For Canadians in 2026, the internet has become surprisingly restrictive, from blocked news links on social media to the constant frustration of missing out on US streaming libraries. We have drilled down to find the best VPNs for Canada that solve these local headaches, ensuring you keep your browsing history private from prying eyes.
BEST 3 VPNS FOR CANADA SHORTLIST
TOP VPNs FOR CANADA IN JANUARY 2026
SURFSHARK - #1 FOR CANADIAN FAMILIES
Surfshark is our top pick for Canada because of its Unlimited Devices policy. You can protect every phone, laptop, and iPad in your household on a single account. It has excellent US servers that easily unlock Hulu, Peacock, and HBO Max, and its "CleanWeb" feature blocks ads and trackers that target Canadian users.
READ SURFSHARK REVIEW VISIT SURFSHARK
NORDVPN - FASTEST SPEEDS & NEWS ACCESS
If you want raw speed, NordVPN is unbeatable. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol ensures you can stream 4K US content from Toronto or Vancouver without buffering. It is also highly effective at working around the Bill C-18 news blocks on social media, allowing you to instantly restore your global news feed on Instagram and Facebook.
READ NORDVPN REVIEW VISIT NORDVPN
EXPRESSVPN - PREMIUM 5-EYES PROTECTION
For those worried about Canada's 5-Eyes surveillance, ExpressVPN is the premium choice. Its RAM-only servers (TrustedServer Technology) ensure no data is ever written to a hard drive. While more expensive, it offers the most reliable "one-click" access to US streaming services like Hulu and ESPN+ without needing technical configuration.
READ EXPRESSVPN REVIEW VISIT EXPRESSVPNECH’S 2026 VPN PROVIDERS REVIEWS FOR CANADA
What You need To Know
EXPRESSVPN: PREMIUM 5-EYES PROTECTION
For Canadians concerned about privacy and 5-Eyes surveillance, ExpressVPN is the gold standard. Its TrustedServer (RAM-only) technology guarantees that no data is ever written to a hard drive. It is pricier, but it offers the most reliable "one-click" experience for unblocking US apps and keeping your browsing history hidden from Bell or Rogers.
READ EXPRESSVPN REVIEWNORDVPN: THE SPEED KING
If you need raw speed for 4K streaming, NordVPN is the winner. Its NordLynx protocol ensures buffer-free access to US Netflix and HBO Max from anywhere in Canada. It also has a massive network of Canadian servers, which is useful if you are a "Snowbird" wintering in Florida and need to watch CBC Gem or check your TD Bank account.
READ NORDVPN REVIEWSURFSHARK: #1 FOR CANADIAN FAMILIES
Surfshark is the ultimate choice for Canadian households because of its Unlimited Devices policy. You can unblock Hulu and Peacock on the living room TV while the kids game securely on their iPads upstairs. It effectively bypasses the Bill C-18 news ban on social media and offers excellent speeds for the price.
READ SURFSHARK REVIEW
PUREVPN: AFFORDABLE & EXTENSIVE
PureVPN has significantly improved its service, offering a vast network of servers in Canada (Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver). It is a solid budget option for evading ISP throttling, though its app interface can sometimes be a bit clunkier than Surfshark or NordVPN.
READ PUREVPN REVIEW
ZOOGVPN: CHEAP & SIMPLE
ZoogVPN is a smaller, budget-friendly provider. While it lacks the advanced features of Nord or Surfshark, it offers decent US streaming performance for the price. It is a good "no-frills" option if you just want to access US websites without paying for premium extras you might not use.
READ ZOOGVPN REVIEW
HIDE.ME: COPYRIGHT PROTECTION
Hide.me is a strong choice for torrenting in Canada due to its 'Stealth Guard' feature. This allows you to limit specific apps (like uTorrent) so they only work when the VPN is on, ensuring you never accidentally leak your IP and trigger a "Notice and Notice" copyright email from your ISP.
READ HIDE.ME REVIEW
PRIVADOVPN: BEST FREE TIER OPTION
If you aren't ready to pay, PrivadoVPN is the best free option for Canadians. It offers 10GB of data per month and—rarely for a free VPN—actually works with some streaming services. However, for unlimited US TV access and news unblocking, you will eventually need to upgrade to the paid plan.
