How to Stream Hockey Night in Canada Safely (2024)
Reading time: 18 min
Updated on December 05, 2023
Hockey Night is a must-see event for all hockey fans. However, it’s only available on CBC, meaning you can’t watch Hockey Night if you’re outside Canada.
Theoretically, you could get a Canadian IP with a VPN and watch Hockey Night on CBC from anywhere, but this would be against the platform’s terms of service. My team and I don’t condone any illegal activity, such as circumventing geo-blocks.
You should, however, secure yourself with a VPN if you’re watching CBC, even if you live in Canada. Otherwise, it’s easy for hackers to spy on your activity, and you risk compromising your privacy by leaking information like your IP address. Thankfully, ExpressVPN offers impenetrable security against all online threats, and you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. The 30-day money-back guarantee lets you get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Note: Accessing CBC from outside Canada violates its terms and conditions. This article is for information purposes only.
Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Safely Stream Hockey Night in Canada
- Install a VPN. For the best results, you should get ExpressVPN, as it provides unbreakable protection and superfast speeds.
- Connect to a server. Navigate the server browser and connect to your nearby Canadian server.
- Stream safely. Securely access the CBC website with an encrypted connection and stream Hockey Night.
How a VPN Keeps You Safe While Streaming Hockey Night in Canada
A VPN secures your connection and keeps you safe online by using unbreakable encryption standards, such as AES 256-bit. Also, VPNs have other security features like no-logs policies, kill switches, leak protection, and more to ensure you always remain anonymous while surfing the web.
You should note that not all VPNs are capable of keeping you safe. There are a few good choices, but I found that ExpressVPN is the best option if you want impenetrable security. It has AES 256-bit encryption, RAM-based servers, and various other security features to protect your online activity.
The Best VPNs to Stream Hockey Night in Canada in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — Airtight Security and Blazing-Fast Speeds to Stream Hockey Night Without Interruptions Safely
Key Features:
- Has over 3,000 servers, including multiple locations in Canada.
- Provides protection through AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and more.
- Allows connections on up to 8 devices simultaneously.
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN has lightning-fast speeds to ensure zero lag while streaming. During tests, it gave me minimal speed drops on nearby servers and just 10% drops on distant servers, including Australia. Overall, test speeds averaged around 100 Mbps, which is more than enough speed to enjoy streams in UHD without buffering.
This VPN has 4 reliable servers in Canada, meaning you can enjoy smooth streams if you live there. My team and I tested ExpressVPN from multiple locations and found its connections to be steady and reliable. There were no signs of overcrowding or congestion, and it was easy to switch between servers.
You can use ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices at a time. It has dedicated apps on major platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and some smart TVs and routers. The MediaStreamer feature even lets you connect ExpressVPN to incompatible devices like your PlayStation or Xbox.
The one drawback of ExpressVPN is its affordability — being the top VPN in the industry, its prices may be a bit high for budget-conscious users. However, you can get a great discount of 82% off ExpressVPN’s 2-year + 6 months free plan.
You can also try ExpressVPN risk-free. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you get a full refund if you aren’t satisfied. I tested its refund policy using live chat, and the rep was friendly and accommodating. My money was back in my account in just 4 days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
ExpressVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Get ExpressVPN's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as $4.99 per month + get extra 6 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 82%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers in Canada for Quality Streaming on CBC
Key Features:
- 11,670+ servers in over 100 countries and 456 servers in Canada to unblock CBC
- Excellent speeds that provide buffer-free Hockey Night streaming
- Stream Hockey Night on 7 devices simultaneously
- Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost has streaming-optimized servers specialized for specific platforms, including CBC. It has 456 servers in Canada so it’s easy to find uncrowded servers at any time. My team and I tested its streaming-optimized servers in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, and all of them worked with CBC for hours of uninterrupted viewing.
Extensive testing proved that CyberGhost provides excellent speeds for streaming Hockey Night. While distant servers were a little inconsistent, local servers gave me around 80 Mbps. Since you only need 5 Mbps to stream without issues, this is more than enough to enjoy every moment of hockey season without missing any of the action.
This is a great VPN for beginners and advanced users alike as the interface is extremely intuitive and clear. It’s also possible to set it up on a compatible smart TV if you want to watch Hockey Night with your family. Also, setting up CyberGhost on a compatible router would let you use it even on incompatible devices like PS4.
The only con of CyberGhost is that its costly monthly plan only has a 14-day money-back guarantee. I recommend going for its 2-year + 4 months plan, which you can get for as low as $2.03 per month with a much better refund policy.
