Netflix Canada: The Ultimate Guide To The Biggest Streaming Service (2023)

Netflix is a subscription-based streaming platform launched in 2007. It focuses on bringing a wide variety of content like original and third-party movies, TV shows, and documentaries, among others. Users can access its extensive content selection through various devices including smartphones, smart TVs, computers, set-top boxes, and streaming devices, by paying for a subscription fee.

Netflix started out as a DVD-by-mail service in 1997. Today, it is the leading streaming platform in the world, with over 200 million subscribers. As Netflix solidifies its place as the top streaming giant, its reach continues to extend to 190 countries, including Canada. 

One of the defining features of Netflix is its vast pool of binge-worthy original content. The streaming platform is the home of some of the most popular shows of the past years, such as “Stranger Things,” “Black Mirror,” “Squid Game,” “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” and “Bridgerton.”

If you’re thinking about subscribing to Netflix Canada, its features and benefits, plans and prices, and everything in between, we have you covered. We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about the streaming platform to help you decide if it’s the best service for you.

What Is Netflix

Netflix Review

• Netflix is quite expensive. Starting with an ad-free Standard plan at CAD$16.49 per month 
• 4,000+ movies and 1,800+ series
• You will never run out of content
• The service works with most smart devices. 

Product Specs

• Extensive content library
• Maximum download of 100 titles per device
• 4K video resolution 
• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos 
• Original and third-party content

Why Should You Get a Netflix Canada Subscription

From premium content to a sleek interface, Netflix provides every user with an immersive viewing experience that makes our paid subscription plans worth it. Keep reading to see what Netflix’s 200 million subscribers love about its service.

Extensive Streaming Library

Netflix is best known for investing in original productions that instantly become a hit among millions of viewers. It has over 4,000 movies and 1,800 series and has the most diverse selection as well, covering every genre from romance, comedies, thrillers, fantasy, and more. Shows like “Stranger Things,” “Lucifer,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” “Umbrella Academy,” and “BoJack Horseman,” are just a few of the many coveted series on Netflix. “The Irishman,” “Don’t Look Up,” “All Quiet on the Western Front,” and “Little Women,” are some of the most noteworthy Netflix original movies.

Multiple Devices

The platform lets you enjoy your favorite shows on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, tablets, game consoles like Xbox and Playstation, and media players such as Chromecast and Roku. You can also opt to stream Netflix on your web browser without the hassle of installing the app.

Offline Streaming

Netflix allows a maximum number of 100 downloads, for when you want to stream shows and movies offline on your preferred device. The feature is perfect for users who are always on the go and have limited access to the Internet.

Simultaneous Streaming  

Netflix Canada’s subscription also allows simultaneous viewing, depending on your plan. With this feature, you can share your account with your friends and family and enjoy Netflix’s content on separate devices at the same time.

Video Quality

The platform also provides various streaming qualities, such as High Definition (HD), Standard Definition (SD), and Ultra High Definition (Ultra HD) or 4K. Naturally, the quality you get will still depend on your internet connection and your device’s compatibility. But once you’re all set, you will get to experience Netflix at its fullest, with high-quality sounds and premium video resolution.

User-friendly Interface

Apart from high-quality shows, Netflix also boasts one of the most sophisticated and user-friendly interfaces. All content is sorted into categories, either by genre, language, or popularity. You can also compile all the shows you want to watch into a watchlist. It also collects your viewing history, which lets you pick up where you left off in a show.

Most Netflix originals release all episodes of a show in one go, making it the perfect platform to binge-watch your favorite shows in one sitting. You can also add subtitles in different languages, like French and English, along with dubbed audio. Netflix also launched the Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH) feature for those with hearing disabilities.

It also has an excellent algorithm that will give you the best recommendations similar to movies or shows you’ve previously watched.  

And in case you’re suspicious that other people might be using your account without your knowledge, Netflix lets you track down a list of all the devices that are connected to your account, which you can remove.

Parental Control

Another defining feature of the platform is its “Netflix Kids” section, which provides a safe and age-appropriate streaming experience for children. The kids’ section offers educational and entertaining TV shows and movies which cater to children of different age groups. Parents can also set a profile pin protection to restrict children from accessing inappropriate content.

Mobile Games

Lastly, Netflix users can also access its mobile gaming service. Some of the Netflix games are inspired by shows such as “Stranger Things:1984,” “Too Hot to Handle: Love is a Game,” and “Narcos: Cartel Wars Unlimited.” You can download Netflix games for free at the Google Play Store or App Store as long as you have a subscription.

