Is Using a VPN Legal in Canada? (Best Canadian VPNs)
While Canada is a fairly permissive country in terms of digital rights, it’s important to know whether or not you’re breaking any rules when you go online with a VPN. After all, you’re hiding your connection from your government and ISP–best to make sure you know the law. We answer whether VPNs are illegal in Canada below.
“Are VPNs legal and safe to use?” Many people who are considering using a VPN for the first time question whether this is so. Bypassing regional restrictions and protecting your identity – are these illegal acts? Are you putting yourself in the territory of legal risk and reprisal if discovered?
Want the answers now? These are the best VPNs for Canadians
- NordVPN – Best VPN for Canada – Canadians trust NordVPN more than any other provider. With its massive server network, outstanding logging policy, and unbreakable encryption, it’s easy to see why.
- Surfshark – Looking for an affordable provider that only uses the latest VPN tech? Check out Surfshark.
- ExpressVPN – ExpressVPN is hardly a stranger to best-of lists, with outstanding speed and security provisions.
- CyberGhost – CyberGhost simplifies the process of enabling the proper VPN settings for the task at hand.
Whether you want to use a VPN to get around geo-blocks, or you just want to keep your identity and other data private and hidden from prying eyes, a VPN can help you do that. In this guide, we’re going to answer your burning question: are VPNs legal in Canada? We’re also going to give you some of the best VPNs on the market, and show you how you can beat geo-blocks and keep your information safe, secure, and private.
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VPN use in Canada – Legal or illegal?
The short answer is simple: Yes, it’s currently legal to use a VPN in Canada.
In fact, many organizations, like government agencies, law firms, accounting firms, and others utilize VPNs to protect sensitive data. However, in some countries, Canada included, certain governmental laws can force VPNs to divulge their users’ data if requested. And, using a VPN goes against the user terms of service of many online streaming sites (Netflix, Hulu, etc.). These services may cancel your subscription if you attempt to use a VPN. However, this usually doesn’t happen – more often, these services will simply employ a VPN blocker that can sometimes prevent you from being able to stream video until you disconnect from your VPN.
Comparison Of The Best VPNs For Canda
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
Picking a VPN for Canada
Now that we’ve cleared that up, what should you look for in a VPN? There’s a lot of info out there: things about bits and network size, logging policies, and jurisdiction. We aim to clear up your questions, so here’s the criteria we used to make our picks – and why:
- Encryption – To bypass geo-blocks and protect your data, you need a VPN with strong encryption. All the VPNs on our list have best-of-the-best 256-bit AES encryption – plenty to keep your data private and secure.
- Jurisdiction – You need a VPN that’s located outside of Canada, or any other country where they would be beholden to that government’s requests for your data logs. In other words, you need a VPN that’s based in a neutral government.
- Network size – To ensure that you have access to the best servers available every time you connect, you need a VPN that has a large, widespread network. Plus, if you have a specific country in mind from which you’d like to view content, it helps to have a VPN server located within that country.
- Logging policies – Going hand-in-hand with the last point, even if you choose a VPN that can be forced to divulge your data, you can take another precaution: make sure there isn’t any data recorded to be given away. All the VPNs on this list have strong zero-logging policies, so there isn’t any data kept by the VPN that could identify you anyway.
- Speed – Finally, you need a VPN that has fast connection speeds. Since VPNs add at least one layer of encryption, they have a reputation for slowing down you internet connection. But the VPNs we chose are some of the fastest on the market, giving you access to excellent streaming, downloading, and browsing speeds.
