How to get a Canadian IP address

What is a Canadian IP address?

Your IP address is like a digital badge that reveals details such as your ISP (Internet Service Provider), approximate location, and device information. It’s also what many websites use to determine what you can access. 

A Canadian IP address is one assigned to a server in Canada, and it signals to websites that you’re browsing from within the country. This gives you access to websites and services usually reserved for those in Canada. 

A VPN is the most popular way to get a Canadian IP address. However, as you’ll see below, there are a few other methods. 

4 ways to get a Canadian IP address

There are several ways to get a Canadian IP address. Besides a VPN, you can also use the Tor browser, a proxy, or a DNS server. Let’s take a closer look at these methods: 

VPN

The easiest way to get a Canadian IP address is by using a VPN. A VPN routes your internet traffic through a server in Canada, replacing your real IP address with the server’s Canadian one. This makes it appear as though you’re in the country, which means you can keep accessing the websites and services you normally use, even during your travels. 

To get a city-specific Canadian IP address, opt for a premium VPN with multiple server locations in the country. For instance, Surfshark has 120+ servers in Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto. 

Besides providing you with a new Canadian IP address, a VPN encrypts all traffic to and from your devices. So, whatever you do online using your Canadian IP address remains shielded from surveillance and snoopers. 

Tor

The Tor (The Onion Router) browser is a free online browser similar to Chrome and Firefox. What sets it apart is that your browser traffic is bounced through three different servers, also known as nodes or relays, worldwide. 

The first server is the only one that knows your actual IP address. Meanwhile, the second can see your data but not your IP. The last server, the exit node, sends the traffic out but has no idea of its origin.

Typically, Tor randomly assigns an IP address to mask your actual one. However, you can show a preference for an exit node in Canada through Tor settings to get a Canadian IP address. 

Compared to other ways to get a Canadian IP address, Tor’s multi-server setup is the most complex and requires technical skills. Since the Tor network relies on volunteer-run exit nodes, there’s also a risk of interception. To play it safe and add another layer of privacy, many combine Tor with a premium VPN like Surfshark. This is known as running Onion over a VPN. 

Proxy

Simply put, a proxy server is a middleman between you and the websites you visit. It forwards your requests to websites and retrieves the responses on your behalf. 

To get a Canadian IP address using a proxy server, pick a server in Canada and connect to it. Your internet traffic is then routed through that server, making it appear like it’s coming from within the country — even if you’re nowhere near it. This allows you to travel freely without losing access to your Canadian websites and services. 

Compared to VPNs, proxy servers aren’t as secure or private. Where VPNs encrypt your entire internet connection, proxy servers merely route your traffic and change your IP address. So, your online activities may remain visible to third parties like your ISP, even if you’re using a fake IP address.

With so many proxy services being free, you might be tempted to use them to get a Canadian IP address. However, keep in mind that free proxies may gather and sell your online activities to fund their operations. 

DNS server

DNS (Domain Name System) is known as the internet’s phonebook, translating domain names into IP addresses. While many users default to the DNS provided by their ISPs, you must change it if you want to use it to get a Canadian IP address. 

To get a Canadian IP address, you need a smart DNS service with DNS servers located in Canada. Configure your device to use one of these Canadian servers, and your device’s local DNS address will be changed to one based in Canada. Since it appears like you’re browsing from within the country, you can visit websites and online services while overseas. 

Unlike VPNs and proxy servers, smart DNS doesn’t change your IP address. Instead, it simply alters your DNS address to appear as though the IP address is based in Canada. Smart DNS also doesn’t encrypt your data, which means you’re still vulnerable to surveillance and interception.

Why to get a Canadian IP address

There are many reasons to get a Canadian IP address. Here are some of them: 

• Protect your privacy: your real IP address contains personal information such as your ISP and location. A Canadian IP address masks your actual IP, shielding these details from prying eyes. 
• Access websites while abroad: many Canadian websites and online services are only available if you’re in the country. They typically use your IP address to identify your location and limit access if you’re abroad. A Canadian IP address lets you access these websites and services when traveling abroad. 
• Secure online banking services: various banks and financial institutions in Canada prohibit you from accessing your account while you’re abroad. Some even block accounts if they see foreign IPs trying to access them. A Canadian IP helps to avoid these restrictions. 
• Dodge price discrimination: certain online retailers price the same product or service differently based on geographical locations. Changing to a Canadian IP address can help you snag the best deals. 
• Overcome oppressive censorship: authoritarian governments may block access to certain websites to restrict freedom of information. With a Canadian IP address, you can access uncensored content. 
• Provides access to restricted resources: most companies have databases, servers, or portals that can only be accessed from an authorized location. If you’re working remotely while abroad, a Canadian IP address can help you connect to your company’s network as if you’re physically in the country.  