READ PRIVADOVPN REVIEW
IPVANISH: GREAT FOR KODI & GAMING
IPVanish is a favourite among Canadian Kodi users because it owns its own infrastructure, resulting in fast, consistent speeds. It is also excellent for gaming, as you can easily sort servers by "Ping" to find the lowest latency connection for your region.
READ IPVANISH REVIEW
CYBERGHOST: STREAMING MADE EASY
CyberGhost is excellent for beginners. It features dedicated servers labelled "For Hulu", "For US Netflix", or "For CBC", taking the guesswork out of finding a working connection. While it doesn't have the obfuscation power of Nord, it is a fantastic, affordable option for pure entertainment unlocking.
READ CYBERGHOST REVIEWAccess the World: The Ultimate 2026 VPN Guide for Canada
Ech the Tech Fox's Guide to Unblocking News & US Streaming
Bypass the News Ban – Ech's Top Picks for Digital Freedom in Canada
Frustrated by the "content not available in Canada" message on your news feed? In 2026, a VPN is your only way around the Online News Act (Bill C-18). My top recommendations restore your access to global news on Instagram and Facebook, while also unlocking US-exclusive streaming apps like Hulu and Peacock.
Ech says: "Don't let geoblocks decide what news you can read. A VPN restores your access to the open internet instantly!"
Privacy in the Age of Bill C-11 & 5-Eyes
Stop Copyright Notices & Evade Mass Surveillance
Stop 'Notice and Notice' Emails
Under Canada's "Notice and Notice" regime, ISPs like Bell and Rogers are legally required to forward copyright infringement notices to you if your IP address is flagged for downloading protected content. A VPN hides your real IP address, ensuring your activity cannot be linked to your home connection, effectively stopping these threatening emails.
Evade 5-Eyes Surveillance
Canada is a founding member of the "5 Eyes" intelligence alliance, meaning CSIS shares internet surveillance data with the US NSA and UK GCHQ. By encrypting your traffic with a trusted VPN, you prevent your browsing history and metadata from being harvested and shared with foreign intelligence agencies.
Prevent ISP Throttling
Major Canadian ISPs are known to throttle specific types of traffic, such as HD streaming or P2P sharing, during peak hours. A VPN encrypts your data packets, making it impossible for your ISP to see what you are doing. If they can't classify your traffic as "video" or "torrenting," they cannot selectively slow it down.
Why Canadians Use a VPN in 2026
Bypass News Blocks, US Geofences & Copyright Notices
Bypass the Social Media News Ban
Due to the Online News Act (Bill C-18), platforms like Instagram and Facebook block news links for users inside Canada. By using a VPN to switch your virtual location to the US or UK, you can instantly restore your access to global news feeds.
Unlock Hulu, Peacock & US Netflix
Canada still doesn't get Hulu or Peacock, and our Netflix library is often missing the latest US releases. A VPN lets you virtually cross the border, giving you access to the massive US streaming libraries and apps that are otherwise blocked north of the 49th parallel.
Stop Copyright Notices & 5-Eyes Snooping
Canadian ISPs like Bell and Rogers are legally required to forward "Notice and Notice" copyright threats to your email if your IP is flagged. A VPN hides your real IP address, preventing these notices and keeping your browsing history safe from Canada's intrusive "5 Eyes" surveillance network.
Why a VPN is Essential for Visitors to Canada
Bypass the News Block & Access US Apps
Bypass the Social Media 'News Block'
Due to the Online News Act (Bill C-18), platforms like Facebook and Instagram block news content for users inside Canada. If you rely on social media to stay updated with world events, you will need a VPN to connect to a server outside Canada to restore your news feed.
Stream Hulu, Peacock & HBO
Many popular US streaming apps like Hulu and Peacock do not work in Canada due to licensing rights. A VPN allows you to virtually switch your location back to the USA (or your home country), ensuring you don't lose access to your favourite shows and sports subscriptions while crossing the border.
Secure Public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi at places like Tim Hortons, airports, and hotels is convenient but often unencrypted. Canada is a member of the '5 Eyes' intelligence alliance, meaning digital surveillance is high. A VPN encrypts your data, protecting your passwords and banking details from prying eyes on these open networks.
ESSENTIAL VPN FEATURES FOR CANADA IN 2026
🛡️ “Master your digital borders. Here are the critical tools Canadians need to bypass Bill C-18, access US streaming, and evade 5-Eyes surveillance in 2026.”