Top VPNs for Canada
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of VPN providers out there, but we’ve made the search a little easier for you. Below, we reveal our top-ranked, 100% legal VPNs that you can use to protect your privacy online in Canada:
1. NordVPN
- SPECIAL OFFER: 2-yr plan (70% off – link below)
- Different IP addresses aervers
- 2,048-bit SSL keys and DNS leak protection
- Strict zero logs policy on both traffic and metadata
- Money back guarantee policy (30-days)
- Refund processing can take up to 30 days
NordVPN offers a truly HUGE network: 5,500+ servers in 59 countries– and they’re always growing. As the largest reputable provider in the industry, NordVPN is competitively fast, and one of the most reliable VPNs for bypassing VPN blockers, so you can access Netflix and Hulu without a problem. This is accomplished due to NordVPN’s advanced features. Alongside their nearly-unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption, you get specialty servers for various use-cases. So things like using Onion over VPN, Anti-DDoS, Double VPN, P2P, Dedicated IP addresses, and Obfuscated servers can up your security game – perfect for power users.
But if you’re newer to VPN use, NordVPN offers you an attractive user interface, and their graphical server map makes it easy to select a server based on location around the world. They even offer option toggles that block ads and malware. With a wide software availability, NordVPn is based in Panama, a neutral government not beholden to larger powers’ requests.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
- Bypass government censorship with NoBorders mode
- All 800+ servers are P2P-friendly, with private DNS and obfuscation
- VPN obfuscation on any server with special Camouflage function
- Favorable BVI jurisdiction guarantees no logs kept
- 24/7 live chat ensures maximum uptime
- Overall, not much to complain about
- Apps don’t allow for much manual fiddling for power users
Surfshark is an excellent choice for Canadians looking to protect and expand their digital rights. In fact, it’s fair to say this is one of the most modern VPN offerings on the market, taking what was great about older providers, cutting the fat, then updating the core offering.
Exhibit A: Surfshark uses the 256-AES-GCM encryption cipher, and establishes tunnels between your device and its network with OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard, plus WireGuard if you’re on Windows. You won’t find the 128-bit step-down option because frankly its no longer needed to achieve great speeds with a VPN. Likewise, PPTP has little practical use when better protocols are available.
Moreover, there are 800 countries in 50 countries, with options for static IPs in the US (among others) and multi-hop connections. Obfuscation is available on every server, allowing you to reliably unblock 14 different Netflix libraries. And while Canadian privacy laws are quite liberal, it’s still a relief to see Surfshark’s independently audited no-logging policy for true anonymity.
3. ExpressVPN
- Unblocking Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime
- Fast serves with minimal speed loss
- OpenVPN, IPSec & IKEv2 Encryption
- No logs for personal data
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Expensive month-to-month plan
ExpressVPN is not only one of the fastest VPNs on the market, but also one of the easiest to use. So with this provider, you get buffer-free streaming of your favorite content, fast download times, and seamless browsing, but you also get a 1-click interface that stays out of your way. You get zero speeds caps, no throttling, and absolutely no restrictions on P2P networks or torrents, either. So pretty much anything you want to do online, you can do, with ExpressVPN.
This provider has military-grade, 256-bit AES encryption with 5 encryption protocols that can help you beat even the most hardcore censorship blocks; but you also get the option to lower your security – while still staying safe – to get an extra boost of speed. Your security is rounded out with a DNS leak test and an automatic kill switch, the latter of which blocks you from connecting to your ISP if your VPN connection drops.
ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries, so you’ll have no problem getting online with the best server for your use-case. And with so many countries included, you can expand your catalogue of internet content across much more of the world than before. ExpressVPN can get past VPN blockers, too, which makes them great for Netflix and other streaming services.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
- LOW PRICE: 6 EXTRA free months (79% off – link below)
- Torrenting allowed
- Robust encryption standards
- Private: Strong no logs policy
- 45-days money back guarantee
- WebRTC leak detected
- Can’t unblock some popular streaming sites
If you’re looking for a fast, reliable, easy-to-use VPN, look no further – CyberGhost has you covered. This provider is easy to install and use, with a colorful, minimalist display that gives you 6 pre-configured profiles. Each of these applies the best VPN settings for various use-cases, like unblocking streaming, unblocking basic websites, and choosing your VPN server. You can also add on toggles that block malicious websites, ads, and online tracking, as well as give you extra browsing security and speed.
