How to Watch PBS in Canada [Easy Steps | 2024]

Thursday, December 12, 2024

WATCH-PBS-IN-CANADAPBS is a free American streaming channel renowned for its educational and cultural content. Its shows are designed to offer viewers a deeper insight into the world and its complexities.

However, PBS is only accessible in the US. To watch PBS in Canada, you can use a VPN by connecting to a US server.

Without a VPN, attempting to access PBS from Canada or outside the US will result in an error message stating:

“We are sorry, but this video is not available.”

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I successfully unblocked PBS in Canada by connecting to a US server through ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN is our top choice.

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ExpressVPN is our recommended choice when it comes to unblocking streaming services/websites that are geo-restricted in Canada. It also helps hide your streaming activity whenever you watch free content by masking your IP address.

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How to Watch PBS in Canada

Step 1: Subscribe to a VPN (ExpressVPN is our recommended choice)

Step 2: Download the ExpressVPN app and install it on your device

Step 3: Open the VPN app and connect it to a US server (e.g. New York)

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Step 4: Go to the PBS website and click on sign up

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Step 5: Log in with either of the options, for example, Gmail

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Step 6: Now scroll down on the homepage and click on “Choose Station”

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Step 7: Select any US State and then click on “search by state

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Step 8: Select a station

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Step 9: Now go to “shows” at the top menu to stream its content

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Step 10: Select any genre of shows you want to watch, for example, Drama. Then, select a drama, A slow-burning romance

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Step 11: Choose an episode

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Step 12: Click on the Play button

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Step 13: Happy Streaming!

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Try ExpressVPN


Top VPNs to Unblock PBS in Canada?

I have tested 35+ VPNs to see which one could safely get around PBS’s geo-restrictions. The top three VPNs to stream PBS in Canada are listed below:

  1. ExpressVPN
  2. Surfshark
  3. NordVPN

1. ExpressVPN – #1 VPN for Unblocking PBS in Canada

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Features Details
Global Reach 3200 servers in over 100+ countries
PBS Unblocking in Canada Servers all over the US including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, and more. 
Exclusive deal $6.67/month (30-day money-back guarantee)
Multi-Device Compatibility Log in to 5 different devices simultaneously – Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and more
Enhanced Streaming Fast streaming with Smart DNS/IPv6 leak protection, Split Tunneling, and Lightway Protocol.
Top-notch Privacy Digital privacy with 256-bit Encryption, Kill Switch, and No Log policy.

ExpressVPN ranks as the top choice for a reliable VPN, offering features like DNS/IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and split tunnelling for added security.

Speed Test: When connected to a U.S. server via ExpressVPN, I achieved a download speed of 43 Mbps out of 50 Mbps.

ExpressVPN - Speed - test

With this strong speed, I easily unblocked PBS and streamed content smoothly, without any buffering!

It also works well in bypassing geo-restrictions on a range of streaming services Hulu, FXNow, Neon TV, HBO Max, FuboTV, etc.


2. Surfshark- Affordable VPN for Watching PBS Canada

Surfshark - 1

Features Details
Global Reach 3200 servers in over 100+ countries
PBS Unblocking in Canada 600 servers in 25 major US cities including Boston, New York and Buffalo. 
Exclusive deal $2.19/month (30-day money-back guarantee)
Multi-Device Compatibility Unlimited devices – Windows, Android, Mac, iOS and more
Fast Streaming Uninterrupted streaming experience with Higher bandwidth per user, and numerous servers.
Excellent Privacy Secure the connection with Camouflage Mode, IPv6 leak protection, AES-256-GCM Encryption, Kill Switch, DNS data protection and No-Logs Policy.

Surfshark is a top recommendation for streaming PBS in Canada, offering excellent security features and budget-friendly pricing, making it one of our top picks.

Additionally, this VPN works well for accessing other geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, including USA Network, Paramount Network, etc.


3. NordVPN – Biggest Server Pool to Watch PBS in Canada

NordVPN - 1

Features Details
Global Reach 6000+ servers in 60 countries
PBS Unblocking in Canada 16 servers in the US
Exclusive deal $3.39/month (30-day money-back guarantee)
Multi-Device Compatibility Up to 6 devices at once – Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, and more
Fast Streaming Faster streaming with a Wider server range & NordLynx Protocol.
Excellent Privacy Protect your connection with Military-grade encryption, Threat Protection, Double VPN, CyberSec, and No logs policy

NordVPN is another excellent option for Canadians wanting to access PBS. In my tests, it successfully unblocked the platform in Canada with no security issues.

