Canada prepaid eSIM - the 5 best options in 2024 (+discounts)

Photo by Garrett Parker on Unsplash

Not sure where to head for your next adventure? We have a spectacular place in mind – Canada. From impressive mountains to jaw-dropping glaciers and secluded lakes and forests – the country's natural beauty is unparalleled to anywhere else in the world.

But world-class outdoor adventures aren't the only thing Canada has to offer. Its cosmopolitan cities are known for their sophisticated cultural scene, fantastic food, and friendly people. When you combine all of these aspects, you get the recipe for a perfect vacation! 

Once you have booked your flight and accommodation, all that is left is to find out what connectivity options you have. In this article, we cover everything about the best prepaid SIM and eSIM data plans for your trip to Canada.

Last update: March 2024

What should you know about using eSIMs in Canada?

One of the best options to stay connected during your adventures in Canada is to use an eSIM. If you have never used an eSIM before, it may seem like a confusing concept, but, in reality, it is quite simple. eSIMs are virtual cards that can be used in most latest generation phones.

What makes them so great is the fact you can easily switch networks, you can have more than one SIM at the same time, and there is no need to acquire a new SIM card. However, there are a couple of requirements for using a virtual card.

• Not all are compatible with eSIM because it is a new technology. So before purchasing an eSIM, you should find out whether your phone allows it.

• Once you have decided to buy an eSIM, you will need an email address, where you will receive information on how to activate it.

• To start using your eSIM, you will need an internet connection as you will have to download your eSIM plan.

• The majority of eSIMs are activated by scanning QR codes.

• For some online stores, you may be required to download their phone app.

The best prepaid eSIM data plans for a trip to Canada

If you decide to visit Canada, you will have plenty of prepaid data plans to choose from. Currently, the most popular one is provided by GlobaleSIM. The company offers 10GB of data for 30 days. Their $26 plan is global, which means the virtual card will also work in other countries.

Data

10 GB

Validity30 day(s)

🇨🇦 Canada

Data and Phone number*

Special Offer: 10% OFF

GlobaleSIM - Canada

$11.52

$12.80

$1.15/GB

Learn more ›

A list of the best prepaid eSIMs plans in Canada wouldn't be imaginable without Airalo, which has gained a reputation as one of the best virtual card providers in the world. With their package 'Tuque Mobile - 10 GB”, travelers can use 10GB of data in 30 days. 

Note that the eSIM operates on the Rogers network in Canada so you can expect great quality.

Data

10 GB

Validity30 day(s)

🇨🇦 Canada

Data only

Network(s) : Rogers (LTE), Bell (5G), Telus (5G)

Special Offer: 15% OFF

Airalo - Tuque Mobile - 10 GB

$29.75

$35.00

$2.98/GB

Learn more ›

Those who don't need as much data can choose the GlobaleSIM package for 5GB. By purchasing the eSIM, you will get access to the internet for 21 days. This is a cheaper option that costs $9.00 and is well-suited for shorter trips.

Data

5 GB

Validity21 day(s)

🇨🇦 Canada

Data and Phone number*

Special Offer: 10% OFF

GlobaleSIM - Canada

$9.00

$10.00

$1.80/GB

Learn more ›

Traveling is all about having fun and exploring. You don't want to spend most of your vacation sitting on your phone! If you are heading to Canada for just a week and won't have to use the internet much, the “Canada” package by RedTeaGo will be an excellent pick. 

Data

1 GB

Validity30 day(s)

🇨🇦 Canada

Data only

Special Offer: $3 CREDIT

Redteago - Canada

$2.90

$2.90/GB

Learn more ›

As you can see, there are many options to choose from. Which is the best solution for you depends on your specific needs. If you are planning a short adventure, the 'Canada” package by RedTeaGo will give you great coverage for an excellent price.

On the other hand, those who need more internet can opt for the more expensive options, which are perfect for longer vacations.

Other options to get mobile internet in Canada

Buying a prepaid sim card

If you wish to stay connected during your travel adventures, there are other ways to get the internet. The country has many prepaid SIM options, however, they are quite expensive. For example, to get 1 GB of data, you may even pay up to $30. That is why it is important to do proper research before getting the best deals. 

