The best eSIM cards for mobile data in Canada

Introduction

Canada, the second largest country in the world, attracts millions of visitors annually with its impressive national parks, multicultural cities, and unique natural wonders. Travelers, business professionals, and digital nomads come here for exploration, business, or simply to relax in the beautiful natural surroundings.

When traveling to Canada, many people face the issue of mobile connectivity, as standard roaming from countries outside North America can be very expensive. Finding a physical SIM card after arrival also means losing valuable time, which is why more and more travelers choose eSIM – a digital alternative that doesn't require physically swapping cards.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll introduce you to the best eSIM providers for Canada, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. We'll discuss their most popular data packages (2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB or unlimited) and help you find the optimal solution for your needs.

With eSIM, you'll avoid overpaying for roaming and can set everything up from the comfort of your home. In the following chapters, you'll find detailed installation procedures, useful travel tips, and clear price comparisons, so you can enjoy your stay in Canada without worrying about high data charges or unpleasant billing surprises.

Best eSIM Providers for Canada

eSIM4Travel in Canada

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

eSIM provider eSIM4Travel from the USA offers very competitive prices for data plans and coverage in 170 countries. It doesn't offer an app, but allows easy setup via QR code and has excellent customer support through online chat.

Basic Information

170 countries, regional plans (Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Europe).

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Simple installation and activation.

Very competitive prices.

Excellent customer support.

No mobile app.

Absence of unlimited data plans.

Testing

Go to eSIM4Travel website View full review

eSIM4Travel in Canada partners with leading operators Rogers, Bell and Telus. This combination ensures excellent coverage across the entire country, including remote areas. For travelers seeking an economical and reliable solution, eSIM4Travel represents an ideal choice. Their service is characterized by immediate functionality after activation, responsive customer support, and direct contact with real consultants. Price-wise, they're among the most affordable providers in the market. They don't apply any speed restrictions, don't require installation of additional applications, and allow flexible data top-ups on an already activated eSIM card.

Airalo eSIM in Canada

3.4/5 ★★★☆☆

Airalo is a popular eSIM marketplace with coverage in 211 countries, fast activation and affordable prices. However, it's not always the best choice for unlimited data.

Basic Information

211 countries, local, regional and global eSIM.

Excellent iPhone app. 4.6 from 61,000 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.5 from 72,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

No speed limitations.

Pros and Cons

Wide coverage (211 countries) and easy activation.

User-friendly app and website.

Immediate functionality after installation without needing to restart.

Significantly higher prices compared to competitors.

Inability to purchase additional data without Wi-Fi after depleting the package.

Low rating on Trustpilot (2.6/5).

Testing

Go to Airalo website View full review

Airalo in Canada utilizes the networks of the three largest operators: Rogers, Bell, and Telus. This combination provides above-standard coverage in large cities and smaller towns. Users report high satisfaction with Airalo not only in Canada but also in other North American destinations like the USA and Mexico. eSIM activation happens very quickly, typically within two minutes, and the Airalo user application offers an intuitive interface for monitoring usage and potentially topping up data during your trip.

Holafly eSIM in Canada

3.5/5 ★★★☆☆

Holafly is a leading Irish eSIM provider with truly unlimited data in more than 160 countries. However, if you only need a small amount of data, it might be more expensive.

Basic Information

160 countries, local and regional unlimited eSIM.

Average iPhone app. 3.5 from 150 reviews.

Excellent Android app. 4.6 from 1,000 reviews.

Supports additional data purchases.

Hotspot mostly limited to 500 MB.

Speed limited according to Fair Use Policy (approx. 4.5 GB/day).

Pros and Cons

Truly unlimited data in 160+ countries.

Fast and helpful customer support.

Low transparency regarding FUP limits.

Hotspot not available in all countries.

Testing

Go to Holafly website View full review

Holafly in Canada partners with operators Bell, Telus, and SaskTel. With this combination, you'll get stable coverage in cities like Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Quebec, and other tourist locations in Canada. Holafly distinguishes itself with a unique approach - offering exclusively unlimited data packages, which eliminates worries about exhausting your data limit. For visitors to Canada, the prices of unlimited plans range between $6.90 and $139.90, with availability from one to 90 days.

