How to Watch CTV Outside Canada in 2024

CTV is popular in Canada as it streams diversified content for Canadian citizens. However, since it is typically geo-restricted, anyone traveling outside the region would have to miss watching their favorite content.

Nonetheless, if you use a robust Canadian VPN, you can easily unblock CTV outside Canada. This article explains how to continue streaming CTV anywhere abroad using a VPN.

A quick guide to accessing CTV outside Canada

Best VPNs to watch CTV outside Canada – Quick list

Why is CTV not available outside Canada?

Like most other streaming platforms, the platform also employs various geo-restrictions for users. Thus, you can’t access CTV online outside Canada. Nonetheless, the service is available for users in the North American region on cable – just like it’s available to Canadian users.

Why do you need a tool like VPN to unblock CTV?

Due to licensing and copyright agreements, many popular streaming services use geo-blocks to restrict specific geographic regions’ content. For example, it will block your connection if you try to stream B Positive’s latest episodes from abroad. Therefore, its content is only available for Canadian citizens.

How will CTV know you are accessing outside Canada? We hear you ask. Every internet-enabled device has an internet protocol (IP) address that identifies it on the internet. It is this address that shows where you are connecting from.

A virtual private network (VPN) will mask your actual IP address and assign you a new Canadian-specific one. As a result, your streaming traffic will seem to be originating from the VPN server instead of your device. This is an easy and safe way to bypass CTV’s restrictions and stay up-to-date with your favorite movies and shows.

Some internet service providers (ISPs) throttle user bandwidth if there is excessive consumption. Streaming TV shows online is a data-intensive activity. So, the chances are your ISP might throttle your bandwidth, resulting in slowing your connections. Encrypting your internet traffic via VPN and routing it through secure servers means your ISP won’t see what you are doing.

Best VPNs to watch CTV abroad

VPN services are emerging at a rapid rate as more people are becoming conscious of their online privacy.

However, not all VPNs are the same. So, knowing the exact features to look out for when choosing a VPN to stream CTV from anywhere is good. We based our research on the following criteria:

• Unblocking capabilities
• Server network
• Security and privacy
• Speeds
• Compatibility

And after testing dozens of service providers, we shortlisted a few to share with you. So here are the top 3 VPNs to unblock it:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN operates a network of more than 6,800 servers in 113 countries, with over 480+ servers in 3 Canadian locations, allowing you to enjoy geo-blocked anywhere.

Most of the servers offer lightning-fast speeds. This means you will be able to stream CTV without buffering or lags.

Regarding security, NordVPN will protect your activities with AES 256-bit encryption. It combines encryption with a 2048-bit DH key, perfect forward secrecy, and SHA2-384 authentication for maximum security. You will also get OpenVPN UDP/TCP and IKEv2/IPSec, two of the most secure VPN protocols available.

Interestingly, NordVPN has a zero-logs policy and does not collect or store identifiable information. In addition, it is registered in a privacy-friendly country, Panama, which is not a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance.

It also offers other features to ensure anonymity, such as the kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection.

NordVPN works well with all popular devices, including Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. However, we noticed significant differences between the Android and iOS apps during our test. For instance, Android users will only get the OpenVPN protocol, but iOS users can also switch to IKEv2.

The VPN allows you to connect ten simultaneous connections. However, it also supports routers in adding more simultaneous devices.

Besides speeds, NordVPN beats its competitors in terms of affordability. Moreover, you can try this service risk-free by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.

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2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has incredible unblocking capabilities and will literally get past any geo-blocks. Besides CTV, it unblocks YouTube, Facebook, Google, and other popular sites that are blocked anywhere.

For example, we tested Toronto and Montreal servers to access CTV live online. ExpressVPN demonstrated great speeds during our top VPN speed test. Our average base speed was 59.76 Mbps but dropped slightly to 57.61 Mbps, enough for streaming without buffering.

Moreover, it works with nearly every operating system and platform. On top of offering VPN clients for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook, the provider also supports other devices, such as routers.

Although, this VPN allows you to have five simultaneous connections with a single subscription. However, using a VPN-enabled router, you can watch CTV online, even on devices that don’t support VPNs, like your Smart TV and PS4 console.

Concerning security, ExpressVPN keeps you safe with robust encryption. The provider fortifies it with SHA-512 HMAC authentication, 4096-bit RSA key, AES 256-bit cipher, and Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS).

Besides, ExpressVPN doesn’t log data. It is also located in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly country outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance.

Some of its features that ensure privacy include an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. Plus, the VPN also supports Tor for maximum anonymity.

ExpressVPN offers three main premium plans, frequently offering deals and coupons with extended plans. It also accepts anonymous payments via Bitcoin.

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3. Surfshark

Surfshark boasts an expansive network of more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. With over 90 servers spread across 3 Canadian locations, you can easily unblock CTV, evading all VPN banning attempts.

