How to watch Canadian TV in the US
Jeff
Jeff, TV analyst for WatchTVAbroad hails from Pennsylvania, United States and after growing up disinterested in sport found his sport calling in his late teenage years. Now he loves nothing more than streaming boxing, MMA and other combat sports.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could turn on the TV and watch content from Canada?
Unfortunately, if you’re in the United States, it’s not that easy.
Most people find it impossible to find up to date Canadian shows, leaving them watching old reruns.
Thankfully for you, it doesn’t need to be that way. In this guide I’ll be showing you how by using a simple VPN app you can stream all your favourite Canadian shows and movies in the US.
Canadian expats who have moved to the US already have a difficult time adjusting to their new surroundings, and sometimes, all you need is a small taste of home.
The same is true if you’re travelling to the US, but would like to keep in touch with your own unique Canadian culture.
The easiest way to do that it is to watch some good old Canadian TV.
Keep scrolling to find out everything you need to know.
What you need to get started
As you know, online TV websites and apps are a great way to watch TV at any time, no matter where you are.
Unfortunately, these apps and sites also check your location to determine whether or not you should have access to their content.
If you are not located in the right area, then they’ll deny you access.
So if you’re in the United States, for example, and you try to watch a Canadian streaming service or use their app, then you’ll be blocked.
The solution to this: a VPN app.
A VPN app can help you disguise your location and appear to be somewhere else, meaning that you can be in the US, and look like you are in Canada.
Originally, it’s an app for privacy and anonymity, but millions of users use them to watch TV from home across the world.
Where can I get the app?
Now, this is the crutial bit.
There are hundreds of VPNs to choose from, some good, some bad.
Some of them don’t work correctly with Canadian streaming websites and apps, while others work well, allowing you to unlock lots of different content using them.
After some extensive testing of all the leading VPN providers, I found ExpressVPN to be the best for unblocking TV.
It is super easy to use, so you won’t have a problem using it even if you hate technical things and also if you don’t have any experience using a VPN app before.
The ExpressVPN service is also super fast, which is vital to avoid buffering.
You can even get your money back within 30 days from the moment of purchase if you decide that you don’t like it, so there’s always that peace of mind too.
Alternatively, NordVPN and CyberGhost are also good solutions. They work practically the same and they’ve both got a 30-day money back guarantee too.
30-day money back guarantee
How to stream: Step-by-step
So, you’re ready to get watching all the great Canadian TV, right?
Follow the steps below and you can be streaming in minutes.
Step 1: Get a VPN
The first step is to get a VPN.
You can do this by going to the website of one of the VPN services. I recommend ExpressVPN (Don’t forget they’ve got a 30-day money back guarantee).
The process is quick, and all you need is to enter your email and payment details. It’s worth noting that bigger savings can be made on their 12-month package so be sure to check it out.
Step 2: Download the app
Most VPNs have multiple dedicated apps for devices such as phones, tablets, laptops or computers. You can download it from the ExpressVPN website or search in your usual app store.
They also have apps for devices like the Amazon Fire TV and others.
Step 3: Connect
Once you download and install the app, you should log in and click on the Selected Location button.
In the search box type Canada.
Then click on the Connect button.
Use ExpressVPN to connect to Canada.
Step 4: Stream
Once you’re connected, all you need to do is visit your favourite Canadian TV streaming website or use their app.
Then, break open the popcorn and drinks and enjoy watching as much TV from Canada as you want.
30-day money back guarantee
What can I watch?
As you know, Canada has many streaming services, some for children, others for adults.
When using a VPN app you can access almost all services from free-to-air ones to those you have subscriptions for.
This includes the likes of Netflix Canada, Bravo, TVA, CraveTV, DAZN, TSN & CBC.
Family Channel is excellent when it comes to kids’ shows, while the National Film Board of Canada offers lots of content for everyone.
There are also APTN, BNN, Food Network, HGTV, MUCH, SLICE, and many more.
I haven’t tested all of them, and you’ll need to check their terms & conditions as mentioned below, but there’s a good list to get started with.
Things to consider
One thing to consider is that some services may not be unblocked even with a VPN, although these are rare cases.
The problem lies in the fact that some services actively block VPNs, as using them is against their Terms of Service.
You should certainly check whether their ToS prohibits the use of a VPN before you try streaming.
Summary
Moving to a new country, or even travelling around for a time can be an enjoyable experience.
However, if you’re in the States for any length of time, you might be missing your favourite show from back home.
Grab yourself a VPN from ExpressVPN or one of the other providers which will allow you to watch whatever Canadian TV you want anywhere in the US.
Illustration © Gregory Turik | Dreamstime.com
What internet speed is required to allow streaming, we will be using it in Florida on DSL and the speed is 10 Meg download and 1.5 Meg upload, will these speeds be acceptable?
Hi Ernest,
You should, in theory, be able to watch things in standard definition but it would be too slow for high quality streams such as 4k and the like.
There are however a lot of factors at play so it’s difficult to say for certain it would work without issue. Sorry I can’t be more specific.