If you are a Canadian expatriate or just traveling abroad, a Canadian IP address will be beneficial. While multiple methods exist, the best (most reliable and safe) way to change your IP address to a Canadian one is by using a virtual private network (VPN).
When you connect to a Canadian server, the VPN will spoof your location and assign you a Canadian IP address. This will enable you to access geo-restricted sites such as Netflix Canada, CTV, DAZN, TSN direct (and more), as well as banking and all other apps. Besides, it will also encrypt your data and traffic to keep you safe online.
A quick guide on how to get a Canadian IP address
Are you short on time? Then, follow these quick steps to acquire a Canadian IP address and access anything you want in Canada:
- Select and subscribe to a reliable VPN. This post features the three most reliable providers for getting a Canadian IP (based on extensive tests and research); our number one recommendation is NordVPN, though.
- Download and install the VPN app compatible with your device.
- Connect to a Canadian server from the list of available server locations in the VPN app.
- That’s it, you are now all set to access Canadian geo-blocked sites and apps.
Pro tip:
If you want to temporarily use a Canadian IP address, you can take advantage of NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee. It is a policy that allows you to use the service and get your full money back at the end.
Why do you need a Canadian IP address
The key reason to get a Canada IP location is to access the region’s local content abroad. That’s because, while you can continue to stream the internet anywhere in the same way, you can’t access some platforms airing location-based content. So, for instance, you can’t watch your favorite Canadian TV shows or movies elsewhere unless you spoof your online location as Canada.
Nonetheless, that’s not the only reason to change your IP country to Canada. Some users outside the Canadian region also need to spoof their locations to avail themselves of the perks offered there. For example, students, employees, and businesspersons may want to change their IP address to access the required content. Similarly, people may also need to change their online location to Canada to buy goods from the local online markets.
In short, the main reason generating the need for you to get a Canada IP is to break free of the content restrictions. Whether it’s a streaming site, an educational platform, an online store, an online banking service, or any other web platform, limiting its benefits to Canadian users is frustrating for those outside the region. As a free internet user, you deserve unrestricted access to the internet. And so, you are justified to use a VPN to get a Canadian IP.
Best VPNs for a Canadian IP address
Not all VPN services available are reliable. Some have inferior encryption and can easily compromise your security. Others may log users’ information or are located in a jurisdiction with questionable privacy laws.
That is why, after extensive research and testing, here we list the best VPNs to get a Canadian IP address. The providers on this list have met the following criteria to stand out as the best Canada VPNs:
- A massive network with servers spread across the world, including Canada
- A high-security level with dependable features such as AES 256-bit encryption and kill switch
- Reliable and consistent speeds for seamless streaming, gaming, and torrenting
- Do not retain any identifiable information such as IP address, timestamps, or browsing history
- Compatibility across all major devices including Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS
- Trustworthy, responsive, and knowledgable customer support
1. NordVPN
A powerful VPN to get a Canadian IP address as it offers over 480 servers from 3 Canadian cities. It is easy to install, set up, and connect to a robust server with a Quick-Connect feature.
5,200+ servers in 60 countries
P2P optimized servers
AES-256-bit encryption
CyberSec ad-blocker
DNS/IPv6 leak protection
Automatic kill switch
Quick-connect feature
Allows up to 6 simultaneous devices
30 days money-back guarantee
Pros
- Focus on security and privacy
- Servers in 3 Canadian locations
- Unmatched server network
Cons
- The desktop app is bit clumsy
NordVPN is the most extensive network on this list, with over 5200 servers in 60 countries. Like Surfshark, it also has servers in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal to give you a Canadian IP address. Remarkably, the company does not have virtual servers and only operates physical servers.
While some VPNs support P2P sharing on all their servers, NordVPN has specifically optimized servers for torrenting. These servers will give you better speeds to allow accessing BitTorrent or uTorrent without any issues.
You can take advantage of the obfuscated servers if you live in a country with heavy censorship like China. They will obscure your VPN traffic to make it look like you are browsing without a VPN.
Accessing the dark web requires an extra security layer. Most ISPs will flag your traffic or alert the authorities if they notice that you are on the dark web. Hence, NordVPN offers Onion over VPN servers that will protect your activities.
The VPN also offers dedicated IP addresses. This is a type of IP address assigned only to you and no one else. It is great for accessing online banking. However, the address will limit you to one location, which is not ideal for streaming.
NordVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption and other security features such as perfect forward secrecy, kill switch, and DNS leak protection to secure your connections. In addition, the CyberSec feature will not only block ads but also prevent dangerous malware and trackers.
2. Surfshark
The best pocket-friendly VPN service to get a Canadian IP address from 3 different cities. It is feature-packed with a great ability to unblock content.
3,200+ servers in 65 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
P2P sharing
MultiHop mode
DNS leak protection
Automatic kill switch
CleanWeb ad-blocker
Camouflage-mode
Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Have servers in three Canadian locations
- Unblocks all the popular streaming sites
- Allows you to connect unlimited devices
Cons
- Kill switch blocks some sites
Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 65 countries. In Canada, its servers are located in Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto. When you connect to any of the servers, your IP address will automatically change to a Canadian one.
Unlike ExpressVPN, Surfshark offers static IP addresses. Instead of a random IP address, you will be assigned the same address every time you establish a connection. The advantage is that it helps you avoid completing the annoying CAPTCHA checks when accessing specific sites or apps.
Surfshark is your best bet when it comes to unblocking content. It will help you access sites with the most notorious geo-blocks, such as Canadian CTV, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Italian Rai TV, etc. In addition, the servers offer fast and consistent speeds, so you’ll stream anything you want without buffering or lag.
The VPN employs the highest encryption level available for users’ safety. It protects your connections with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. Moreover, Surfshark provides four VPN protocols, including IKEv2, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), Shadowsocks, and WireGuard.
We did not encounter DNS, IP, or WebRTC leaks when testing servers in Canada, the UK, and Belgium. For this, the provider offers IP leak protection through the IPv4 stack and DNS on all servers.
Furthermore, the automatic kill switch will block your traffic if the VPN stops working abruptly. Surfshark has made this crucial feature easily accessible via a toggle on or off option.
The MultiHop servers allow you to jazz up your security by transmitting your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one. Also known as double VPN, it will add an extra security layer if you are concerned with your privacy.
It is one of the few VPNs that offer adblocker. It is in-built and will even block trackers and malware (a very handy feature to have in a VPN when visiting torrenting sites). We tested the feature on several ad-supporting sites such as Forbes, medium, and YouTube. It’s effective as it blocks all the ads.
Surfshark is compatible with all the major devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV stick. What’s more, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can connect as many devices as you want.
3. ExpressVPN
Another top pick VPN offering viable Canadian IPs from its resilient servers in 3 different cities. It offers outstanding speeds and has a long-standing reputation for 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
Allows up to 5 simultaneous devices
30-day money back guarantee
Pros
- Provide servers in Canada
- Advanced security features
- Strictly observers no-logs policy
Cons
- Significant slowdown on macOS
ExpressVPN has a massive network with more than 3,000 servers across 160 locations in 94 countries. Fortunately, it runs multiple servers in Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Connecting to any of them will alter your location to make you appear like you are in Canada.
One thing that sets ExpressVPN ahead of its competitors is the TrustedServer technology. It ensures that all the servers operate only on Random Access Memory (RAM) that can’t store any data. Hence, your information gets deleted completely every time you end the session.
It uses AES encryption combined with a 4096-bit RSA key, SHA-512 HMAC authentication, and AES 256-bit cipher. As a result, even the most powerful computer in the world cannot decrypt your data. Moreover, it also offers perfect forward secrecy that changes your encryption key every time you start a session.
The Network Lock (kill switch) is another crucial security feature that ExpressVPN uses to keep you safe. It cuts your traffic if the VPN connection drops, hence preventing IP leaks. Luckily, you don’t need to configure it manually as it comes automatically enabled on all apps (except iOS).
With the split tunneling feature, you can decide what part of your traffic should remain encrypted and what should be left untouched. So, for example, you can access your banking app locally and encrypt your streaming connection. I tested it, and it worked seamlessly.
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions. It unblocks all Netflix libraries, including the Canadian catalog. In addition, the VPN can stream CBC, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Comedy Central, HBO Go, and more. Its servers are super fast, and with unlimited bandwidth, you’ll watch your favorite content in high definition.
Besides, ExpressVPN is true to its word that it doesn’t keep any identifiable logs. Its no-logs claims have also been confirmed with independent audits by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) and Cure3.
The jurisdiction of a VPN provider is also a critical factor to consider if you are concerned with your privacy. Countries that form the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance force companies to hand over user data to authorities. The good news is that ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly region.
Is it safe to use a VPN to get a Canadian IP address?
