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TwoCheese
AppsApril 20267 min read

Best Canadian Streaming Apps in 2026: CBC Gem, Crave, ICI TOU.TV & More

SP
Sophie Pelletier · TwoCheese
April 2026 · 7 min read · Apps
Person watching a streaming service on a large TV screen

Canada's streaming landscape in 2026 is richer — and more confusing — than ever. You've got free ad-supported apps, paid subscription services, bilingual platforms, and a mix of Canadian originals alongside US licensed content. We cut through the noise and rank every app worth having.

Free Canadian streaming apps (no subscription needed)

💎
CBC Gem
Free with ads · Premium $4.99/mo

Canada's most essential free streaming app. All CBC and Radio-Canada content, live CBC News Network, documentaries, kids content, and French-language programming. The premium tier removes ads.

CBC originalsLive newsBilingualKids
★★★★★9.0/10— Essential for Canadians
📺
CTV
Free with ads

Watch CTV shows live and on demand. Full access to CTV News, popular US network programming (The Late Show, 60 Minutes), and CTV originals. No login required.

Live CTVUS networkNewsSports
★★★★☆8.2/10
🌐
Global TV
Free with ads

Global TV shows, live news, US primetime content and the Global News channel. Good selection of drama and reality programming. Sign-in with a Canadian provider account unlocks more.

Live GlobalUS showsDrama
★★★★☆7.9/10
📡
Pluto TV
100% free, no sign-in needed

Over 250 live "channels" and a massive VOD library — completely free, no account required. Great for casual background viewing. Channels include news, sports highlights, movies, and cult TV.

Live channelsMoviesNo sign-in
★★★★☆8.0/10
🇫🇷
ICI TOU.TV
Free tier · EXTRA $7.99/mo

Radio-Canada's streaming platform for French-language programming. The free tier has a solid library; EXTRA adds live Radio-Canada and ad-free viewing. Essential for francophone households.

French contentRadio-CanadaBilingual
★★★★☆8.5/10— Essential for Quebec
🏙️
City TV
Free with ads

Rogers-owned City channels with US network shows, live news, and some Canadian originals. Good complement to CTV and Global for US primetime programming.

Live City TVUS showsNews
★★★☆☆7.4/10

Paid streaming services worth it in Canada

🎬
Crave
From $10.99/mo (with ads) · $19.99/mo (ad-free + live TV)

Bell's streaming service is the home of HBO in Canada — Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, and every HBO drama. Also includes Showtime, Starz, and a strong Canadian original slate. The premium tier adds live TSN and CTV channels.

HBOShowtimeCanadian originalsLive TV option
★★★★★9.1/10— Must-have for drama fans
🍿
Netflix
From $17.99/mo · 4K plan $23.99/mo

Still the biggest library in Canada. Originals like Squid Game, Stranger Things, and The Crown, plus a strong Canadian-licensed catalogue. 4K HDR content is excellent on a compatible streaming device.

Originals4K HDRLargest library
★★★★★9.3/10
Disney+
$14.99/mo · Bundle with Hulu (US) NA in Canada

Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Disney classics, and National Geographic. The Star content hub adds adult dramas and comedies, filling out the library substantially beyond kids content.

MarvelStar WarsPixarStar hub
★★★★☆8.6/10
🏒
TSN+ / Sportsnet+
TSN+: $19.99/mo · Sportsnet+: $14.99/mo

The essential duo for Canadian sports fans. TSN+ covers NHL, CFL, international soccer, and more. Sportsnet+ carries regional NHL games, Blue Jays baseball, and NBA. Regional blackout rules apply.

NHLCFLBlue JaysLive sports
★★★★☆8.4/10— Essential for hockey fans

App compatibility by streaming device

AppRokuFire TVGoogle TV
CBC Gem
CTV
Crave
Netflix
Disney+
ICI TOU.TV
TSN+ / Sportsnet+
Pluto TV
Apple TV+

Note: Apple TV+ is not natively available on Roku, but can be accessed via a web browser or Apple TV device. All other apps are available on all major streaming platforms.

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