Get a dedicated Canadian IP address?

A dedicated Canadian IP address is an IP address in Canada reserved only for your device or connection. Unlike a shared IP address, which is usually used by multiple users simultaneously, you have sole access to the dedicated IP. Whenever you connect to the internet, you get the same IP address. 

Having a dedicated Canadian IP address has several advantages over a shared IP address. Here are a few of them:

• Uninterrupted access: a shared IP address may face blocks or restrictions if one user engages in malicious activities like sending spam emails or distributing malware. With a dedicated IP address, you have exclusive access and don’t have to put up with such interruptions. 
• Reduce the risk of IP blacklisting: the actions of one user on a shared IP address can negatively affect the reputation of the entire address, causing blacklisting. With a dedicated IP address, you can avoid the “bad neighbor effect.” 
• Improved connection speeds: as the only user of the IP address, you don’t have to worry about competing with others for bandwidth. This could help to improve connection speeds. 
• Avoid blocks: websites may perceive multiple requests from the same IP address as suspicious. Some may even block or restrict the IP’s access. With a dedicated IP, you minimize the chances of being blocked as you’re the only user of the address.  

What is the best VPN to get a Canadian IP?

Surfshark is among the best VPNs to get a Canadian IP address. It has 120+ servers in 3 Canadian cities: Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto.

Its network of 3,200+ servers worldwide provides ample options if you wish to switch from your Canadian IP address to another. Considering the sprawling network, it’s safe to say that you should be able to find a server near you for better connection speed. The large number of servers also minimizes the risk of overcrowding, which could slow down connection speeds. 

Surfshark offers a long list of security features, too. For instance, Dynamic MultiHop lets you connect via two different servers simultaneously. Meanwhile, IP Rotator changes your Canadian IP address every few minutes, and Camouflage mode hides the fact that you’re using a VPN. 

Surfshark is also one of the few VPNs that allow unlimited simultaneous connections. With our VPN, you can make sure that all your devices have a Canadian IP address. 

The takeaway: get a Canadian IP address to access Canada-only websites while abroad 

From protecting your privacy to enabling seamless online banking and facilitating remote work, a Canadian IP address offers many benefits. 

You can get a Canadian IP address using a VPN, the Tor browser, a proxy server, or a DNS server. Each method has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. For most people, that’s a VPN. It not only provides a Canadian IP address but also encrypts your internet traffic.  

FAQ

Should I use a free VPN in Canada?

No, you shouldn’t use a free VPN in Canada or anywhere else. Free VPNs often have weak security, subpar performance, and dubious business practices. Most also have limited server options, with many servers blacklisted by various websites. 

How do I change my VPN to a Canadian one?

To change your VPN to a Canadian server, make sure that your VPN has servers in Canada. Pick a Canadian server and connect to it.

Do Canadians have IP addresses?

Yes, Canadians have IP addresses. The best way to get a Canadian IP address is by using a premium VPN like Surfshark to connect to a server in the country, replacing your IP address with a Canadian one. Alternatively, you can use the Tor browser, a proxy server, or a DNS server. 

How do I get a free Canadian VPN?

It’s not recommended to get a free VPN, whether Canadian or otherwise. Free VPNs typically suffer from poor security and performance. You also risk having your data sold to third parties for targeted ads. Additionally, most free VPNs have limited servers, making it difficult to get a Canadian IP address. 

How do I access a Canadian VPN server?

To access a Canadian VPN server, get a plan from a VPN that has servers in the country. For example, Surfshark has servers in 3 Canadian locations: Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto. Launch the VPN and connect to a server in Canada to access your regular websites even while traveling overseas. 

Is it legal to change your country with a VPN?

Yes, it’s legal to change your country’s IP address with a VPN in most regions, including Europe and North America. However, you risk facing imprisonment or legal penalties if you attempt this in countries that have completely banned VPN usage, such as Belarus and North Korea. 

Is it illegal to change your IP address in Canada?

No, it isn’t illegal to change your IP address in Canada. The most foolproof way to change your IP address is by using a premium VPN like Surfshark. By connecting to a Surfshark server in your desired location, you can replace your actual IP address with one from that location.