CTV is a Canadian-based television network featuring a wide range of content alongside up-to-date news. It is home to some popular titles, including The Amazing Race, The Good Doctor, Cardinal, and more. On the downside, it is geo-blocked, and you cannot access CTV outside Canada normally.
Nonetheless, by getting yourself a Canadian IP address, you can easily bypass geo-restrictions and access your favorite watch CTV’s movies and shows from anywhere in the world. Besides, it will also maintain your online security and privacy.
Wondering how to do that? Look no further.
With this guide, you’ll learn how to unblock CTV on your device even outside Canada using VPNs and some other workarounds to watch your favorite media without hassle.
A quick guide to stream CTV outside Canada
- Select a reputable VPN with Canadian servers and create an account with it. NordVPN emerged as the winner after thorough testing beating others in terms of speeds and unblocking capabilities.
- Download and install the VPN software on your device.
- Connect to a Canadian server.
- Visit the CTV website and start enjoying your favorite content.
Best VPNs to watch CTV abroad
VPN services are emerging at a rapid rate as more people are becoming conscious of their online privacy.
However, all VPNs are not the same. So, it is good to know the exact features to look out for when choosing a VPN to stream CTV outside Canada. We based our research on the following criteria:
- Unblocking capabilities
- Server network
- Security and privacy
- Speeds
- Compatibility
And, after testing dozens of service providers, we shortlisted a few to share with you. So here are the top 3 VPNs to unblock CTV live online:
1. NordVPN
The perfect VPN to watch CTV abroad. It is effortless to use and offers high-quality features at an affordable price.
5,200+ servers in 59 countries
Supports P2P sharing
AES-256-bit encryption
No-logs policy
SmartPlay feature
Automatic kill switch
DNS/IPv6 leak protection
Double VPN
Allows up to 6 simultaneous devices
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Several Canadian servers to unblock CTV
- Lightning-fast servers
- Intuitive interface
Cons
- Inconsistent features on apps
NordVPN operates a network of more than 5200 servers in 59 countries, with over 480 servers in 3 Canadian locations, allowing you to enjoy CTV anywhere.
Most of the servers offer lightning-fast speeds. This means you will be able to stream CTV without buffering or lags.
Regarding security, NordVPN will protect your activities with AES 256-bit encryption. It combines encryption with a 2048-bit DH key, perfect forward secrecy, and SHA2-384 authentication for maximum security. You will also get OpenVPN UDP/TCP and IKEv2/IPSec, two of the most secure VPN protocols available.
Interestingly, NordVPN has an actual zero-logs policy and does not collect or store identifiable information. In addition, it is registered in a privacy-friendly country, Panama, that is not a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance.
It also offers other features to ensure your anonymity, for instance, the kill switch, DNS/IPv6 leak protection.
NordVPN works well with all popular devices, including Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. However, we noticed some significant differences between the Android and iOS apps during our test. For instance, Android users will only get OpenVPN protocol, but iOS users can also switch to IKEv2.
The VPN allows you to connect six simultaneous connections. However, it supports routers as well so that you can add more simultaneous devices.
Besides speeds, NordVPN beats its competitors in terms of affordability. Moreover, you can try this service risk-free by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. ExpressVPN
Proven itself as the best VPN for unblocking CTV outside Canada due to its outstanding speed, robust security, and reliability.
3,000+ servers in 94 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
DNS/IPv6 leak protection
P2P optimized servers
Network-lock feature
TrustedServer technology
Split tunneling
Tor compatibility
Allows up to 5 simultaneous connections
30-day money back guarantee
Pros
- Servers in Canada
- User-friendly and swift installation
- Top-notch security
Cons
- No IPv6 protection on mobile
ExpressVPN has incredible unblocking capabilities and will literally get past any geo-blocks. Besides CTV, it also unblocks YouTube, Facebook, Google, and other popular sites blocked anywhere.
For example, we tested Toronto and Montreal servers to access CTV live online. ExpressVPN demonstrated great speeds during our top VPNs speed test. Our average base speed was 59.76 Mbps but dropped slightly to 57.61 Mbps, enough for streaming without buffering.
Moreover, it works with nearly every operating system and platform. On top of offering VPN clients for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook, the provider also supports other devices such as routers.
Although, this VPN allows you to have five simultaneous connections with a single subscription. However, using a VPN-enabled router, you can watch CTV online, even on devices that don’t support VPNs like your Smart TV and PS4 console.
Concerning security, ExpressVPN keeps you safe with robust encryption. Precisely, the provider fortifies it with SHA-512 HMAC authentication, 4096-bit RSA key, AES 256-bit cipher, and Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS).
Besides, ExpressVPN doesn’t log data. It is also located in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly country outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance.
Some of its features that ensure privacy include an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. Plus, the VPN also supports Tor for maximum anonymity.
ExpressVPN offers three main premium plans, frequently offering deals and coupons with extended plans. It also accepts anonymous payments via bitcoin.