Also, note that buying a prepaid SIM card will require that you get your SIM card delivered before your trip or that you go visit a local store when you arrive, which can be a bit of a hassle sometimes.

Overall the best option is the Telus Mobility sim card for Canada since it offers excellent network coverage and great value data packages. For around $70, you can get 20 GB of data.

Relying on public & hotel WiFI

This is the option we would recommend the least, but using public WiFI networks is another alternative if you don’t want to spend on getting your own secure network and don’t do sensitive work or handle sensitive data.

In Canada, most hotels, bars, and shops will offer a public WiFI network. Should you use a public WiFI, we would always recommend you use a VPN.

To find public WiFI networks in Canada, we recommend you use the Wifimap app.

Mobile network providers and their coverage in Canada

Although Canada is a country that is big in size, there aren't as many people living there. Still, there are a lot of mobile internet providers. Telus Mobility, Virgin Mobile, Rogers, and Bell Canada are considered the biggest ones which offer the best coverage and network connectivity. 

If you are exploring Canada's cities, you will also see other local mobile internet providers, for example, Videotron Mobile, WIND Mobile, and Freedom Mobile, however, they don't operate throughout the whole country.

As far as 4G/5G network coverage goes, Telus Mobility has the best offer, especially if you are traveling to West Canada. Those heading to eastern Canada, for example, Toronto, Quebec, or Ottawa, can opt for Bell Mobility.

BELL network coverage

Source : GSMA & Harper Collins

When it comes to customers reached, Bell`s coverage map is the biggest in Canada. Its mobile network alone covers 99% of the Canadian population. Bell also has Canada's largest 4G network, meaning customers are unlikely to fall back to 3G coverage. 

Most of Bell's coverage focuses on Canada's major urban centers: every big city in the country is blanketed by the network. Alberta and Saskatchewan are particularly well-represented by Bell's coverage. 

Outside of their cell phone network, Bell also has customers covered with more than 4,000 WiFi hotspots across the country. The company's wireless signal can be found in every province, although more remote areas have little to no coverage. 

Bell also services a number of smaller carrier brands, including Virgin Mobile, Lucky Mobile, and PC Mobile. This gives Canadians the opportunity to access the same vast network for lower prices. 

There are no national roaming options for Bell, though several international roaming plans are available. Fortunately, Bell's wide coverage means that customers are unlikely to need access to another network.

TELUS network coverage

Source : GSMA & Harper Collins

What many Canadians may not be aware of is that Bell and TELUS share the same cell tower nationwide. This means that TELUS covers all Canadian states, all metropolitan areas, and almost 100% of the population. 

TELUS has a reputation for reliability because TELUS' mobility networks tend to operate slightly faster than Bell's. In fact, TELUS covers 29% of Canada by region. This is the same as Bell, almost 10% more than Rogers.  Like its competitors, TELUS also works with a number of smaller mobile operators that use TELUS' extensive network, such as Koodo and Public Mobile. Unlike Bell, TELUS also offers some domestic roaming capabilities.

Rogers network coverage

Source : GSMA & Harper Collins

The Rogers network covers less than 20% of Canada's land area but is prominently located in all major city centers, reaching 98% of the country's population. Its main weakness is limited coverage in the country's less densely populated states, Primorskaya and Territory. 

Rogers was a pioneer in 3G networks, but in recent years the company has fallen a bit behind. Although it

has a robust nationwide LTE network,  some customers in less populated areas may still be connected to the company's older 3G infrastructure. Fortunately, their new 5G network is under development. 

Rogers offers roaming options for international travel only. Rogers shares coverage maps with several smaller carriers such as Fido, Chatr, and Cityfone. This gives customers a wider range of options when it comes to pricing and planning.

To sum up

There is no question whether Canada should be on your travel bucket list. With such incredible natural diversity and exciting cities, it is a place that deserves your attention. To navigate through the huge country, you will need a connection. Choose one of the eSIMs packages at esims.io, and travel carelessly!

Firsty First Class

Firsty

$2.64

Global 1GB

Jetpac

$1.00

North America 1GB

Jetpac

$1.00

Global 30GB Data with Calls 30Days

Airhub

$31.00

Canada

GlobaleSIM

$20.70

Canada: Browse more prepaid eSIM plans

🇨🇦 Canada: Browse more prepaid eSIM plans