How to Watch Canadian TV in the USA with a VPN

Traveling across the border into the US may seem like a small distance, but it can make all the difference in your streaming libraries. Leaving Canada means losing access to popular Canadian TV services like Crave, CBC Gem, and Global TV. That can be quite disappointing when you’re trying to catch hockey playoffs or see the latest episode of Heartland.

Thankfully, there is an easy way to stay connected to your favorite shows while you’re away. Keep reading to learn how you can easily watch Canadian TV abroad with PIA VPN.

Why It Can Be Difficult to Watch Canadian TV in the USA

If you’ve traveled abroad and tried to access your streaming subscriptions, you know firsthand how frustrating it can be when you’re hit with an error message blocking you from streaming. These errors revolve around licensing agreements.

Streaming platforms, like Crave, and TV networks, like CBC, must adhere to these agreements to maintain rights to the content. They include geographic restrictions that limit content distribution by country or region. Sporting events can have even more stringent geographic restrictions than entertainment content. 

That said, some Canadian content is available on international streaming platforms when you travel. For example, your favorite shows may still be available on Netflix after you cross the border. However, accessing Canadian-only platforms, like Global TV, requires a Canadian IP address to bypass geographic restrictions.

Why You Need a VPN to Watch Canadian TV

PIA VPN allows you to change your virtual location, making it appear like you’re in Canada even when you’re away. When you connect to a server in Canada, you mask your IP address and take on the IP address of the server, allowing you to bypass blocks and stream like you’re still at home.

VPNs also encrypt your web traffic, which hides your activity from network administrators, ISPs, and anyone else who might be interested in your data. This encryption allows you to bypass restrictions on shared networks, like those at public libraries or offices, ensuring you can stream from anywhere. 

Additionally, encryption keeps your personal information safe from any lurking cyber criminals, which is especially important if you plan to use public Wi-Fi while you travel. That means you can stream content, get directions, check your bank details, and confirm your hotel bookings privately and securely, no matter where you are.

Why PIA Is the Best VPN for Streaming Canadian TV in the US

PIA VPN makes it easy to connect to your Canadian subscriptions and get the best streaming experience while traveling abroad. With servers across Canada, including streaming-optimized servers with regularly refreshed IP addresses, you can get reliable access to services like CBC Gem, Global TV, CTV, and Crave. 

To get the best video quality, you need a fast VPN. Our 10-Gbps server network provides a lightning-quick, stable connection for smooth streaming–even in UHD. Your PIA subscription also includes unlimited bandwidth, which means you can binge as much as you want. 

You can stream however you like with PIA. There are native apps for Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, plus Windows, macOS, iOS, and Linux operating systems.

PIA VPN keeps you safe and secure no matter where you are. Our robust encryption protects you from any potential snoops on public WiFi, and our strict no-logs policy ensures we’ll never track, store, or share your data with a third party. That means your internet activity stays truly private. 

Ready to use PIA VPN to watch Canadian TV? You can try it risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee. Set up is quick and easy, but our 24/7 support team is always available if you have any questions.

How to Watch Canadian TV on Different Devices

Browsers

1. Sign up for PIA VPN and download the app on your browser. You can also use PIA’s browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Opera if you prefer not to install the app or want to use the VPN with other apps.
2. Connect to a server in Canada. Choose from servers across the country, or select our streaming-optimized server in Canada.
3. Open your browser and log into your streaming account. Enjoy your favorite shows, movies, and sports, all buffer- and lag-free! 

Computers and Mobile Devices

1. Get PIA VPN and download the app on your device. There’s an app for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
2. Choose a server. Connect to our streaming-optimized server in Canada, or choose one of our servers spread across its major cities.
3. Log in to your streaming account. Watch for as long as you want, wherever you want.

Smart TVs and Streaming Devices

1. Sign up for PIA VPN and install the app. You can find it in the Google Play store for Android TV, the Amazon Fire TV home page, or the Apple TV App Store. You can also configure PIA VPN on your router to stream on devices without native VPN support, like Roku, gaming consoles, and older versions of Apple TV.
2. Log into PIA VPN and connect to a server. You can select our streaming-optimized server or one of our other servers in Canada.
3. Open your streaming app and dive in. Get back into your favorite shows or stream a hockey match!

Is It Legal to Watch Canadian TV with a VPN?

Using a VPN while you stream is perfectly legal. That said, violating copyright laws may go against some platforms’ terms of service and laws in certain locations. Additionally, some streaming platforms allow VPNs while others ban them. Depending on the platform, the ban can apply to all or select content. 

While PIA VPN has a no-logs policy and cannot see what you do or track your activity, it’s always best to check local laws and your chosen platform’s terms of service before proceeding. 

How to Fix Common VPN Issues When Watching Canadian TV in the USA

PIA VPN makes finding a server that works with your favorite Canadian streaming platforms easy. Still, if you run into common issues with VPN detection, here are some easy ways to troubleshoot:

• Switch to a different server in Canada. 
• Disconnect from the VPN, then reconnect to refresh your IP address.
• Open a new browser in incognito mode, then try reconnecting to the VPN server.
• Clear your cookies and cache.

If you’re still having trouble, contact PIA’s support team. They’re available 24/7 via live chat and email to help you get back to your favorite shows and movies.

FAQ