Getting mobile internet in Canada is the most convenient way for tourists to stay in touch with their loved ones as well as use essential apps for a smooth trip in this stunning country. In this article, we will reveal the five ways to get data during your Canada trip and help you choose the option that best fits your priorities and budget.
In this article
Rogers Wireless, Telus Mobility, Bell Mobility, and Freedom Mobile are the four main network carriers in Canada. Now let us delve into the coverage and speed of the mobile internet in Canada.
Here is an overview of the mobile internet coverage of the four main providers in Canada:
▶ Our recommendation:
For the best coverage and network performance, you may choose Telus or Bell. Their networks deliver high-speed LTE connectivity across most of Canada. Rogers also has excellent coverage nationwide, but plans tend to be more expensive.
According to the Speedtest data for Canada, we can see that:
▶ Our conclusion & recommendation:
Bell Mobility offered the overall fastest speed and the most consistent performance on Canada’s mobile networks in Q4 2023. You may choose this carrier for your Canada trip. Telus is also an amazing option.
There are a variety of options to access the mobile internet in Canada such as physical SIM card in Canada, eSIM, international roaming for Canada, free Wifi, and pocket Wifi in Canada. Here is a table comparing these connectivity options:
| Option | How it works | Cost | Where to buy | Pros | Cons |
| Canada SIM card | Insert SIM card into phone to get Canadian mobile plan with data | Affordable | Major airports, mobile stores, online | Easy to use phone as in home country | Unlocked phone required |
| Canada eSIM | Remotely activate eSIM data profile on compatible device | Reasonable | Online retailers | No swapping SIM cards needed, Simple activation process | Limited to eSIM compatible devices |
| Roaming with Canada operators | Use existing plan’s roaming agreements in Canada | Very pricey, depending on your domestic provider and plan | Via home operator | No buying new SIM | Extremly high per MB charges, Data capped on most plans |
| Public Wifi | Free Wifi at cafes, malls, airports, hotels, restaurants, etc | Free | Major public hotspots | No cost, can be found in most areas, No subscription or rental needed | Speed/coverage varies, security concerns |
| Pocket Wifi | Rent portable WiFi hotspot from rental companies | Quite expensive | Rental companies in airports or online | One device to share internet amongst group, take anywhere without changing SIMs. | Extra cost to rent. Device needs recharging. |
▶ Our recommendation:
A physical Canada SIM card or Canada eSIM is a top recommendation if you appreciate the convenience and affordability. For those with eSIM-embedded devices, opt for an eSIM for Canada from GIGAGO.
Pro Tips:
Good to know: CAD 1 = USD 0.74 and USD 1 = CAD 1.35 (as of February 2024)
The following table displays the internet rates of different mobile network options for Canada.
| Option | Rate (USD) |
| Canada SIM card | 2.5GB data + unlimited Canada-wide talk for 30 days: CAD 40 |
| Canada eSIM | 5/10/20GB or daily 1GB/2GB; valid for 5,7,15,30 days; $14.00-$141.50 |
| Roaming with Canada operators | Expect to pay around $0.25/MB without any included roaming benefits, depends on your home operator |
| Public Wifi | Free |
| Pocket Wifi | Around $5-10 per day, $25-40 per week |
▶ Our recommendations:
A data physical SIM card for Canada is a top choice for tourists to this charming country. Tourists using Canada SIM cards may enjoy a smooth Internet connection thanks to its wide coverage, great data plans, and affordable costs.
| Operator | Cost | Data |
| Rogers Wireless | $40 CAD | 2.5GB data + unlimited Canada-wide talk for 30 days |
| Rogers Wireless | $55 CAD | 8GB data + unlimited Canada-wide talk for 30 days |
| Telus Mobility | $30 CAD | 500MB data + unlimited SMS & calling 30 days |
| Telus Mobility | $55 CAD | 8GB data + unlimited SMS & calling for 30 days |
| Bell Mobility | $35 CAD | 1 GB data + unlimited nationwide talk + text for 30 days |
| Bell Mobility | $55 CAD | 10 GB data + unlimited nationwide talk + text for 30days |
| Freedom Mobile | $34 CAD | 20GB data + unlimited talk & text in Canada for 30 days |
| Freedom Mobile | $45 CAD | 50GB data + unlimited talk & text in Canada for 30 days |
Note: The data plans above are just some of the many Canada SIM card options for travelers. The plan details are subject to change over time.
Getting an eSIM for Canada is the best solution to access the mobile internet in Canada effectively. eSIM has a range of outstanding benefits compared to physical SIM card:
Tourists can choose to buy Canada eSIMs from major Canadian mobile network carriers or purchase from trusted eSIM providers like Gigago.
Gigago is a worldwide eSIM supplier that delivers eSIM services to over 200 countries around the world. If you are considering buying eSIM for your Canada trip, eSIM service from Gigago is the best choice for many reasons:
Gigago’s eSIM plans start at 1GB/ day for 5 days for only $18.50 , much cheaper than roaming services. What is incredible about Gigago’s Canada eSIM is that the prices of plans range from $18.50 – $141.90 . Thus, regardless of your Internet usage or the length of your vacation to Canada, Gigago always has a solution for you.
To purchase a Canada eSIM from Gigago, you may follow these steps:
You can get mobile internet by getting a data plan from one of the major carriers like Rogers, Bell, or Telus. An eSIM for Canada is an excellent option. You can also use international roaming, pocket Wifi, and free Wifi.
SIM cards for Canada are available at mobile shops, airports, and many other retailers in Canada. eSIM can be bought from reliable eSIM providers like Gigago. Getting an eSIM plan before departure is highly recommended.
Speeds vary depending on location and carrier but typical LTE speeds range from 50Mbps to 150Mbps. 5G speeds are much faster but 5G coverage is still limited to major cities. Speed and coverage also depend on your device and signal strength.
To sum up, there are a variety of options to get mobile internet in Canada. Of all alternatives, Canada SIM cards and eSIMs are the best solution thanks to wide coverage, convenience, and affordability. Tourists with eSIM-supported devices should get an eSIM plan for the best value and flexibility. Do not forget to select the option that best meets your needs and budget.
. Data roaming in Canada is one of the ways to get online, and it is quite expensive. But do not worry! In this article, we will share everything about roaming services in Canada and other alternatives that you can use to be always connected while exploring this stunning country.
As one of Canada’s largest carriers, Rogers Wireless a variety of attractive SIM cards and eSIM plans for tourists. This guide will find out how tourists can buy and set up Rogers SIM cards and eSIM for reliable data, call, and text service during trips around Canada.
For tourists looking to visit Canada, Freedom Mobile SIM cards and eSIM are a handy solution for staying in touch. In this article, we will explore how visitors can get and activate Freedom SIM cards and eSIM for secure cellular data, call, and message services during their trips around this stunning country.
The portable Wifi hotspot fits in your pocket for unlimited browsing, texting, maps, and much more wherever you go in Canada.
Bell Mobility is one of Canada’s leading mobile network carriers due to its extensive coverage across the nation.
Telus Mobility offers one of Canada’s largest 4G/LTE networks and provides prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans tailored specifically for tourists.