Pros

• Offline streaming
• User-friendly interface
• High-quality original content
• Device compatibility
• Simultaneous screens

Cons

• Limited content based on region and plans
• No free trial
• Frequent removal of shows
• Expensive

So, Should You Subscribe to Netflix?

If you value quantity in terms of content availability, then a Netflix subscription is definitely worthwhile. Netflix is the ideal platform for viewers seeking endless entertainment options, as the platform boasts the biggest content library next to Prime Video. While it can be pricey, its extensive premium content and cutting-edge interface make up for its higher cost.

Netflix Cheat Sheet

Price: Netflix’s Standard Plan starts at CAD$16.49, while its Premium Plan is at CAD$20.99. It also has an ad-supported tier priced at CAD$5.99.

Price Increase: There haven’t been any increases in Netflix’s pricing recently, but it did add an additional CAD$7 for password-sharing accounts. The platform also removed the Basic with Ads plan.

Best Deals: Premium Plan for CAD$20.99. This gives users unlimited access to all of Netflix’s content.

Supported devices: Netflix is compatible with any device that can connect to the Internet.

What’s popular: “Stranger Things,” “DAHMER,” “Wednesday,” “Bridgerton,” “Black Mirror,” “Squid Game,” “Suits.”

Coming soon: “One Piece,” “Sex Education” Season 4, “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” animated series, Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” Zack Snyder’s “Rebel Moon,” and David Fincher’s “The Killer.”

How Much Is Netflix?

Netflix has gone through drastic price increases over the years and is notorious for having one of the most expensive subscription plans. Recently, the platform axed its CAD$9.99 ad-free Basic Plan. It narrowed down its membership tiers to three: Basic with Ads, Standard, and Premium. 

Netflix Pricing and Plans

Check out the pricing and plans of Netflix, including what each tier offers.

Plan	Price	Number of simultaneous screens	Downloads	Streaming quality
Basic with ads	CAD$5.99	1 device	No	HD
Standard	CAD$16.49	2 devices	Yes	HD
Premium	CAD$20.99	4 devices	Yes	Ultra HD

Password Sharing

Netflix rolled out a paid password-sharing service earlier this year. This disables users who share Netflix passwords with people outside their households to access the same Netflix account. If they want to add another user to their account, they would need to pay an additional CAD$7 for each person. Only Standard and Premium subscribers are eligible to utilize the password-sharing offer.

Does Netflix Have a Free Trial?

Unfortunately, Netflix stopped offering its 30-day free trial in 2020 due to users creating multiple accounts to avail only of the trial and never paying for a subscription. If users want to save on their subscriptions, they can still opt to cancel or change their plans anytime.

Does Netflix Have an Ad-Supported Plan?

Yes. Netflix offers a cheaper, ad-supported plan or the Basic with Ads plan. This tier allows users to navigate the platform and access a limited number of content with occasional ad breaks for the price of CAD$5.99. 

Are There Netflix Gift Cards? 

Yes, Netflix offers gift cards. Gift cards are used to pay for a Netflix subscription or to give away to friends or families as a gift. These cards are redeemable through the Netflix site, but you can also purchase them at various affiliated retail stores. 

How Do I Sign Up for Netflix?

Creating a Netflix account requires different but relatively easy methods for every device. To sign up on Netflix, simply follow the steps below:

On web browsers:

1. Visit the Netflix website netflix.com/signup
2. Choose your preferred subscription plan: Basic with ads, Standard, Premium
3. Click on the “Sign Up” button, then enter your email address and password.
4. Choose a valid payment method. Netflix accepts payment through the following methods: credit or debit cards, virtual cards, Paypal, and Netflix gift cards.
5. Once your payment is processed, you can start streaming.

For iOS users: 

NOTE: Sign-up is not supported on the Netflix iOS app

1. Visit netflix.com/signup from a mobile browser.
2. Choose the plan that’s right for you. You can downgrade or upgrade at any time.
3. Create an account by entering your email address and creating a password.
4. Enter a payment method.
5. Download and sign in to the Netflix app on a device running iOS 15.0 or above.
6. Start streaming.

For Android users:

1. Download and install the Netflix app from the Google Play Store.
2. Create an account by entering your email address and creating a password.
3. Choose your preferred plan: Basic with Ads, Standard, or Premium. You can downgrade or upgrade at any time.
4. Enter a payment method.
5. Start streaming.