BILL C-18 EVASION
With news links blocked on social media across Canada, this is your most vital tool. A quality VPN allows you to route your connection through a US or UK server, instantly restoring your access to global news feeds on Instagram and Facebook.
US LIBRARY UNLOCKING
Don't settle for the limited Canadian library. Top-tier VPNs effortlessly unlock US-exclusive platforms like Hulu, Peacock, and HBO Max, giving you access to the full range of content that usually stops at the border.
5-EYES DEFENCE
Canada is a key member of the 5-Eyes intelligence alliance. To protect your data from being shared with foreign agencies, you need a VPN with confirmed "No-Logs" audits and RAM-only servers that wipe your history on every reboot.
ANTI-THROTTLING SHIELD
ISPs like Bell and Rogers often throttle heavy streaming traffic. Strong encryption hides the nature of your data packets, preventing your provider from identifying and slowing down your 4K Netflix or gaming sessions.
AUTOMATIC KILL SWITCH
If your connection drops while torrenting, a Kill Switch instantly cuts your internet. This prevents your real IP from leaking to copyright trolls, stopping those threatening "Notice and Notice" emails from landing in your inbox.
TIM HORTONS WI-FI GUARD
Public Wi-Fi at coffee shops and airports is notoriously insecure. AES-256 encryption wraps your data in a secure tunnel, ensuring hackers cannot intercept your banking details or passwords while you sip your double-double.
Mastering Canadian Geography: How to Get Maximum Speed
The 'South-Bound' Trick & avoiding the 'Toronto Bottleneck'
Canada is massive, and internet infrastructure often routes south before it goes east or west. Understanding this unique routing behaviour is the key to getting a buffer-free connection in 2026.
The 'South-Bound' Speed Hack
Surprisingly, the fastest server for a Canadian is often in the USA. Because Canadian internet backbones route traffic south, a user in Vancouver often gets lower ping connecting to Seattle than to a Canadian server in Calgary. Similarly, Toronto users often find New York or Buffalo servers faster than Montreal.
Avoid the 'Toronto Default'
Many VPN apps automatically connect every Canadian user to Toronto by default. If you live in Alberta or BC, this routes your data 3,000km east and back, killing your speed. Always manually select a "West" server (like Vancouver) to keep your data on the Pacific side of the continent.
Gaming? Stay Within 500km
For fast-paced gaming in 2026, distance is the enemy. To keep ping under 20ms, you must choose a server within 500km of your physical location. For rural users on Starlink, this is double-critical: choose the major city closest to your ground station to minimise the inherent satellite latency.
Streaming US Content Without Lag
To watch Hulu or US Netflix, don't just pick "United States". Pick the US city physically closest to you. A Montreal user should pick New York (low latency), whereas picking Los Angeles would introduce massive buffering delays. Always match your US unlock server to your longitude.
Gaming in Canada: Beating Lag & SBMM
Fix Rural Jitter • Find Easier Lobbies • Stop DDoS Attacks (2026)
Stabilise Rural Internet (Starlink/Xplore)
For rural Canadians on Starlink or Xplore, packet loss and "jitter" are the enemy. While a VPN cannot fix satellite physics, it can force a more direct route to the game server, bypassing congested ISP hops in Toronto or Vancouver. This often stabilises your ping, preventing those sudden lag spikes that ruin competitive matches.
Escape SBMM & Find 'Bot Lobbies'
Tired of "sweaty" lobbies in Call of Duty or Apex Legends? Canadian gamers use VPNs to connect to specific US servers (like US Central or East) at off-peak times. This tricks the Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) system into placing you in easier lobbies, often referred to as "bot lobbies," for a more casual experience.
Stop DDoS Attacks & Swatting
If you stream on Twitch or play competitively, your IP address is a target for sore losers. A VPN hides your real home IP (whether you are in Montreal or Calgary) behind a secure server wall. If someone tries to DDoS you, they only hit the VPN server, while your home connection stays online and safe.
Secure Steam Deck at Tim Hortons
Gaming on the go is huge in 2026. If you are logging into Steam or Battle.net on public Wi-Fi at a library, airport, or coffee shop, your credentials are vulnerable. A VPN encrypts your login data, ensuring hackers on the same open network cannot intercept your account password or session token.
