Canada’s eSIM market continues to grow as international travel rebounds and digital convenience becomes a priority. With more travelers ditching traditional SIM cards for digital alternatives, eSIMs are quickly becoming the go-to solution for staying connected.
Whether you’re exploring the Rockies, walking the streets of Toronto, or visiting friends in Vancouver, an eSIM lets you get online instantly — no kiosks, no waiting, and no roaming fees.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a physical SIM card. Instead of buying and inserting a plastic SIM, you install a data plan by scanning a QR code or downloading a profile.
Setup takes just a few minutes, and you can do it before or after arrival — no need to search for kiosks at the airport or swap out your home SIM.
In a country as large and diverse as Canada, having reliable mobile data makes a noticeable difference. Whether you're navigating downtown Toronto or driving through Banff National Park, an eSIM gives you instant access to Canadian mobile networks.
Here’s how travelers commonly use eSIMs in Canada:
Canada has extensive 4G/LTE and growing 5G coverage through major carriers like Bell, Rogers, and Telus. In urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, you’ll get fast, stable connections. In more remote areas — like national parks or small northern towns — signal strength can vary, so it’s important to choose an eSIM that partners with a top-tier Canadian network.
Pro tip: While planning your trip, take a moment to browse these fun facts about Canada, they might inspire a few stops along the way.
Canada has reliable mobile networks and strong 4G/LTE coverage, especially in cities. But due to its vast geography, picking the right eSIM provider depends on where you're going, how long you'll stay, and how much data you need.
Canada is huge — the second-largest country in the world — and while cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have excellent coverage, remote regions like the Yukon, northern Manitoba, or parts of the Rockies may have limited signal. Choose an eSIM that connects to major carriers like Bell, Telus, or Rogers for the most consistent nationwide coverage.
Plans vary in both size and duration. For a long weekend in the city, a 1–3 GB plan may be enough. But if you’re visiting multiple provinces, planning remote work, or using GPS and streaming, go for 10–20 GB or unlimited plans with 15–30 day validity. Some eSIMs also allow flexible top-ups mid-trip.
Most eSIMs work on modern phones (iPhone XS and newer, Pixel 4+, Samsung Galaxy S20+ and up). If you're unsure, check your phone’s settings for an EID number or “Add eSIM” option. Some phones — especially carrier-locked or region-specific models — may have eSIM disabled.
If this is your first time using an eSIM or you're arriving at night or in a rural area, choose a provider with 24/7 chat or email support. Fast assistance can make a big difference if your eSIM fails to activate or you hit a signal issue.
The best eSIMs offer instant delivery via email or app, a QR code for installation, and step-by-step instructions. Most don’t need an app, but some do offer added features like data usage tracking or multi-country plans through their platform.
If you’re planning to work remotely, use a laptop, or share data with others, make sure the eSIM allows tethering/hotspot use. Some unlimited plans may throttle speeds after a cap — always check the provider’s fair use policy.
We reviewed the top eSIM providers to help you find the best option for staying online — without roaming fees or SIM card swaps.
Holafly is one of the top eSIM providers for travelers heading to Canada, especially for those who want unlimited data and a smooth, no-app setup. Once you purchase your plan, the eSIM is delivered instantly via email with a QR code. Just scan it, install, and activate data roaming when you land — no app download required.
Holafly offers reliable 4G/LTE coverage in most urban and tourist areas. While Canada’s 5G coverage is expanding, Holafly’s speeds are strong enough for navigation, video calls, and streaming. Note that speeds may be reduced after heavy usage due to Fair Usage Policies.
Plans are available from 1 to 90 days, all with unlimited data. Holafly’s plans don’t include a Canadian number or SMS service, but you can still call and text through apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Telegram. A 500MB/day hotspot allowance is included, which is useful for sharing data with another device.
To activate the hotspot, simply go to your phone’s settings and enable Personal Hotspot or Mobile Hotspot after installing the eSIM and turning on data roaming. Make sure your phone allows hotspot use with eSIMs — most iPhones and newer Android models do.
