Canada is known for having very expensive data plans. I remember having a chat with a Canadian girl who I met in Morocco, who told me how much she pays for her mobile contract. I couldn’t believe how much Canadians are paying for data on their phones, to be able to access the internet. When I started planning my first trip to Canada, I realised that finding the best data plan for me was essential, as you can’t really explore anywhere these days without having access to the internet, even if just for Google Maps. And I just need to be connected, no matter what, for my business.
In fact, Canada has some of the most expensive mobile plans in the world, even for locals. So, as a visitor, the options can be both overwhelming and costly. I knew I needed a reliable internet connection, so I started looking for the best eSim card for Canada.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the best SIM cards for Canada, including eSIMs like Sim Local, which I personally used during my trip, and how they compare to other popular services like Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly. I’ll also share what worked for me, what didn’t, and how you can make the most of your data plan in the land of maple syrup and moose crossings.
Why You Need a SIM or eSIM in Canada
Unlike in many European countries, free public WiFi isn’t as widespread in Canada, especially once you leave big cities. Yes, cafes and hotels usually offer it, but outside of that, you’ll often be on your own.
Plus, if you’re planning to explore natural parks, do road trips, or head to more remote areas like Cape Breton, having mobile data isn’t just convenient but it can be essential.
During my Nova Scotia road trip, I drove through places where my GPS was my lifeline. I used my phone to book last-minute accommodation, find petrol stations, and even discover hidden local gems, like a little seafood shack that served the freshest chowder I’ve ever had.
Physical SIM vs eSIM: Which One is Better?
Physical SIMs
You can buy a prepaid SIM card at Canadian airports, electronics stores (like Best Buy), or even some supermarkets. The main mobile carriers in Canada are Bell, Rogers, and Telus, and they all offer prepaid options, as do their budget sub-brands like Fido, Koodo, and Public Mobile.
But here’s the catch: these SIM cards can be pricey, often starting around $50–60 CAD for just 3–5 GB of data. And they usually don’t include international calling, so you’ll still need WiFi or WhatsApp to reach anyone abroad.
eSIMs
If your phone supports eSIM (most newer iPhones, Google Pixel phones, and many Samsungs do), this is a game changer. I currently have a Samsung S24, but I used eSIMS on my previous Samsung S21 and it was supported. So if you have a phone produced after 2020, the chances are that it will be compatible with an Esim.
You can install your eSIM before you even leave home, then activate it as soon as you land. No fiddling with tiny cards and no risk of losing your original SIM. Honestly, it’s the most hassle-free way to get connected and probably the best eSIM Canada travel solution.
I used an eSIM from Sim Local for my Canadian trip, and it worked seamlessly. I was connected within minutes of landing in Halifax, without having to hunt for WiFi to contact the driver who took me to my hotel, when I couldn’t find him in the arrivals hall.
Sim Local eSIM: My Honest Experience
What is Sim Local?
Sim Local is a UK-based eSIM provider that offers prepaid data packages for destinations around the world, including Canada. You buy it online, install it via the app, and off you go.
Plans & Pricing (as of writing):
- 3 GB / 30 days – approx. £9
- 5 GB / 30 days – approx. £12
- 10 GB / 30 days – approx. £22
- Unlimited / 15 days – approx. £36
There are no contracts or hidden fees, and the entire setup process took me less than five minutes.
Sim Local’s Unlimited Plans: Are They Worth It?
While I originally went with a fixed data plan from Sim Local, I noticed they now offer unlimited data eSIM options for Canada, a huge perk for anyone planning to stream videos, work remotely, or just not worry about running out of data mid-trip.
It’s important to note that while these are marketed as “unlimited,” fair usage policies may apply, which means your speeds will be reduced once you use 10GB of data. But unless you’re tethering to a laptop 24/7 or binge-watching Netflix in HD, you’ll likely be fine. I never spent 10GB of data in one day.
If I were travelling through multiple provinces or staying longer than a couple of weeks, I’d absolutely consider one of these unlimited plans. The peace of mind of not having to constantly check your remaining GBs? Totally worth it.
How It Worked for Me
In Nova Scotia, the signal was reliable even in remote areas like Kejimkujik National Park and along the Cabot Trail. I was pleasantly surprised to have strong 4G coverage even when the landscape felt like the edge of the world.
What I especially liked was that Sim Local uses Canada’s major networks (Rogers, Telus, Bell) depending on where you are, so you’re not stuck on a second-rate signal. My phone used mostly Rogers, which worked even in the middle of the woods. Which to be honest, surprised me, taking in consideration that back home in the UK I barely have signal in the back garden of my house.