How Canadian ISPs Track You Without a VPN
What Canadians Should Know About Data Collection by Internet Providers
Your ISP Can See Connection Metadata
When you go online without a VPN, your internet provider can log connection-level details, like your assigned IP address, the IPs/ports you connect to, and timestamps. Even if websites use HTTPS (which protects page content), this “where/when” metadata can still reveal patterns about the services you use. A VPN helps by encrypting your traffic and replacing those destination details with a single connection to the VPN server. Proof (TELUS Privacy FAQ – IP addresses & port numbers)
How a VPN Beats Canadian Internet Restrictions
Tools to Evade Throttling, 5-Eyes & Copyright Notices
BEAT ISP THROTTLING
Canadian ISPs like Bell and Rogers frequently throttle bandwidth-heavy activities like streaming and gaming. Modern VPN protocols (like WireGuard) encrypt your traffic packets, preventing your ISP from identifying what you are doing and slowing you down.
BLOCK 5-EYES SNOOPING
Canada is a member of the "5 Eyes" intelligence alliance. Without a VPN, your ISP logs your DNS requests (the list of sites you visit). Using a VPN with Private DNS ensures these lookups happen inside an encrypted tunnel, keeping your browsing history hidden from government data sharing.
PREVENT LOCATION LEAKS
To access US apps like Hulu or Peacock from Canada, your "virtual location" must be watertight. Leak prevention tools stop your browser from accidentally revealing your real Canadian IP address via WebRTC or IPv6, ensuring your US streaming access is never blocked mid-movie.
STOP 'NOTICE AND NOTICE' EMAILS
If your VPN connection drops while torrenting, your real IP is exposed, triggering a "Notice and Notice" copyright email from your ISP. A Kill Switch is non-negotiable in Canada: it cuts your internet instantly if the VPN fails, ensuring your identity is never leaked to copyright trolls.
SPLIT TUNNELLING
This feature allows you to route specific apps through the VPN while others stay local. It is perfect for Canadians who want to watch US Netflix through the encrypted tunnel while simultaneously using their TD or RBC banking apps on their normal connection to avoid security lockouts.
AD & THREAT PROTECTION
Many top VPNs now include "Threat Protection" which blocks malicious ads and trackers before they load. This is essential for protecting against phishing sites and reducing the amount of data advertisers collect about your habits across the Canadian web.
ECH'S FUN CANADA VPN FACT
Millions of Canadians use VPNs to stay secure and access global content.
FIND VPNS FOR CANADA
Is It Legal to Use a VPN in Canada?
Yes — VPNs Are Legal in Canada (and widely used for everyday online security)
VPNs Are Legal Across Canada
Using a VPN is legal in Canada. It’s a privacy and security tool that encrypts your connection and helps protect your data on home and public networks. What matters is how you use it: a VPN doesn’t make unlawful activity lawful. Proof: Government of Canada VPN guidance (Canadian Centre for Cyber Security)
Why Canadians Use VPNs Day to Day
Canadians use VPNs to secure banking and logins on café Wi-Fi, reduce tracking from networks and advertisers, and protect work connections when travelling. Many also use VPN apps across phones, laptops, and routers so their whole household stays covered on one subscription.
Jurisdiction: Canada, the '5-Eyes', and Your Data
Why 'Made in Canada' Isn't Always Best for Privacy
The '5-Eyes' Alliance Risk
Canada is a founding member of the 5-Eyes intelligence alliance, alongside the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. This means intelligence agencies (like CSIS or the NSA) legally share surveillance data. Using a VPN based in any of these five countries carries a higher risk of compelled data disclosure than using one based in a neutral jurisdiction.
Why You Want 'Offshore' Jurisdiction
To safely evade 5-Eyes reach, we recommend VPNs headquartered in privacy-friendly havens like Panama, Switzerland, or the British Virgin Islands. These countries do not have data-sharing treaties with Canada, meaning they are legally empowered to ignore production orders from Canadian courts.
The 'Empty Server' Defence
Jurisdiction matters, but logs matter more. A VPN cannot hand over data it doesn't have. For Canadians, the gold standard is a provider with an independently audited No-Logs policy. This ensures that even if Canadian authorities seize a server, they find nothing but empty disk space, no timestamps, no browsing history, and no IP records.
