Best Crypto Exchanges in Canada for 2026

Choosing the right crypto exchange in Canada matters more than you think. Fees range from 0.2% to 2.5% per trade — and on a $10,000 portfolio, that difference adds up fast. Security also varies: some platforms use institutional-grade cold storage, while others have had breaches in the past.

We tested and compared every major Canadian crypto exchange to find the best options for different types of investors. All platforms listed are registered with Canadian securities regulators.

Quick Comparison Table

Wealthsimple Crypto: 1.5–2% spread | 50+ coins | Best for beginners and existing Wealthsimple users.

Newton: 0.5–1.5% spread | 70+ coins | Best for low fees with no trading commission.

Shakepay: ~1.5–2.5% spread | BTC and ETH only | Best for Bitcoin-only buyers; simplest interface.

NDAX: 0.2% flat fee | 30+ coins | Best for active traders; lowest explicit fees.

Bitbuy: 0.1–0.2% fee | 25+ coins | Best for security; institutional custody.

1. Wealthsimple Crypto — Best for Beginners

If you already use Wealthsimple for stocks, ETFs, or your TFSA, adding crypto is seamless — it is all inside the same app. No need to move money between platforms.

Pros: One-app ecosystem (stocks + crypto + savings), regulated under Canadian securities law, qualified custodian for crypto assets, clean and intuitive interface, 50+ supported coins.

Cons: Higher spread (1.5–2%) compared to pure crypto exchanges. You cannot withdraw your crypto to an external wallet (custody-only model). No advanced trading features.

Best for: Canadians who want to keep everything in one place and value simplicity over the lowest possible fees.

2. Newton — Best for Low Fees

Newton is a Toronto-based exchange that uses “smart order routing” to scan multiple liquidity sources and find you the best price. The result: spreads as low as 0.5%, significantly cheaper than Wealthsimple or Shakepay.

Pros: No trading commissions (revenue comes from the spread), no deposit or withdrawal fees for Interac e-Transfer, 70+ supported coins, ability to withdraw crypto to external wallets.

Cons: App can be slow during high-volume periods, customer support response times are sometimes slow, smaller company than Wealthsimple.

Best for: Cost-conscious Canadians who want low spreads and the ability to move crypto off-exchange.

3. Shakepay — Best for Bitcoin Purists

Shakepay is a Montreal-based platform that keeps things simple: buy Bitcoin or Ethereum, and that is it. No altcoins, no complex trading interface. Just a clean app, instant Interac e-Transfer funding, and a unique “ShakingSats” feature that gives you free Bitcoin daily.

Pros: Extremely simple to use, free Interac e-Transfer deposits, ShakingSats daily rewards, prepaid Visa card that earns BTC cashback.

Cons: Only supports Bitcoin and Ethereum, higher spread (1.5–2.5%), limited features for advanced traders.

Best for: People who just want Bitcoin without any complexity.

4. NDAX — Best for Active Traders

NDAX is a Calgary-based exchange built for more active traders. With a flat 0.2% fee on all trades, it is one of the cheapest options in Canada for frequent transactions.

Pros: Flat 0.2% trading fee, advanced order types (limit, stop-loss, etc.), 30+ supported coins, staking available for select coins.

Cons: $25 withdrawal fee for CAD, interface is more complex than beginner-friendly apps, smaller user base than some competitors.

Best for: Active traders who make multiple trades per month and want low per-trade costs.

5. Bitbuy — Best for Security

Bitbuy (now part of WonderFi) is one of Canada’s oldest crypto exchanges and puts security front and centre. 95% of assets are held in cold storage with a qualified custodian, and the platform undergoes regular proof-of-reserves audits.

Pros: 0.1–0.2% trading fees, institutional-grade cold storage, proof-of-reserves, both simple and advanced trading interfaces.

Cons: Fewer supported coins than Newton (25+), less name recognition than Wealthsimple.

Best for: Security-focused investors who want low fees and proven asset protection.

How We Ranked These Exchanges

We evaluated each platform on five criteria: fees (trading spreads + commissions), security (cold storage, custody, insurance), coin selection (number of supported cryptocurrencies), ease of use (interface, deposit/withdrawal options), and regulatory status (registration with Canadian securities regulators).

Tips for Canadian Crypto Investors

• Start small. Buy $50–$100 worth first to understand how the platform works before committing more.
• Use Interac e-Transfer. It is the fastest and cheapest way to fund your account in Canada.
• Keep records. Track every purchase, sale, and transfer for tax purposes. The CRA requires you to report crypto gains.
• Consider a hardware wallet for holdings over $1,000. See our crypto wallet guide.
• Do not invest more than you can afford to lose. Crypto is volatile — keep it to 5–10% of your portfolio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Canadian crypto exchanges safe?

Registered Canadian exchanges are regulated by provincial securities commissions and must comply with anti-money-laundering rules. However, crypto is not covered by CDIC deposit insurance like bank accounts. Choose exchanges with cold storage and consider a hardware wallet for large amounts.

Which exchange has the lowest fees?

NDAX has the lowest explicit fee (0.2% flat). Newton has the lowest spread-based cost (0.5–1.5%). For occasional buyers, the difference amounts to a few dollars on typical purchases.

Can I use Binance or Coinbase in Canada?

Binance exited the Canadian market in 2023 due to regulatory requirements. Coinbase is available in Canada but charges higher fees than most domestic alternatives. We recommend using a Canadian-regulated exchange.

Do I need to report crypto to the CRA?

Yes. All crypto dispositions (selling, trading, or swapping) are taxable events in Canada. Capital gains are 50% taxable. Read our crypto tax guide for details.