9 Best Crypto Exchanges in Canada (June 2025)

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Choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange is crucial for investors in Canada, whether you're just getting started or actively trading digital assets. With a growing number of platforms catering to Canadian users, it's important to evaluate options based on security, fees, user experience, and regulatory compliance.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 9 crypto exchanges available to Canadians in June 2025. Each platform has been assessed based on real-world usability, customer support, transaction costs, and available features — helping you make an informed decision tailored to your investment goals.

Top 9 Cryptocurrency Exchanges in Canada

Bitbuy – Best for Beginners

Bitbuy, formerly known as Instabit, is one of Canada’s most established homegrown exchanges. Fully dedicated to Canadian investors, it supports CAD trading pairs exclusively and offers a secure environment with no history of security breaches.

👉 Discover a beginner-friendly way to start investing in crypto today.

VirgoCX – Best for OTC Trading

Based in Toronto and launched in 2018, VirgoCX stands out for its over-the-counter (OTC) trading capabilities and competitive pricing. It supports over 90 cryptocurrencies and offers free bank deposits and withdrawals — a rare perk in the industry.

CoinSmart – Best for Fast Deposits

CoinSmart, another Canadian-founded platform from 2018, focuses on speed and simplicity. Its intuitive interface makes it easy for newcomers to fund accounts quickly using Interac e-Transfer.

Coinbase – Best for Learning & Earning

As one of the largest global exchanges, Coinbase serves Canadian users with access to more than 200 digital assets. Beyond trading, it offers educational content through its "Learn & Earn" program, rewarding users with free crypto for completing short lessons.

👉 Start earning crypto just by learning how it works.

Kraken Canada – Best for Advanced Traders

Originally founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the longest-running exchanges worldwide. Its Canadian arm provides robust tools for active traders, including margin trading, futures, and advanced charting features.

Wealthsimple – Best for Robo-Advised Portfolios

Founded in Toronto in 2014 as a robo-advisory service, Wealthsimple has expanded into crypto trading while maintaining its focus on automated investing. Users can seamlessly blend stocks and crypto in diversified portfolios.

NDAX – Best for Low Fees

Based in Calgary and launched in 2018, NDAX emphasizes affordability and transparency. It charges a flat 0.2% fee across all trades — simple, predictable, and competitive.

Crypto.com – Best for Crypto Rewards & Prepaid Cards

Headquartered in Hong Kong but serving Canadians globally, Crypto.com offers a full ecosystem: trading, staking, interest accounts, and its popular Visa card that rewards spending with crypto cashback.

Newton – Best for User Experience

Launched in Toronto in 2018, Newton prides itself on delivering a clean, fast, and intuitive trading experience. It supports instant trades with minimal lag and excellent customer service.

How to Choose the Right Crypto Exchange in Canada

Not all exchanges are created equal. Your ideal platform depends on your goals, technical comfort level, and trading frequency.

Here’s what to consider:

Fees and Pricing Structure

Transaction fees can significantly impact long-term returns — especially for frequent traders. Look beyond headline rates; check whether spreads, deposit/withdrawal charges, or network fees apply.

Security & Regulation

Ensure the exchange follows Canadian financial regulations and employs strong security practices like two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage, and insurance coverage.

User Interface (UI) and Accessibility

Beginner-friendly platforms like Bitbuy or Wealthsimple offer guided experiences, while advanced traders may prefer Kraken’s professional dashboards.

Cryptocurrency Selection

If you're interested in altcoins or niche projects, platforms like Crypto.com or Coinbase offer broader selections than smaller domestic exchanges.

Customer Support

Reliable support is essential during volatile markets or technical issues. Canadian-based exchanges often provide localized assistance in English and French.

Are Centralized Exchanges Safe?

In recent years, some global platforms like Binance and Bybit exited the Canadian market due to evolving regulatory pressures. This highlights the importance of choosing an exchange committed to operating within local laws.

While centralized exchanges offer convenience and fiat integration, they do come with counterparty risk — meaning your funds are held by a third party. Always research an exchange’s track record before depositing large amounts.

Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) in Canada

For users seeking greater control over their assets, decentralized exchanges (DEXs) allow peer-to-peer trading without intermediaries.

Popular DEXs among Canadian investors include:

However, DEXs typically require wallet setup (e.g., MetaMask), lack customer support, and don’t accept CAD deposits directly — making them less suitable for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I trade crypto in Canada?
A: Start by signing up on a regulated exchange like Bitbuy or Kraken, verify your identity, deposit CAD via bank transfer or Interac, then buy your preferred cryptocurrency.

Q: What is the most popular crypto exchange in Canada?
A: Coinbase remains one of the most widely used due to its global reputation, ease of use, and extensive educational resources.

Q: Which crypto exchanges are registered in Canada?
A: Several platforms including Bitbuy, VirgoCX, CoinSmart, NDAX, and Wealthsimple operate under Canadian regulatory frameworks and report to FINTRAC.

Q: What is the best crypto exchange for day trading?
A: Kraken stands out with advanced order types, real-time data, low latency, and tight spreads — ideal for active traders.

Q: Which Canadian exchange went out of business?
A: While no major Canadian-native exchange has fully collapsed recently, some international platforms have paused operations in Canada due to regulation — not insolvency.

Q: Can I buy crypto with CAD instantly?
A: Yes — most top exchanges support instant purchases using Interac e-Transfer or linked bank accounts.

👉 Access a powerful trading platform built for both beginners and pros.

Final Thoughts

The Canadian crypto landscape continues to mature, offering diverse options from local startups to global giants. Whether you value low fees (NDAX), educational tools (Coinbase), or seamless user experience (Newton), there's an exchange that fits your needs.

Always prioritize platforms that are transparent about fees, compliant with regulations, and committed to user security. And remember — diversification isn’t just for portfolios; consider spreading your activity across multiple trusted platforms to reduce risk.

With the right exchange, entering the world of digital assets can be secure, efficient, and rewarding.