Canadian Law & Your Rights
While using a VPN is legal in Canada, privacy laws are complex. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada notes that VPNs significantly reduce the risk of interception on public networks. However, they clarify that a VPN does not grant immunity from Canadian criminal law, it simply protects your personal data from mass commercial and state surveillance.
RAM-Only Servers: The Ultimate Fail-Safe
In 2026, the best protection against a legal raid is hardware design. RAM-only servers (diskless) are designed to wipe all data the moment they are powered down or physically tampered with. This guarantees that no user data can be recovered from the physical machine, regardless of which jurisdiction the server sits in.
Can the Government Monitor My Online Activity in Canada?
What Canadians Should Know About Lawful Access and Online Privacy
Some Online Data Can Be Accessed Through Legal Processes
In Canada, law enforcement and security agencies can seek access to certain online data through legal processes such as warrants or production orders. Courts have also recognised strong privacy interests in online identifiers, meaning authorities will often need prior judicial authorisation to obtain identifying details linked to internet activity (see R v Spencer (Supreme Court of Canada) ).
A VPN can improve everyday privacy by encrypting your traffic and masking your IP address from local networks and ISPs, especially on public Wi-Fi, but it does not make you “invisible” if you are subject to a targeted investigation or if services you use are compelled to disclose account records. Example: If you’re working from a café in Montréal, a VPN helps protect logins and browsing from Wi-Fi snooping; however, your online accounts may still be accessible to authorities via lawful orders served on the provider.
'No-Logs' is Your Legal Shield in Canada
If They Don't Have It, They Can't Hand It Over
The Only Defence Against 5-Eyes
In a 5-Eyes country like Canada, a VPN's privacy policy isn't just a promise, it's a legal defence. A verified "No-Logs" provider ensures that even if the RCMP or CSIS serves a warrant, the server contains zero actionable data: no IP addresses, no timestamps, and no browsing history. You cannot surrender what does not exist.
PIPEDA & Data Minimalism
Under Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), organisations are compelled to hand over user data when legally ordered. By choosing a VPN that strictly adheres to data minimisation (and proves it via independent audits), you effectively opt out of this mass data retention cycle. (Source: Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada — PIPEDA principles)
Who Needs a VPN in Canada?
Real-Life Use Cases: Snowbirds, Students & Remote Workers
Snowbirds Wintering in the US
For the thousands of Canadians who spend winter in Florida or Arizona, losing access to home services is a major pain. A VPN allows you to virtually "move" back to Canada, letting you watch CBC Gem, Crave, and Sportsnet from your condo in the US, just as if you were still in Ontario or BC.
Students at U of T, UBC & McGill
Campus Wi-Fi networks (like Eduroam) often block gaming servers (Steam, PlayStation Network) and high-bandwidth streaming sites. A VPN tunnels through these restrictions, allowing students to game in their dorms or stream Netflix without hitting the university's firewall blocks.
Families Fighting ISP Throttling
When the whole family is streaming 4K video at 7pm, ISPs like Rogers and Bell often throttle connection speeds to manage traffic. Installing a VPN on your home router encrypts all this data, preventing your ISP from detecting the streaming traffic and slowing it down.
Journalists & Activists
Canada is a safe country, but it is still a 5-Eyes surveillance state. For journalists working on sensitive stories or protecting confidential sources, a VPN is an essential digital shield. It prevents metadata retention and ensures that communications cannot be intercepted by domestic intelligence agencies.
Remote Workers in 'Cottage Country'
Working from the cottage often means relying on unsecured public Wi-Fi in town or spotty satellite connections (Xplore/Starlink). A VPN secures your connection on open networks at the local café or library, ensuring your corporate data remains encrypted even when your "office" is a dock in Muskoka.
How VPNs Keep You Private in a '5-Eyes' Nation
Stop Copyright Notices, Throttling & Government Snooping
Stop 'Notice and Notice' Emails
Under Canada's "Notice and Notice" regime, ISPs like Rogers and Bell are legally required to forward copyright infringement notices if your IP is flagged. A VPN hides your real IP address, ensuring your download activity cannot be linked to your home identity, effectively stopping these threatening emails.
Evade 5-Eyes Intelligence
Canada is a member of the "5 Eyes" intelligence alliance, meaning CSIS and the CSE share citizen data with the US and UK. Using a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel that hides your metadata and browsing history, preventing your digital footprint from being harvested and shared with foreign agencies.
