The best VPNs also keep your identity and data private, using 256-bit AES encryption and a no-logs policy. This is essential as Canada is part of the 5-Eyes Alliance — a group of countries collecting and sharing information on its citizens. My #1 choice VPN for Vancouver is ExpressVPN. It offers fast speeds for buffer-free streaming and robust security features that keep you anonymous online. Plus, ExpressVPN has a global network of servers (including Vancouver). Try ExpressVPN risk-free. If you’re not impressed, you can claim a full refund within 30 days. Get the Best VPN for Vancouver Today! Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Today!
Best VPNs for Vancouver — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)
Although Canada does not experience online censorship, some content remains restricted. For example, some websites block residents of Quebec from accessing their content because they do not (as is the law) have a French version available. Also, if you’re visiting Vancouver, online services (like e-banking) from your home country might be unavailable. My team and I tested nearly 100 VPNs to provide you with a list of the best VPNs for Vancouver. I discovered only a few that can help you access almost any content (from DAZN to Netflix US) without slowing you down. The VPNs on this list also have the security and privacy features you need to keep your data safe from prying eyes. But what makes these VPNs stand out from all the rest is their dedicated customer support and trustworthy money-back guarantees.
1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds for Buffer-Free Streaming In and Outside of Vancouver
Bufferless streaming in HD makes ExpressVPN an excellent choice for watching the latest ice hockey game. When I tested ExpressVPN’s Smart Location feature, I was automatically connected to the nearest server based on my actual location. My speed only decreased 4% to 65 Mbps, which is way faster than the 25 Mbps you need to stream in Ultra HD. You don’t have to worry about how much data you’re using either because it’s unlimited. Your online activity is kept private with ExpressVPN’s military-grade encryption. The VPN also offers various ways of encrypting your data (security protocols), depending on your VPN needs. For example, if your primary reason for using a VPN is uninterrupted streaming, then I recommend ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol — it gives you the fastest speeds. DNS/IP leak protection and Network Lock (an automatic kill switch) protect you against accidental data exposure. Network Lock disconnects you from the internet if the VPN fails (which is extremely rare and didn’t happen to me) — so, there’s no chance of your true location being revealed. Plus, ExpressVPN follows a strict no-logs policy which means it won’t collect, share, or sell your personal information. A no-logs policy is especially important in Canada, as it participates in the intelligence-sharing agreement of the the 5 Eyes Alliance. You can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously with 1 ExpressVPN license. Another really cool VPN feature is MediaStreamer, which allows you to use devices not usually compatible with VPNs (like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch) to live stream sporting events. I found ExpressVPN’s in-house apps to be well-designed and easy to use. Most features take only 1 click to activate. However, live chat support is available 24/7 if you do run into a problem. Try ExpressVPN worry-free (it’s supported by a 30-day money-back guarantee). I tested this policy for myself and got my refund within 3 working days. Try ExpressVPN Today!
2. IPVanish — Unlimited Connections to Protect All Your Devices Simultaneously
You can connect to IPVanish on an Unlimited number of devices simultaneously and only pay for 1 subscription — so it’s perfect for multi-device households and small businesses. The VPN is also compatible with most operating systems, so you never have to leave a device unprotected. I tested IPvanish’s performance by connecting over 13 devices in our house (including Kodi, our laptops and smartphones, my Raspberry Pi, and Apple TV). IPVanish worked flawlessly — My VPN connection didn’t drop once — and we could browse, stream, and game without delays. Your personal information is kept safe with IPVanish’s strict no-logs policy and DNS leak protection. Data security is further enforced with the VPN’s 256-bit AES encryption. A kill switch is also available. I particularly liked the neat Auto Reconnect feature that automatically reconnects the VPN if your device loses power or the kill switch is activated, so you’re never left vulnerable to hackers. The VPN has over 2,200 servers in 94 countries, so you also get unrestricted access to international and local content. While visiting friends in the UK, I connected to 1 of the 6 available servers in Vancouver to get a Canadian IP address and unblocked Sportsnet NOW without problems. VPN blocking technologies were no match for IPVanish’s Scramble feature, which disguised my VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. Thanks to unlimited bandwidth and lightning-fast speeds, I was able to stream videos smoothly in HD. I did notice some speed reduction when connecting to servers further away from my actual location. However, this is entirely normal with a VPN. The difference in speed was barely noticeable and I could still stream without buffering. You can try IPVanish free for 30 days when using its money-back guarantee policy. The best part is, you don’t even have to contact customer support to get a refund. Just cancel your subscription on their website. My money was back in my account that same week. Try IPVanish Today!
3. CyberGhost — Automatic WiFi Protection Keeps You Safe On Public Networks
CyberGhost employs various techniques to prevent hackers from accessing and altering your DNS requests or stealing private information. The VPN launches automatically as soon as a new WiFi hotspot is detected. So, you don’t have to worry about remembering to turn on the VPN when using public networks. DNS/IP leak protection together with CyberGhost’s automatic kill switch ensures no one can see what you’re doing online — even if the VPN were to unexpectedly disconnect. I didn’t detect leaks on any of the CyberGhost servers I tested. Your online activity is further protected with CyberGhost following a strict no-logs policy and using OpenVPN protocol with 256-bit AES encryption to mask your identity. For more security, you can upgrade to the VPN’s NoSpy server network, which only the CyberGhost team has access to — reducing the risk of third-party involvement. Accessing local Canadian content is a breeze, with CyberGhost having 63 servers in Vancouver. Plus, with 9,074 servers in 90 countries, you can also unblock international sites and services. I had no problem logging into my online banking portal while abroad. CyberGhost is very beginner-friendly and works with all major operating systems. Installation and setup took me less than 5 minutes. Plus, you can use up to 7 devices at once with one license. However, customer support is available 24/7 via live chat if you need help. Although monthly subscriptions are expensive, you’ll only pay about a third of the price and receive an extended money-back guarantee if you choose a long-term plan. Try CyberGhost’s yearly subscription for 45 days. I canceled after using the VPN for 40 days and was reimbursed in less than 7 days. Try CyberGhost Today!
4. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Huge Server Network for Faster Speeds
PIA has one of the largest networks with over 29,650 servers in 84 countries. Multiple servers in the same location mean there’s less chance of overcrowding and network congestion. Together with unlimited bandwidth and no data caps, you can stream, download, and game as much as you want without delays. While testing PIA, I was able to watch live hockey games buffer-free on most Canadian servers. With so many servers worldwide, unblocking the content you need is easy. While I wasn’t able to access DAZN from the UK, I had no issue with other streaming services. So, no matter where in the world you are, you won’t have to miss a match between the Vancouver Canucks and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Your data is safeguarded with 256-bit encryption and your choice of security protocol (OpenVPN or WireGuard). PIA adheres to a strict no-logs policy, so your personally identifiable information won’t be collected or shared with anyone. To further ensure your online anonymity, the VPN has IPv6/DNS leak protection and a kill switch so your IP address won’t get exposed, even if the VPN connection fails. Test all PIA features risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. I received my refund quickly enough, but I did have to provide a reason for canceling. Try Private Internet Access Today!
5. PrivateVPN — Powerful Privacy Features for Online Anonymity
PrivateVPN’s pre-configured security settings keep you safe and anonymous online right from the very start. However, while testing PrivateVPN, I discovered that it does have the option of customization. For the strongest protection, opt for AES 256-bit encryption or choose 128-bits if you want faster speeds. You can select which security protocol suits your VPN needs best — OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, PPT, or IKEv2. PrivateVPN also comes with a no-logs policy, IPv6/DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch for enhanced data protection. Changing your security settings is easy with PrivateVPN’s clean and organized design. The VPN simplifies its interface even more by offering you the choice between Simple and Advanced modes. As the names imply, Simple mode is tailored toward beginners, and Advanced mode is better if you like to customize features and settings. Either way, live chat support is available 22 hours a day — you’ll be connected straight to a developer for an informative one-on-one. Even though the VPN has a smaller network of 200 servers in 63 countries (none in Vancouver), PrivateVPN performed exceptionally well during my unblocking tests. The Stealth VPN feature masks your VPN traffic to help you bypass even the most rigid geo-restrictions. I accessed my Netflix Canada account on my first try. I also found PrivateVPN’s speeds to be very reliable, even during peak internet times. Plus, I could watch many hours of DAZN in HD quality with no limits on bandwidth or data. Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and try PrivateVPN for 30 days. If you find the VPN isn’t for you, you can request a full refund. Try PrivateVPN Today!
Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Vancouver
Below are the criteria I used to test which VPNs are the best for Vancouver. I suggest you use these features as a checklist to discover the right VPN for your needs.
Strong encryption. All the VPNs on this list offer 256-bit AES encryption, the same standard used by the US military as it’s virtually impossible to crack. Global server network. With hundreds of servers worldwide, it’s easier to find one that can unblock and access the websites and services you need. Fast speeds. Local servers will always give you the fastest connections to avoid interruptions while streaming, gaming, or torrenting. That’s is why all the VPNs I recommend either have servers in Vancouver or nearby (like Toronto or Montreal). A kill switch: A kill switch prevents data leaks from exposing your actual location and online activities if the VPN fails. This feature disconnects you from the internet until a secure connection is reestablished, so you remain anonymous. No-logs policy: A strict no-logs policy means a VPN won’t collect, share, or sell your data to anyone. This is especially important as Canada forms part of the 5 Eyes Alliance. Trusted money-back guarantee: All the VPNs on this list have a risk-free money-back guarantee so you can have confidence in your decision. Customer support. For additional peace of mind, it’s comforting knowing that you can reach out (online or on the phone) for immediate assistance. Responsive client services are a must.
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Can I use a free VPN for Vancouver?
Yes, a few free VPNs work for Canada, but it’s common practice to limit data, speed, and even server access. Free VPNs intentionally restrict features so that you are forced to upgrade to their paid plan. Some will even sell your browsing history and personal information for a profit. To protect your privacy and bypass geo-restrictions without compromising your speed, try ExpressVPN. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Do I need a VPN for Vancouver?
You don’t need a VPN. But, if you’re concerned about snooping, tracking, and online scams, you’ll want a VPN to protect you from these online threats. Also, Canada forms part of the intelligence-sharing agreement of the 5-Eyes Alliance. Look for a VPN that follows a no-logs policy, like the ones on this list. That way, you know your chosen VPN won’t leak your sensitive data to anyone. A VPN with a global network also provides you access to the websites and apps you need while traveling abroad. So, you’ll never have to miss an ice hockey match.
Is a VPN legal in Vancouver, Canada?
Yes, using a VPN is legal throughout Canada and most other countries. There are a few places that ban or restrict VPNs, but even then, no tourist has ever gotten into trouble for using one. To protect your data from prying eyes, choose a VPN that uses military-grade encryption, like ExpressVPN.
The Bottom Line
If you want to stay anonymous online and access Canadian and international content from anywhere, you need a VPN. The best VPNs for Vancouver keep your data safe from hackers, even when using public WiFi. On top of that, you’ll never have to miss a Canucks game when traveling overseas. ExpressVPN is my top choice for Vancouver as it has thousands of servers in and outside of Canada and doesn’t store or share any of your personal information. Try ExpressVPN completely risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Vancouver
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