Customer service is a standout: Holafly provides 24/7 live chat support, helpful if you're troubleshooting while traveling. Compatibility is broad — most eSIM-ready smartphones are supported, and a device checker is available on their site.
Key features:
Data plans for Canada:
| Plan Duration | Price | Data |
| 5 Days | $29.90 | Unlimited |
| 10 Days | $39.90 | Unlimited |
| 15 Days | $50.90 | Unlimited |
| 20 Days | $61.90 | Unlimited |
| 30 Days | $93.90 | Unlimited |
Pros:
Cons:
Airalo is a budget-friendly and flexible eSIM provider for travelers visiting Canada. Known for its affordability and pay-as-you-go model, Airalo lets you choose how much data you need based on your trip length and usage habits. Once you purchase your plan via the Airalo app or website, you’ll receive a QR code or can install the eSIM directly through the app.
Airalo connects to major Canadian networks like Rogers and Telus, delivering stable 4G/LTE service in most urban centers, highways, and national parks. Plans range from 1GB to 20GB, valid for 7 to 30 days — ideal for everything from quick city breaks to cross-country adventures. While unlimited data isn’t available, topping up is easy within the app.
Hotspot use is supported on most plans, allowing you to tether a laptop or second device — just note that lower-tier plans may experience slower speeds if you use up your data quickly.
Customer support is accessible through the Airalo app via live chat or email ticketing, with generally reliable response times. The app also provides usage tracking and plan management, which makes it great for travelers who like full control on the go.
Key features:
Data plans for Canada:
| Plan Duration | Price | Data |
| 15 Days | $11 | 2GB |
| 30 Days | $15 | 3GB |
| 30 Days | $18 | 5GB |
| 30 Days | $35 | 10GB |
| 30 Days | $49 | 20GB |
Pros:
Cons:
GigSky is a well-established eSIM provider offering global coverage in over 190 countries, including strong service across Canada. It’s a convenient option for travelers who want straightforward data plans without the need for local SIM cards or physical setup. After purchasing a plan, you’ll receive the eSIM via the GigSky app or email. Installation can be done through the app or by scanning a QR code.
GigSky uses top-tier Canadian networks to deliver stable 4G/LTE coverage in most cities and national parks. Plans range from 1GB to unlimited data, with durations spanning from 1 to 30 days. A 100MB free trial is available for first-time users, allowing you to test the service before committing.
The provider supports hotspot use on all plans, making it a good fit for remote work or sharing data with other devices. However, as a data-only eSIM, it doesn’t include a local phone number or SMS functionality. Communication apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime are recommended for calls and messages.
Customer support is available 24/7 through the app or website, with generally helpful service. The app also allows users to monitor data usage and top up plans as needed.
Key features:
Data plans for Canada:
| Plan Duration | Price | Data |
| 15 Days | $11.54 | 3GB |
| 30 Days | $13.99 | 5GB |
| 30 Days | $27.29 | 10GB |
| 1 Day | $4.24 | Unlimited |
| 3 Days | $10.49 | Unlimited |
Pros:
Cons:
Nomad is a popular eSIM provider offering flexible, no-frills data plans ideal for short-term visitors or digital nomads in Canada. Once you purchase a plan via the Nomad website or app, your eSIM is delivered instantly through email or app-based installation. You can activate it by scanning a QR code or installing it directly in the app.
Nomad partners with leading Canadian networks like Bell and Rogers, providing solid 4G/LTE coverage in most urban and travel-friendly areas. While Nomad doesn’t offer unlimited data, its plans range from 1GB to 20GB with durations from 7 to 30 days — enough to support everything from basic browsing to heavier use like navigation, video calls, or streaming.
All plans support hotspot tethering, making it a good fit for remote workers or those traveling with multiple devices. Nomad doesn’t offer a Canadian phone number or SMS support, so you’ll need to rely on apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or FaceTime for communication.
Customer service is accessible through live chat in the Nomad app or on their website, with generally fast responses. The interface is clean and user-friendly, ideal even for first-time eSIM users.