Block ISP Throttling
Canadian telecoms are notorious for throttling bandwidth-heavy traffic like 4K streaming or P2P sharing during peak hours. A VPN encrypts your data packets so your ISP cannot see what you are doing. If they cannot identify the traffic as "streaming," they cannot selectively slow it down.
Bypass the Online News Ban
Due to the Online News Act (Bill C-18), platforms like Facebook and Instagram block news content for users inside Canada. A VPN restores your digital freedom by allowing you to spoof your location to the UK or US, instantly bringing your news feed back to life.
How Much Does a Reliable VPN Cost in Canada?
2026 Pricing Guide: What You Should Expect to Pay
Typical VPN Prices (CAD, USD & GBP)
FindCheapVPNs pricing snapshot: Updated 10 January 2026.
Most premium VPNs charge in US Dollars, so Canadian pricing fluctuates with the exchange rate. Below are the typical costs you will see on your credit card statement.
Best Value (2-Year Plans):
C$2.80 – C$6.00 per month
(Approx. US$2.00 – US$4.30 | £1.50 – £3.20)
To get these rates, you must pay for the full 24 months upfront (typically C$80–C$150 total).
Flexible (Month-to-Month):
C$16.00 – C$22.00 per month
(Approx. US$11.50 – US$15.80 | £8.60 – £11.90)
Monthly plans are significantly more expensive. You pay a premium for the ability to cancel anytime.
Note on Sales Tax:
In Canada, digital services are subject to GST/HST. Expect to see an additional 5% to 15% added to the prices above at checkout, depending on your province (e.g., ON pays 13%, BC pays 5% GST + 7% PST).
Free vs Paid: The Reality of Streaming & News Access
Why 'Free' VPNs Fail at Bypassing the News Ban
The 'Data Cap' Trap
Free VPNs are virtually useless for Canadian needs in 2026. Most impose strict data caps (often just 10GB/month), which isn't enough to stream a single season of a show on Hulu. Furthermore, their limited server IPs are easily detected and blocked by Meta, meaning they rarely succeed at unblocking news content on Instagram or Facebook.
Paid VPNs: Unlimited US Streaming
A paid subscription is the only reliable way to access US-exclusive apps like Peacock and HBO Max in 4K without buffering. You get unlimited bandwidth and access to thousands of refreshed IP addresses that stay ahead of the Bill C-18 blocks. Crucially, you are paying for privacy, meaning your data is never sold to advertisers or shared with 5-Eyes agencies.
FAQS ABOUT USING A VPN IN CANADA (2026)
Quick answers about privacy, server choice, public Wi-Fi safety, and speed in 2026
What do people in Canada use a VPN for most often?
Most people use a VPN for practical privacy and security. It helps encrypt traffic on shared networks, protects logins while travelling, and reduces how much browsing data is exposed to networks you do not fully trust. Some users also connect to a Canadian server when abroad to access home services.
Should I pick a Canadian server or a US server for the best speed from Canada?
Start with a nearby Canadian server, then compare it with a close US location to see which route is faster on your connection. The best choice is usually the lowest latency option that stays stable over time. If you specifically need a Canadian IP address, choose Canada even if another location looks slightly faster.
Will a VPN keep my activity private from my ISP in Canada?
A VPN encrypts your traffic, which helps prevent your ISP from seeing the specific sites and pages you visit. Your ISP can usually still see that you are using a VPN and basic connection metadata such as timing and data volume. For better privacy, enable DNS and IPv6 leak protection and keep your VPN app updated.
Is a VPN worth using on public Wi-Fi in Canada (airports, cafes, hotels)?
Yes, especially for email, banking, and work accounts. Public Wi-Fi can be poorly secured or spoofed. A VPN adds an encrypted tunnel that helps protect passwords and sensitive data. If a Wi-Fi sign-in page will not load, connect first, complete the portal login, then turn the VPN on.
How do I keep my VPN fast enough for streaming and video calls in Canada?
Use a nearby server, pick a modern protocol like WireGuard if available, and test a couple of locations to find the smoothest route. If you notice buffering at busy times, switching servers often helps because server load changes. Split tunnelling can also improve performance by keeping local apps on your normal connection while protecting only what you need.