Signing up for CyberGhost’s long-term plans is easy and affordable. Try CyberGhost without risk with its 45-day money-back guarantee and get a full refund if you’re not satisfied. I claimed my refund via its 24/7 live chat and the rep didn’t try and convince me to stay. The request was approved within a couple of minutes and I got my money back in 5 days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
CyberGhost is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.
CyberGhost works with: ESPN, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Discovery+, BBC iPlayer, Canal+, Globo, Crunchyroll, Yle, Foxtel, fuboTV, YouTube TV, Kodi, and more.
Get Black Friday Deal and Cyber Monday Deal from CyberGhost! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Extensive Server Network for Safe and Uninterrupted CBC Streaming
Key Features:
- More than 35,000+ servers in 100 countries with 4 server locations in Canada
- Great speeds for streaming CBC without buffering
- Stream Hockey Night on unlimited devices
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browsers, and more
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Private Internet Access (PIA) is home to one of the most extensive server networks I’ve seen in a VPN. It has multiple servers in 4 locations in Canada — Vancouver, Montreal, Ontario, and Toronto. Because the network is so vast, you can enjoy Hockey Night without congestion issues ruining your game.
I was impressed by PIA’s speeds on nearby and mid-range servers. On distant servers, I got performance drops of up to 25% from my baseline internet speed, but that shouldn’t be a problem if you have a high-speed internet connection. Throughout my tests, PIA gave me good enough speeds to ensure lag-free streaming.
If you do have a slower baseline connection to start with, PIA’s “small packets” feature gives an additional speed boost to ensure you can stream Hockey Night without interruptions. It divides your internet traffic into small packets so that the data transfer happens faster and more seamlessly.
The only thing about PIA that initially concerned me was that its headquarters are based in the US — the center of the 5 Eyes Alliance. Upon research, I confirmed that PIA doesn’t store any logs and wouldn’t have any information to hand over even if requested.
Overall, PIA is a great choice for budget-conscious users with its 2-year + 2 months plan that offers a current discount of 82% off. You can test PIA out yourself risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested its refund policy and after a quick conversation with a rep over live chat — I had my money back in 5 business days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
PIA is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, routers, and more.
PIA also works with: ESPN, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Discovery+, Canal+, Crunchyroll, Yle, Vudu, UKTV, 9Now, CBC, YouTube TV, and more.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as $2.19 per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 82%)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!
4. NordVPN — Premium VPN With Cheap Prices on Long-Term Plans
Key Features:
- Short and long-term subscriptions available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 6,300+ global servers in 111 countries
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Protect up to 10 devices at once
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market — and you can get super cheap prices when you sign up for a long-term subscription. One thing to note, however, is that when it’s time to renew your subscription, prices do increase quite significantly.
I was particularly impressed with the high performance of every server I tested. Just because a VPN has thousands of servers doesn’t mean they all work. Servers can still struggle to work — and some can even fail to connect completely. However, NordVPN’s servers work with Netflix for smooth, buffer-free streaming.
I did, however, have issues with using NordVPN’s native Fire TV app. Although it mostly worked with Netflix, it sometimes had issues and kept crashing. I also found that NordVPN’s user interface for desktop devices was less user-friendly than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost.
NordVPN has the following security and privacy features:
- AES 256-bit encryption
- kill switch that cuts your internet access if your connection to a VPN server drops suddenly
- built-in ad and malware blocker, so you don’t need a third-party ad blocker
- fully audited no-logs policy (audited by PwC) – NordVPN doesn’t store any personal or identifying data while you’re connected to the VPN
In addition, NordVPN includes Threat Protection that protects you from viruses, infected websites, and trackers – and it works whenever you have the NordVPN app open, even if you’re not connected to a VPN server.
With plans that cost as little as $2.99 per month, it's easy to find a NordVPN subscription plan that suits your needs. You can also stream, torrent, and browse for free for up to 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I tested this to ensure that you’ll really get your money back. At first, the support team tried to give me an extended trial period — but they initiated my refund right away after I told them I wasn’t interested in the extension. I got my money back in 6 business days.
NordVPN works with: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, SkyTV, HBO Max, SHOWTIME, DAZN, ESPN, YouTube TV, and more
NordVPN works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Chromebook, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Fire Stick, and Android TV
5. Surfshark — Best Value for Money with Unlimited Device Connections and Fast Speeds
Key Features:
- Short and long-term plans available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 3,200+ global servers in 100 countries
- No bandwidth restrictions
- Connect unlimited devices at once
Surfshark offers the best value for money out of every premium VPN on the market. You can connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription, which means you can use Surfshark on all your devices without getting logged out.
