A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the simplest ways to get a Canadian IP address from anywhere in the world. It can be used to access geo-restricted content from the region, including movies, TV shows, news, and local services. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
What is the best VPN to get a Canadian IP Address?
Anyone aiming to access Canadian services will know how difficult it is to bypass geo-blocks in the region. For example, anything from streaming platforms to banking apps may be blocked from abroad, and the same is true for the majority of countries worldwide.
Users are typically tracked via their IP address, which lets online services know your rough location. By switching to a VPN server in Canada, you’ll be assigned a Canadian IP address.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re currently living in Canada, or if you’re abroad and want to access services from back home. A VPN is the easiest method to get a Canadian IP.
If you don’t have time to read through the entire article, here’s our list of the best VPNs for getting a Canadian IP address:
- ExpressVPN: Our top VPN recommendation for Canada. Multiple high-speed servers, custom protocol, and unbeatable streaming access. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- NordVPN: Great value-for-money VPN. NordLynx protocol, various premium features, and superb connection speeds.
- Surfshark: The best budget VPN, plenty of Canadian servers, a private search engine, and unlimited device connections.
- Private Internet Access: The most secure VPN. Canadian servers in four locations, and ideal for streaming and torrenting.
- PrivateVPN: The best user-friendly VPN for Canada. Unblocks lots of popular content from the region.
How to get a Canadian IP address
A VPN is the simplest way to get a Canadian IP address with a minimal amount of hassle. You’ll also be able to switch to various different locations worldwide, and it’ll help to improve your online privacy. If you’re not sure what to do, we’ve put together a quick guide to take you through the process.
Here’s how to get a Canadian IP address:
- Firstly, you’ll need to pick a VPN with Canadian server locations. (ExpressVPN is our top pick in this instance.)
- Sign up and download the relevant app/s to your device.
- Sign in to the VPN, and select a server location in Canada.
- Once connected, you’ll have been assigned a Canadian IP address.
If you’re aiming to access geo-restricted content, you may need to clear your cache and browser cookies for any changes to take effect.
The best VPN to get a Canadian IP address
No two VPNs are the same. Everything from performance to encryption may differ drastically, and it can be tough to identify the best provider for the job. Having tested 140+ VPNs over the years, we’ve narrowed it down to five which are best for getting a Canadian IP address.
To make the list, the VPN had to meet the following criteria:
- Servers: We’ll primarily be focusing on Canada, as you’re aiming to get an IP address from the region
- Speeds: Connection speeds will have an impact on all online tasks
- Security: As well as privacy, we look at features which help to improve security
- Streaming: Once again, the ideal VPN will give access to Canadian streaming services, as well as international platforms like Netflix US
- Logging policy: The provider should have a no-logs policy to keep your data safe and secure
- Apps: Capable apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
- Customer support: Ideally available 24/7
- Value for money: A money-back guarantee just in case, and a fair price for any subscription
Here’s a list of the best VPNs for getting a Canadian IP:
ExpressVPN is our top pick for getting a Canadian IP address. Speedy connections, packed with features, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. With numerous high-speed servers in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, ExpressVPN is our top recommendation if you need a Canadian IP address for any reason. It’s perfect for streaming thanks to its custom Lightway protocol, which offers great performance with no impact on security. You’ll be able to access over 30 Netflix libraries, as well as international services like iPlayer, HBO, and Hulu. There are servers in 94+ countries overall. It also works well with accessing local services from Canada because ExpressVPN IP addresses are rotated regularly. You can watch Canadian sports like hockey, as well as the likes of CBC Gem, CTV, Amazon Prime Video, DAZN, and more. The software is easy to use, and support is available 24/7 via live chat. Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android are packed with features, such as TrustedServer. (This ensures no data is ever written to a hard drive). It also offers split tunneling, along with a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Audited by PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC), it keeps no activity logs and no connection logs. Based in the British Virgin Islands, this ensures that it is free of any known intelligence-sharing agreements. ExpressVPN works with up to five devices. NordVPN is the best affordable option for a Canadian IP address. Great for streaming and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. NordVPN is our top pick if you’re looking for a more affordable option to get a Canadian IP address. It still measures up to the best in the business, including a custom protocol (NordLynx) which is built around WireGuard. There are 240+ servers in Canada alone, as part of a network that spans 60+ countries. Nord also offers dedicated IP addresses in Canada, which are perfect if you want to use the same IP each time you log in. (This might be helpful if you host your own servers, or need access to remote devices.) Speciality servers include Double VPN and Onion Over VPN, and Nord gives access to blocked streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, iPlayer, HBO, NBC, ABC, and more. It’s based in the privacy-friendly region of Panama, and it comes with a built-in ad and malware blocker called CyberSec. (This keeps you safe by blocking DNS requests based on a real-time blocklist of harmful websites that may host malware.) A single account can be used with up to six devices, and it has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. It’s hard to think of any downsides if you’re in need of a Canadian IP address. Surfshark is a top budget provider that matches up to the best premium services in most respects. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark is a viable budget option with a variety of unique features on offer. In terms of Canadian coverage, there are 120+ servers in the region, split between Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. The network is made up of 3,200+ servers worldwide, so it’s a great choice if you’d like to connect to multiple countries. You’ll find a range of notable features, including a private search engine, and the ability to connect with unlimited simultaneous devices. This makes it really affordable, especially if you’d like to share an account with friends or family. Speeds are more than fast enough to deal with streaming in 4K, and customer support is available 24/7. It’ll access Netflix Canada, TSN, and CTV, and it comes with automatic ad-blocking and malware scanning. It’s logging policy notes: “We do not collect IP addresses, browsing history, session information, used bandwidth, connection time stamps, network traffic and other similar data.” Surfshark has been security audited by Cure53, although that was only for the Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Private Internet Access is a secure option which offers improved encryption, and it’s great for streaming and torrenting in Canada. 30-day money-back guarantee. Private Internet Access (PIA) has Canadian servers in Ontario, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. It benefits from one of the more expansive networks, with locations in a total of 84+ countries worldwide. PIA uses RAM-only servers, ensuring a higher level of security compared to the average provider. Speeds are decent, and quick enough for HD streaming thanks to the implementation of WireGuard. You’ll also be able to get a dedicated IP in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. This could be helpful for gaming, or if you’d like to see fewer CAPTCHAs. Based in the United States, it’s not the best location if you’re aiming to avoid Five Eyes countries. Five Eyes (sometimes referred to as FVEY) is an intelligence alliance that dates back to the early 1940s. However, PIA's AES 256-bit encryption is first-rate, and the VPN has a zero-logs policy. This means that it keeps no record of anything that subscribers get up to. PIA has also been audited by consultancy firm Deloitte. You can connect up to 10 devices at once, and it comes with PIA MACE, which is an ad, tracker, and malware blocker. PrivateVPN is great for torrenting and streaming, and has multiple servers that can be used for a Canadian IP. 30-day money-back guarantee. PrivateVPN rounds out the list, with a trio of Canadian server locations in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Its network is spread out between 63+ countries, with 200+ locations in total. Despite a smaller network in comparison to the others mentioned above, connection speeds are notable, with beginner-friendly apps available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. You’ll find streaming servers that give access to sites such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, and it’s one of the more affordable providers on the market. The 10 simultaneous devices allowance is generous, and the provider offers public dynamic dedicated IPs if users connect using the default protocol. This is great for unblocking services, although it’s only available in Sweden, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Switzerland, the UK, France, and the United States. A seven-day trial is also available, so you’ll be able to test it out for yourself free of charge. 1. ExpressVPN
Pricing
Pros
Cons
Available on
Unblocks
Website
Pricing
Pros
Cons
Available on
Unblocks
Website
Pricing
Pros
Cons
Available on
Unblocks
Website
Pricing
Pros
Cons
Available on
Unblocks
Website
Pricing
Pros
Cons
Available on
Unblocks
Website
How does ProPrivacy review VPNs?
There are hundreds of competing VPNs that are vying for your attention at any given time, and many will have some sort of presence in Canada. However, the quality of the service will differ depending on the task at hand.
At ProPrivacy we make it our mission to provide trustworthy VPN advice to our readers. To do this, we have created a precise VPN testing review process. Our robust testing method allows us to classify VPNs using rigorous metrics.
