Best Crypto Exchanges in Canada with Detailed Reviews (2025)

Finding the best crypto exchanges in Canada is important to your trading experience. And with so many options in 2025, it’s a big decision. This article checks out the top crypto exchanges in Canada, looking at stuff like fees, coin options, how easy they are to use, safety, payment methods, legal standing, and what Canadian traders say about them. No matter if you’re just starting or trading all day, we’ll break it down to help you find your match.

Each exchange brings something different to the table. Big players like Kraken give you tons of coins and fast trades, while Canadian ones like Bitbuy and Wealthsimple Crypto keep it simple and reliable. This article dives into the best exchanges, showing you what rocks, what doesn’t, and who they’re for, so Canadian traders can pick confidently without the hassle. 

What Is The Best Crypto Exchange In Canada?

So. let’s get into it. Here are the best crypto exchanges in Canada:

Kraken : Top-Tier Security and Compliance

Kraken is a leading cryptocurrency exchange that was launched in 2011 with its headquarters in San Francisco, USA. It operates with licenses in multiple jurisdictions, including FinCEN registration in the U.S., and prioritizes security and regulatory compliance. Kraken is known for its robust trading features like spot trading, margin trading, futures, staking (where available), and a user-friendly mobile app. 

It’s also recognized for top-tier security and compliance, thanks to its flawless record—no major hacks since it started—achieved by keeping 95% of funds in cold storage and enforcing two-factor authentication (2FA). Regular audits, a bug bounty program, and adherence to strict regulations like FINTRAC in Canada further boost its reputation, making it a trusted choice for safety-conscious traders.

Supported Cryptocurrencies 

Kraken offers 243 cryptocurrencies and 791 trading pairs, including popular ones like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC), alongside a broad selection of altcoins.

Kraken Fees 

Pros of Kraken

• Robust security with no major breaches in its history
• Intuitive interface, perfect for beginners
• Advanced trading tools like margin and futures
• 24/7 customer support
• Extensive educational resources for users

Cons of Kraken 

• High fees on Instant Buy transactions
• Customer support can be slow to respond
• Fewer fiat currency options compared to competitors

Bitbuy: Dual Trading Modes

Bitbuy was launched in 2016 and operates as a top Canadian cryptocurrency exchange based in Toronto. It lists 24 coins and provides over 30 trading pairs. Bitbuy offers Express Trade for beginners, Pro Trade with advanced tools, staking, an OTC desk for big trades, and a mobile app.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Bitbuy supports 24 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Solana (SOL), and Chainlink (LINK).

Bitbuy Fees

Pros of  Bitbuy

• Secures 95% of funds in cold storage and follows FINTRAC regulations
• Simplifies trading for beginners and pros
• Charges competitive spot trading fees
• Provides 24/7 customer support
• Offers staking with rewards

Cons of Bitbuy

• Limits users to 24 coins
• Excludes futures trading
• Raises fees on Express trades
• Restricts services to Canada only
• Delays support responses occasionally

Coinsquare: Advanced Trading

Coinsquare started in 2014 and operates from its headquarters in Toronto, Canada. It lists over 40 coins and provides more than 1300 trading pairs. The platform offers spot trading, QuickTrade for instant swaps, an advanced trading interface, and an OTC desk for large trades, serving both newbies and experienced traders.

Supported Cryptocurrencies 

Coinsquare supports over 40 cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ripple (XRP), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Stellar Lumens (XLM), focusing on popular coins and select altcoins.

Coinsquare Fees

Pros of  Coinsquare

• Bitbuy simplifies trading for beginners with Express Trade.
• It secures 95% of funds in cold storage.
• It charges competitive spot trading fees.

Cons of Coinsquare

• Bitbuy offers slightly over 40 coins, limiting variety.
• Does not offer futures trading options.
• It doesn’t accept credit or debit cards.

Bitcoin Well: Bitcoin-Only Cash Convenience

Bitcoin Well launches in 2013 and bases itself in Edmonton, Canada. It lists only Bitcoin (BTC) and offers no trading pairs, focusing on direct BTC transactions. The platform delivers an Online Bitcoin Portal for buying, selling, and using BTC, and operates over 190 Bitcoin ATMs across Canada, prioritizing ease and access.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin Well supports only Bitcoin (BTC).

