How to securely access American Netflix in Canada in 2023

Want to watch US Netflix in Canada? If you’re visiting Canada, the Netflix catalog will change for licensing reasons. We explain how to use a VPN to securely access the US Netflix library.

For many Americans, traveling to Canada is a common occurrence. Whether you reside in a border town or frequently cross the border for work, you've likely noticed that your Netflix library changes when you're in Canada. The good news is that there's a solution – a Netflix VPN can help you regain access to the US catalog.

Netflix enters into licensing agreements with content producers and copyright holders. As a result, certain movies and TV shows are exclusively available in the United States, while others are exclusive to Canada. When you visit Canada from the US, your Netflix library automatically adjusts to comply with local licensing agreements.

Being in Canada is a fantastic opportunity to explore region-exclusive content, but what happens when you're in the middle of a show and want to continue watching it in your hotel room?

The answer is to get a valid US IP address using a VPN for Netflix. This not only enables secure access but also allows anyone in Canada to enjoy US Netflix content. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process and recommend the best VPNs to watch US Netflix in Canada.

How to watch US Netflix in Canada with a VPN

Watching US Netflix securely in Canada is easy with a VPN. However, it is important to remember that Netflix works hard to block the majority of VPNs. You must pick your provider carefully to enjoy US Netflix in Canada. You can use our full Netflix VPN guide to find out about all your options.

Below, we explain the process and recommend the best VPN to watch Netflix US in Canada securely and privately. Our recommendation offers fast speeds for streaming and apps for all platforms to let you watch Netflix on any device. It is also highly reliable and secure, meaning you can access your Netflix account securely on public WiFi.

1. Subscribe to one of our recommended VPNs for Netflix. We recommend NordVPN because it consistently manages to stay ahead of the Netflix VPN blocks in the US and a dozen other regions. Super-speedy for streaming and exceptional value for money.
2. Follow our link to get a NordVPN subscription at the lowest possible cost. Subscribing for a longer period of time will greatly reduce the cost of your subscription, so consider how long you need a VPN to get better savings.
3. Download the VPN software onto your streaming device. NordVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick to let you watch Netflix on any device.
4. Login to the VPN application and choose a server in the US. You can connect to any server because they all work to watch Netflix thanks to Nord’s automated server system.
5. Wait for the VPN to connect. The VPN app will let you know that you are protected and ready to start streaming.
6. Launch the Netflix app or navigate to the Netflix website and log in. You will now be able to stream any US Netflix content. 

Our top recommended VPN for Netflix works with more than a dozen Netflix regions, so you can connect to other regions to watch exclusive Netflix content. If you have any problems watching Netflix while connected to the VPN, clear your cookies to ensure they don’t conflict with the VPN.

The best VPNs to watch Netflix US securely in Canada

If you want to know more about our top recommended VPNs for Netflix, we recommend that you head over to our full Netflix VPN guide. However, if you are in a rush, we have included a shortlist of our favorite Netflix VPNs below. You can use any of the services listed below to watch US Netflix in Canada:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Netflix. Works with US Netflix and other regions like the UK, Canada, and Japan. Super-fast NordLynx protocol is perfect for streaming. Reliable apps with many advanced security features. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for Netflix. Works to access US Netflix and around 15 other regions. WireGuard protocol for bufferless streaming. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Strict no-logs policy. 
3. ExpressVPN: Highly reliable and secure. Works with a wide range of Netflix libraries. Also compatible with Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and other popular streaming platforms. 
4. CyberGhost VPN: Fast speeds and an extensive server network in 89+ countries. Works well with Netflix US and other regional libraries. User-friendly apps are great for beginners.
5. PrivateVPN: Not the fastest VPN on this list, but works to access numerous Netflix regions, including the US. Streams Netflix without buffering. Highly secure and excellent for torrenting. 
6. AtlasVPN: Reasonably priced and decent speeds. Has a free plan but it doesn't work to access Netflix, so you'll need a paid account. Allows unlimited connections.

Summary Table

How we pick the best VPNs to watch Netflix in Canada

Only a handful of VPN providers work to access Netflix US. Our tests ensure all of our recommendations are both highly secure and reliable for gaining online privacy and can stream Netflix US while in Canada. 

You can find out more about how we recommend VPNs by reading our methodology guide. Below, we have included some of the criteria used to pick the best Netflix VPNs:

• Ensures secure access to American Netflix content from Canada or elsewhere in the world.
• Delivers fast connections for seamless, uninterrupted video streaming.
• Adheres to robust security practices and maintains a strict no-logs policy.
• Offers responsive and reliable customer support with live chat.
• Backed by a reliable money-back guarantee.

In addition to these criteria, our top three recommendations must have diskless servers and have undergone a third-party audit. Going diskless ensures the VPN can pull the plug on any of its servers remotely, completely removing all data passing through that server in an emergency. Audits ensure the VPN’s apps, policies, and server network have been independently verified, so you don't have to take the VPN’s claims on faith.

Why is the Netflix catalog different in Canada?