It's worth mentioning that although the data is labeled as unlimited, with excessive usage (such as continuous HD streaming or downloading large files), temporary speed reduction may occur. According to user experiences, speed regulation typically happens after approximately 4.5 GB of intensive use.

Yesim eSIM in Canada

4.4/5 ★★★★☆

Yesim is a Swiss eSIM provider with coverage in 135 countries. It offers both fixed and unlimited data packages at very competitive prices.

Basic information

135 countries, local, regional and global eSIM (including unlimited).

Good iPhone app. 4.4 from 600 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 2,000 reviews.

Supports data top-ups.

Hotspot allowed.

May limit speed during excessive use.

Pros and cons

Top prices per GB.

Offers both fixed and unlimited packages.

More complicated installation than competitors.

Frequent spam notifications via email and app.

Go to Yesim website View full review

Yesim in Canada utilizes a comprehensive network of operators including Rogers, Bell, Telus, and SaskTel. This broad partnership ensures trouble-free mobile connectivity in Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Kitchener, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec, Toronto, Vancouver, and other Canadian cities. More detailed information about Yesim services can be found in our comprehensive overview.

Jetpac eSIM in Canada

3.8/5 ★★★☆☆

Jetpac offers eSIM plans with coverage in more than 150 countries. Data packages from 1 GB to 40 GB, attractive pricing and benefits such as access to airport lounges during flight delays.

Basic Information

150 countries, eSIM for individual and multiple countries.

Average iPhone app. 3.8 from 46 reviews.

Average Android app. 3.6 from 224 reviews.

Supports additional data purchase.

Hotspot allowed.

Speed limited according to Fair Use.

Pros and Cons

Low price per GB and stable speeds.

Free airport lounges and ExpressVPN.

No unlimited data plans available.

No SMS and call support.

Go to Jetpac website View full review

Jetpac in Canada collaborates with operators Bell, Telus, and SaskTel. This combination ensures quality coverage in most populated areas of the country. More details about Jetpac services can be found in our specialized guide.

Best eSIM Plans for Canada

Here's an overview of selected most popular eSIM data packages for Canada. For a comprehensive comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for Canada, where you can filter offers by data volume, package validity, and other specific parameters.

Free Data in Canada

If you only need minimal connectivity, for example to check emails or briefly navigate maps, Roamless offers a free 300 MB data package for Canada.

Another option is to try GigSky, which provides a test eSIM with 100 MB of free data without requiring credit card registration. This trial package allows you to test the functionality of eSIM on your device before potentially purchasing a paid plan.

For more detailed information about available free data solutions, we recommend our article Free eSIM | How to get free data for the USA and abroad. A complete overview of all current offers, including free options, can be found in our eSIM comparison tool for Canada.

Roamless

How to Set Up eSIM for Canada

Purchasing and activating an eSIM for Canada is an effortless process that will save you a significant amount of time when traveling. The main advantage is the ability to complete the entire setup before departure, eliminating the need to search for SIM card vendors after arrival or deal with communication barriers.

• Complete guide for setting up eSIM on iPhone
• Clear procedure for activating eSIM on Samsung phones
• Complete overview of devices supporting eSIM technology

1. Check device compatibility: Before purchasing an eSIM, it's crucial to verify whether your phone supports this technology. Most current premium models from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers are fully compatible with eSIM. To be sure, you can check our updated list of compatible phones or complete overview of devices with eSIM support for 2024.

2. Choose the optimal provider: For Canada, quality eSIM services are offered by several reputable providers such as Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, JetPac, Global YO or GigSky. When choosing a data package, consider the length of your stay and planned usage – for basic navigation and browsing social media, 2 GB is usually sufficient, while for more intensive use we recommend 5 GB or 10 GB packages. For detailed comparison of all current offers, use our eSIM comparison tool for Canada, which allows filtering according to specific requirements.

3. Installation via QR code: After completing your purchase, you'll receive a QR code or activation code by email. In your phone settings, find the "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Services" section and select "Add Data Plan" or "Add eSIM." Then scan the QR code and follow the on-screen instructions. If you received only an activation code, you can easily convert it to a QR code using available online tools.

4. Connection setup: In most cases, all parameters will be set automatically after installation is complete. If this doesn't happen, you may need to manually enter the APN (access point) according to the provider's instructions. Also, remember to check that you have data roaming activated for the eSIM profile in your device – don't worry, when using a local eSIM, you won't be charged any additional roaming fees.

