How to watch CBC in the USA or Outside Canada in 2025

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) offers some of the best homegrown entertainment. Whether it’s news, documentaries, or hit series like Murdoch Mysteries and Heartland, the platform has everything for everyone.

What’s the catch? CBC content is geo-restricted and is only available to viewers inside Canada. If you try accessing it from the USA or elsewhere, you’ll likely get an error message like “unavailable in your region” or “not available outside Canada.”

Luckily, a reliable VPN lets you change your virtual location to Canada, unlocking CBC, CBC Gem, and other regional content no matter where you are. This guide explores the easy and helpful ways to watch CBC outside Canada safely and smoothly today, plus the best VPNs to make it happen.

How to stream CBC from anywhere – Quick list

Why should you use a VPN to stream the CBC channel outside Canada?

While CBC offers some of the best content, you cannot access the service if you’re outside Canada. This has to do with content licensing agreements that control which markets media companies can serve.

CBC is a Canadian company that serves the Canadian market, so they add geo-restrictions to prevent people from outside Canada from accessing any content shared through their channel. The company uses an algorithm that scans for users’ locations using their IPs. Any IP address from outside Canada is blocked from using CBC.

However, using a VPN, you can stream CBC from overseas. This tool works by disguising your traffic and protecting it from access by external users. (Unencrypted data is visible to anyone with network access.)

Essentially, the VPN server acts as a proxy on the internet, assigning you a virtual IP address and encrypting your data so that no one can see your online activities. Because the VPN assigns your device a new IP address, you can use the service to select a server in a country with geo-restrictions.

That unblocks any content you desire in that region because the geo-blocker algorithm registers you as being in an approved location. You can learn more about how to bypass geo-restrictions by reading our comprehensive guide on the subject.

Best VPN to stream CBC in the USA and abroad

1. NordVPN

Ideal for CBC streaming outside Canada because it allows 4K UHD streaming, has hundreds of Canadian servers, and offers strong encryption to secure your connections.

Visit NordVPN

8,000+ servers spread across 120+ countries

Supports P2P sharing

AES-256-bit encryption

Zero-logs policy

Built-in ad-blocker and malware protection

Kill switch feature

Customizable split tunneling feature

DNS/IPv6 leak protection

Allows up to 10 simultaneous devices

30 days money-back guarantee

Pros

• Strong customer support
• Uses WireGuard technology
• Resists VPN bans
• Easy to use interface
• Offers optimized servers for Tor support

Cons

• No free trial

The company has set up a huge network comprising over 8,000 servers across 120+ countries, including Canada. The VPN’s Quick Connect feature ensures a fast connection based on location. When tested, the VPN offers lightning-fast speeds, perfect for heavy browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Security is a massive upgrade when you use NordVPN. The service uses the AES-256-bit encryption algorithm, which hides your data. This is the most secure encryption technology on the market. Even government agencies use it to protect top-secret files shared over the internet. The 256-bit encryption technology combines with a 2048-bit DH key, perfect forward secrecy, and SHA2-384 authentication to ensure unbreakable encryption.

NordVPN uses OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols to enhance your security. OpenVPN ranks as the most secure protocol and is the default option for many NordVPN apps. The company also allows users to select other protocols depending on their needs or device type. Now, they also offer their newest NordLynx protocol for a faster and more secure user connection.

A kill switch is also available with the VPN to keep you secure. If your connection drops, it blocks the traffic exiting your device, preventing IP leaks. Also, NordVPN offers a double VPN feature, which routes traffic through two servers instead of one. This makes it harder to trace your location or reveal your online activity.

The VPN works on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows devices, so you can use NordVPN to watch your favorite CBC content on any device. If you don’t find a dedicated VPN app for a device, you can use the provider’s VPN app for routers.

2. ExpressVPN

The VPN can unblock geo-locked content, offer quick torrenting, and offers tens of servers from 3 Canadian cities. Hence, it works great for CBC streaming outside Canada.

Visit ExpressVPN

3,000+ servers in 107 countries

AES-256-bit encryption

DNS/IPv6 leak protection

Supports P2P sharing

Network-lock feature

TrustedServer technology

Split tunneling

Strict no-logs policy

Allows up to 8 connections at once

30-day money back guarantee

Pros

• Fast speeds on all servers
• Unblocks streaming sites
• 24/7 live chat support
• Evades VPN detection

Cons

• More expensive than rivals
• Streaming servers not labeled

Thanks to a new proprietary protocol, Lightway, ExpressVPN offers super-fast speeds, which are ideal for streaming HD content on CBC. While many companies use the Wireguard protocol, ExpressVPN decided to follow a separate route with the Lightway protocol, which offers almost triple the speeds of OpenVPN, their previous protocol. While streaming, it’s recommended to use the Lightway protocol, as it maximizes speed.

For every successful connection, ExpressVPN uses uncrackable encryption. The company offers 256-bit AES encryption with 4096-bit DHE-RSA keys and SHA512 hash authentication. It also employs perfect forward secrecy, which prevents the use of your encryption key to decrypt past sessions. These guys have designed their system so that no one can decipher the contents of your online communication.