Netflix licenses content for its platform from many different content producers around the world. Copyright holders often sell this content to competing streaming services in different countries. As a result, Netflix is contractually obliged to block people from watching that content outside of the licensed region. 

When you travel from the US to Canada, some content licensed by Netflix for the US market is unavailable. This could be because the show or movie has been licensed to Crave or some other Canadian streaming service. The important thing to remember is that Netflix imposes region locks by monitoring its user’s IP addresses and automatically serves them the catalog for the region they are in.

When you connect to a VPN server in the US, or anywhere else, you get a valid IP address in that location. This causes Netflix to update its catalog, which means you can watch any content that is exclusively available there.

Can I use a free VPN to watch Netflix?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no. We don't know of any reliable free VPNs that can provide access to Netflix US. This is because free VPNs have few servers and are easy for Netflix to block. Netflix does its best to block as many VPNs as it can, and free VPNs are usually the first to go.

Although some premium VPNs, such as AtlasVPN, do have a limited free plan, it’s intended for testing the VPN, or to get limited use of a VPN in an emergency. These reliable VPNs don't skimp on privacy, meaning you can use the free plan to gain security on public WiFi or to prevent government tracking.

While it is generous for secure VPNs to offer a limited free plan, it is important to remember that running a VPN is costly. That is why accessing streaming services like Netflix is reserved for paid plans, which encourages free users to upgrade.

We also urge you to remember that the vast majority of free VPNs available in app stores are a threat to your online privacy. Those VPNs have dodgy privacy policies that allow them to track their users and sell their data to third parties. Using many free VPNs will result in your data being sold to marketing companies, data brokers, and any other company willing to pay.

As if that wasn’t enough, many free VPNs have been found to lack basic encryption, suffer from IP and DNS leaks, and even hide spyware in their apps. These are hugely concerning practices that make using many free VPNs a serious risk to the safety of your devices. We urge you only to use recommended free VPNs that take user privacy seriously.

What can I watch on Netflix US while in Canada? 

You can watch any TV show or movie that is currently available exclusively on the US catalog. This changes over time, but we have included some titles available in the US below:

• Team America: World Police
• Casino Royale
• Call the Midwife
• Ferris Bueller's Day Off
• Schitt's Creek 
• Under Siege
• Rain Man
• What's Eating Gilbert Grape
• 30 Rock
• Mystic Pizza
• Friday Night Lights 
• The Great British Bake Off 
• Outlander 
• Supernatural 
• Alone 
• Into the Badlands 
• Jane the Virgin 
• NCIS 
• Grey’s Anatomy 
• The Mindy Project 
• Parks and Recreation
• Frasier
• Dexter

The availability of shows changes regularly, so the best bet is to connect to a server in the US and check the catalog yourself. There are around 200 different titles available in the US at the time of writing, so it is definitely worth having a hunt if you can’t seem to find anything on Netflix Canada!

Can I use Smart DNS to access Netflix US in Canada?

Yes. A few of the VPNs that we have recommended throw in a free Smart DNS service that is specifically designed to let you watch US streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max. The benefit of a Smart DNS service is that you can use it to stream Netflix US on smart TVs, consoles, Apple TV devices, and many other devices that won't let you install a VPN directly.

If you want to use Smart DNS to watch Netflix, all you need to do is subscribe to the VPN, log into the member’s area of the website, and set up the Smart DNS feature. The website will provide you with the DNS address(es) that you need to enter on your device. As soon as you enter it, your device will appear to be in the US,  giving you access to Netflix.

Can I be banned from Netflix for using a VPN?

No, you won't face a ban from Netflix for using a VPN. As a paying subscriber, Netflix values your membership and aims to retain your monthly subscription fee. Rather than targeting individual users, Netflix focuses on detecting and blocking VPN servers.

The Netflix Terms of Service do mention that circumventing region locks is against its rules. In practice, Netflix does not ban users for using VPNs. You can comfortably enjoy Netflix US or any other regional catalog without concern.

You're entitled to protect your privacy by using a VPN. This makes it tricky for Netflix to legitimately block users solely for VPN usage. 

How can I confirm that I'm accessing American Netflix in Canada?

Certain titles, such as Casino Royale and Call the Midwife, are exclusive to American Netflix and not available on Netflix Canada. To check if you're accessing American Netflix, you can check whether those titles are available to stream (as of the time of writing):

1. Connect to a server in the United States through your VPN service to obtain a valid US IP address.
2. Search for the aforementioned titles. If you can locate and watch them, you're successfully streaming American Netflix content.

Alternatively, you can use the Global Netflix API to verify access:

1. Visit the Global Netflix API, which directs you to an XML file.
2. Within the XML file, search for the geolocation.country entry. If it indicates US, you are indeed connected to American Netflix.

How do I switch back to Canadian Netflix?

To watch Canadian Netflix, all you need to do is disconnect from your VPN and refresh the page on Netflix. Alternatively, close the app and restart it. It will now register your IP address in Canada and serve you the Canadian library of titles.