We are not financial experts, and the resource links below are provided for information purposes only. They are based on our own research and experience with Bitcoin in Canada. They are not intended to be legal and/or financial advice.
Some of the links below are affiliate or referral links. If you use those links to sign-up at the associated website, we will receive small commission. In some instances, you will also receive a credit. These links are clearly marked with a dollar symbol to indicate ‘referral/affiliate.’ A check mark denotes a resource that we personally use.
Referral
Recommended
Canadian
Buying Bitcoin
The easiest way to get started purchasing Bitcoin in Canada.
Zaprite
Zaprite is a web app that allows anyone to send simple, beautiful invoices that can be paid in bitcoin (BTC, L-BTC, LN-BTC). There’s no KYC, and you only need an email address and secure password to sign-up. They offer a free trial, with affordable monthly subscriptions once you’re ready to commit.
Bull Bitcoin
Bull Bitcoin is a Canadian company operated by Satoshi Portal who are known for their unwavering commitment to Bitcoin. Buy and sell bitcoin at competitive market rates, and use their Bylls service to pay everyday Canadian bills such as credit cards, utilities and taxes.
ShakePay
Shakepay is a mobile app which allow you to send and receive Bitcoin very easily–using a phone number, email or BTC address.
Ledn
Ledn is a Canadian company that offers Bitcoin savings accounts, as well as Bitcoin-backed loans.
MyBTC
Buy Bitcoin instantly with Interac® and Flexepin.
BitBuy.ca
Bitbuy.ca is a Canadian owned and operated digital currency platform, offering Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH). Funding is offered via Interac, Flexepin and bank wire.
BitAccess
BitAccess was founded in Ottawa, Canada, in 2013 and produces Bitcoin Automatic Teller Machines (BTM). Check out their website for a map of current BTM locations where you can purchase Bitcoin with cash instantly.
Coinbase
Coinbase is by far the easiest and quickest way for Canadian residents to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum or Litecoin. However, it is also one of the most expensive. For Canadian customers, they charge 3.9% credit/debit card fees, as well as a spread commission, which is approximately 50-60 points. So, for every CAD$100 worth of cryptocurrency you purchase, you will pay approximately CAD$5 in fees.
Also, due to restrictions for Canadian customers, you cannot sell your coins on Coinbase. However, you can easily send them to another wallet at an exchange such as QuadrigaCX, in order to sell them for Canadian dollars and make a withdrawal to your Canadian bank account.
Bitcoin Exchanges
Bitcoin exchanges allow you to trade (buy/sell) bitcoin. You can also use exchanges to sell your digital currency back into Canadian dollars.
Binance
Binance is quickly becoming the fastest growing exchange in the world. They recently occupied the number one spot for 24-hour trading volume, after just 5 months in operation. A great exchange with low fees, solid support and a rapidly growing coin selection. Well worth signing up for an account. Fees can be lowered even further by paying in their native Binance Coin (BNB).
Kraken
Kraken is a San Francisco-based cryptocurrency exchange. They offer a large array of trading pairs, and fees are pretty standard at the lower end of the scale.
As discussed in the Beginner’s Guide on this website, the sign-up process can be a little off-putting and it takes a long time to get fully verified – but it is a fairly straightforward process.
Bitfinex
Bitfinex is an exchange with a wide variety of top cryptocurrencies. It has some of the best account security features. However, there are concerns about the connections between Bitfinex and the Tether (USDT) currency, so it is not a good idea to keep coins on Bitfinex for any length of time.
Kucoin
Kucoin is a relatively new exchange based in Hong Kong. It has a good choice of trading pairs, as well as a nice user interface and standard security features. It also offer revenue sharing with users who hold their native coin, Kucoin Shares (KCS).
Bittrex
BitBuy.ca
Bitbuy.ca is a Canadian owned and operated digital currency platform, offering Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH). Funding is offered via Interac, Flexepin and bank wire.
Coinsquare
Coinsquare is another Canadian exchange based in Toronto. We haven’t personally used this exchange, but we do hope to have a review available soon.
Coinbase Pro
Coinbase Pro (previously GDAX) is the trading exchange owned by Coinbase. Canadian customers can use their Coinbase account to open a Coinbase Pro account very easily. However, trading is currently limited to cryptocurrency non-fiat markets only.
BitMEX
BitMEX is the number one platform for leveraged trading of cryptoassets. Be warned—margin trading is extremely risky, especially at the levels offered by BitMEX (up to 100x!).
If you are considering margin trading, it is advisable to do plenty of research around how the BitMEX contracts work. You can also open a separate account at their testnet trading platform to practice trading using a test version of the BitMEX system.
Bitcoin Software Wallets
Also known as 'hot wallets', software wallets are run on internet-connected devices, such as your laptop, phone or tablet. They are primarily used for frequent day-to-day small transactions such as sending or interacting with exchanges, where convenience is important.