I tested Surfshark’s simultaneous connections on 2 PCs, 2 phones, a Fire Stick 4K, and an iPad. My connection remained reliable on all 6 devices. Even while I was actively streaming on all my devices, my average speed was 112 Mbps — fast enough for UHD quality.
When I saw the price of this service, I thought it couldn’t possibly have top-grade security features for such a low price, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Surfshark has the following security and privacy features:
- AES 256-bit encryption on all devices, with ChaCha encryption available for Android users
- Wireguard VPN protocol enabled by default
- diskless, RAM-only servers to protect your privacy (no data can be physically extracted from any servers)
- kill switch (although this isn’t enabled by default)
- IP and DNS leak protection
Surfshark offers two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account. This feature requires you to enter an extra code before you can log in to ensure that only you can access your account.
While Surfshark does have slightly fewer global servers than rivals such as CyberGhost and PIA, I didn’t experience any issues during my tests. I easily connected fast working servers every time, and I had excellent speeds for streaming, downloading torrents, and browsing the internet.
You can try Surfshark for yourself with the 30-day money-back guarantee. It has plans that cost as little as $1.99. Requesting a refund is easy with Surfshark’s live chat feature. Although the support team asked why I wanted to cancel my subscription, I had no problem getting my money back (and it only took 4 days!).
Surfshark works with: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Sling TV, Hotstar, HBO Max, DAZN, and more
Surfshark works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Android TV, Kodi, and selected routers
6. PrivateVPN — HQN Servers That Provide Buffer-Free Hockey Night Streaming
Key Features:
- Over 200 servers in more than 63 countries with 3 servers in Canada
- High-quality servers optimized for streaming Hockey Night without buffering
- Allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections
- Works on major platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more
- 30-day money-back guarantee
PrivateVPN has a small server network, with 3 servers in Canada to stream the best Hockey Night games in seconds. After connecting to its recommended local server my Canadian colleague easily accessed their CBC account in Canada and streamed Hockey Night in UHD without any stuttering or delays.
Having servers sorted by latency makes it easy to connect to the best servers for CBC based on ping rate. The lower the ping, the better quality your stream will be. Having the best-performing servers at any time marked in green is a neat at-a-glance feature. You can even add servers to your favorites list so that you don’t have to scroll through the list to find them in the future.
What I liked the most about PrivateVPN is that it purchases and manages its servers directly instead of relying on an intermediary. This means PrivateVPN has complete control over maximizing the quality and performance of its servers. Like ExpressVPN, other security features include:
- AES 256-bit encryption so your data remains unreadable
- An instant kill switch, which cuts your internet connection in the event the VPN fails
- DNS and IP address leak protection, so your real identity remains hidden.
I would’ve liked to see PrivateVPN offer more servers in its network. While it has at least 1 server in the most popular locations, having minimal server options may cause issues if that server is down for maintenance. However, I never had any trouble with the Canadian servers used during my tests.
Like all other VPNs on my list, PrivateVPN’s long-term plans offer greater discounts and are more budget-friendly. It provides the highest discount of 83% off its 3-year plan — the longer your subscription plan, the better the discount you’ll get. Prices start at $2.00/month.
The best way to find out if it suits your needs is to try PrivateVPN out risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied, you can always claim a full refund. I asked to cancel the subscription via email and got my money back 5 business days later.
PrivateVPN is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Blackberry, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Xiaomi Mi Box, Google Chromecast, Android TVs, routers, and more.
PrivateVPN also works with: Fox Sports, fuboTV, ESPN, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Discovery+, BBC iPlayer, Hotstar, ITV Hub, RTE, YouTube TV, and more.
7. IPVanish — Unlimited Device Connections to Stream Hockey Night on All Your Favorite Devices
Key Features:
- 2,400+ servers in 55 countries, including 3 in Canada
- Decent speeds on mid-range servers for buffer-free Hockey Night streaming
- Lets you stream unlimited devices simultaneously
- Works with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire Stick, routers, and more
- 30-day money-back guarantee
IPVanish supports unlimited simultaneous device connections, meaning it reliably protects all your devices. It makes traveling easy for me as I can add the app to my smartphone, laptop, and tablet while I’m on the. This ensures I get secure connections for streaming and other online activities anywhere I am.
Throughout my streaming tests, IPVanish gave me excellent speeds on nearby servers. I received speeds of 58 Mbps down from my 65 Mbps baseline. Since it’s possible to enjoy even UHD viewing with 25 Mbps, this is more than enough to stream Hockey Night without lag or buffering.