Besides, the Camouflage Mode will disguise your VPN activities if you are streaming from a restricted country like the UAE.

Sursfshark delivered impressive performance during our test, dropping only 6% from our original speeds. This means you can stream in high definition no matter where you are streaming from.

Surfshark is a secure VPN with some of the latest security features, such as the AES 256-bit encryption and MultiHop mode, Surfshark’s version of double VPN.

Also, its HackLock feature will monitor your passwords and email for security breaches.

Regarding privacy, Surfshark does not keep any connection or usage data. It is also headquartered in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, outside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes countries. An automatic kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection protect your privacy.

The VPN is compatible with all popular operating systems. It offers easy-to-use and feature-filled Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS apps. The SmartDNS feature will allow you to connect devices that don’t work with VPN, like smart TVs, PS4 consoles, etc. Since it supports unlimited simultaneous connections, you can connect as many devices as you want with one Surfshark subscription.

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Best VPNs for CTV – at a glance

Features	NordVPN	ExpressVPN	Surfshark
Canadian server	480+ servers in 3 cities	3 cities	90+ servers in 3 cities
Servers in other countries	6,800+ servers in 113 countries	3,000+ servers in 107 countries	3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Streaming services	Netflix, DAZN, ESPN, YouTube, Hulu, Fox Sports, Disney+	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max	Netflix, HBO Max, ShowTime, Amazon Prime, Hulu
Supported devices	Windows, Android, macOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, iOS, routers, Smart TVs	Windows, Android, macOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, iOS, routers, smart TVs	Windows, Android, macOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, iOS, routers, smart TVs
Best deal	$3.59 Save 62% + 3 months free	$6.67 Save 49% + 3 months free	$2.21 Save 85% + 4 months free

Can I use a free VPN to watch CTV from abroad?

You might be tempted to use free VPNs to unblock Canadian CTV, but we advise you to avoid them. This is because of their inadequacies and can even put you at risk instead of keeping you safe and anonymous.

Here are some of the common issues with free VPNs:

Can’t unblock CTV

Unblocking geo-blocks requires a robust and stable network. Many free VPNs do not have the resources to get past the geo-restrictions of most streaming services, including CTV. Although technically, you can bypass the restrictions with a free VPN, it is not certain that it will work. In most cases, you will get an error message that your connection is blocked.

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Limited data

Most free VPNs cap the amount of data you can use. Some of them use this strategy to compel free users to upgrade their plans out of frustration. TunnelBear and Windscribe are good examples that limit the data to 500MB and 10GB, respectively.

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Impede on speed

Slow speed is an issue you will face with free VPNs. They use poor-quality servers that are mostly congested, causing slow speeds. In addition, some providers deliberately slow down the speed to compel free users to upgrade.

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Annoying ads

One of the main ways free VPNs make money is by selling ads. These ads are intrusive and infuriating and may slow speeds or contain malware. Also, if a VPN shows ads, it will probably share your data with third parties. This infringes on your privacy, yet a VPN is supposed to protect it.

Note: We recommend choosing the free versions of premium services instead of going for a completely free VPN. Although the free versions are highly limited, they are safe and secure. Moreover, you can use the money-back policies if you only need a VPN temporarily.

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How to unblock CTV outside Canada without a VPN

However, using a VPN is the best strategy to watch your favorite content on CTV anywhere. That’s because VPNs not only change your IP address. Rather, they also provide you with a secure browsing experience.

Besides, the best VPNs, like the ones listed above, also resist VPN blocking attempts by streaming services. This is something where most proxies and other tools often fail.

However, if this isn’t doable for you, don’t worry. Here are more workarounds that unblock CTV abroad without a VPN.

Unblocking CTV anywhere with Kodi

Kodi is another way you can access CTV from anywhere. It’s a free media player that works with all popular devices and operating systems, including Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, tvOS, macOS, and Raspberry Pi.

However, remember that Kodi is just a streaming platform and cannot be done alone.

You will have to install an add-on to stream CTV from anywhere. The best Kodi add-on to watch is the Made In Canada extension.

It is easy to install and will enable you to view content even on other Canadian channels alongside CTV Live as well. Follow the steps below to install MIC (Made In Canada) on your favorite free media player:

1. Run Kodi player.
2. Head over to its main menu.
3. Now, go to System.
4. Next, head over to File Manager.
5. It’s time to hit the Add Source button there.
6. Then on None.
7. Now, input https://archive.org/download/repository.mic precisely as it is.
8. After that, hit Done.
9. Next, look at the box saying None (visible at the bottom part of the screen).
10. There, you should see the ” Enter a Name for This Media Source text written.
11. Enter MIC in that box.
12. Now, hit OK.
13. Next, head back to Kodi’s home screen.
14. After that, go to System again.
15. Now, head over to Add-ons.
16. Then, pick Install from the zip file option there.
17. Next, hit MIC.
18. After that, choose the MIC repository.

