How to Watch Foreign TV Channels in Canada
With most TV plans, Canadians have hundreds of channels to choose from. If your plan is extensive, you may be able to choose dozens of channels from all over the world. However, if your plan is more limited, you may only be able to choose from a select amount of local channels. These plans may feel constricting, as some of the world’s greatest series come from elsewhere. If you want access to television beyond the Canadian border, we’re here to help. We’ll go over exactly how to watch foreign TV channels in Canada in a few simple steps.
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Changing Your TV Plan
The first and most straightforward way to obtain foreign TV channels in Canada is to edit or entirely change your current TV plan. In order for a service provider to offer a foreign TV channel, it must be listed on the CRTC’s list of non-Canadian programming services and stations authorized for distribution. This list details every approved network from other countries that are accessible in Canada. Thus, if you want access to a certain channel but are unsure if it’s offered in Canada, make sure to reference this list first and foremost.
If the channel you’re looking for is on the CRTC’s list, that’s great. You can make a call to your TV provider or visit their website. Providers offer a number of “pick” plans with contrasting prices. These plans allow customers to pick a set number of additional channels. For example, Telus’ Pick Pack 10 includes a number of basic channels, with the added bonus to choose 10 channels of your choice from their extensive catalogue. If you don’t already subscribe to a pick pack like this, consider adding one to your monthly plan. If you already have one but want more choices, switch to a more robust pick plan.
Alternatively, if you don’t currently have a pick plan, consider signing up for one or joining a provider that does. While this solution is the most legitimate, it can also be expensive. You may want to experience foreign TV channels without a hefty monthly bill. Fortunately, we have another suggestion on how to watch foreign TV channels in Canada.
VPN
If switching TV plans or providers isn’t right for you, consider investing in a VPN. Virtual private networks connect your device to a remote server, encrypting all your data. In addition to strengthening your privacy, VPNs can mask your IP address and make it appear as if you are located elsewhere. Thus, using a VPN that connects to a server located in England will allow your device to access exclusive websites in England.
It is important to note that although millions of users do it, using a VPN for paid streaming services like Netflix can be flagged. Streaming services have been cracking down on VPN users, and could end up blocking your access when trying to stream. If you choose to use a VPN for something like this, do so at your own risk.
On the other hand, we’d recommend using a VPN to access free region-locked services across the globe. For example, services like ITV and BBC News have region-locked features that can only be accessed in the United Kingdom. If you use a VPN to switch your location to the UK, you can access these features for free. We’d recommend this approach if there’s a specific show or channel you can’t seem to find with any Canadian TV plan.
Conclusion
We’ve provided two different approaches on how to watch foreign TV channels in Canada. However, both approaches are not cheap. TV plans can cost nearly $100 per month with an extensive plan. Meanwhile, most VPNs require long-term commitments, forcing users to pay for two years of service upfront. Fortunately, Planhub offers several resources to help you save money. Our TV plan service is coming soon, which will help Canadians compare the country’s most affordable plans from every major provider. Additionally, make sure to check out our list of 2021’s best VPNs for Canadians. We hope that we were able to help and that you learned a thing or two from this article!