How to get a Canadian IP address

Whether it’s to conceal your real IP address, access home content while traveling, or use local online banking services, having a Canadian IP address can be extremely useful. Getting one is also easier than you think.

A VPN is the most convenient and secure way to get a Canadian IP address. However, you can also consider alternatives like a proxy server, a DNS server, or the Tor browser. Let’s run through the different ways to get a Canadian IP and what you can do with it.

What is a Canadian IP address?

Your IP (Internet Protocol) 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 (Virtual Private Network) is the most popular way to get a Canadian IP address. However, as you’ll see below, there are a few other methods.

How to get a Canadian IP address (4 ways)

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

Use a 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 also means you can access the websites and services you normally use while traveling.

To get a city-specific Canadian IP address, opt for a trusted VPN with multiple server locations in the country. For instance, Surfshark has 200+ servers in Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto.

Here’s how you connect to one of Surfshark’s Canadian VPN servers:

1. Choose a plan and subscribe.
2. Download the Surfshark VPN app to your device.
3. Open the app and log in.
4. In the search bar, type Canada.
5. Select your preferred server city, or let the app automatically choose the fastest server.
6. That’s it — you now have a Canadian IP address.

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.

Some things to consider before getting a VPN to change your IP:

Use a proxy server

Simply put, a proxy server is an intermediary 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. Some modern proxies include data encryption, but they typically only secure the specific app they are configured for, such as your web browser. In contrast, VPNs encrypt your entire internet connection at the system level. So, without a VPN, 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.

Here’s what you should consider before changing your IP with a proxy server:

Use a 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 ISP, you’ll need to 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 Canadian DNS servers. 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 settings to make the IP address appear to be based in Canada. Smart DNS also doesn’t encrypt your data, leaving you still vulnerable to surveillance and interception.

Here are some pros and cons of using smart DNS to change your IP:

Consider the Tor browser

While not recommended due to security concerns, it’s possible to get a Canadian IP address using the Tor (The Onion Router) browser — a free online browser similar to Chrome and Firefox. What sets it apart, however, is that your browser traffic is bounced through three different servers (also known as nodes or relays) globally.

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 set a preference for an exit node in Canada through Tor settings to get a Canadian IP address.

Compared to other methods for obtaining a Canadian IP address, Tor’s multi-server architecture 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 trusted VPN like Surfshark. This is known as running Onion over a VPN.

Before using the Tor browser for switching your IP address to a Canadian one, consider these pros and cons:

Why should you 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 reveals information such as your ISP and approximate 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;
• Secure online banking services: various banks and financial institutions in Canada prohibit you from accessing your account while you’re abroad. Some might even block accounts if they detect foreign IP addresses 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;
• Access 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 typically 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 blocklisting: the actions of a single user on a shared IP address can negatively affect the entire address’s reputation, leading to blocklisting. 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 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 address, you minimize the risk of being blocked, as you’re the only user of that 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 200+ servers in 3 Canadian cities: Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto.

Its network of 4,500+ servers worldwide provides ample options if you wish to switch from your Canadian IP address to another. Considering the vast 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, Multi Hop lets you connect via two different servers simultaneously. Meanwhile, rotating IP changes your Canadian IP address every few minutes, and obfuscated servers make it much harder to detect 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, a proxy server, a DNS server, or the Tor browser. 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.

Switch to a Canadian IP address

Safely access Canadian websites even when far from home

Get Surfshark