Key features:
Data plans for Canada:
| Plan Duration | Price | Data |
| 30 Days | $10 | 3GB |
| 30 Days | $15 | 5GB |
| 30 Days | $18 | 10GB |
| 30 Days | $28 | 20GB |
Pros:
Cons:
Saily is a user-friendly eSIM provider backed by NordVPN, offering flexible and affordable data plans tailored for travelers in Canada. With a straightforward setup process via the Saily app, users can select a plan, install the eSIM, and enjoy automatic activation upon arrival.
Saily connects to major Canadian networks, delivering dependable 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G speeds, depending on local providers. All plans support unlimited hotspot usage, allowing users to share their connection with other devices without restrictions.
While Saily's plans are data-only and do not include a Canadian phone number or SMS capabilities, users can utilize VoIP apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Telegram for communication. Customer support is accessible 24/7 through live chat or email, ensuring assistance is available whenever needed.
Key Features:
Data Plans for Canada:
| Plan Duration | Price | Data |
| 30 Days | $12.99 | 3GB |
| 30 Days | $17.99 | 5GB |
| 30 Days | $30.99 | 10GB |
| 30 Days | $43.99 | 20GB |
Pros:
Cons:
Maya Mobile is a flexible, no-frills eSIM provider ideal for travelers seeking a straightforward and privacy-focused data experience in Canada. Known for transparent pricing and long validity options, Maya is especially useful for remote workers, digital nomads, or long-term visitors who don’t want to top up every week.
Once you select a plan through Maya’s website, you’ll receive your eSIM profile via email with setup instructions. No app is required — just scan the QR code or manually install the eSIM in your phone settings. The eSIM activates the moment your device connects to a supported Canadian network.
Maya Mobile partners with leading Canadian carriers (such as Bell and Telus), offering solid 4G/LTE performance in cities and most popular travel routes. Plans range from 3GB to unlimited data and are valid for up to 180 days.
All plans support hotspot tethering, and compatibility is broad — including iPhones (XS and newer), Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy models with eSIM support. Customer support is available via 24/7 email and live chat through the website.
Key features:
Data Plans for Canada:
| Plan Duration | Price | Data |
| Up to 180 Days | $18.89 | 5GB |
| Up to 180 Days | $35.99 | 10GB |
| Up to 180 Days | $65.69 | 20GB |
| Up to 180 Days | $3.06 | Unlimited (1day) |
Pros:
Cons:
Here’s a quick comparison of the top eSIM providers for Canada in 2025.
| Provider | Rating | Unlimited Data | Lowest Price | Setup | |
| Holafly |  | 4.9/5 | Yes | $7.90 (1 day) | QR code |
| Airalo |  | 4.7/5 | No | $6 (1GB) | App/QR code |
| GigSky |  | 4.4/5 | Yes | $4.24 (1 day) | App/QR code |
| Nomad |  | 4.5/5 | No | $7 (1GB) | App/QR code |
| Saily |  | 4.7/5 | No | $5.29 (1GB) | App |
| Maya Mobile |  | 4.6/5 | Yes | $3.06 (1 day) | QR code |
A Canada eSIM offers one of the easiest, most efficient ways to stay connected while traveling — no kiosks, physical SIM swaps, or extra devices required. Compared to international roaming and pocket Wi-Fi, eSIMs are often faster, cheaper, and more reliable.
Here’s why they’re especially useful in Canada:
Not all devices support eSIM, especially older models. Here’s how to check eSIM compatibility:
Ordering and activating an eSIM for Canada is quick, but it’s best to buy it 1–2 days before your trip so you can install and test the setup.
How to order:
How to activate (iPhone):
How to activate (Android):
If you’re traveling to Canada, an eSIM gives you instant mobile data without the hassle of swapping SIM cards. Here’s a quick look at six top providers — with Holafly leading the pack.
Holafly offers unlimited data, easy setup via QR code (no app needed), and 24/7 live chat. It’s ideal for hassle-free travel across cities and tourist spots.
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
The best global eSIM provider
From $2.3/week
A reliable eSIM provider for budget travelers
From $2.4/week
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
Reviews
