Our recommended eSIMs for Canada
Roaming to Canada on a home plan can be costly, and an eSIM is the easy alternative: install before you fly, keep your home number for calls and codes, and let the travel plan carry your data.
Airalo
Best valueThe broadest coverage — 200+ countries — and strong value. Buy exactly the data you need.
Check Airalo plans →Yesim
Most flexiblePer-country, regional, pay-as-you-go and a global plan across 150+ destinations.
Check Yesim plans →Saily
NordVPN teamA reliable, security-minded eSIM from the team behind NordVPN, with a clean app.
Check Saily plans →Holiday.com
ExpressVPN teamA global travel eSIM for 150+ destinations from the team behind ExpressVPN — one eSIM you top up as you go, with a privacy focus.
Check Holiday.com plans →GigSky
Cruise & inflightTravel eSIM covering 190+ countries, plus cruise-ship and inflight data plans that most eSIM providers do not offer.
Check GigSky plans →Plans, prices and coverage change often — confirm the current plan on each provider's own page before buying. Links are affiliate links; see our disclosure.
Coverage in Canada
Coverage is strong across Canadian cities and along major highways, as travel eSIMs use the country's major networks. The far north and remote wilderness can lose signal for any network, so download offline maps before heading off-grid.
How much data do you need?
- ◆Light use (maps, messaging): 1–3GB per week.
- ◆Normal use (social, navigation, photos): a 5–10GB plan.
- ◆Road trips and heavy navigation: a larger data allowance.
Getting connected on arrival
- 1Buy your plan before you fly, while you still have your home connection.
- 2Install the eSIM when prompted (scan the QR code or tap install in the provider's app), and label the line so it is easy to find.
- 3On arrival, turn the travel eSIM's data on and enable data roaming for that line.
- 4Set your home line to 'data off' so you are never billed for roaming, and keep it active for calls, texts and two-factor codes.
Plan the rest of your Canada trip
Flights, a hire car and somewhere to stay — the essentials, in one place, from services we rate.
Compare flights to Canada across hundreds of airlines and travel agencies in one search — set a price alert and book when the fare is right.
Find flights to Canada →Compare car-hire deals across Canada from all the major rental companies in one search — most bookings come with free cancellation, and prices are usually lowest when you book ahead.
Compare car hire in Canada →Find somewhere to stay in Canada — from city hotels to coastal boltholes — with free cancellation on most rooms. Filter by area and read verified guest reviews before you book.
Where to stay in Canada →City passes and day trips across Canada.
Book tours & attraction tickets →Compensation for delays or cancellations.
Claim for a delayed flight →Frequently asked questions
Does an eSIM work in Canada?
Yes. Travel eSIMs connect to Canada's major networks, giving strong coverage across cities and highways. Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked.
Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming in Canada?
For most visitors, yes — a travel eSIM data plan is usually far cheaper than home-carrier roaming, and you keep your own number for calls and texts over the internet.
Will it work in the Rockies and remote areas?
Along main routes and in towns, yes. Remote wilderness can lose signal for any network — download offline maps first.
