Best Bitcoin ETFs in Canada 2026: Top Rated & Lowest Fees

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Written by W, Leah
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Reviewed by BTCC
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Last updated: 04/20/2026 10:30

With bitcoin continuing to dominate the headlines, Canadian investors have plenty of opportunities to gain exposure to the leading cryptocurrency, such as investing in BTC stocks, BTC ETFs. In this article, we will introduces the second method for Canadian investors: Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs.

With Canada at the forefront of regulated crypto investment, selecting the optimal Bitcoin ETF is paramount for achieving tax-efficient growth. Whether you are investing through a TFSA or an RRSP, our BTCC‘s ’analysis of the top Canadian Bitcoin ETFs can help you minimize fees and maximize exposure in 2026.

Table of Contents

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What is a Bitcoin ETF?

Just like its name, a Bitcoin ETF represents a category of investment funds designed to track the price movements of Bitcoin without requiring investors to directly hold the digital asset. Instead, investors can purchase shares of these ETFs through traditional brokerage accounts, providing them with exposure to Bitcoin’s price fluctuations.

Bitcoin ETFs work as a bridge for traditional investors to get exposure to Bitcoin without the complexities of directly holding cryptocurrency. These financial instruments track the price of Bitcoin, enabling investors to buy and sell shares through conventional stock exchanges. The appeal of Bitcoin ETFs lies in their ability to provide a regulated, secure, and accessible investment avenue into the evolving world of cryptocurrencies.

A Bitcoin ETF has developed a rapidly expanding category among investors who favor the convenience and liquidity associated with direct investment through an ETF. Notably, unlike in many other countries, Bitcoin ETFs are not a new concept in Canada. The country made history in 2021 by becoming one of the first to approve spot Bitcoin ETFs, offering investors a regulated and convenient way to gain exposure to Bitcoin.

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How Bitcoin ETFs Work?

Cryptocurrency tokens are minted to represent the value of Bitcoin. The ETF then issues shares that reflect the amount of Bitcoin it holds, and these shares are traded on traditional stock exchanges such as the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) in Canada.

The Bitcoin ETF is designed to reflect the current market price of Bitcoin, tracking its price as closely as possible. Occasionally, the underlying tokens are bought or sold to rebalance the holdings. Financial institutions that offer spot Bitcoin ETFs create or redeem ETF shares based on market demand. They can also create or redeem shares in large quantities if the ETF is selling at a premium or discount compared to Bitcoin itself. This enables the ETF’s shares to more closely align with the actual price of Bitcoin on the cryptocurrency market.

Meanwhile, the Bitcoins that underlie the value of the ETF are held in a secure digital vault. These are purchased by a fund custodian from other holders or an approved cryptocurrency exchange. For investors, buying a spot Bitcoin ETF is similar to buying other ETFs and securities. If you wish to invest in a spot Bitcoin ETF in Canada, you can do so through a financial adviser or an online self-directed investment brokerage. Market makers constantly buy and sell Bitcoin ETFs on behalf of investors, which keeps the market liquid — meaning the price of Bitcoin ETFs fluctuates throughout the day. Both ETFs and mutual funds are pooled investments, but ETFs are traded in real time like a stock, while mutual fund orders are based on the day’s closing prices.

Pros and Cons of Investing in Bitcoin ETFs

The best Bitcoin ETFs offer a easy and cheap way to buy and sell the cryptocurrency through an online broker rather than through the potentially riskier process of using a cryptocurrency exchange. However, just like any other investment method, investing Bitcoin ETFs also carries its own risks. Before investing in Bitcoin ETFs, you should be full aware of the advantages and disadvantages of this investment class, which is set as below:

Investing in Bitcoin ETFs Pros of Investing Bitcoin ETFs Cons of Investing Bitcoin ETFs
  • Easy investment method: for institutional and retail investors alike, a Bitcoin ETF provides a simple, easy way to invest in Bitcoin. For the average individual, buying and holding Bitcoin requires some research and technical knowledge. However, investing Bitcoin ETF is much simpler as Investors only need to simply buy and hold shares in their brokerage or retirement accounts.
  • Security: traditional financial institutions provide some sense of security as they are governed by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). However, in the case of hack accident for a cryptocurrency exchange, there’s no oversight whatsoever. What’s more, large financial institutions are still largely known and trusted in Canada based on reputation alone, while cryptocurrency exchanges are still looked at with skepticism and suspicion by the mainstream.
  • Diversification: ETFs can hold more than one investment, giving your portfolio diversity and mitigating your investment risk across many sectors.
  • Volatility: investing in Bitcoin ETFs, whether spot or futures-based, always involves exposure to the inherent volatility of the underlying cryptocurrency. This volatility can lead to significant price fluctuations. While Bitcoin ETFs provide a more accessible methods to investing in Bitcoin, they do not protect investors from the market’s high volatility.
  • Inaccuracy: the rise in Bitcoin’s price may not be accurately reflected in a spot Bitcoin ETF because an ETF can also hold other assets in a bid to diversify an investor’s portfolio. This inaccuracy can affect the investment’s performance comparing to holding Bitcoin directly.
  • Management fees: for their convenience, Bitcoin ETFs charge management fees just like any other ETF. If investors are invested in multiple Bitcoin ETFs or ETFs in general, these costs can add up.
  • Regulatory uncertainty: cryptocurrency market is still changing, and changes in regulations can impact the legality, trading, and valuation of Bitcoin ETFs. For example, future regulatory developments may impact the operational aspects of these ETFs, such as custody and compliance requirements, potentially affecting their performance and accessibility.

Best Bitcoin ETFs In Canada For 2026

After introduce the basic knowledge about Bitcoin ETFs. Next, we will introduce four best Bitcoin ETFs in Canada for 2026 based on our analysis.

CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF

Launched in 2021, the CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF is an exchange-traded fund designed to track Bitcoin’s price performance. It is managed by CI Galaxy Digital Asset Management, a company specializing in digital asset management and investment. The ETF offers investors a way to gain exposure to Bitcoin without having to directly participate in the trading and storage of the cryptocurrency, while providing some liquidity and price transparency.

It is one of the best Bitcoin ETFs in Canada thanks to its low fee of 0.4%. Aiming to give investors exposure to Bitcoin via a fund platform of institutional quality, the CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF is one of the largest Bitcoin ETFs in Canada in terms of assets under management, and one of the best performing.

Purpose Bitcoin ETF

The Purpose Bitcoin ETF, billed as the world’s first physically settled Bitcoin ETF, launched in February 2021. It is backed by Bitcoin in cold storage. This means that investors can buy and sell Bitcoin through the fund without needing a digital wallet.

The Purpose Bitcoin ETF is a passively managed cryptocurrency fund by Purpose Investments, which manages 69 other funds in Canada with a total of $7.375 billion in assets under management. With a management expense ratio of 1.5 percent, the Purpose Bitcoin ETF provides investors with a way to invest in Bitcoin as if they were buying shares.

3iQ Coinshares Bitcoin ETF

Launched in 2021, the 3iQ CoinShares Bitcoin ETF tracks the price movement of Bitcoin in US dollar terms, and holds its Bitcoin assets in cold storage with no digital wallet required. This ETF comes with a management fee of 1%, which is relative higher. The 3iQ CoinShares Bitcoin ETF seeks to provide unit holders with (a) exposure to the digital currency Bitcoin and the daily price movements of the U.S. dollar price of Bitcoin, and (b) the opportunity for long-term capital appreciation by investing in long-term holdings of Bitcoin.

3iQ CoinShares Bitcoin ETF was launched to meet the growing investment demand for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, while also providing investors with a more convenient and secure way to invest. By buying ETF shares, investors can enjoy the potential gains of the Bitcoin market while avoiding the risks that come with holding Bitcoin directly, such as storage security, price volatility, etc. Currently, 3iQ Coinshares Bitcoin ETF’s consensus rating is “Strong Sell” based on 0 analysts according to Zacks.

Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF

Launched in November 2021, the Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF is the newest Bitcoin fund compared with above-mentioned. It offers the security of Fidelity’s in-house cold storage services for its holdings. This ETF is designed to provide investors with a convenient way to invest in Bitcoin without directly participating in the trading and storage of the cryptocurrency.

This ETF now charges the lowest management fee for a Bitcoin ETF in Canada. This ETF lowered it in January 2025 to an ultra-low management fee of 0.32 percent in an effort to compete with the lower fees of U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs. Besides, it has fewer assets under management than other Bitcoin ETFs listed in Canada.

Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF

The Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF uses a covered call strategy to generate income for investors. This involves selling call options on Bitcoin. These call options give the buyer the right to purchase an asset at a specific price on or before a certain date.

This structure enables the fund to generate income from option premiums while offering investors exposure to Bitcoin price fluctuations. Distributions are paid monthly, and the fund has a management fee of 1.1 percent.

Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF trades under three ticker symbols:

  • BTCY.TO – priced in Canadian dollars but hedged against US dollar price fluctuations
  • BTCY.B – priced in Canadian dollars, unhedged
  • BTCY.U.TO – priced in US dollars

Notably, Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF generates a yield, paying approximately 8% (this can vary significantly throughout the year). Like a dividend yield, this will vary based on the price of Bitcoin and the performance of the “covered calls”. If Canadian investors want income by investing in Bitcoin, Bitcoin Yield ETF  can be a viable choice.

Evolve Bitcoin ETF

The Evolve Bitcoin ETF (EBIT) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) for Bitcoin, launched by Evolve Funds Group. To launch the Evolve Bitcoin ETF, Evolve ETFs partnered with cryptocurrency experts including Gemini Trust Company, CF Benchmarks, Cidel Bank & Trust, and CIBC Mellon Global Services.

Launched a week after the Purpose Bitcoin ETF, the value of its Bitcoin holdings is based on the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate — a daily benchmark price for Bitcoin in US dollars.

As of 12 December 2025, the Evolve Bitcoin ETF had performed quite well with a one-year return of 167.95%. However, it also has the highest fees of any Bitcoin ETF on this list, with a management fee of 0.75% and an impressive management expense ratio of 2.17%. As one of the most important Bitcoin investment vehicles in the Canadian market, the Evolve Bitcoin ETF provides investors with a convenient and efficient way to invest in Bitcoin.

Top Canadian Bitcoin ETFs Fee Comparison 2026

The following table provides a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the top-performing Canadian Bitcoin ETFs, focusing on their fund managers, fee structures, and current market scale to help you make an informed investment decision for your TFSA or RRSP portfolio.

Fund Name Fund Manager Ticker (TSX) Management Fee Management Expense Ratio (MER) Assets Under Management (AUM)
Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF Fidelity Investments Canada FBTC / FBTC.U 0.40% ~0.44% $1.345 Billion
CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF CI Global Asset Management BTCX.B / BTCX.U 0.40% ~0.68% $847.36 Million
Purpose Bitcoin ETF Purpose Investments BTCC / BTCC.U 1.00% ~1.50% (Capped) $2.20 Billion
3iQ CoinShares Bitcoin ETF 3iQ Corp. BTCQ / BTCQ.U 1.00% ~1.29% $240.63 Million
Evolve Bitcoin ETF Evolve Funds Group EBIT / EBIT.U 0.75% ~1.05% $115.00 Million
Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF Purpose Investments BTCY / BTCY.U 1.10% ~1.92% $62.00 Million

Bitcoin ETF vs. Bitcoin: Which One is Better?

Owning a share of a Bitcoin ETF is not the same as owning Bitcoin. Lte’s see the difference.