CyberGhost has 5,900 servers in 90 countries, with an immaculate logging policy that doesn’t even keep your email address, much less any other information that could be used to identify you. 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak test, and kill switch keeps you safe, and a wide array of software ensures that you’ll be able to connect with any of your devices.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
How to beat geo-blocking with a VPN: Get content from anywhere on the globe
By using a VPN, you can “project” your location to just about anywhere – as long as there’s a server available. A VPN works by giving you a virtual IP address tied to whatever server you’re connected to in the VPN provider’s network. So, if you connect to a U.S. server from Canada, you’ll have access to different websites, a wider catalogue of streaming content on Netflix, and can even save money shopping online – because many websites change their prices based on where you’re IP address indicates you’re located.
So how can you do this? Simple – follow these steps:
- Sign up for a VPN provider. You can use any of the links in our list above, and you’ll be taken to a “Plans” page. Just select the plan you’d like, fill out the info requested, and you’ll have access in minutes.
- Download and install your new VPN onto the device(s) you want to be able to connect from. If using a mobile device, you may have to visit your app store.
- Once you’ve installed your VPN, open the app and sign in with the credentials you created in step 1. Your VPN will automatically connect you to the nearest, fastest server available. If this is one inside Canada and you’d like to access content that’s unavailable, simply bring up the VPN’s server list and select a server elsewhere.
- Once you’ve connected to the server of your choice – wait. One more step: open your web browser and visit ipleak.net. Once you’re there, the site will automatically run an IP address lookup on your device. In a box near the top, you’ll find a long string of numbers – your IP address. In the same box, underneath these digits, you’ll find a country name – this is your IP address’s country of origin. If the country matches that of the server you connected to (i.e. -> you connected to a U.S. server, and the country of origin says “United States”), then you’re securely connected through your VPN and can now browse with impunity.
Other uses for a VPN
Aside from beating content restrictions, there are other things that VPNs can help you with. One of a VPN’s primary purposes is to protect your privacy.
When you use a VPN, your data – your identity, traffic, DNS, IP address, etc. – is sent through an encrypted tunnel to the VPN server. From there, it takes on the location of the VPN server before being sent back through the same encrypted tunnel to your device. In this way, your data is kept in a closed-loop system that masks it from the prying eyes of your ISP, government authorities, and hackers.
Although this isn’t a 100% perfect system – nothing can be – unless you’re engaging in some seriously covert activities, a VPN is perfectly adequate and the best method you can use to reliably keep your information safe online.
Using a VPN to beat geo-blocks – A grey area
It’s legal to use a VPN to protect your online transactions and related information. But, the legality of using one to facilitate other online activities is still a blurry line. A 2013 court case in the United States found it a breach of the U.S. Computer Fraud Act to “knowingly circumvent one or more technological or physical measures that are designed to exclude or prevent unauthorized individuals from obtaining [that] information.”
So, some argue that if a Canadian uses a VPN to watch U.S. TV, they’re technically guilty of breaking this law. However, an attorney for a major American organization – the Electronic Frontier Foundation – was quoted in Forbes, saying, “While there are differences among the courts about the use of masking IP addresses to gain access to a site, it is pretty well established that simply violating the Terms of Service alone is not sufficient to warrant a violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.”
That’s U.S law… What about Canada?
In Canada, there’s no equivalent of the U.S. case to set a precedent for violation. That being said, however, there has been a precedent case of a U.S.-based company (Voltage Pictures) requesting the Canadian-based Teksavvy to divulge the private information of its subscribers, who Voltage Pictures claimed had violated copyright regulations. In the end, Teksavvy had to hand over this information, but, any correspondence to Canadian subscribers in that list had to be approved by a Canadian court before it could begin.