Now, wait for a while, and you will see a notification for the add-on enabled, which would basically mean ‘all done‘ for you.

That is it. As you now have MIC (Made in Canada) on your Kodi, you can watch CTV worldwide and many more channels online. Again, to access any of your Kodi add-ons, MIC, in this case, you head over to your Kodi home screen > System > Add-ons. You click Made in Canada and start watching the channel you have longed for there.

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Accessing CTV from abroad with a Smart DNS

Using a Smart DNS is also a viable strategy for watching CTV from abroad. Briefly, a Smart DNS works by rerouting your traffic through its own DNS servers. Hence, it temporarily changes your online location, thus letting you unblock restricted content.

Although, this tool isn’t as robust as a VPN. Yet, it’s still worth trying as a last resort to watching your favorite media. Here’s how to use a Smart DNS to unblock CTV.

1. Subscribe to a Smart DNS service. You can also use one VPN provider, such as NordVPN.
2. After completing the subscription, log in to your account and note down the service provider’s DNS address(es).
3. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Change adapter options on your PC.
4. In the new window, right-click on the icon of your connected network and click on “Properties.”
5. In the box below the “This connection uses the following items:” feature, click on the option “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and then click on the “Properties” button appearing below.
6. Choose the setting “Use the following DNS server addresses:” and type in the DNS addresses given by your service provider.
7. Click the “OK” button.

Once done, you can head on to watch CTV how you want.

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Devices compatible with CTV

Here are some of the devices you can use to stream CTV top-stream. 

• Windows 
• Smart TV 
• MacOS 
• Amazon Fire TV 
• Apple TV 
• Xbox One 
• Roku 
• PS3/PS4
• Android 
• iOS

Follow these steps to download and stream CTV on different devices.

How to stream CTV on Android devices 

• Choose a trustworthy VPN service. We recommend NordVPN. 
• Download and install the VPN app from the Google Play Store or the VPN’s official website. 
• Open the server list and connect to a Canadian server. 
• Create a new Google Account with the Canadian location. 
• Install the CTV app. 
• Open it and enjoy your favorite content. 

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Steps to watch CTV on iOS devices 

• Subscribe to a reliable VPN service. NordVPN is our top choice.
• Download and install the VPN app from the Apple App Store or the VPN’s official website.
• Connect to a Canadian server.
• Go to the settings menu and choose ‘View Apple ID.’
• Change to a Canadian location.
• Download and install the CTV app from the Apple Store.
• Enjoy streaming your favorite content.

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How to watch CTV on streaming devices 

Most streaming devices like Xbox, Roku, and Chromecast don’t support VPNs. However, you can configure the VPN on your router and connect the devices through Wi-Fi. 

• Get a reputable VPN service. NordVPN is ideal in this case because of its several Canadian servers.
• Install it on your router.
• Connect to a Canadian server.
• Use an HDMI cable to connect the streaming device to your smart TV.
• Select CTV on your smart TV’s home screen. 
• Enjoy your favorite CTV content.

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What to watch on CTV from abroad?

Best movies to watch on CTV

Below are the famous movies you can watch on CTV:

• Ghostbusters 
• The Equalizer 
• The Social Network
• Whiplash 
• Hook 
• Dracula 
• Step Brothers

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Best shows to watch on CTV

Here is a list of popular shows you can watch on CTV:

• The Amazing Race Canada
•  9-1-1 Lone Star (New Season)
• All Rise (New Season)
• American HousewifeArrow
• B Positive (New Season)
• Shark Tank
• Key and Peele

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New content on CTV in January 2024

Here are the latest titles you can watch this month:

• Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test Season 2
• American Dad Season 19
• Feds Season 1
• Avengers Infinity War
• The Family Stone 
• Motherless Brooklyn
• Catch Me If You Claus

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CTV not working with a VPN: Troubleshooting tips

Are you unable to access CTV even via a VPN? Here are some of the reasons why:

• The VPN has weak unblocking capabilities and cannot bypass CTV’s geo-restrictions. 
• CTV has blocked the VPN servers.
• The VPN does not prevent IP address leakage.
• Cache and cookies display your old IP address. 

Try the following solutions to fix the issues. 

• Activate the VPN’s leak protection. 
• Clear the cache and cookies on your streaming device. 
• Connect to a different server in Canada. 
• Access CTV with a different browser. 
• Contact the VPN’s customer support for assistance. 

The VPN might be inferior for CTV if the problem persists after trying the above solutions. So, you should try another VPN provider. You can try the VPNs we discussed above. We tested these providers several times, and they work well to access CTV.

FAQs