What Devices Does Netflix Support?

The platform is compatible with any Internet-connected device that offers the Netflix app. 

• Streaming Media Players.
• Smart TVs.
• Game Consoles.
• Set-top Boxes.
• DVD and Blu-ray Players.
• Smartphones & Tablets.
• PCs & Laptops.
• Web browsers

Is there a Watch Party Mode?

Yes, the platform has the Teleparty feature (formerly known as Netflix Party). Teleparty is a watch party app that allows members to stream any show or movie alongside friends and families virtually. This feature synchronizes your streaming experience and enjoy content together, regardless of your physical location.

​​What Features and Formats Are Supported on Netflix?

Each Netflix plan comes with its own set of features and benefits. While certain plans might offer the elements you’re looking for, others might not provide the same benefits. Read on to know what each plan entails to help you determine which one meets your needs the best.

Features Included In the Ad-supported Plan

• Naturally, the Basic with Ads plan includes occasional ad breaks, which usually last for 15 to 30 seconds. These ads will play before and during your streaming sessions.
• The ad-supported plan also entails limited access to Netflix’s content library. Fan-favorite titles like “Breaking Bad,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Good Place,” and “Peaky Blinders” are some of the shows that are not available on the Basic plan.
• Subscribers of the Basic plan can enjoy Netflix’s content at 720p or HD resolution, which is the lowest video quality the platform offers.
• The Basic with Ads plan only allows one stream at a time.
• Basic with Ads is compatible with most streaming devices, except for the PlayStation 3 console and the Netflix Windows app.

Features Exclusive to Ad-Free Plans

• The Standard plan allows two concurrent streams, while the Premium Plan allows up to four devices.
• Standard and Premium users have unlimited access to Netflix’s content library.
• Both plans offer a maximum download of 100 titles per device.
• Premium users can enjoy their favorite content in the 4K resolution.
• Regardless of the plan, the kids’ profile does not include any ad breaks.
• Both plans are compatible with any device that can connect to the Internet.

What Can I Watch On Netflix?

Netflix is best known for its rich collection of original programming. Whether you want to tune in to the latest show or binge-watch your favorite series for the umpteenth time, Netflix ensures you will never run out of entertainment options. Here are some of the most unmissable Netflix originals you can watch on the platform.

Best Shows

Netflix is renowned for its compelling original series encompassing every genre, like supernatural mysteries, psychological thrillers, or heartwarming coming-of-age tales, ensuring that there’s always something for everyone. “Stranger Things,” “Umbrella Academy,” “Elite,” “You,” “Beef,” “Sex Education,” “The Witcher,” “Emily in Paris,” “Black Mirror,” “Money Heist,” “Mindhunter,” “Narcos,” “Maid,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” and “The Crown,” are some of the best Netflix series you can binge-watch on the platform. 

Aside from original shows, users can also stream beloved TV shows on Netflix such “The Office,” “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul,” “Suits,” “Arrested Development,” “The Walking Dead,” “Derry Girls,” “Outlander,” and “Pretty Little Liars.” 

The platform has also been investing in bringing more Asian entertainment, particularly Korean dramas, and Japanese anime series. Shows like “The Glory,” “Squid Game,” “The Uncanny Counter,” “All Of Us Are Dead,” and “Black Knight” are some of the best Korean dramas on Netflix that K-drama enthusiasts will surely enjoy. Popular shows like “One Piece,” “Demon Slayer,” “My Happy Marriage,” and “Baki Hanma,” are the best anime on Netflix that fans can indulge in.

You can also indulge in your guilty pleasures with Netflix’s repertoire of addictive reality shows, including “Too Hot to Handle,” “Love is Blind,” “Love Island,” “Queer Eye,” “Next in Fashion,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and “Is It Cake?”

Best Movies

Apart from TV series, Netflix also has its fair share of notable and star-studded original films. Immerse yourself in compelling narratives with movies like “The Irishman,” “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” “Roma,” “Marriage Story,” “Enola Holmes,” “Little Women,” “Don’t Look Up,” “Knives Out,” “Murder Mystery,” “Bird Box,” and “They Cloned Tyrone.”

However, if you’re seeking a sense of nostalgia and wish to stream timeless classics spanning different decades, Netflix is still here to cater to your tastes, with titles like “Titanic,” “Jurassic Park,” “Pulp Fiction” “Matilda,” “The Notebook,” and “Heat.”

