, internet providers and search engines must record your activity. If you are suspected of infringing on any copyright, such as downloading music or movies, you can be hit with fines in the thousands of dollars. This is why using a VPN in Canada is important, especially when doing anything that could be a “grey area” with copyright issues.
Streaming and Accessing Geo-Restricted Content
A good VPN is also useful for accessing geo-restricted media and websites. For example, UK expats living in Canada may want to watch BBC, which blocks anyone who does not have a UK IP address. With a VPN, someone in Vancouver, for example, could connect to a server in London and stream BBC iPlayer with a VPN to their heart’s content. Similarly, Canadians living abroad can use a VPN to access Canadian Netflix. A VPN is also useful for streaming Canadian TV channels, such as the CBC.
Get a Canada IP Address with a VPN
Lastly, there are also people outside of Canada who may want a Canadian IP address. In addition to accessing Canadian media, a Canadian IP address might be necessary for banking and other services. To get a Canadian IP address, all you need to do is connect to a VPN server in Canada. The VPN server’s IP address and location will replace your IP address and location.
What About Canadian VPNs?
If you are looking for a VPN service based in Canada, you may be disappointed. This is because Canada is not a jurisdiction that is known for protecting privacy. In fact, Canada has passed several laws that infringe on people's right to privacy.
Moreover, Canada is part of the Five Eyes alliance, which means that the Canadian government cooperates with other governments, including the US, UK, and Australia, to collect and share mass surveillance data. As a result, it is not surprising that VPN usage is growing in Australia, thanks to mandatory data retention laws and the loss of privacy.
There are some Canadian VPN services available, but none of them are top performers. Windscribe, TunnelBear, and Betternet are some of the Canadian VPNs that have been reviewed. However, Windscribe had a security breach that affected user security.
In conclusion, while Canada is a great country, it may not be the best jurisdiction for privacy. It is advisable to choose a VPN service that is located in a better jurisdiction.
Are VPNs Legal in Canada?
Using a VPN is perfectly legal in Canada. VPNs are used by individuals and businesses in Canada every day to protect their online privacy and security. With the rise of remote work, VPNs have become an essential tool for businesses to ensure data security for their employees.
VPNs are also legal for everyday use in other countries such as China, Europe, and Australia, where they are becoming increasingly popular. They provide users with more online privacy and security.
It is important to note that using a VPN to break any laws is not legal. However, for most people, a VPN is simply a tool for privacy, security, and online freedom.
In summary, Canadians can use VPNs without any legal concerns. By choosing a trustworthy VPN service, individuals and businesses can ensure their online privacy and security.
How to Optimize VPN Speeds in Canada
To maximize VPN speeds in Canada, it is recommended to connect to a nearby server in the geographical region. This will ensure the best performance. For example, if you are in Canada, connecting to a server in the US or one of the server locations within Canada will provide the best speeds.
When selecting a VPN service, it is important to consider the distance between your location and the VPN server. Long-distance connections, such as connecting to servers in Australia from Canada, may result in some speed tradeoffs. However, high-performance VPN services, including NordVPN with WireGuard and Surfshark VPN with WireGuard, offer excellent speeds with nearly all servers.
While AtlasVPN also has fast VPN servers in Canada, it is not as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark VPN. A recent comparison between AtlasVPN and Surfshark VPN demonstrated the latter's superior speed.
It is important to note that a VPN will not resolve speed issues caused by your internet provider. If you are experiencing speed issues, it is recommended to verify that the problem does not reside with your internet provider. Additionally, testing your VPN for speeds and data leaks is easy to do.
In summary, to achieve the fastest VPN speeds possible in Canada:
Connect to a nearby server in your geographical region
Choose a high-performance VPN service, such as NordVPN with WireGuard or Surfshark VPN with WireGuard
Verify that any speed issues are not caused by your internet provider
Test your VPN for speeds and data leaks
Conclusion: Use a VPN for Canada in 2023
In 2023, online privacy rights in Canada are not improving, and it may take a while before they become safe for privacy lovers. To take control of your own data, it is recommended to use a good VPN and other privacy tools.
Using a VPN for Canada will help you defend your privacy, secure your data, and access any content you want from around the world, regardless of your location. NordVPN is the top recommendation for the best VPN for Canada as it outperforms others across the board. AtlasVPN and Surfshark are also great options, and all three offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
When choosing a VPN for Canada, it is important to consider factors such as speed, security, and customer support. NordVPN, AtlasVPN, and Surfshark all excel in these areas, making them excellent choices for Canadian users.
Overall, using a VPN for Canada in 2023 is a wise decision to protect your online privacy and access content without restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best VPN for Use in Canada
When it comes to selecting the best VPN for use in Canada, there are several factors to consider. Some of the most important factors include security, speed, and reliability. Based on these factors, the following VPN services are recommended:
AtlasVPN
NordVPN
Surfshark
All of these VPN services offer strong security features, fast speeds, and reliable connections. Additionally, they have servers located in Canada, which is important for users who want to access Canadian content.
Fastest VPN in 2023
In 2023, the fastest VPN services are those that use the latest VPN protocols and technologies. Some of the fastest VPN services in 2023 include:
AtlasVPN
NordVPN
Surfshark
All of these VPN services offer fast speeds and reliable connections. Additionally, they have servers located in multiple countries, which allows users to access content from around the world.
Is a VPN Worth it in 2023?
In 2023, using a VPN is more important than ever. With increasing online threats and privacy concerns, a VPN offers an extra layer of security and privacy protection. Additionally, a VPN allows users to access content that may be restricted in their region. While there is a cost associated with using a VPN, the benefits far outweigh the cost.
Best Safe VPN for 2023
When it comes to selecting a safe VPN in 2023, it is important to choose a VPN service that offers strong security features. Some of the safest VPN services in 2023 include:
AtlasVPN
NordVPN
Surfshark
All of these VPN services offer strong encryption, no-logs policies, and other security features that help keep users safe online.
Most Reliable VPN Services for Personal Use
For personal use, it is important to select a VPN service that is reliable and easy to use. Some of the most reliable VPN services for personal use include:
AtlasVPN
NordVPN
Surfshark
All of these VPN services offer reliable connections, easy-to-use apps, and excellent customer support.
Top VPN Choices for Toronto Residents
For Toronto residents, it is important to select a VPN service that has servers located in Canada. Some of the top VPN choices for Toronto residents include:
AtlasVPN
NordVPN
Surfshark
All of these VPN services have servers located in Canada, which allows users to access Canadian content and websites. Additionally, they offer fast speeds and reliable connections, making them ideal for Toronto residents who want to stay safe and secure online.