Planning a trip to Canada and wondering how to stay connected? Canada was our first country where we tried an eSIM, because local data SIMs are terribly overpriced. This was from Airalo, of course, being the most well-known provider. But we’ll show you that there are plenty of options to choose from.
Canada is a huge country with lots of nature and uninhabited areas. So don’t expect to have coverage everywhere. Less than 30% of the country is covered, mostly around the major cities. We traveled between major cities on the east coast, and even between them the signal fluctuated, so we definitely recommend downloading maps to your phone for offline use. You’ll also want to get some fun play apps (or book) for riding the subway in Toronto and Vancouver, as you won’t have signal there either.
eSIM Canada: How to choose the best one?
The first thing I have to say is that the classic SIM cards you get in Canada are really expensive. So I recommend you find out if your phone supports an eSIM and get one.
You need to take into account how long you’ll be in Canada, how much data you’ll be using (you can connect to Wi-Fi in hotels and restaurants, but if you’re going to be more outdoors, you’ll have to rely on cellular data only), and what area you’ll be in.
In fact, we recommend that you choose the carrier that your eSIM connects to accordingly. Bell and Telus have the best coverage, followed by Rogers and smaller carriers that only operate in certain areas (SaskTel in Saskatchewan, Videotron in Quebec and Ottawa, Freedom Mobile only in cities).
If you’re traveling to the US at the same time, an eSIM that covers both countries in one package might come in handy.
The best data eSIM for Canada
Let’s take a look what eSIM providers can offer you in each category of traveller.
Cheapest plans
If you only need data as a backup and 1 GB is enough for you, we recommend checking out the following offers.
The cheapest option is eSIM4Travel, which offers an eSIM valid for 7 days for $2.20. For a cheaper price of $1, you can find an eSIM at Jetpac, but be aware that it is only valid for 4 days.
If you are looking for an eSIM for a longer period, check out MobiMatter, which offers 1GB for $4.99. The validity is 14 days and as a bonus, the eSIM can also be used for travel to the USA (except of Alaska). In Canada, the eSIM from MobiMatter should work perfectly as it can connect through any of the three largest operators.
Also worth mentioning are eSIMs from Airalo or Nomad. Both offer 1 GB for $6, but the plans are only for 7 days. Both plans can only be used in Canada, where they can connect through all three major operators, and Nomad even through SaskTel and Videotron. For beginners, their apps may be more user-friendly.
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Average usage (5 GB of data)
Cheap eSIM with 5 GB of data is again available from eSIM4Travel, where it costs $7.80. Slightly more cheap, at $8.1, is the eSIM from Global YO. Just be aware that this eSIM does not allow the use of a hotspot.
If you plan to visit the USA (excluding Alaska) as well as Canada, be sure to check out MobiMatter‘s offer. Their 5GB eSIM costs $16.99 and can be used in both countries.
For other eSIM providers like Airalo and Nomad, you’ll pay between $17 and $18.
High data usage (10 GB or more)
Even in the category of higher data usage, the lineup of providers remains the same.
The cheapest option is from Global YO at $12.6. However, you cannot use a hotspot with this eSIM. eSIM4Travel also has a great offer with their 10 GB eSIM for $16.60.
MobiMatter offers two plans this time. The first offer is a $19.99 plan that applies to the US, UK, New Zealand and Australia in addition to Canada. It may seem like the right choice, but if you only want it to Canada, you need to think about the fact that this eSIM can only connect to the Rogers network, which may limit you in less populated areas.
On the other hand, the second offer from MobiMatter is $30.99 and you can only use it to the US in addition to Canada, but it can also connect to the other two carriers, giving you a better connection.
Other fairly good offers are from Nomad with an eSIM for $32 (currently on sale for $28) or from Airalo with an eSIM for $35.
Unlimited data with eSIM Canada
The best deal on unlimited data is from Holafly, where 10 days of unlimited data are $37, 15 days $47, and 20 days $54. Keep in mind that with Holafly you can share only 0.5 GB data per day over a hotspot with other devices.
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If you want to use unlimited hotspot, you can get an eSIM from eTravelSIM, which costs $60.99 for 14 days. With this eSIM you can travel to the US with it, where you can also make unlimited calls and use the hotspot at the same time.
Overview of the best eSIM plans for at least 14 days
| Providers | GB | Price | Validity |
| Jetpac | 1 GB | $1 | 4 days |
| GlobalYO | 5 GB | $8.1 | 30 days |
| Global YO | 10 GB | $12.6 | 30 days |
| Holafly | unlimited | $47 | 15 days |
Local SIM card in Canada
Due to the lack of competition, phone services in Canada are some of the most expensive in the world.
If you want to buy a local SIM card in Canada, you can do so at special carrier stores or convenience stores like 7eleven (but they won’t help you activate it). You will need a passport.
You can choose from three carriers: Telus, Bell and Rogers. In some provinces you’ll find others, such as SaskTel in Saskatchewan, Videotron in Quebec and Ottawa, Freedom Mobile in major cities (you’ll have data even on the subway).
All three major carriers have very similar plans. 1 GB is about CAD 35, 5 GB is CAD 45, and 10 GB is CAD 55. Rogers has slightly smaller packages at these prices. You always get unlimited calls and texts across Canada. The package is good for one month. Even if you don’t use all your data, you’ll have to buy more and pay for another month.
Less than 30% of the country is covered. Even so, you’ll usually get a signal where people live. If you’re going to more remote areas, we recommend getting a SIM or eSIM that works on the Bell or Telus network, as Rogers has the worst coverage of the three, especially in areas of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick or the Northwest Territories.
Summary
In Canada, local SIM cards are overpriced and it is definitely more worthwhile to get an eSIM. The cheapest option in almost all categories is the one from eSIM4Travel or MobiMatter, which you can even use to travel to the US. But our choice of data through Airalo wasn’t a bad choice either, and we’d definitely get an eSIM again next time.