Indeed, there’s no harm in using a VPN to get a new IP location from Canada.
In fact, VPNs are the safest means to spoof your IP address. That’s because these services provide utmost security and privacy to the users from prying eyes. Whether it’s about government surveillance, online tracking from advertisers, or snooping from cybercriminals, VPNs safeguard your online privacy by encrypting your traffic.
That’s the reason why every privacy enthusiast (including us) recommends using a VPN all the time.
Apart from security, VPNs also let you bypass geo-restrictions with minimal glitches. While you also get a Canadian IP address via a proxy or other services, those methods aren’t strong enough to resist VPN detection. Whereas a robust VPN often bypasses such blocks even from aggressive services like Netflix.
Nonetheless, you must ensure that you use a robust VPN service provider that respects your privacy.
Can I get a Canadian IP address from abroad for free?
When looking for a VPN to change your IP address, you’ll meet many options that offer free services. However, you should avoid and be cautious with such offers. This is because they don’t use encryption or any protection, exposing your data and traffic to all and sundry.
Operating and running a VPN infrastructure is very costly. Since free VPNs don’t charge for their services, they devise dubious ways to rake revenue. One of the common ways they use is by tracking users’ activity and selling the information to the highest bidder. Others make money through ads on-site or compel users to watch promotional videos.
Another disadvantage of free VPNs is that they have fewer servers that are usually congested, leading to sluggish speeds. In addition, almost all of them cannot unblock streaming services such as Netflix, Hotstar US, Channel 7, and others.
However, if you are on a tight budget, then you may consider using the free versions of paid services like ProtonVPN. Although it restricts some features such as the number of devices, servers, and data, you’ll be protected fully. Alternatively, you can check affordable premium VPNs out there.
How to access Canadian websites and TV
If you are outside Canada, you won’t access some websites, apps, and TV. This is because of something known as geo-blocking, where providers restrict content to specific geographic locations.
The occurrence is widespread with video streaming sites. It means accessing sports channels such as DAZN will be impossible outside Canada. Moreover, you won’t be able to watch SN Now, Rogers NFL Live, CraveTV, Sportsnet Now, TSN Direct, and much more.
Getting a Canadian IP address using a VPN as covered above is the easiest way to circumvent the restrictions and access whatever you want.
Can a Canadian IP address get me into trouble too?
A VPN is just a security tool that will protect your data and anonymize your online activities. Of course, this does not mean you start engaging in illegal activities such as downloading copyrighted material because you’ll get into trouble. Nonetheless, there is nothing wrong with bypassing network restrictions in schools and workplaces with these tools.
Using a VPN for the right reasons won’t land you in hot waters. Instead, it is how you use the VPN that triggers risks. Just keep in mind that if something is illegal in real life, it is also unlawful online.
Here are some of the things you shouldn’t do with a Canada VPN IP.
- Download or distribute copyrighted material
- Purchase illegal things on the black market
- Stalk people online
- Download or distribute child pornography
Bottom line
Many VPNs are available online today, but not all of them will enable you to get a Canadian IP address. In addition, some VPNs even contain malware that can threaten your security.
Therefore, after thorough testing, this article has compiled the three best VPNs for accessing Canadian geo-blocked content and apps. Fortunately, all of them come with 30-days money-back guarantee so you can try them and choose the right one for you without risking your money.
FAQs
Yes, and it is straightforward. Just open your VPN app, connect to a Canadian server and visit the Netflix site. The VPN will assign you a Canadian IP address, making Netflix think you are browsing within Canadian borders. However, use a reliable provider like ExpressVPN.
No. It is entirely legal to use a VPN to obtain a Canadian IP address. Currently, the country does not have any laws that ban VPN usage. However, as mentioned above, please don’t use it for any illegal activities to avoid getting into trouble.
When you connect to a Canadian server, the VPN will assign you a Canadian-specific IP address. This will make you look like you are within the Canadian borders, enabling you to access whatever you want.
Yes, you can use a proxy to get a Canadian IP address. However, you must necessarily avoid them as they don’t use encryption. This means that your traffic will remain exposed, and hackers can easily steal your data. That is why, consider using a VPN instead to spoof your location safely.
Usually, each time you connect to a VPN server, you’ll be assigned random IP addresses. However, a static or dedicated IP address does not change and will remain the same until your device is decommissioned. The advantage of this address is that connections are more consistent and minimizes the risk of being blocked. But, conversely, it also comes with privacy concerns as you can be easily tracked.
