As of 2023, Netflix is not officially available to Canadians, and Netflix has no plans to expand into Canada.
So if you want to watch Netflix but you’re located in Canada, the only way to do so is with the help of a virtual private network (more commonly called a VPN). The good news here is that VPNs these days are pretty easy to install and use from anywhere in the world, so you don’t need to worry about learning a whole new skill. Plus, once you get a VPN subscription, you can use it to watch almost every American streaming service, like Peacock, Hulu, and Paramount+.
If you’re just looking for a quick VPN recommendation, our team loves ExpressVPN because it feels premium and has servers in every country we’ve ever had a need to explore. But there are plenty of great VPNS to choose from. Here are our top picks:
ExpressVPN
Free for 3 Months
$12.95/month
Now, let’s dive into everything you need to know to watch Netflix in Canada.
Why do you need a VPN to watch Netflix in Canada?
If you’ve ever tried to watch American streaming services like Netflix in Canada, you’ve probably landed on something like this message: “We couldn’t find your location, which is required for watching this content.”
That can be so frustrating, especially if you Google “where to watch” a certain show and Google suggests it’s available on Netflix in your region. Streaming happens on the internet, so why is it still restricted by geographical boundaries?
Since streaming services are corporate entities bound by laws and trade agreements and the like, they have to set limits based on location.
For you, this just means adding an extra step to your streaming workflow before you get to watch shows like Wednesday, Stranger Things, or Love is Blind on Netflix. Once you get a VPN subscription, you won’t need to worry as much about geo-blocking and you’ll get to access all the content on Netflix from Canada.
Do you still need to pay for a Netflix subscription to watch from Canada with a VPN?
Yes, a subscription to Netflix is still required if you want to stream content from Canada — even with a VPN.
Imagine a VPN as an internet teleportation device. It takes you (virtually) to the destination you mark as your desired server. So when you use a VPN from Canada to watch Netflix with an American IP address, the VPN does the work of transporting you (virtually) to the United States.
But that’s as far as your VPN subscription gets you. A VPN doesn’t automatically make it possible for you to watch any movie or show you want. For that, you’ll also need to subscribe to Netflix. The good news: when you subscribe to Netflix, you get access to features like Netflix Watch Party.
Netflix Standard with Ads
- Stream on two screens
- On demand content
- HD video quality
- Downloads on up to two devices
$6.99/month
Netflix Standard
- No ads
- Stream on two screens
- HD video quality
- Downloads on up to two devices
$15.49/month
Netflix Premium
- No ads
- Stream on four screens
- HD and 4K video quality
- Downloads on up to six devices
$22.99/month
Read our full review of Netflix to find out why else we like it.
How to access Netflix from Canada with a VPN
There isn’t anything special about accessing Netflix from Canada. The steps are basically the same as accessing Netflix from any other country.
Here are the basic steps:
- Subscribe to a VPN like our top choice, ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app or client on your device.
- Connect to the VPN from your target region. In this case, that’s the United States since you want to access Netflix like you’re in the United States.
- Sign in to Netflix or create an account if you don’t have one already. (Use our link to Netflix to get any free trials or deals we’ve negotiated.)
- Start streaming!
The next time you want to watch Netflix from Canada, you’ll just need to follow steps 3-5. Pretty simple, right?
Plus, if you want to watch any other streaming services from international accounts, you’ll be able to do so with your same VPN subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
You asked, we answer! Below, find the answers to the questions we get most often about watching Netflix in Canada.
Couldn’t Netflix just block VPNs?
If Netflix wanted to, they could simply identify all VPN servers and add them to their list of blocked IP addresses. However, doing this would require a lot of effort on their part. Netflix would have to detect and block every single VPN provider for the countermeasure to work.
Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services have tried to set up anti-VPN countermeasures, but these haven't been very effective. Once a VPN provider realizes that it's been blocked, all it has to do is change the IP addresses that it uses.
There just isn't much a streaming service can do about VPNs other than ignore them.
What other content is available on Netflix?
While it doesn’t offer any live tv channels (yet), Netflix’s massive backlog has enough shows and movies to last you a lifetime. From exclusive originals to licensed content spanning across all genres, there’s some on Netflix for just about everyone. With its intuitive search function, you can search by genre, actor, director, or mood to find something you’ll like.
Check out our guide to Netflix search codes to discover even more ways to browse the streamer.
Can I watch Netflix outside the US?
Yes, it is possible to watch Netflix outside of the US by using a VPN service. A VPN can hide your IP address and make it appear as if you are located in the US, allowing you to stream Netflix content without restrictions.
We’ve explored many VPN services that offer high-quality streaming speeds and unlimited bandwidth, making it possible to enjoy streaming Netflix in other countries. Our favorite VPN to use for watching Netflix outside the US is ExpressVPN.
What is the best alternative to cable TV in Canada?
There are several alternative TV providers available in Canada. One popular option is to use an over-the-air antenna to watch free, local channels. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have Canadian versions, but there are also other great options for watching televison without cable in Canada.
Can I stream live TV in Canada?
There are plenty of options available for catching live TV without cable in Canada. You can check out some of the streaming services available in Canada, or you can use your TV provider's online streaming platform. Plus, some Canadian networks have their own streaming services, like CBC Gem and Global TV. So kick back, grab some snacks, and enjoy your favorite shows without the hassle of cable!
Davan Hamilton • Author
Davan Hamilton is an editor and writer based in Jacksonville, FL. Holding a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, her writing spans a wide range, from essays on film criticism and analysis to surreal poetry. Now, she works for Flixed as an editor, continuing to ignore the list of passion projects she’s accumulated. When she’s not glued to her computer, you can find her building endless amounts of Lego sets, binge-reading manga, or playing with (fighting) her cat.
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