Bitcoin Well Fees

Note: A spread-based fee is a cost that Bitcoin Well charges by embedding it into the price difference between buying and selling a cryptocurrency, rather than applying a separate, explicit fee. The "spread" refers to the gap between the bid price (what buyers pay) and the ask price (what sellers receive). The platform sets the buy price higher and the sell price lower than the market rate, pocketing the difference as its fee.

Pros of Bitcoin Well 

• Focuses solely on Bitcoin
• Speeds up cash-to-BTC via ATMs
• Provides non-custodial online portal
• Serves Canada and the U.S. 
• Simplifies use for beginners

Cons of Bitcoin Well

• Restricts to Bitcoin only
• Charges high ATM fees (5%-10%)
• Lacks advanced trading tools
• Offers no futures or margin trading

Uniswap: Decentralization

Uniswap launched in November 2018 and operates from New York, USA, under Uniswap Labs. It lists thousands of ERC-20 tokens and offers over 1,900 trading pairs as a decentralized exchange (DEX) on Ethereum, accessible to Canadians. Uniswap offers token swapping, liquidity provision, and governance via $UNI.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Uniswap supports over 1900 ERC-20 tokens, including ETH, USDC, and DAI.

Uniswap Fees

Note: Ethereum gas fees apply.

Pros of  Uniswap

• Offers a massive token selection
• Ensures no custody, full control
• Rewards liquidity providers    

Cons of Uniswap

• Has high gas fees
• Is prone to impermanent loss
• Can be complex for beginners
• Occasionally experiences liquidity gaps

Bull Bitcoin: Privacy Focus

Bull Bitcoin launched in 2015 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. It lists only Bitcoin (BTC) and offers no trading pairs, focusing solely on BTC transactions. The platform provides a non-custodial exchange, recurring buy options, Bitcoin ATMs, and Bylls for bill payments. 

Bull Bitcoin stands out with its strong privacy focus, offering features like Bitcoin vouchers and cash-by-mail payments that minimize personal data collection, appealing to users who prioritize anonymity. Unlike exchanges that require KYC verification, it avoids holding user funds or requiring extensive identity checks for many services.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Bull Bitcoin supports only Bitcoin (BTC).

Bull Bitcoin Fees

Pros of  Bull Bitcoin

• Focuses exclusively on Bitcoin
• Provides secure, non-custodial storage
• Simplifies buying with recurring purchases
• Supports bill payments through Bylls
• Delivers exceptional customer support

Cons of Bull Bitcoin

• Limited to Bitcoin transactions only
• High ATM fees (5%-10%)
• No trading pairs or futures available
• Uses spread-based fees
• Limited options for altcoin trading

Localcoin: Crypto ATMs Nationwide

Localcoin was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. It lists 5 cryptocurrencies and offers limited trading pairs, focusing mainly on ATM-based transactions. Localcoin operates over 800 Bitcoin ATMs across Canada, providing cash-to-crypto services and basic online trading.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Localcoin supports Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Dash (DASH).

Localcoin Fees 

Pros of  Localcoin

• Operates widespread ATM network
• Simplifies cash-to-crypto purchases
• Supports 5 major coins
• Targets Canadian citizens

Cons of Localcoin

• Imposes high spread fees
• Supports only five coins
• Lacks advanced trading tools
• Limits online functionality
• Charges high fees for ATM withdrawals

Beaver Bitcoin: Bitcoin Buying Made Easy 

Beaver Bitcoin launched in 2021 and is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. It focuses exclusively on Bitcoin (BTC) and does not offer trading pairs. The platform emphasizes recurring BTC purchases, allowing users to automate buying through bank accounts or make one-time “smash buys” with Interac e-Transfer. Beaver Bitcoin’s Smash Buy is a feature that lets users quickly purchase Bitcoin (BTC) in a single, one-time transaction using Interac e-Transfer.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Beaver Bitcoin supports only Bitcoin (BTC).

Beaver Bitcoin Fees

Pros of  Beaver Bitcoin

• Makes buying Bitcoin easy
• Automates recurring purchases 
• Offers a secure, non-custodial experience

Cons of Beaver Bitcoin

• Supports only Bitcoin
• Imposes high recurring fees
• Lacks multiple trading pairs
• No advanced trading features
• Limits payment options

Crypto.com: All-in-One Crypto Ecosystem

Crypto.com launched in 2016 and is based in Singapore. The platform lists over 250 cryptocurrencies and offers a variety of trading pairs. It provides spot trading, futures, staking, DeFi tools, and a Visa card for crypto spending. Crypto.com stands out as an all-in-one ecosystem, blending trading with everyday usability.