3. Surfshark
The best budget-friendly VPN to watch CTV shows. It is a newbie vendor but growing very fast to establish itself as a reputable VPN option.
3,200 servers in 65 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
P2P sharing
MultiHop mode
DNS leak protection
Automatic kill switch
CleanWeb feature
Camouflage-mode
Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Unblocks CTV efficiently worldwide
- Minimal and clean interface
- Unrestricted devices
Cons
- Slow connections on some servers
Surfshark boasts an expansive network of more than 3,200 servers in 65 countries. With over 90 servers spread across 3 Canadian locations, you can easily unblock CTV evading all VPN banning attempts.
Besides, if you are streaming from a restricted country like the UAE, the Camouflage Mode will disguise your VPN activities.
Sursfshark delivered impressive performance during our test, with a drop of only 6% from our original speeds. This means you can stream in high definition no matter where you are streaming from.
Surfshark is a secure VPN with some of the latest security features, such as the AES 256-bit encryption and MultiHop mode, Surfshark’s version of double VPN.
Also, its HackLock feature will monitor your passwords and email for security breaches.
In terms of privacy, Surfshark does not keep any connection or usage data. It is also headquartered in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, outside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes countries. There is also an automatic kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection to guard your privacy.
The VPN is compatible with all popular operating systems. It offers easy-to-use and feature-filled apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. The SmartDNS feature will allow you to connect devices that don’t work with VPN, like smart TVs, PS4 consoles, etc. Since it supports unlimited simultaneous connections, you can connect as many devices as you want with one Surfshark subscription.
Why Is CTV Not Available Outside Canada?
Like most other streaming platforms, CTV also employs various geo-restrictions for users. Thus, you can’t access CTV online outside Canada. Nonetheless, the service is available for users in the North American region on cable – just like it’s available to Canadian users.
Why you need a tool like VPNs to unblock CTV
Many popular streaming services use geo-blocks to restrict specific geographic regions’ content due to licensing and copyright agreements. For example, CTV will block your connection if you try to stream B Positive’s latest episodes from abroad.
How will CTV know you are accessing outside Canada? We hear you ask. Every internet-enabled device has an internet protocol (IP) address that identifies it on the internet. It is this address that shows where you are connecting from.
A virtual private network (VPN) will mask your real IP address and assign you a new Canadian-specific one. As a result, your streaming traffic will seem to be originating from the VPN server instead of your device. This is an easy and safe way to bypass CTV’s restrictions and stay up-to-date with your favorite movies and shows.
Some internet service providers (ISPs) throttle user bandwidth if there is excessive consumption. And, streaming TV shows online is a data-intensive activity. So, the chances are your ISP might throttle your bandwidth, resulting in slowing your connections. By encrypting your internet traffic via VPN and routing it through secure servers, your ISP won’t see what you are doing.
Free VPNs to stream CTV outside Canada
You might be tempted to use free VPNs to unblock Canadian CTV, but we advise you to avoid them. This is because of their inadequacies and can even put you at risk instead of keeping you safe and anonymous.
Here are some of the common issues with free VPNs:
Can’t unblock CTV
Unblocking geo-blocks requires a robust and stable network. Many free VPNs do not have the resources to get past geo-restrictions of most streaming services, including CTV. Although technically, you can bypass the restrictions with a free VPN, it is not certain that it will work. In most cases, you will get an error message that your connection is blocked.
Limited data
Most free VPNs cap the amount of data you can use. Some of them use this strategy to compel free users to upgrade their plans out of frustration. TunnelBear and Windscribe are good examples that limit the data to 500MB and 10GB, respectively.
Impede on speed
Slow speed is an issue you will face with free VPNs. They use poor-quality servers that are mostly congested, causing slow speeds. In addition, some providers deliberately slow down the speed to compel free users to upgrade.
Annoying ads
One of the main ways free VPNs make money is by selling ads. These ads are not only intrusive and infuriating but also may slow speeds or contain malware. Also, if a VPN is showing ads, it is probably sharing your data with third parties. This is an infringement of your privacy, yet a VPN is supposed to protect it.
Note: We recommend choosing the free versions of premium services instead of going for a completely free VPN. Although the free versions are highly limited, they are safe and secure. Moreover, you can take advantage of the money-back policies if you only need a VPN for a short period.
How to unblock CTV outside Canada without a VPN
Although, using a VPN is the best strategy to watch your favorite content on CTV anywhere. That’s because VPNs not only change your IP address. Rather they also provide you with a secure browsing experience.
Besides, the best VPNs like the ones listed above also resist VPN blocking attempts by streaming services. This is something where most proxies and other tools often fail.
However, if this isn’t doable for you, don’t worry. Here are to more workarounds that unblock CTV outside Canada even without a VPN.
Unblocking CTV anywhere with Kodi
Kodi is another way you can access CTV from anywhere. It’s a free media player that works with all popular devices and operating systems, including Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, tvOS, macOS, and Raspberry Pi.
However, remember that Kodi is just a streaming platform and can’t do anything on itself.
You will have to install an add-on to stream CTV outside Canada. The best Kodi add-on to watch CTV is Made In Canada extension.
