VPNExpressVPNNetflixHow to watch

How To Watch American Netflix in Canada

By Staff, Deja Harris• Edited by Lisa Holden • Updated Oct 30, 2023

As of 2023, Netflix is available in Canada, but the library is pretty different from the Netflix library in the United States. So in Canada, you can’t get quite as many TV shows on Netflix — though there are different movies. It’s annoying!

Don't worry, though — there is a solution. By using a virtual private network (VPN), you can easily access the American Netflix library, and other American streaming services, from Canada.

Fortunately, VPNs are incredibly user-friendly and simple to install. With a VPN subscription, you can also unlock a variety of American streaming services, including Peacock and Hulu.

Our team recommends ExpressVPN, as it is a premium service with servers in every country we've ever needed to explore. However, there are many other great VPNs to choose from, as shown in the table below:

ExpressVPN

Free for 3 Months

$12.95 / month

Now, let's dive into everything you need to know to watch American Netflix in Canada with confidence.

Why do you need a VPN to watch American Netflix in Canada?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you're eagerly looking forward to watching a particular show on American Netflix, only to be greeted by a message that says "We couldn't locate you, which is necessary for viewing this content?” It can be incredibly frustrating to face this kind of geo-block message, especially when you're looking forward to watching a particular show.

But why does this happen? The reason is simple — despite the fact that the internet has made the world a global village, streaming services like American Netflix are still bound by geographical restrictions. These restrictions are usually imposed due to local laws, trade agreements, and other factors that are beyond the control of streaming services. As a result, streaming services may have to comply with the regulations of the country in which they operate.

However, there is a solution to this problem - by adding a VPN subscription to your streaming workflow, you can bypass geo-blocking and access all content on American Netflix from Canada. With a reliable VPN, you won't have to worry about missing out on shows like Bridgerton, Wednesday, or Stranger Things, as you'll have unrestricted access to all the content available on Netflix’s American content library.

Do you still need to pay for a Netflix subscription to watch from Canada with a VPN?

Absolutely, a subscription to Netflix is still required if you wish to stream content from Canada, even if you use a VPN — but as of the last time we checked, if you subscribe to Netflix in Canada, you shouldn’t need a new subscription to watch the American library with a VPN.

All the same, a subscription to Netflix is required. Think of a VPN as an internet teleportation device that virtually takes you to the destination you select as your desired server. So, when you use a VPN from Canada to watch Netflix as if you were in the United States, the VPN does the work of virtually transporting you to the United States.

However, that is the extent of what your VPN subscription can do. A VPN does not automatically allow you to watch any movie or show you want. To achieve that, you must also subscribe to Netflix. The good news is that with a Netflix subscription, you get access to tons of great movies and shows — and you can use a VPN to access Netflix libraries around the world.

Check out our full Netflix review to discover why we recommend it.

How to access American Netflix from Canada with a VPN?

Accessing American Netflix from Canada is just as easy as accessing it from any other country. Follow these steps with confidence:

Subscribe to a reliable VPN service such as our top choice, ExpressVPN.
Download and install the VPN app or client on your device.
Connect to the VPN from the United States, since you want to access Netflix as if you're in the US.
Sign in to your Netflix account or create one if you haven't already. Use our link to Netflix to get the best free trials and deals available.
Start streaming!

Next time you want to watch American Netflix from Canada, simply follow steps 3-5. It's that simple! Plus, you can use the same VPN subscription to access other streaming services from around the world.

Here are some frequently asked questions.

You asked, we've got the answers! Below, you'll find the solutions to the frequently asked questions about watching American Netflix in Canada.

What if Netflix blocks VPNs?

While it's technically possible for Netflix to identify all VPN servers and add them to their list of blocked IP addresses, doing so would require a lot of effort on their part. Netflix would have to detect and block every single VPN provider for the countermeasure to be effective.

To date, Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services have tried to set up anti-VPN countermeasures, but they haven't been very successful. If a VPN provider realizes that it's been blocked, all it has to do is change the IP addresses that it uses.

There just isn't much that a streaming service can do about VPNs other than ignore them.

Can I stream live TV in Canada?

There are several ways to watch live TV in Canada without cable, such as subscribing to a streaming service available in Canada or using a TV provider's online streaming platform. Additionally, some Canadian networks have their own streaming services, like CBC Gem and Global TV.

Can I watch American Netflix outside the US?

Yes, it's possible to watch American Netflix outside of the US by using a VPN service. A VPN can hide your IP address and make it appear as if you are located in the US, allowing you to stream Netflix’s American content without restrictions.

We've explored many VPN services that offer high-quality streaming speeds and unlimited bandwidth, making it possible to enjoy streaming Netflix’s American library in other countries. Our favorite VPN to use for watching Netflix outside the US is ExpressVPN.