Bitcoin Bitcoin ETF
Type of asset The cryptocurrency itself Shares in a fund that holds BTC
Can you use it in transactions? Yes No
Ownership Full control and ownership Managed by a third party
Autonomy 100% decentralized Financial institutions acting as middlemen
Security You are responsible for security. The ETF provider is responsible for security.
Tax advantage Cannot be added to most retirement accounts (can be held in a self-directed IRA). Can be added to most retirement accounts.
Fees No fees for holding BTC Annual fees (typically below 0.5% a year)

Whether you invest in a Bitcoin ETF or BTC comes down to personal preference.

 Buy a Bitcoin ETF Buy Bitcoin
  • You want an easy way to enter the crypto market.
  • You’re not comfortable being responsible for the security of your BTC.
  • You don’t plan to use BTC for transactions and are mostly interested in potential monetary gain.
  • You want to hold Bitcoin in your retirement account (and you don’t want to use a self-directed IRA).
  • You value decentralization and direct control over your wealth.
  • You want to use BTC for transactions.
  • You feel comfortable storing and managing your BTC.
  • You don’t want to pay annual fees (usually less than 0.5%) for holding a Bitcoin ETF.

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Conclusion

In Canada, a country with wide acceptance of Bitcoin ETFs, investing in Bitcoin ETFs is not too difficult. After analysis, the best Bitcoin ETFs we list for Canadians to trade in 2026 include CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF, Purpose Bitcoin ETF, 3iQ Coinshares Bitcoin ETF, Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF, Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF and Evolve Bitcoin ETF.

Investing in Bitcoin ETFs offers a convenient and regulated way to gain exposure to the Bitcoin market, but it also comes with significant risks and uncertainties. Investors should carefully consider their risk tolerance, investment goals, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of investing in Bitcoin ETFs before making any investment decision regarding Bitcoin ETFs.

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FAQs

Does Canada have a crypto ETF?

Many online brokers, such as TD Direct Investing, allow you to filter, research, buy and sell crypto ETFs in the same way as traditional ETFs. Canadian investors can also hold crypto ETFs in registered accounts, including the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA).

What are the best Canadian bitcoin ETFs?

the Best Canadian Bitcoin ETFs In 2026 include CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF, Purpose Bitcoin ETF, 3iQ Coinshares Bitcoin ETF, Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF, Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF and Evolve Bitcoin ETF.

How to Select the Best Bitcoin ETFs in Canada?

When selecting the best Bitcoin ETFs in Canada, there are several metrics that you need to consider, like fees, performance (one year), assets under management, investing strategy, etc.

Are Bitcoin ETFs a Good Investment in Canada?

All investments inherently entail a level of risk, yet the risk profile associated with Bitcoin ETFs stands exceptionally high, primarily attributed to the volatility inherent in Bitcoin. Consequently, investors ought to anticipate significant fluctuations in the share price of their Bitcoin ETF during the investment holding period. It is crucial to allocate only funds that you can comfortably afford to lose, as losses cannot be guaranteed to be avoided. Furthermore, it is highly advisable to consult with a qualified investment advisor prior to making any investment decisions, ensuring a well-informed and prudent approach to your investments.

Are Bitcoin ETFs in Canada tax-free?

Yes, if held within a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), any capital gains from Canadian Bitcoin ETFs are sheltered from taxes, unlike direct crypto holdings.

Is it better to buy Bitcoin or a Bitcoin ETF?

Bitcoin ETFs are ideal for investors seeking regulatory protection and tax benefits (TFSA/RRSP). However, buying direct Bitcoin allows for 24/7 trading and self-custody.

What is the best platform in Canada to buy bitcoin?

BTCC is the best crypto exchange in Canada. This platform is excellent for Canadians looking for a reliable and secure cryptocurrency exchange.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute investment, legal, or any other professional advice. The content does not represent the official position of BTCC and should not be interpreted as an endorsement or recommendation of any specific product or service.
Please be aware that all investments involve risk, including the potential loss of part or all of your invested capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should ensure that you fully understand the risks involved and consider seeking independent professional advice suited to your individual circumstances before making any decision.
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