On privacy, ExpressVPN embraces a strict no-logging policy. To ensure this, the company runs its services in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly location with no mandatory data retention laws. Hence, they do not record your IP address or store any data about your internet activity. The VPN also operates an onion site to offer extra privacy, where you can sign up and pay using Bitcoin anonymously.

With over 3,000 servers in 107 countries, including Canada, you can easily stream CBC Canadian shows in the USA or anywhere outside Canada. Besides, you can enjoy 5 simultaneous connections on different devices per account. If you’re not content with the service, you can get a refund via their 30-day money-back guarantee.

Some of the devices this VPN supports include iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, macOS, and some routers.

3. Surfshark

The VPN offers excellent performance, can bypass geo-restrictions, and resists VPN bans. Therefore, you will experience no issues streaming content on CBC abroad.

Visit Surfshark

3,200+ servers in 100+ countries

AES-256-bit encryption

P2P servers

MultiHop mode

DNS leak protection

Automatic kill switch

CleanWeb feature

Camouflage Mode

Unlimited simultaneous devices

30-day money-back guarantee

Pros

• Easy to install and use
• No-logs policy
• Excellent security and privacy
• Fast speeds
• Great customer service

Cons

• Different speeds between servers

Surfshark offers impressive speeds, enabling you to stream CBC outside Canada in HD quality. You’ll not experience any lag or disconnection when using Canada servers.

Also, the VPN excels in safety, earning a position among the best-rated VPNs. Although they have moved their head office to the Netherlands, they still ensure a strict no-logs policy. They will not collect information about your IP address or browsing history, keeping you completely anonymous.

Recently, the company switched to a RAM-only network, which means they don’t keep any data on physical servers. This type of storage ensures the automatic deletion of data when a user disconnects, so that no one can retrieve information about your internet activity afterward. That makes it a quality Canada VPN one can trust today.

Surfshark applies AES-256-bit encryption with, among others, the safest protocols, IKEv2/IPSec and OpenVPN. The company does not compromise on users’ security. Besides, Surfshark offers a protocol specifically designed to bypass censorship, especially in China. The Shadowsocks protocol is an encrypted proxy that allows connections even in locations with stringent restrictions.

With 3200+ servers in 65 countries, you’ll quickly find a server for Canada with fast connection speeds. The VPN includes special Multihop servers that help you connect to two VPN servers simultaneously to provide double protection.

Other features available on Surfshark include CleanWeb, which works as an ad-blocker; Camouflage Mode, which provides additional security without impacting your internet speeds; and a Whitelister for apps and websites so you can access specific apps and sites using your real IP address without removing your armor.

How about using a free VPN to stream CBC outside Canada?

While most free VPNs will allow you to access CBC in the US, the risk might not be worth the little benefits you’re getting. You want to stay away from free VPNs for many reasons if you’re watching geo-restricted content.

First, some free VPN service providers will sell your data to third parties, going against your wish for private browsing. Unlike premium VPN providers that ensure a strict no-logs policy, free VPNs might be selling your data as a source of revenue.

Second, some free VPN apps might install spyware or malware on your device. This malicious code will monitor your online activity. Also, your connection is not private and could be the perfect playground for hackers.

In short, don’t use a free VPN for any online activity, as it exposes you to many risks. If you want to stream CBC outside Canada, we recommend using ExpressVPN, Surfshark, or NordVPN for a secure, private, and fast connection.

Can a Smart DNS unblock CBC outside Canada?

A DNS address contains identifying details, including your actual location. A Smart DNS provides you with the ability to access CBC online abroad. It substitutes the DNS issued by your ISP with a new one. That’s how the tool hides your actual location and tells the geo-blocker algorithm you’re in the permitted region, hence letting you access the blocked site.

Can I use a proxy to stream CBC in the USA and elsewhere?

Proxy services share similarities with VPNs. They hide your IP address and help you bypass geo-restrictions. Besides, to prevent congestion, many ISPs throttle bandwidth. Thus, using proxies can also allow you to enjoy fast connection speeds in such situations.

However, considering encryption, proxies are not ideal as the feature may not be strong or available.

So, if you only wish to unblock CBC to stream abroad, you can use a free proxy server. But if you want some privacy, choose a dedicated server that is not shared with many other users. But you might have to pay for it.

You can find out the best free proxy sites in our detailed guide to help you surf anonymously online.

Nonetheless, keep in mind that the absence of adequate encryption can leak your real IP location to the streaming platform, causing errors. If you need a 99.9% fool-proof workaround, use a VPN.

Different ways to watch CBC abroad

To watch CBC from outside Canada, you have two main pathways, both of which require a VPN to connect to a Canadian location.

1. Watch via CBC Gem (recommended)

This is the primary and most user-friendly method. CBC Gem is a dedicated streaming service.