Users can earn rewards through staking (up to 8% APY on select coins), access decentralized finance via its DeFi Wallet, and spend crypto globally with its prepaid Visa card, which offers up to 5% cashback in CRO (its native token). Add in perks like a mobile app, NFT marketplace, and exclusive benefits (e.g., airport lounge access for cardholders), and it’s a platform that caters to both traders and crypto lifestyle enthusiasts, all under one roof.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Crypto.com supports over 250+ coins, including BTC, ETH, CRO, and altcoins.

Crypto.com Fees

Pros of  Crypto.com

• Supports a wide range of coins
• Offers futures trading
• Rewards users through staking
• Offers a crypto Visa card

Cons of Crypto.com 

• Imposes high instant fees
• Has slow customer support response times
• Can be complex for beginners

Coinbase: Learn and Earn

Coinbase launched in 2012 and is headquartered in San Francisco, USA. The platform lists over 200 cryptocurrencies and offers a wide range of trading pairs. It provides spot trading, staking, a mobile app, and educational resources for Canadian users. 

What sets Coinbase apart is its Coinbase Earn program, where users can watch short videos or complete quizzes about crypto—like Stellar (XLM) or The Graph (GRT)—and earn free coins, typically $3-$10 per task. This unique feature makes learning about crypto easy and rewarding, especially for beginners in Canada, turning complex ideas into simple lessons while giving them a head start with free assets to trade.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Coinbase supports over 200+ coins, including BTC, ETH, SOL, and more.

Coinbase Fees 

Pros of  Coinbase

• Simplifies beginner trading
• Offers a wide coin variety
• Rewards users for learning
• Delivers top-tier security
• Offers seamless mobile access

Cons of Coinbase

• Charges relatively high fees
• Doesn't offer futures in Canada
• Provides slow customer support
• Doesn’t offer advanced trading tools

Bitfinex: Advanced Trading Platform

Bitfinex launched in 2012 and is based in the British Virgin Islands. It stands out for its deep liquidity and supports a wide range of trading pairs. Catering to pro traders, Bitfinex offers spot trading, margin trading, futures, and advanced charting tools. It excels with advanced trading features, providing a platform that includes up to 10x leverage on margin trades, customizable order types (like stop-limit and TWAP), and a highly detailed interface powered by TradingView integration for real-time technical analysis. 

Traders can also access futures contracts with perpetual swaps, a peer-to-peer funding market to lend crypto for interest, and API support for algorithmic trading—tools that set it apart as a go-to for professionals seeking precision, flexibility, and high-stakes strategies in the crypto market.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Bitfinex supports over 150+ coins, including BTC, ETH, XRP, and altcoins.

Bitfinex Fees 

Pros of  Bitfinex

• Offers advanced trading
• Provides deep liquidity

Cons of Bitfinex 

• Offers limited fiat options
• Has a history of past controversies
• Limits access for Canadian users

Independent Reserve: Tax Tools

Independent Reserve was founded in 2013 with its headquarters in Sydney, Australia. The exchange prioritizes security by insuring its crypto holdings, keeping over 95% in cold storage with coverage up to $5M AUD against hacks. It provides select trading pairs, spot trading, OTC services for large transactions, and dedicated support for Canadian users with CAD functionality. 

Additionally, it offers built-in tax reporting tools that simplify compliance with Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements, making it easier for users to track trades and calculate capital gains or losses—a standout feature for traders managing tax obligations.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Independent Reserve supports over 30+ coins, including BTC, ETH, and XRP.

Independent Reserve Fees 

Pros of  Independent Reserve

• Delivers high-level security
• Facilitates OTC trading for large volumes
• Provides insured crypto holdings
• Supports CAD trading pairs
• Caters to institutional clients

Cons of Independent Reserve

• Offers a limited selection of coins
• Lacks futures trading options
• Applies a tiered fee structure
• Provides slow customer support
• Restricts access to advanced trading tools

BYDFI: No-KYC Futures Trading and Copy Trading

BYDFI launched in 2020 and is based in Singapore. It offers a wide range of trading pairs and provides spot trading, futures, copy trading, and a demo account tailored for Canadian users. The exchange stands out with its no-KYC futures trading, allowing users to trade leveraged contracts up to 100x without mandatory identity verification, appealing to users who prioritize privacy and are seeking high-risk, high-reward opportunities. 