Netflix also boasts a nearly complete collection of Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli films. Enter the magical world of your favorite characters in beloved Studio Ghibli classics like “My Neighbor Totoro,” “The Wind Rises,” “Arrietty,” “When Marnie Was There,” “From Up on Poppy Hill,” “Spirited Away,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” and “Castle in the Sky,” to name a few.

Best Documentaries

Aside from movies and series, Netflix boasts an extensive collection of documentaries across all genres, from true crime, biography, history, and more. With Netflix, viewers can learn more about history and the environment through informative documentaries like “Hitler’s Circle of Evil,” “Ancient Apocalypse,” “Our Planet,” “Cunk on Earth,” and “The Vietnam War.”

For true crime aficionados, Netflix offers a treasure trove of thrilling and captivating documentaries surrounding some of history’s most heinous crime cases. Here are some of the best true crime documentaries on the platform: “Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman,” “The Night Stalker,” “Evil Genius,” “Making a Murderer,” “The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes,” and “Don’t F**k With Cats.”

Viewers can also take a look into the personal lives of some of the most prominent figures in history with biographical documentaries like Taylor Swift’s “Miss Americana,” “Harry and Meghan,” “Arnold,” “The Andy Warhol Series,” “BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky,” “Sr.,” and “Homecoming: A Film By Beyonce.”

Does It Offer Anything Else?

Popular shows and movies are not the only entertainment content users can enjoy on Netflix. A Netflix subscription also comes with complimentary access to its mobile gaming services. Most of the games are inspired by Netflix shows as well, such as “Stranger Things:1984,” “Too Hot to Handle: Love is a Game,” and “Narcos: Cartel Wars Unlimited.”

For subscribers seeking a traditional viewing experience, Netflix has a free DVD-by-mail service that allows users to rent movies they want in DVD or Blu-ray formats. Simply visit www.dvd.netflix.com to browse their DVD collection and request a delivery.

What’s New On Netflix

Netflix released a handful of new shows and movies this month, including the second season of the heartwarming queer series “Heartstopper,” Gal Gadot’s latest movie “Heart of Stone,” and “Depp V Heard,” a documentary about the controversial defamation case between estranged married couple Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Viewers can also look forward to the live-action adaptation of the anime series “One Piece” in August and the much-awaited fourth and final season of “Sex Education,” coming to the platform on September 21, 2023. Moreover, potential Oscar contenders like Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro” and David Fincher’s “The Killer” will also arrive on the platform later this year.

Who Should Sign Up for Netflix?

Netflix is ideal for users who love to binge-watch endless content and for people who enjoy original programming. It is also perfect for those seeking to rewatch their favorite classic shows and movies for the umpteenth time. Additionally, it is highly recommended for households with kids since it contains an extensive collection of educational and family-friendly content for children, including popular ones like “CoComelon,” “PAW Patrol,” and “Gabby’s Dollhouse.”

How to Cancel Netflix

Users can cancel Netflix on various devices, and we must recognize how each device operates to properly initiate a cancellation process. Read on to see how to cancel Netflix in Canada on web browsers and mobile phones.

On web browsers

1. Visit the Netflix website www.netflix.com in your preferred browser.
2. Enter your login credentials.
3. Look for the profile icon and click “Account.”
4. Under “Membership & Billing,” click “Cancel Membership.”
5. Netflix will take you to a new page to finalize your cancellation. Click “Finish Cancellation” to confirm

Through the mobile app

1. Open the Netflix app on your mobile.
2. Choose your preferred profile.
3. Once you’re on the main page, look for the profile icon and click “Account.”
4. Scroll through the “Membership & Billing” section and tap “Cancel Membership.”
5. Once you’re directed to the next page, choose “Finish Cancellation” to confirm your cancellation

If you’re an iOS user and your subscription is billed to iTunes, you can follow these alternative steps:

1. Open the “Settings” app on your phone.
2. Tap on your “Apple ID.”
3. Choose “Subscriptions.”
4. Look for your Netflix plan and tap “Cancel Subscription.”

Latest Netflix News 

• Netflix Pushes Licensing Deal with Warner Bros. Discovery 
• Netflix launches password sharing crackdown in US 

How does Netflix compare to other streaming services?

Netflix may have one of the most expensive subscription plans out of all streaming services, but it still has the most users. Let’s take a look at what makes Netflix stand out from its competitors.

