How to watch CBC in the USA in 2026
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CBC Gem is the streaming service of Canada's national public broadcaster, which delivers news, sports, and entertainment through its official website and CBC Gem streaming service. However, due to content licensing agreements, CBC and CBC Gem are only available to viewers in Canada, and anyone outside the country faces geo-restrictions.
The best solution is to use a VPN to access CBC Gem. A quality VPN masks your location by routing your connection through Canadian servers.
How to watch CBC in the USA with VPN
- Sign up for a VPN. I recommend NordVPN, now 75% OFF.
- Download and install the VPN app
- Connect to a server in Canada
- Go to the CBC Gem app or the CBC website and find the content you want to watch
- Enjoy the show.
What is the best VPN for CBC Gem?
- NordVPN – best VPN for watching CBC in the US
- Surfshark – budget-friendly VPN for international CBC streaming
- Proton VPN – best VPN with an unlimited free version
How a VPN can help you watch CBC in the US
CBC’s streaming content is only available to viewers within Canada due to licensing restrictions. When you try to access CBC from the US or any other country, the site detects your non-Canadian IP address and blocks the stream by showing an error message that says the content is unavailable in your region:
Using a reliable VPN can help you bypass CBC’s geo-restrictions by masking your real location and assigning you a Canadian IP address. This way, you can stream CBC Gem live and on-demand content from anywhere in the world as if you were in Canada.
How to get the CBC Gem app in the US
You can enjoy CBC in the USA or anywhere else in the world by using a VPN and connecting to a Canadian server.
If you want to watch CBC on Windows 11 or a Mac, the good news is, you don’t even need to download the app. You can access all of CBC’s content in your browser. Here’s how to do it:
- Download and install a VPN on your computer. Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free for this
- Connect to a server in Canada
- Go to the CBC Gem website
- If you still can’t access CBC content, try clearing your cookies and cache, and start again
- Find your favorite content and start streaming
If you want to watch CBC on your Android smartphone or tablet, all you need to do is follow these simple steps:
- Change your app store and phone locations to Canada
- Download and install the app for the VPN you have chosen. Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free for this, because it has a great Android app
- Create a new Google account and choose Canada as your country
- Open or install the CBC Gem app on your device from the Google Play Store
- Sit back, relax, and start watching your favorite CBC content
If you want to watch CBC from anywhere in the world, you can access it on your iPhone or iPad. Here’s how:
- Change your phone and app store locations to Canada
- Download and install the app for the VPN you want to use. Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free for this, because it has an app that works really well on iOS
- Create a new Apple ID and select Canada as your country
- Open or install the CBC Gem app on your iPhone or iPad from the Apple App Store (or from alternative stores like AltStore PAL if you’re in the EU)
- Start watching your favorite CBC TV shows
Using a VPN to watch CBC on a streaming stick means that you will be able to enjoy all your favorite CBC content on the TV. We have put together a guide to the best VPNs for streaming if you want to check it out. Below, I’ll talk you through how to do this on some of the most popular streaming sticks available.
However, it’s essential to point out that the easiest way to watch CBC on streaming devices is to set up a VPN connection on your router. For that, we have comprehensive instructions on how to install a VPN on a Wi-Fi router.
Roku doesn’t support VPN apps. But, you can still connect it to a VPN via your Wi-Fi router, which will mask your IP address. Here’s how to do it:
- Sign up for a reliable VPN with plenty of Canadian servers to choose from. Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free for this
- Use your VPN guides to set it up on your Wi-Fi router
- Connect to a server in Canada
- Insert your Roku stick into the HDMI port on your smart TV
- Turn on your TV and choose CBC on the Roku home screen
- Search for your favorite TV shows, and enjoy streaming
It’s really easy to watch CBC on Kodi. But like Roku, Kodi doesn’t support VPN apps. However, there is a very simple way around this. Just follow these steps:
- Check that you have OpenVPN installed. If your Kodi is running on LibreELEC and OpenELEC, you should already have OpenVPN pre-installed
- Download and install your VPN. Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free for this
- Add your VPN to your Kodi device. You can do this by downloading the VPN onto your computer, saving the software onto a USB stick, and then inserting it into your Kodi device
- You will then need to go to Settings, choose System Settings, and then select Add-ons on your Kodi device. Switch on Unknown Sources. You will then be able to download the VPN software onto your Kodi
- Once this is done, connect to a server in Canada
- Switch on your TV and go to Kodi's home screen
- Install the CBC add-on to your Kodi
- Enjoy watching everything CBC has to offer
Another way you can get a VPN to work with your Kodi is to connect your VPN to your Wi-Fi router. Then you will be able to access Canadian servers from wherever you are.