It’s also popular for its copy trading feature, which lets users automatically replicate the strategies of top-performing traders in real time—ideal for beginners looking to learn and profit from expert moves without managing trades themselves.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

BYDFI supports over 400+ coins, including BTC, ETH, and altcoins.

BYDFI Fees

Pros of  BYDFI

• Offers a wide range of coins
• Offers futures trading
• Supports copy trading features
• Includes a demo mode for practice
• Caters to traders of all experience levels

Cons of BYDFI

• Does not support fiat currencies
• Delayed customer support responses

Wealthsimple Crypto: Simple, Beginner-Friendly

Wealthsimple Crypto launched in 2020 and operates from its headquarters in Toronto, Canada. It integrates crypto with stocks and focuses on simple trading without offering traditional trading pairs, making it especially beginner-friendly with its easy-to-use design. Wealthsimple offers crypto trading, staking, and a unified app tailored for Canadian users, allowing newcomers to buy and sell 60+ coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum through a straightforward interface that feels familiar to anyone new to crypto.

Supported Cryptocurrencies 

Wealthsimple Crypto supports 69 coins, including BTC, ETH, and SOL.

Wealthsimple Crypto Fees

Pros of  Wealthsimple Crypto

• Simplifies beginner trading
• Integrates with stocks
• Offers staking rewards

Cons of Wealthsimple Crypto

• Charges high spread fees
• Offers limited coin selection
• Lacks advanced trading tools
• Provides slow customer support

Ndax: Low-Cost Trading

Ndax (National Digital Asset Exchange) was launched in 2018, and is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is known for offering some of the lowest trading fees in Canada at a flat 0.2%. Ndax provides a user-friendly platform with features like spot trading, staking, recurring purchases, an OTC desk (Ndax Wealth) for high-volume trades, a mobile app, advanced charting tools, and instant crypto transfers. It emphasizes security and regulatory compliance for Canadian users.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Ndax supports over 39 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), XRP, Dogecoin (DOGE), Chainlink (LINK), Polkadot (DOT), and stablecoins like USDC, but lacks some top assets like Tether (USDT).

Ndax Fees

Pros of  Ndax

• Low trading fees (0.2% flat)
• Free CAD deposits and withdrawals (via EFT)
• Beginner-friendly interface
• Strong security (cold storage, 2FA)
• Staking options available

Cons of Ndax

• Limited to Canadian residents only
• Small cryptocurrency selection (39+ coins)
• No margin or futures trading
• Occasional slow crypto withdrawals
• Basic customer support

VirgoCX: Zero Trading Fees 

VirgoCX was founded in 2018 and operates from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It charges zero trading fees and instead generates revenue through competitive spreads. The platform provides spot trading, grid trading, recurring buys, and an OTC desk for large trades. It also offers an NFT marketplace, foreign exchange services, a mobile app, and advanced trading tools. Alongside all these, VirgoCX offers 24/7 multilingual support.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

VirgoCX offers over 75 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Stellar (XLM), Cardano (ADA), and meme coins like Shiba Inu (SHIB), but excludes Tether (USDT) and BNB.

VirgoCX Fees

Pros of  VirgoCX

• No trading fees (spread-based model)
• Wide cryptocurrency variety (75+ coins)
• Free CAD deposits and withdrawals
• Intuitive interface with advanced tools
• Robust security (cold storage, FINTRAC compliance)

Cons of VirgoCX

• Limited customization for grid trading
• No margin or futures trading
• Delayed user identity verification
• Does not offer some top coins (e.g., USDT, BNB)

How To Choose A Crypto Exchange In Canada 

Choosing a cryptocurrency exchange in Canada requires balancing cost, usability, security, and compliance. Here’s a detailed guide to the key factors:

Fees 

Fees directly affect your returns, so understanding the full cost structure is critical. Trading fees can be flat, maker/taker-based, or spread-based. Deposit and withdrawal fees often vary, while credit cards incur higher costs. For frequent traders, low trading fees matter most; for casual users, free deposits/withdrawals may weigh heavier.

• Winner: Kraken. Its tiered maker/taker fees (starting at 0.16%/0.26% and dropping with volume) combined with competitive spreads and CAD support make it cost-effective for active traders. Ndax’s flat 0.2% is close but lacks Kraken’s volume discounts.

Supported Cryptocurrencies And Liquidity

The number of cryptocurrencies offered and liquidity (ease of trading without price slippage) are also important to consider. If you trade niche coins, prioritize variety; for quick trades, liquidity is key.