Hulu 

A minor setback for Hulu is that it is not available in Canada, and you will need a VPN service to access the platform. Its basic plan is cheaper than Netflix. It also offers Disney Plus and ESPN bundles to its subscribers. Hulu’s catalog includes original shows like “The Great,” “Abbott Elementary,” and The Bear.” Meanwhile, Hulu’s library is about to get bigger as the platform is set to merge into one app with Disney Plus later this year.

Amazon Prime Video

Prime Video was already in service before Netflix, offering several other services such as Amazon Music and Ebooks. It has produced several critically acclaimed original content during the past years, like “The Boys,” “Fleabag,” and “Jury Duty.” Prime Video also has the biggest content library and like Netflix, it also houses visual treats from other networks. It also offers video-on-demand services for thousands of movies and films.

Disney Plus

If you’re a big fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, or Pixar films, then Disney Plus might just be the platform you’re looking for. Almost every film and TV show from the aforementioned studios can be found at Disney Plus. Currently, Disney Plus’ catalog might not compare to Netflix’s in terms of quantity, but it will soon merge with Hulu, so its library is about to expand. It is relatively cheaper than Netflix, with a basic plan starting at $11.99. 

Max

Max is only available in the United States and select European countries. You will need a VPN service if you want to access its platform. However, its catalog is one of the most impressive, housing some of the best and top-rated titles of all time like “The Sopranos,” “The Last of Us,” and “Succession.” 

Peacock TV

Peacock TV is a video streaming service based in the United States, owned and operated by NBC Universal, offering popular shows like 30 Rock and having exclusive access to sports coverage like Premier League soccer matches. Sadly, for now, the service is only available in the US, but users outside of the US can still use a VPN.

Paramount Plus

Despite having a massive library of content, Paramount Plus still has one of the most affordable membership plans among its competitors. With a Paramount Plus subscription, you will get to access 30,000 original titles, blockbuster movies, on-demand programming, and live event streaming, which is undoubtedly worth your money. The streaming service also offers occasional discounts to users who subscribe to its annual plans.

Apple TV Plus

Apple TV Plus prioritizes the quality of its content, as seen in its widely acclaimed shows like “Ted Lasso” and “Severance.” Its plans are twice as much more affordable than Netflix’s and also offer Dolby features. However, Apple TV Plus does not offer third-party content and is mostly compatible with Apple devices. 

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service owned by Google that offers a good selection of local and international channels, depending on your location. Unlike most other platforms, YouTube TV offers features such as the ability to record shows and watch them later. However, it is only available in the United States, though you can bypass this restriction by using some of the best VPN services.

Discovery Plus

Discovery Plus Canada is a great way to watch your favorite shows, movies, and documentaries, including channels like Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet, and many more. You can watch Discovery Plus in Canada by visiting their site and signing up for an account or using a Canadian version of the app released in October. And if you want to watch the American version of Discovery Plus, you can use a VPN.   

Sling TV

Sling TV is a live streaming service that provides access to select channels with a monthly price fee. The service offers various packages, such as ESPN, AMC, TNT, HGTV, HBO, and Cinemax. You can still watch Sling TV outside of the US by using a VPN to stream content on Sling TV without any restrictions. 

ESPN Plus

ESPN Plus gives you access to world-class sporting events and livestreams across a variety of sports, while the main ESPN channel has the best coverage for NHL, MLB, and NBA. ESPN Plus also excels in its coverage of niche sports, such as MMA, Boxing, Lacrosse, Canadian Football, and many more. Sadly, ESPN Plus is currently not available for Canadians.

Frequently Asked Questions About Netflix

Does Netflix still offer DVD rentals?

Yes, Netflix’s DVD by mail and rental services still operate. Sadly, the offer will be discontinued by September 29, 2023.

Can I still share my Netflix account with other people?

Yes. However, only people within the same household are allowed to share passwords. If you want to add another person outside your household to your account, it will cost an additional CAD$7.99.

Is Netflix collaborating with Warner Bros. Discovery?

Yes. Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery are in talks to license HBO shows on Netflix. While the deal is not final yet, Issa Rae’s “Insecure” has already made its way to Netflix’s library. You can anticipate other HBO favorites, like “Band of Brothers” and “Six Feet Under,” to arrive on the platform in no time. 

One Platform, Endless Stories

Despite the abundance of media platforms in recent years, Netflix remains the top streaming service for many reasons: a vast library of premium content, an easy-to-navigate interface, convenient device compatibility, and high-quality videos, among others. 

While it still has its limitations, such as geo-restricted titles, expensive membership plans, and frequent content removal, there is no doubt that Netflix always has something for everyone.