It has 3 servers in Canada, so if one server isn’t performing well when you’re trying to watch Hockey Night, you can just switch to one of the other ones. During my tests, my Canadian colleague found that its connections were quick and stayed stable for hours. You won’t have to miss out on a crucial goal with this VPN.
You can subscribe to IPVanish’s monthly, quarterly, or annual plan. While it’s one of the more budget-friendly VPNs on the list, I recommend its 2-year plan because it offers the highest discount of 83% off, so you can subscribe for just $2.19/month.
Test IPVanish entirely risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. I was pleased by the easy refund process — all you need to do is press the cancellation button on your dashboard and your request will be submitted. I got my money back in 7 business days.
IPVanish is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Xbox, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, Google Chromecast, Android TVs, routers, and more.
IPVanish also works with: ESPN, Netflix, Showtime, Discovery+, Paramount+, ITV Hub, Vudu, and more.
How to Stream Hockey Night in Canada on Different Devices
Windows and macOS
- Download and install a VPN on your Windows or Mac device. I recommend ExpressVPN because it has user-friendly native apps on both platforms.
- Connect to a server in Canada.
- Launch CBC and start streaming. Go to the website and start streaming Hockey Night.
Android and iOS
- Download a VPN app from the Google Play or Apple App Store. ExpressVPN is perfect for CBC because it offers lightning-fast speeds for buffer-free streaming.
- Connect to a server in Canada.
- Stream Hockey Night. Access the CBC website on your Android or iOS device and start streaming Hockey Night.
Apple TV, Android TV, and other smart TVs
- Download a VPN. ExpressVPN is my #1 pick for streaming Hockey Night because it has reliable servers in Canada.
- Connect to a server in Canada.
- Cast your device onto your TV. The simplest way is to cast or AirPlay the CBC website from your device to your smart TV. For a long-term solution, check out how to install a VPN on your smart TV.
Amazon Fire Stick or Fire TV
- Download a VPN from the Amazon app store. ExpressVPN hosts a dedicated app for Amazon Fire TV devices. You can find more information about how to install a VPN onto your Fire TV Stick here.
- Connect to a server in Canada.
- Go to the CBC website and start streaming Hockey Night.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
FAQs on Streaming Hockey Night in Canada With a VPN
Can I watch Hockey Night from the US?
Not legally. Since CBC is only available in Canada, you can’t stream Hockey Night if you live in the US. You could theoretically use a VPN to change your IP address to a Canadian one to access CBC, but this would be against the platform’s terms of service. My team and I don’t condone any illegal activity, such as circumventing copyright restrictions.
Can I watch Hockey Night on Amazon Prime?
Can I watch Hockey Night on Android TV, Fire TV, and other smart TVs?
Do I have to pay to watch Hockey Night?
What else can a VPN do besides helping me access Hockey Night?
A good VPN is essential for keeping you protected every time you go online. It protects you from prying eyes by encrypting your internet traffic so that no one can spy on you. This is a must-have security feature if you use public WiFi frequently.
Can I watch Hockey Night with a free VPN?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Unless you use a quality VPN you’re putting yourself at risk when you go online. Free VPNs don’t invest in security and privacy technology, leaving you exposed to hackers and other threats.
Most free VPNs have a very limited server network, so you may not find one with servers in Canada. If you do this, those servers may become too crowded since they are handling a high number of users simultaneously, negatively impacting your streaming experience with delays and interruptions. Worse, they can store your data and sell it to third parties without your consent. However, there are a number of free and reliable VPNs you can use to stream Hockey Night.
Start Watching Hockey Night Safely Today!
In conclusion, it’s crucial to get a VPN before you start streaming Hockey Night. If you don’t, you risk leaking sensitive information like your IP address, thus compromising your privacy. Also, having an unencrypted connection makes it easy for hackers to spy on your activity and track what you’re doing.
Thankfully, all the above VPNs offer excellent security while online. They use reliable encryption standards and have other tools to ensure you remain anonymous. Plus, they maintain fast connection speeds, so you don’t experience lag while streaming.
Of my top choices, ExpressVPN is the best overall option for security and speed. Its AES 256-bit encryption, no-logs policy, RAM-based servers, and other tools keep you safe. Also, you’ll never experience any slowdowns while connected to its servers. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free. Its 30-day money-back guarantee lets you get a full refund if you change your mind.
Summary: These Are the Best VPNs to Watch Hockey Night in 2024
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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