Zap
Zap is a desktop and iOS Bitcoin Lightning wallet allowing users to connect to Lightning nodes and use the Lightning network with ease. Currently in beta, the amazing UI/UX and solid developer commitment means the software is likely to be a mainstay in future.
Exodus
Exodus is a beautifully designed desktop multi-asset wallet. It is marketed as an “All-in-one app to secure, manage and exchange blockchain assets.” It has ShapeShift exchange built into the app so you can exchange various coins for a nominal fee, or just use the app as a secure wallet for your portfolio.
Jaxx
Jaxx is a well-designed, easy to use wallet. You can be setup in seconds, and it syncs across multiple devices (laptop, tablet, phone) on various different platforms (Apple, Windows, iOS, Android) so you can keep track of your portfolio easily. The app is developed by Decentral, a Toronto-based company.
Jaxx also offers built-in integration with ShapeShift exchange, so you can buy cryptocurrency directly in the app, which is a great feature for quick purchases on the go.
MyCrypto.com
Launched by the team that initially ran MyEtherWallet (MEW), MyCrypto is a great tool for interacting with the Ethereum blockchain. It is especially useful when looking to transfer ERC20 tokens. Note: Please read all the notices and warnings presented when visiting the site for the first time. Use of MyCrypto.com is entirely self-reliant – there is no support department.
MyCrypto.com can be used to interact with the Ethereum blockchain directly from hardware/software wallets (Ledger, Trezor, Jaxx, MetaMask, …).
Bitcoin Hardware Wallets
Hardware wallets, or 'cold-storage wallets', offer security over convenience and should be used for long-term secure storage of bitcoin.
ColdCard Wallet
A top-level bitcoin hardware wallet for intermediate to advanced Bitcoin users.
Ledger Nano S
The Ledger Nano S is a Bitcoin, Ethereum and altcoins hardware wallet. It connects to any computer (USB) and embeds a secure OLED display to double-check and confirm each transaction with a single tap on its side buttons.
Trezor
Trezor is a cold storage hardware wallet. The most secure way to save your cryptocurrency coins is offline on a cold storage device such as hardware wallet. You are in control of your private keys which helps lower the risk of theft or loss.
Bitcoin News
Resources to stay up-to-date with Bitcoin industry news and get involved in the blockchain community.
YouTube: BTC Sessions
BTC Sessions is a simplified introduction into the bitcoin space. It is non-technical and is geared towards new users, with basic explanations, tutorials, and demonstrations.
99 Bitcoins
CoinDesk
Reddit
This subreddit about Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies is specifically aimed at Canadians. It is a great resource to bookmark and check often for updated news, articles and analysis.
Spending Bitcoin
Websites and services allowing you to use your bitcoin for everyday purchases and bill payments.
Coinkite Store
Original home of the OpenDime and ColdCard wallet.
Bylls
Bylls is part of the Bull Bitcoin umbrella, a Canadian company that allows you to use your bitcoin balance to privately, securely and quickly pay various bills such as your phone, credit card, hydro, internet and taxes. You can currently pay over 7,000 companies using bitcoin.
CoinCards.ca
CoinCards.ca is a Canadian company offering store cards in exchange for cryptocurrency. If you are looking to shop on Apple, Amazon, or other online retailers, you can exchange your Bitcoin for store cards. The current pricing/fees can be found on the CoinCards website.
Bitcoin Apps & Tools
Zaprite
Zaprite is a web app that allows anyone to send simple, beautiful invoices that can be paid in bitcoin (BTC, L-BTC, LN-BTC). There’s no KYC, and you only need an email address and secure password to sign-up. They offer a free trial, with affordable monthly subscriptions once you’re ready to commit.
Bitcoin Taxes
Very reasonably priced online software for calculating your Adjusted Cost Basis (ACB) required for filing Canadian taxes. Includes API access for many exchanges, as well as CSV import of transactions.
Casa
Casa offers secure bitcoin storage with ease of use and peace of mind.
Coin Market Cap
CoinMarketCap is the go-to site for checking coin prices, market caps, movements and other information. It is a great resource for traders, or even just newcomers looking to get up to speed with the various markets.
Coin Codex
Brave Browser
Brave Browser offers faster, safer, ad-free browsing.
Bitcoin Education
The following links provide a more in-depth approach to the world of blockchain technology and the Bitcoin protocol.
Blockgeeks
Blockgeeks is a “blockchain training technology educational platform” which teaches students the fundamentals of blockchain technology. A great resource for anyone interested in the technology side of cryptocurrencies.
Banking & Investments
Some additional resources which may be useful when setting up and preparing to purchase bitcoin.
Ledn
Ledn is a Canadian company that offers Bitcoin savings accounts, as well as Bitcoin-backed loans.
Tangerine
Tangerine offers no-fee daily chequing accounts. Use Orange Key: 49808580S1 – and receive $50 for free!
Vaultoro
Wealthsimple
Wealthsimple is an online investment service using automated technology to maximize profits, while at the same time lowering fees for more competitive investing over traditional banks and brokers.