• Winner: Kraken. With over 200 cryptocurrencies and high liquidity from its global user base, it outpaces the others. Coinbase is a close second.

UX & UI

User experience and interface determine usability. Poor design can lead to errors and beginners need simplicity.

• Winner: Wealthsimple Crypto. Its intuitive, minimalist design excels for beginners, edging out Bitbuy’s dual-mode approach. Kraken’s Pro UI is powerful but less accessible to newbies.

Security 

Security is paramount in crypto. Apart from checking for measures like cold storage, 2FA and encryption, it is important to also check for past breaches and regulatory audits. 

• Winner: Kraken. Its impeccable security history, cold storage, and global reputation outshine Ndax and VirgoCX’s solid but less-tested measures. Crypto.com’s audits are notable but don’t match Kraken’s track record.

Payment Methods

Convenient funding options enhance accessibility. Most Canadian exchanges offer free Interac e-Transfers and wires. Kraken adds Canada Post deposits, while Crypto.com includes cards (with fees). 

• Winner: Ndax. Free Interac deposits and EFT withdrawals, plus broad fiat support.

Regulatory Compliance 

Compliance with FINTRAC (Canada’s anti-money laundering body) ensures legitimacy. Bitbuy, Ndax, and VirgoCX are registered MSBs; Kraken and Coinbase align with CSA and FINTRAC rules. Wealthsimple operates under a CSA sandbox. Uniswap, being decentralized, avoids such oversight, risking regulatory shifts. Prioritize registered exchanges for legal protection and tax compliance.

• Winner: Bitbuy. Its FINTRAC registration, CSA approval, and OSC compliance makes  it the most regulatory compliant. 

Reputation Among Canadian Traders 

Reputation reflects real-world reliability. Kraken and Bitbuy lead on forums like Reddit for liquidity and support, though their fees have been criticized. 

• Winner: Kraken. Its global and Canadian reputation for reliability and liquidity surpasses Bitbuy’s strong but local focus. 

Conclusion 

FAQs 

What is the best cryptocurrency exchange in Canada? 

The "best" exchange depends on your needs, but Kraken often tops the list for its blend of low fees, 200+ cryptocurrencies, high liquidity, and strong security. It is FINTRAC-compliant and widely trusted by Canadian traders. 

What is the safest crypto exchange in Canada?

Kraken is considered the safest, with no major hacks since 2011, 95% of funds in cold storage, and 2FA enforcement. 

What is the cheapest crypto exchange in Canada? 

Kraken is the cheapest for active traders, with maker/taker fees starting at 0.16%/0.26% (dropping with volume) and competitive spreads.

What is the best altcoin exchange in Canada?

Kraken excels for altcoins, offering 200+ options with deep liquidity.

Which crypto exchanges are legal in Canada? 

Legal exchanges are FINTRAC-registered as Money Service Businesses (MSBs). They include Kraken, Bitbuy, Ndax, VirgoCX, Coinsquare, Wealthsimple Crypto, Crypto.com, and Bull Bitcoin.

Is it legal to buy and sell cryptocurrency in Canada? 

Yes, buying and selling cryptocurrency is legal in Canada. The government regulates it under anti-money laundering laws via FINTRAC.

What is the best crypto exchange for beginners in Canada? 

Wealthsimple Crypto is ideal for beginners, with a simple, app-based interface, no trading complexity, and free deposits. 

What is the best crypto exchange for day trading in Canada?

Kraken is best for day trading, offering low fees (0.16%/0.26%), high liquidity, advanced charting (Kraken Pro), and 200+ trading pairs.

How do I choose the best crypto exchange in Canada?

First, note your unique trading needs and see which exchange best matches them. Also consider the factors listed in the review. 

How do I open a crypto exchange account in Canada? 

• Choose an Exchange: Pick one like Ndax, Kraken, or Wealthsimple based on your needs.
• Sign Up: Visit the website/app, enter your email, and create a password.
• Verify Identity: Submit ID (e.g., driver’s license) and proof of address.
• Fund Account: Deposit CAD via Interac, wire, or crypto.
• Start Trading: Once approved, buy/sell crypto. Enable 2FA for security.

How much money do I need to start trading crypto in Canada? 

You can start with as little as $1 on many exchanges (e.g., Wealthsimple, Ndax), though practical minimums vary. Ndax and VirgoCX have no strict minimum but suggest $50-$100 for meaningful trades. Kraken’s minimum trade is ~$10.