• The Easiest route: Simply use your VPN, go to the CBC Gem website or app, and start watching with a free account. No formal registration is immediately necessary for the ad-supported tier.
• The best experience: For ad-free viewing, immediate access to new episodes, and exclusive content, subscribe to CBC Gem Premium.

2. Watch via the CBC TV website

You can also watch live TV and some on-demand content directly through the regional CBC TV websites (e.g., CBC Ottawa, CBC Vancouver).

• How it works: These sites often stream their local broadcast live. The content can be more limited than CBC Gem and is tailored to that specific region.
• The catch: Access to live streams on these sites sometimes requires you to “verify” with a Canadian TV provider (e.g., Bell, Rogers, Shaw). This makes CBC Gem a more reliable and comprehensive option for viewers abroad.

Which devices are compatible with CBC?

Many people love streaming content on multiple devices. Below, we list a few devices that allow streaming on CBC and how they work.

How to stream CBC on Fire TV

To stream CBC on Fire TV, you need to install their app. You could also stream by visiting https://gem.cbc.ca/ through the Silk Web Browser.

Streaming CBC sports on Kodi

Accessing CBC on Kodi requires a few steps:

1. Open Kodi Krypton and go to “Settings.” Click on “System Settings,” then “Expert Mode.” Find the Add-ons.
2. Switch on the “Unknown Sources” and agree to the prompt that pops up.
3. In “Settings,” go to the “File Manager” and click “Add Source.”
4. From the options, choose “None” and insert the path http://fusion.tvaddons.co/ with quotes.
5. Call it “Fusion,” then hit “OK.”
6. On Kodi’s main menu, go to “Addons.”
7. In the left corner, you’ll find a box-shaped icon. Click it and follow the “Install from zip file” option. Click “Fusion” and proceed to the “Begin here” option.
8. At this point, pick indigo-x.x.x.zip and install.
9. If successful, you’ll get a notification saying “addon enabled.” Go back to the main menu.
10. On the “My addons” section, click “Program Addons” and select “Indigo.”
11. Click on the “Addon Installer” then “Video Games.” You’ll see a “C.” Follow the path to “CBC Sports,” then “Install.” When done, click “Finish.”
12. Relaunch Kodi and access “Video Addons,” where you’ll find CBC Sports to start streaming.

How to stream CBC abroad through Roku

Before watching CBC on Roku in the USA or anywhere abroad, you need to connect to a VPN on your router. ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN are good router options. Choose a Canada server, then use the following procedure:

1. Download the CBC All Access app from the channel store and install it.
2. Open the app and navigate to “Settings,” where you’ll find two options to sign in: “Manually” or “Code.”
3. If you pick “Manual,” enter your details and hit “Enter.”
4. To sign in using a code, use your browser to access www.cbs.com/activate/roku and input the provided code on the “All Access” app.
5. That’s all you need to enjoy different content types on the CBC channel on Roku while abroad.

What’s the difference between CBC and CBC Gem

While the main CBC website offers content, CBC Gem is the corporation’s flagship streaming platform and is your primary destination for on-demand shows, live TV, and exclusive originals. So, both are different bodies and streaming platforms, and you need to understand each one of them to get a better streaming service.

CBC Gem: Free vs. Premium tiers

CBC Gem operates on a freemium model, offering different levels of access:

CBC Gem (Free tier):

• Content: Access to thousands of hours of on-demand content, including recent episodes of popular CBC shows a week after they air on TV.
• Limitations: This tier is supported by ads. The most recent episodes of some top shows may be held back for the premium tier for a period.
• Live TV: Offers a live stream of the main CBC television channel.

CBC Gem Premium ($5.99 CAD/month):

• Content: Everything in the free tier, plus completely ad-free streaming.
• Early access: Get the latest episodes of hit shows as soon as they air, with no waiting period.
• Exclusive originals: Access to Gem’s exclusive series and films that are not available on the free tier.
• Live TV: Ad-free live streaming of the main CBC channel.

How to access CBC Gem from anywhere

The process is straightforward, but requires precision:

• Choose a reliable VPN that can unblock Canadian services. We recommend NordVPN.
• Download and install the VPN app on your device.
• Launch the VPN and connect to a Canadian server. For the best streaming performance, choose a server in a major city like Toronto or Vancouver.
• Then, clear your browser cache and cookies. Old data can reveal your real location and cause errors. Clear them before proceeding.
• Navigate to gem.cbc.ca on your browser or open the CBC Gem app on your smart TV, phone, or tablet.
• You can start watching with a free account immediately. For the premium tier, you will need to subscribe.

Which channels does CBC own?

Below is a list of channels CBC owns:

• CBC News
• CBC Sports
• HD 
• CBC Kids
• CBC Gem

Any shows to watch when I stream CBC outside Canada?

CBC offers various content, including kids’ shows, documentaries, news, and live sports. Some of the shows you could enjoy via CBC streaming outside Canada include:

• Dragons’ Den
• Battle of the Blades
• Still Standing
• Escape to the Country
• Anyone’s Game
• Olympics on CBC
• Grand Designs
• When Calls the Heart

FAQs