We recommend performing the installation and configuration of eSIM well before departure, ideally in an environment with stable Wi-Fi connection. This gives you confidence that upon arrival in Canada, you'll be immediately connected without any technical complications. More detailed information about initial setup can be found in our guide First eSIM | Everything from A to Z.

Tips for eSIM in Canada

Canada offers visitors an abundance of experiences from vibrant metropolises to pristine wilderness in national parks. Whether you're coming for exploration, business, or as a digital nomad, reliable internet connection is a basic prerequisite for a trouble-free stay. Here are practical tips for maximizing the use of your eSIM during your visit:

Security and Privacy Protection

Using a VPN in Canada is not essential in terms of censorship, but it can be useful for privacy protection. Canada ranks among countries with high levels of internet freedom, so access to common websites and services is not restricted. However, a quality VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be a valuable tool when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, cafes, or airports, where there's a potential risk of eavesdropping or data theft. We recommend having a VPN prepared and tested before your trip.

Efficient Use of Data Limit

Regular monitoring of data consumption is key to preventing unpleasant situations with package depletion. Most eSIM providers offer dedicated applications with clear display of current usage. You can also set automatic alerts directly in your phone's operating system. For maximum data volume savings, we recommend reading our article Saving Data on Vacation | Proven Tips and Tricks, where you'll find practical tips such as:

• Pre-downloading offline maps of Canadian cities and national parks
• Optimizing streaming app settings for lower data intensity
• Deactivating automatic updates and background synchronization
• Strategic use of hotel and public Wi-Fi networks for data-intensive operations

If you're unsure about the optimal data volume for your stay, study our guide How Much Data You Need for Various Activities, which will help you choose an adequate package. For precise selection according to specific requirements, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter offers by data volume and validity period.

Staying in Touch with Home

The vast majority of eSIMs for Canada provide only data services without traditional voice calls and SMS. However, this doesn't present an obstacle for maintaining contact with loved ones. Thanks to data connection, you can effectively use communication applications like WhatsApp, Messenger, Signal, or FaceTime for free text, voice, and video communications. If you need to call standard phone numbers, we recommend reading our specialized article Calling from Data eSIM | How to Make Cheap Calls from Abroad, where you'll find detailed information about VoIP services and other economical solutions.

Financial Transactions and Payments

Digital banking and payment applications significantly simplify the financial aspects of traveling. Services like Revolut or Wise provide competitive exchange rates for the Canadian dollar and the possibility of hassle-free payments without excessive fees. With a functional eSIM, you'll have constant access to your financial resources and the ability to promptly respond to unplanned expenses.

Traveling Around the Region

Planning to visit neighboring USA too? Many providers offer advantageous regional eSIM packages for North America, which cover Canada as well as the USA and possibly Mexico. These combined packages usually represent a more economical solution than purchasing separate eSIMs for each country. To identify the most advantageous regional solution, use our eSIM comparison tool, where you can specify exactly which destinations you intend to visit. If you plan to extend your travels to other parts of the world, check out our guides for other popular destinations such as the United Kingdom or Norway.

✈️ Expert recommendation: Before traveling, create offline backups of all important contacts, reservation details, and travel documents. Even with the most reliable data connection, you may find yourself in areas without signal, especially during trips to more remote parts of Canadian nature, and this offline information can be invaluable in such situations.

Alternative Internet Connections in Canada

eSIM technology represents an innovative and practical solution for foreign connectivity, but it's not the only way to stay online in Canada. If for any reason you cannot or don't want to use eSIM, there are other options:

Traditional Physical SIM Card

Local Canadian SIM cards are available in many places - from airport terminals to shopping centers to specialized mobile operator stores. The main providers are Rogers, Bell, and Telus, who offer special tariffs for short-term visitors including prepaid packages with data, calls, and SMS.

The advantages of a physical SIM card include the possibility of obtaining a local phone number for standard calls and SMS. The disadvantages are the necessity of a personal visit to a store after arrival, potential language barrier (although in Canada this problem is minimal thanks to English), and in some cases higher prices compared to international eSIM providers.