In addition to PBS, NordVPN also enables access to other geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, such as HBO Max, Discovery Plus, Frndly TV, Crunchyroll, etc.


Why a VPN is Required to Watch PBS in Canada?

PBS is only available in the US due to licensing agreements and copyright restrictions, which is why a VPN is necessary to stream PBS in Canada.

A VPN can help by changing your virtual location from Canada to the US, masking your IP address.

This way, when you access PBS, your location will appear as if you’re in the US, granting you access to the platform. ExpressVPN is our top choice.


What to Watch on PBS?

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PBS is an online streaming service that has a wide range of educational drama, children’s viewing, art, culture, documentaries, international shows, historical series, and thought-provoking viewing.

Here’s a list of top movies/TV shows you can watch on PBPBS:


What are the Devices Supported by PBS?

Here is the list of devices that are compatible with PBS:

  • iPhone and iPad
  • Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K
  • Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Fire Stick
  • Android mobile and tablet
  • Android TV
  • Google TV streaming devices and TVs
  • Google Chromecast
  • Samsung Smart TV (2017 models and later)
  • VIZIO SmartCast TV
  • Roku

How to Watch PBS on Mobile Phone

In order to watch PBS on mobile, make sure you are connected to the US server of ExpressVPN. Now follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the PBS app for Android OR iPhone

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Step 2: Scroll down and click Download APK

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Step 3: Click Open

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Step 4: Click Dismiss

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Step 5: Select the Live TV option or any show

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Step 6: Click Play

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Step 7: Start streaming!

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Note: If it doesn’t start streaming, then change the station and stream!

Try ExpressVPN


Other Streaming Services to Watch in Canada

There are so many other online streaming services that are restricted in Canada. However, you can stream them in Canada with the help of a VPN.

Some of these streaming services are as follows:


Troubleshooting Playback Issues

If you’re experiencing stuttering, buffering, or videos not loading, here are some steps to improve streaming performance:

  1. Check Your Internet Speed: Slow connections may cause streaming issues. Run an internet speed test online to ensure you’re getting adequate speeds. A minimum of 500 Kbps is recommended for smooth playback.
  2. Switch Browsers or Use the PBS App: Different browsers handle video players differently. If you’re facing issues, try switching to another browser.
  3. Restart Your Device: Running too many processes on your device can affect video performance. Try restarting your device, browser, or app to refresh the system.
  4. Restart Your Network: Power down your modem and router for a minute, then turn them back on. Reconnect to the internet and recheck the video.
  5. Update Your Browser or PBS App: Make sure your browser is running the latest version, or uninstall and reinstall the PBS app to ensure you’re using the current version.
  6. Adjust the Streaming Rate: On pbs.org, you can reduce the streaming rate by clicking the gear icon in the video player. Lower kbps may reduce buffering but at the cost of video quality. This feature isn’t available on the PBS livestream or app, as they adjust based on your network speed.
  7. Contact Your ISP: If issues persist, your Internet Service Provider may be able to help troubleshoot ongoing service problems or check your router’s connection.
  8. Try Later: Temporary issues can sometimes be resolved by revisiting the video at a different time. Ensure your device and network are up to date to support seamless streaming.

FAQs – PBS

Is PBS free?

Yes, PBS is free for everyone. It’s a free-to-air service that only works in the US. Outside the US, you will need to use a VPN and connect to the US server.

Do I have to buy a PBS membership?

No, for PBS membership, all you need is to log in to the PBS and you will be able to access all of its shows and enjoy all the features. 

I’m trying to find a video but can’t seem to locate it on the PBS website or app.
If you can’t find a specific video on the PBS website or app, it could be due to: an alternate title, search term errors, the video not airing on PBS yet, or PBS lacking online streaming rights for that content. Use fewer words in the search query.

Is it necessary to sign up for PBS?

It is not necessary. But it is recommended to sign up for it because without it, you won’t be able to access all the shows and episodes. Your access will be limited to only some shows.

I’m looking to watch a PBS program that was aired but isn’t available online yet. What can I do?

Shows are typically available for streaming on PBS one day after their TV broadcast and remain online for about two weeks. Check PBS.org the day after a broadcast to see if the program is available for streaming.


Conclusion

PBS is a free streaming service where you can watch your favourite shows and movies. However, most of the content is only accessible in the US.

The only solution to watch PBS in Canada is with the help of a VPN e.g. ExpressVPN that can connect your device to the US server and change your IP address.

It easily bypasses geographical restrictions and helps access PBS outside the USA.

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