The criteria for each user is different, so here’s how we came up with this list for getting a Canadian IP address from anywhere in the world:
- Servers: Although you’ll predominantly be using Canadian servers, we look at the strength of the VPN network as a whole. What is coverage like in other countries, and is it easy to find a local server?
- Speeds: We look at connection speeds in Canada, as well as performance worldwide. Fast speeds are a must for streaming, torrenting, or even browsing without any lag. If you’re connecting from outside of the region, you’ll also benefit from speedy servers.
- Security: Strong encryption will ensure that your data remains safe, while we’ll also look out for any other notable features that will improve security or privacy.
- Streaming: We’ll consider Canada first and foremost when factoring in accessible streaming services. We’ll also make a note of notable international streaming platforms that can be unblocked.
- Logging policy: A logging policy determines what a provider does with your personal data. A ‘no-logs’ policy will ensure that data isn’t stored. Some VPNs have gone a step further to ensure that policies are verified and proven by third parties.
- Apps: The VPN needs to have dedicated apps for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux. These should be user-friendly, and the provider should allow for multiple device connections.
- Customer support: Customer support is always important, whether you need to get in touch for a technical query, or you’d like help during installation.
- Value for money: Does the VPN offer good value for money? As well as considering available deals and longer subscriptions, we’ve also factored in any money-back guarantee.
Can I use a free VPN in Canada?
Yes, although we’d advise against doing so for a number of reasons. The majority of free providers only have a server or two in the US, and might have another location in Europe if you’re lucky. This isn’t going to be helpful if you need a Canadian IP address.
Free VPNs also tend to be lacking when it comes to speeds and security, whether that’s due to selling user data to third parties, or a lack of secure encryption. You can also expect lots of adverts.
Generally, free plans give the user a limited experience, capping speeds and bandwidth in an effort to port users over to the premium version.
Canadian IP address with VPN FAQs
Should I connect to Canadian servers if I live there?
You can if you want to, and there aren’t many drawbacks to mention. A good VPN will be able to unblock local sites and services with a Canadian server location, as well as international options. You’ll also benefit from improved online anonymity.
What can I do with a Canadian IP address?
You’ll be able to browse the web privately, which is always going to be a benefit for the average user.
With a premium VPN, you can access previously blocked content. Other locations can be used to watch services like US Netflix or BBC iPlayer from Canada, while you’ll also be able to catch sports like hockey, or local streaming channels.
Canada is a Five Eyes country, so it makes sense to keep your data away from anyone attempting to find out about your online movements.
Is it legal to use a Canadian IP address?
Yes, it’s safe to use a VPN in Canada, and the same is true for using a provider to get a Canadian IP address. However, VPNs aren’t legal everywhere in the world, so be sure to make a note of the rules in your country. Check out our guide to find out exactly where VPNs are banned or illegal.
How can I test if my IP address has changed to Canada?
The easiest way to check if your IP has changed is to use an online tool, such as our IP address checker. To be sure, make a note of your real IP address beforehand.
Can I get an IP address from a specific Canadian city?
Yes. For example, you can pick from ExpressVPN servers in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. It’s helpful if you need a local IP address, while some of the providers listed above also offer dedicated IP addresses in Canada.
Is it a good idea to use a Canadian dedicated IP address?
It depends. A dedicated (or static) IP address is great for accessing sensitive content, like banking apps, or avoiding CAPTCHA tests. In most cases, it’s likely that a shared IP will be more than good enough for the average user.
Will a VPN affect my connection speeds?
The use of a VPN could have an impact on speeds as all data has to be sent to and from the VPN server, and it’s encrypted in the process. However, the best providers negate any loss in speeds, and you may even see better results if your connection is being throttled by your ISP.
Can I use a proxy or Tor in Canada instead of a VPN?
Yes, but services like Tor and proxies differ from VPNs in some respects. A proxy will work to spoof your location to access restricted content, but it doesn't provide secure encryption. You’ll also have to trust whoever runs the server with your personal data. Tor provides high levels of encryption, but speeds are too slow for anything other than browsing. A VPN offers strong privacy and fast connection speeds.