If you decide to go with a local SIM card, we recommend purchasing exclusively from official retailers or directly in operator stores. Remember that you'll need an unlocked phone and if you don't have a dual SIM device, you'll have to temporarily deactivate your home SIM card.

Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots

A portable Wi-Fi device represents a universal alternative to individual SIM cards. These compact devices generate their own Wi-Fi network, to which you can simultaneously connect multiple devices - smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart watches. They're ideal for families or work groups who want to share one data connection.

Mobile hotspots can either be rented before departure from specialized providers, or purchased directly in Canada. Some models combine the hotspot function with a power bank, which is practical during all-day trips away from electrical outlets. More detailed information about these devices can be found in our guide Best Portable WiFi Hotspots for Travel.

The main disadvantage of these devices is the need to carry and charge an additional electronic device. Also, the initial investment or rental costs tend to be higher than for eSIM or standard SIM card.

International Roaming

Using roaming services from your home operator is the simplest, but typically the most expensive option. Roaming works based on partnerships between your American operator and Canadian providers, which allows you to use your existing phone number and tariff overseas.

Roaming charges in Canada can be extremely high - commonly around $9-14 per 1 MB of data, which means up to $14,000 for 1 GB. Even brief use of navigation or checking emails can lead to astronomical bills. Some US operators offer special roaming packages for North America, which may be more price-acceptable, but still significantly more expensive than local solutions or eSIM.

Public Wi-Fi Networks

Canada has an extensive network of public Wi-Fi hotspots, especially in large cities and tourist locations. Free Wi-Fi connection can be found in libraries, cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, airports, and some parks. The quality and speed of these connections can vary significantly depending on the specific location.

The fundamental risk of public Wi-Fi networks is security. Without adequate protection, your personal data and online activities may be vulnerable to cyber attacks. When using public Wi-Fi, we always recommend activating a VPN to encrypt your connection and avoid logging into banking or entering sensitive information.

Relying exclusively on public Wi-Fi also means you'll be offline whenever you leave an area with coverage. This can be problematic when navigating in unfamiliar environments, searching for transportation connections, or in emergency situations. Therefore, we recommend always having an alternative method of connecting to the internet prepared.

Mobile Networks and Operators in Canada

Canada has an advanced telecommunications infrastructure with several dominant operators providing quality services to both local residents and foreign visitors. Understanding the local telecommunications market will help you select the optimal eSIM or other form of connection.

Main Canadian Mobile Operators

Rogers is one of the largest operators in the country with extensive coverage across all provinces and territories. This company operates a modern network with 4G/LTE and 5G technologies in most populated areas. Rogers is known for its reliability and high quality of services, especially in large urban agglomerations.

Bell represents another key player in the Canadian market with excellent coverage primarily in the eastern provinces. Their network is praised for stability and speed, especially in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and other major cities. Bell, together with Telus, shares part of its network infrastructure, which allows them to offer broader coverage.

Telus, the third of the big three operators, offers quality coverage with emphasis on western provinces. Their network is often rated as one of the fastest in the country with excellent coverage in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. Telus invests considerable resources in expanding its 5G network and is considered a technology leader in the Canadian market.

Among smaller but significant operators is SaskTel, a regional provider operating primarily in the province of Saskatchewan. Despite having more limited geographic coverage, within its home province it offers quality services comparable to larger competitors.

Coverage and Signal Quality

The quality of mobile coverage in Canada varies significantly according to geographic location. In large cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa, you can expect excellent coverage with fast 4G/LTE and increasingly expanding 5G connection. Tourist destinations like Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, or Whistler also have good coverage from all major operators.

In more remote areas, coverage may be more limited, especially in the northern territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut) and some parts of the Rocky Mountains or remote coastal regions. When planning trips to less populated areas, it's advisable to check coverage maps of specific operators in advance.

For up-to-date information about coverage in specific areas of Canada, we recommend using interactive maps on operator websites or independent services like nPerf.com, which will help you determine which operator offers the best signal in places you plan to visit.

Which Networks Do eSIM Providers Use?