It is easy to install and will enable you to view content even on other Canadian channels alongside CTV live as well. Follow the steps below to install MIC (Made In Canada) on your favorite free media player:
- Run Kodi player.
- Head over to its main menu.
- Now, go to System.
- Next, head over to File Manager.
- It’s time to hit Add Source button there.
- Then on None.
- Now, input https://archive.org/download/repository.mic exactly as it is.
- After that, hit Done.
- Next, look at the box saying None (visible at the bottom part of the screen).
- There you should see Enter a Name for This Media Source text written.
- Enter MIC in that box.
- Now, hit OK.
- Next, head back to the home screen of Kodi.
- After that, go to System again.
- Now, head over to Add-ons.
- Then pick Install from the zip file option there.
- Next, hit MIC.
- After that, choose the MIC repository.
Now wait for a while and you will see a notification for the add-on enabled, which would basically mean ‘all done‘ for you.
That is it. As you now have MIC (Made in Canada) on your Kodi, you cannot only watch CTV anywhere in the world but many more channels online. Again, to access any of your Kodi addon, MIC in this case, you simply head over to your Kodi home screen > System > Add-ons. There you click the Made in Canada and start watching the channel you have been longing for.
Accessing CTV outside Canada with a Smart DNS
Using a Smart DNS is also a viable strategy to watch CTV outside Canada. Briefly, a Smart DNS works by rerouting your traffic through its own DNS servers. Hence, it temporarily changes your online location, thus letting you unblock restricted content.
Although, this tool isn’t as robust as a VPN. Yet, it’s still worth trying as the last resort to watching your favorite media. Here’s how to use a Smart DNS to unblock CTV.
- Subscribe to a Smart DNS service. You can also use one offered by a VPN provider, such as NordVPN.
- After completing the subscription, log in to your account and note down the service provider’s DNS address(es).
- On your PC, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Change adapter options.
- In the new window, right-click on the icon of your connected network and click on “Properties.”
- In the box below the “This connection uses the following items:” feature, click on the option “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and then click on the “Properties” button appearing below.
- Choose the setting “Use the following DNS server addresses:” and type in the DNS addresses given by your service provider.
- Click the “OK” button.
Once done, you can now head on to watch CTV the way you want.
CTV-supported devices and popular shows to watch from abroad
You can watch CTV with a wide range of devices. Fortunately, the VPNs we have highlighted on this list offer compatibility across all popular operating systems and platforms. Here are some of the CTV-supported gadgets:
- iPhone
- Ipad
- Web browser
- iPod
- Xbox one
- Android smartphones and tablets with version 4.0 and above
- Apple TV running version 4+
- Samsung smart TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- OS version 9.0+
Here is a list of popular shows you can watch on CTV:
- The Amazing Race Canada
- 9-1-1 Lone Star (New Season)
- All Rise (New Season)
- American HousewifeArrow
- B Positive (New Season)
- Shark Tank
- Key and Peele
Conclusion
Geo-restriction should not prevent you from enjoying your favorite CTV content from anywhere. Using a VPN will change your IP address to trick CTV into thinking that you are streaming from within.
Regardless of where you are watching from, you can easily unblock CTV abroad using the methods described above. The VPNs reviewed above offer fast speeds to let you stream in high definition.
Our top pick is NordVPN because of its superfast speeds and robust security. But you can also try other services to see which fits your needs best.
FAQs
It will mainly depend on the country you are streaming from. Most countries worldwide do not have any laws prohibiting VPN usage. However, some either partially restrict its use or ban it altogether. Countries like Turkey and the UAE monitor VPN usage, while China, Russia, and North Korea have banned them. Fortunately, the VPNs we have reviewed above have an obfuscation feature to disguise your VPN activities for anonymity.
The only way you can watch CTV outside Canada is with a VPN. However, you must first install the VPN app and subscribe to get started. We recommend NordVPN because of its speed and reliability. Open the VPN and connect to a Canadian server to access CTV from abroad. We suggest you connect to Toronto and Vancouver servers for better speeds.
Although Canada borders the US, a VPN is the only way you can watch Canadian TV. Simply download the CTV Go app on your mobile device. Then install and subscribe to a VPN service and connect to Canadian servers to enjoy your shows.
Yes. You can access CTV for free on the Amazon Firestick app. In fact, the company has recently launched CTV movies and CTV throwbacks. This gives you free access to thousands of hours of television series and movies.
Currently, there isn’t a free VPN that can access CTV outside Canada. Most of them have inferior networks that cannot bypass CTV’s restrictions. Even when you manage to establish a connection, you will be frustrated with slow speeds and annoying ads. Worse of all, some free VPNs have been caught red-handed stealing and selling user data to the highest bidder. That is why we advise you to use the free version of premium VPNs if you are on a budget.
Yes, CTV Go is a free app available for CTV fans. Users can watch CTV content here by subscribing to it.
While CTV is free, it’s difficult to watch CTV without a Canadian cable TV subscription.