Here's how to set up a VPN on your Apple TV:
- Choose a VPN provider that supports Apple TV apps.. Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free for this
- Open the App Store on your Apple TV and search for your chosen VPN app
- Download and install the app
- Launch the VPN app, sign in, and connect to a Canadian server
- Download and install the CBC Gem app from the App Store
- Sit back, relax, and enjoy watching your favorite CBC content
Best VPNs to watch CBC Gem in the US – detailed review
If you want to bypass geo-blocks and watch CBC from the US or anywhere else, I recommend using one of the VPNs from my detailed list.
1. NordVPN – best VPN for watching CBC in the US
| Servers in Canada: | 9,500+ servers in 149 countries |
| Unblocks CBC Gem and CBC: | ✅ Yes |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Coupons: | Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN is my favorite choice for unblocking region restrictions, allowing me to watch CBC from outside Canada. During NordVPN testing, some of the available 9,500 servers in 149 countries unblocked content on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, including CBC.
And if your online privacy is important to you, you’ll be pleased to know that NordVPN boasts an extensive range of security features to protect your data from online hackers and other third parties. It operates a strict no-logs policy and has completed 6 no-logs assurance assessments, the most recent one at the beginning of 2026.
NordVPN is also very reasonably priced, with costs starting at just $3.49/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark – good-value VPN for international CBC streaming
| Servers in Canada: | 170+ |
| Unblocks CBC Gem and CBC: | ✅ Yes |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Coupons: | Surfshark coupon 85% OFF |
If you’re looking for an even cheaper VPN to unblock CBC’s region restrictions so you can watch it in the US, you’ll struggle to find a better option than Surfshark. In addition to an already low price, you can use the Surfshark promo code "OFFCN" – excellent for users on a tight budget. With 4,500 servers in over 100 countries, it easily bypasses regional restrictions. During Surfshark testing, I could access Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and CBC without issues.
Better still, it delivers superfast speeds with its WireGuard tunneling protocol, which makes it ideal for buffer-free streaming. And, unlike most other VPNs at this price point, it comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use it on as many devices as you like at the same time. Surfshark also released its second no-logs assurance report in June 2025, independently verified by Deloitte.
For all this, Surfshark is incredibly good value for money, with prices starting at just $2.49 a month. And it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out.
3. Proton VPN – reliable VPN with a free plan
| Servers in Canada: | Undisclosed |
| Unblocks CBC Gem and CBC: | ✅ Yes |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Coupons: | Proton VPN coupon 70% OFF |
Proton VPN is a reliable and privacy-focused VPN that can help you watch CBC Gem from anywhere in the world. With over 20,300 servers in 148 countries, including multiple Canadian servers, you can easily bypass CBC’s geo-restrictions without trouble. During my tests, Proton VPN also unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and Disney+.
Proton VPN encrypts your data with AES-256 encryption and includes features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and advanced tools like NetShield and Secure Core to keep your connection safe. Its no-logs policy was most recently audited in July 2024.
Pricing starts at $2.99/month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans. Proton VPN also offers a free plan with unlimited data with servers in Canada.
Final thoughts
If you want to watch CBC Gem in the US or anywhere else outside Canada, you can do this really easily with a good VPN, like NordVPN. This will allow you to connect to a Canadian server so that you can bypass CBC’s region restrictions.
But beyond this, a VPN is a vital tool for protecting your online privacy. It does this by encrypting your data to keep your activity safe from cybercriminals and other third parties. It will also protect your data if you connect to public Wi-Fi.
FAQs
Why is CBC Gem unavailable in the US?
CBC Gem is unavailable in the US due to licensing agreements and content rights. These agreements restrict access to the app and website, making it only available to users in Canada.
Can I access CBC in the US using a VPN?
Yes, you can access CBC by using a reliable VPN while connecting to a server in Canada. This will help you bypass CBC’s location restrictions and let you watch all the CBC content you like. Just install NordVPN or another reputable VPN. To find out how, follow our simple step-by-step guide in the section above.
Can I watch Hockey Night in Canada on CBC with a VPN?
Yes, Hockey Night in Canada is broadcast on CBC, and you can watch it live on CBC Gem. If you’re outside Canada, you’ll need a VPN like NordVPN with Canadian servers to bypass geo-blocks and stream the games.
Can I stream CBC Gem for free with a VPN?
Yes, CBC Gem offers a free plan that lets you watch live TV and on-demand shows, but it includes ads. If you use a VPN to connect to a Canadian server, you can access the free version of CBC Gem from anywhere in the world.