What this means is that Canadian-based VPNs can be forced to turn over any and all logs they have on users. But, thankfully, none of the VPNs on our list are based out of Canada or beholden to its laws – so you have nothing to worry about.
Addictive Tips is a strong advocate for your privacy, but we never condone piracy or otherwise breaking the laws of your country. It is up to you to understand those laws, and to act accordingly. Please use your VPN responsibly and safely.
Should I Use a VPN to Get a Canadian IP Address?
While there are multiple methods to actually get a Canadian IP address, only one offers full online privacy and security: using a VPN. With a VPN you’ll always be sure your data is encrypted and your identity is protected, allowing you to safely stream movies or break through geo-restriction barriers. Below are some of the other benefits a VPN will place at your fingertips via your shiny new Canadian IP address.
Watch Videos from Canada with a VPN
Online streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube switch which videos you can stream based on your location, a fact that’s determined by your IP address. If you sign in with a UK IP, for example, you’ll be shown videos from the UK. International content laws prevent content from being shown on a global basis, which means your only option for streaming the movies you want is to get a different IP.
VPNs avoid these barriers by deploying encryption and virtual IP addresses. These two features protect your identity and make it appear as if you’re located in the country of choice, swapping out your local IP for a virtual one, all while sealing up your activity in an encrypted envelope of data. Want to watch TV shows or live sports from Canada? Get a Canadian IP address and you’re set.
Use a VPN to Access Home Accounts
People who live or work in Canada have bank accounts, credit cards, and other services based inside the country. If you they access these from abroad, there’s a good chance they’ll be blocked by location filters. This is a basic security measure used to keep critical data safe, but it’s pretty frustrating for travelers who cross international borders on a frequent basis. Fortunately, VPNs can fix this problem instantly. Launch the app, sign in, choose a Canadian IP address, then access your accounts as normal.
VPNs Bypass Censorship Blocks
Canada’s net neutrality laws are some of the best in the world. Using a VPN to connect from a Canadian IP address lets you piggyback on these regulations to enjoy a free and open internet no matter which country you’re in. Some local governments and ISPs block sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Wikipedia, or prevent access to communication tools like Skype and WhatsApp. With a reliable VPN you can switch to a Canadian IP address and access the free and open web, no restrictions implied. All of this is thanks to VPN encryption and virtual, anonymous IP addresses.
Conclusion: VPN services are legal in Canada
So ultimately, the answer to your original question (is VPN legal in Canada?) stands: Yes, it’s legal in to use a VPN in Canada. While this may change or gain more nuances in the future, for now there’s nothing to worry about. You can legally use a VPN in Canada to stream and view content from other countries, as well as keep your identity and data private and secure while you browse the web.
As you navigate the digital landscape in Canada, you might be wondering how to access your favorite sports and entertainment channels from abroad. We’ve got you covered!
Are you a sports enthusiast looking to catch the latest games on Fox Sports Go? We have a comprehensive guide on how to watch Fox Sports Go in Canada using a VPN. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action.
Perhaps you’re more interested in Canadian content and are currently residing outside of Canada? See our detailed guide on how to stream CBC outside Canada. This guide will help you bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy your favorite Canadian shows from anywhere in the world.
Do you live, work, or travel to Canada frequently? Have you used a VPN or wondered if it was legal to do so? Let us know your thoughts and stories in the comments section below.
If you need a VPN for a short while when traveling for example, you can get our top ranked VPN free of charge. NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will need to pay for the subscription, that’s a fact, but it allows full access for 30 days and then you cancel for a full refund. Their no-questions-asked cancellation policy lives up to its name.
You didn’t mention IPVanish in the list. I always thought it was the top dog. That’s the one I am using. It seems to be fine.
By installing it to my TV, does it also hide info from my computers? I don’t really want it on the computers because every time I want to log into my bank or other accounts I get a message they have to verify it’s me and send me a text with a code. That part is annoying if it’s the VPN causing that.
Thank you for your help