International eSIM providers establish partnerships with local operators to offer their services. Here's an overview of which Canadian networks are used by the most significant eSIM services:

• Airalo: Collaborates with all three main operators - Rogers, Bell, and Telus
• Holafly: Utilizes the networks of Bell, Telus, and SaskTel
• eSIM4Travel: Offers access to Rogers, Bell, and Telus networks
• Yesim: Provides the broadest coverage with access to Rogers, Bell, Telus, and SaskTel
• Jetpac: Collaborates with operators Bell, Telus, and SaskTel
• GigSky: Uses a combination of Rogers and Bell networks

When selecting an eSIM provider, consider your travel plans. For regular tourist trips to large cities and popular destinations, any provider will likely work well. For trips to more remote areas, we recommend choosing a service with access to as many operators as possible, ideally including Rogers, which often has the best coverage outside urban centers. For easy comparison of all available options, use our eSIM comparison tool for Canada, which will help you find the optimal solution according to your specific needs.

How to Call from Canada

Maintaining contact with family, friends, or business partners is an important aspect of any foreign stay. With eSIM in Canada, you have several effective options for staying connected without having to pay exorbitant amounts for international calls.

Internet Calling via Data eSIM

The vast majority of eSIM packages for Canada include only mobile data, not traditional voice services. However, this doesn't present any handicap, because with quality data connection you can use various applications for internet calling (VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol).

WhatsApp is among the globally most widespread applications for sending messages and calling via the internet. It's widely used in Canada as well and offers high-quality voice and video calls. Other popular alternatives include FaceTime for Apple device users, Facebook Messenger for contacts from your Facebook list, and Signal, which is appreciated for its high level of security.

For communication with local residents in Canada, standard communication applications like WhatsApp or Messenger are commonly used. Unlike some Asian countries, there is no dominant specific local application here, which facilitates communication for foreign visitors.

More detailed information about internet calling can be found in our specialized article Calling from Data eSIM | How to Call and Receive Calls Cheaply from Abroad?

Specialized Services for International Calling

If you need to regularly call standard phone numbers in the United States or other countries, there are specialized services offering more advantageous rates than classic international calling.

Skype is a long-established service for international calling with competitive rates. It allows calling landlines and mobile phones practically worldwide. Calling to the United States from Skype starts at prices around $0.10-0.15 per minute, which represents a fraction of standard international rates. Skype also offers prepaid packages for more frequent calling to specific countries.

Google Voice represents another effective alternative, which provides an American phone number usable for outgoing and incoming calls and SMS. Calls to many European countries including the United States are at very favorable rates. The limitation is that for full registration you need an American phone number, although there are ways to bypass this restriction.

eSIM with Voice Services and SMS

Some eSIM providers are beginning to offer comprehensive packages that include traditional voice calls and SMS in addition to data. These services work through local networks and allow you to call just like with a regular SIM card.

Airalo Global Calls is a supplementary service that Airalo offers in a growing number of destinations including Canada. You can activate this service as an extension to your data package and thus gain the ability to call international numbers at competitive rates directly from your device's native phone application.

Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM in Canada

Summary

Traveling across Canada is significantly more convenient and economical using eSIM technology. There's no need to search for physical SIM card vendors, deal with potential communication barriers, or pay excessive roaming fees. You can completely prepare your internet connection from the comfort of your home and be fully online immediately upon arrival.

In this guide, we've detailed the most significant eSIM providers and their offers for Canada, including Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, eSIM4Travel, Jetpac, Global YO and GigSky. Each of these providers has specific strengths, and the optimal choice depends on the length of your stay, planned data usage, and individual preferences.

Among the most sought-after data packages are 5 GB for standard use, 2 GB for short visits, 10 GB or 20 GB for longer stays, or potentially unlimited plans for intensive users, digital nomads, or those who need to regularly stream or transfer larger volumes of data.

For users seeking the optimal price-to-performance ratio, we recommend considering eSIM4Travel. This service excels in rapid activation, accessible customer support with real consultants, and competitive prices. They don't limit connection speed, don't require installation of additional applications, and offer flexible options for adding data to an already activated eSIM.

For those interested in unlimited data, Holafly represents the optimal choice, as they exclusively offer unlimited data packages for Canada with various validity periods.

We recommend performing eSIM installation and configuration before departure. This gives you confidence in trouble-free connection immediately upon arrival in Canada without unnecessary complications or delays.

For the most accurate and current comparison of all available eSIM solutions for Canada, use our specialized eSIM comparison tool, which allows you to filter offers by data volume, validity period, and other parameters exactly according to your individual requirements.