I was also able to keep my UK SIM active in the background, so I could still receive texts and security codes if needed. This dual SIM functionality was incredibly helpful for banking apps and email logins.
If you want to buy the same eSIM, you can get an extra 5% discount by clicking here and using my code “MYPOCKET” at checkout.
Comparing Sim Local with Other eSIM Providers
I always like to compare before I buy, so here’s how Sim Local stacks up against the other top contenders in the best eSIM for Canada category.
| Feature | Sim Local | Airalo (Tuque) | Nomad | Holafly |
| Activation method | QR or App | App | App | App |
| Plan range | 3–20 GB/ Unlimited 7-15 days plans | 1–20 GB | 1–50 GB | Unlimited (but pricey) |
| Network | Bell/Rogers/Telus (via partners) | Rogers/Telus | Bell/Telus | Bell/Telus |
| Cost | Mid-range | Cheaper for small plans | Similar | Expensive |
| Voice/text | Data only | Data only | Mostly data-only | Data only |
| My rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros & Cons of Sim Local
Pros
✅ Easy to set up before arrival
✅ Reliable connection with great coverage
✅ UK customer support if anything goes wrong
✅ Keep your original SIM active
Cons
⚠️ Data-only—no local number or calls
⚠️ Not the cheapest option on the market
Is Sim Local Right for You?
If you’re like me, someone who wants peace of mind, a reliable connection, and zero fuss, then Sim Local is a brilliant option. Because I run a small business, I need to be connected all the time and have access to my emails day and night. By choosing an eSIM, I didn’t have to worry about finding a SIM card kiosk at the airport, nor did I pay extortionate rates at a convenience store or had to deal with paperwork to buy a physical SIM card. I landed, switched it on, and was connected within minutes.
If you’re looking for a stress-free solution to stay connected while traveling in Canada, without worrying about running out of data, with access to 10 GB of high-speed data every day and excellent local network coverage, then you’ll love SIM Local’s unlimited data. The only drawback is that it’s only available for 7 or 15 days.
How to Set It Up (Step-by-Step)
- Check phone compatibility: Make sure your phone supports eSIM.
- Buy your plan on Sim Local’s app.
- Use their app to install the eSIM.
- Activate it when you land or when you want to start using data.
- Switch between SIMs easily in your phone settings.
Bonus Tips:
- Turn off background app refresh for apps like Instagram and Facebook to save data.
- Use offline Google Maps for hiking trails or remote regions.
- Set WhatsApp calls to “low data usage” mode in settings.
- If you’re staying longer than 30 days, you can stack two Sim Local plans back-to-back.
Final Thoughts: My Verdict
Canada is massive. Distances are long, and mobile signal becomes your best friend when you’re surrounded by mountains, forests, or coastlines. Having a good data plan gave me the freedom to explore without stress, whether it was navigating a trail in Cape Breton or finding the famous Lunenburger burger in Lunenburg.
I loved how easy and reliable Sim Local was. It wasn’t the absolute cheapest option, but it saved me time, hassle, and gave me that all-important peace of mind.
So if you’re heading to Canada soon, especially if you’re travelling solo or off the beaten path, I’d definitely recommend giving Sim Local a try. And if you have any questions about setting it up or which plan to choose, feel free to drop a comment or message me. Always happy to help fellow travellers stay connected.
Overall, Sim Local is a solid choice for unlimited data or per-GB data, fitting every traveler’s need! Click here to buy yours.
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Disclaimer: Some of the links on this website are “affiliate links.” This means that if you click on the link and do a purchase, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost for you. This helps me keep my website running and continue to share my travelling knowledge with you. I thank you for booking your flights or hotels using the links on my website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
Really helpful! eSims are not all created equal and its good to know which is most reliable for CAN. Thanks for the promo code.
This is SUCH a comprehensive guide, thank you!
I had been debating using Sim Local, so this is a super helpful guide for me! Thanks for trying it for me.
Hmmmm, I have an older phone that doesn’t support eSIM but it seems that for travel, eSIM is the way to go. I had no idea that the data plans are so expensive, and like you, I would not want to be stuck without data or being able to phone in a large NAtional park! Thank you for this very useful post!
This is such a helpful guide—thank you for breaking it all down so clearly! I haven’t traveled with an eSIM in Canada yet, but I’ve heard how pricey the data plans are, so this info is super valuable. I had no idea how limited public WiFi is outside the cities—good to know for road trips and national parks. Definitely saving this post for planning future travels in Canada!