Bitcoin ETFs: Canadian Crypto ETFs in 2026

Learn about Bitcoin ETFs in Canada, including what Bitcoin ETFs are, how Bitcoin ETFs work, how to buy Bitcoin ETFs, and the best Bitcoin ETFs in Canada. 🇨🇦

Best Bitcoin ETFs in Canada

Purpose Bitcoin ETF (BTCC)

Launched in February 2021, this was the world’s first physically settled Bitcoin ETF. It holds actual Bitcoin in offline cold storage. With strong liquidity and pioneering status, it’s a go‑to for many investors, even though its fee is slightly higher than many Canadian-based Bitcoin ETFs.

CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCX.B)

Introduced in March 2021 through a partnership between Galaxy Digital and CI Global, this ETF also holds real Bitcoin offline. It features one of the lowest fees in the space at about 0.40% and has built a reputation for institutional-grade security and low cost.

Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF (FBTC)

Debuting in November 2021, this ETF uses Fidelity’s own cold‑storage custody infrastructure. Initially charging around 0.39%, Fidelity lowered the fee to roughly 0.32% in early 2025, making it one of the cheapest fully settled Bitcoin ETFs available.

3iQ CoinShares Bitcoin ETF (BTCQ)

Also launched in March 2021, this ETF tracks Bitcoin priced in U.S. dollars. Like the others, it stores real Bitcoin securely offline. It has a management fee of around 1.00%, positioning it in the higher‑fee segment of Canadian Bitcoin ETFs.

Evolve Bitcoin ETF (EBIT)

Appearing just a week after Purpose’s ETF in 2021, Evolve partnered with custody specialists like Gemini and Cidel to hold actual Bitcoin. It uses the CME CF benchmark rate for pricing and charges about 0.75%, making it a middle-of-the-road cost option.

What are Bitcoin ETFs?

Bitcoin ETFs are investment funds that let you gain exposure to Bitcoin without buying or storing the cryptocurrency yourself. In Canada, there are two main types of crypto-related funds:

• Physically settled ETFs: hold actual crypto, like Bitcoin or Ether, in insured cold storage. These include the ones listed above.

• Futures‑based ETFs: more common in the U.S., these funds invest in Bitcoin futures rather than holding the asset directly.

• Crypto mutual funds or trusts: earlier structures like GBTC that trade with wider spreads and less liquidity.

The key differences involve custody (real crypto vs. derivatives), fee structure, price tracking precision, and liquidity.

How do Bitcoin ETFs work?

A Bitcoin ETF pools investor money to buy and store real Bitcoin securely, usually offline in cold storage. The ETF issues shares that trade on the TSX just like any stock or normal ETF.

Shares transparently track Bitcoin’s price (minus fees). You can buy or sell anytime during market hours through your regular brokerage account, just like trading Apple or Tesla stock; no crypto exchange, no private keys, no wallet needed.

Who regulates Bitcoin ETFs in Canada?

• Federal regulator: The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) coordinates national rules. In January 2025, the CSA finalized amendments to NI 81‑102, clarifying how public crypto asset funds invest, hold, and report on crypto assets. Custody standards, annual audit reports, and investment limits are all codified.

• Provincial regulators: Each province’s securities commission (e.g., Ontario’s OSC, Quebec’s AMF) reviews ETF prospectuses and ensures firms comply with local laws. They also participate in CSA coordination. Canadian regulators approved the first spot Bitcoin ETF in February 2021.

Together, the CSA and provincial commissions make sure these ETFs meet high custody, disclosure, and risk management standards.

Read next: Crypto Tax Canada Guide

How to buy Bitcoin ETFs in Canada

1. Open a Canadian brokerage account using a platform such as Questrade, RBC Direct Investing, or TD Direct Investing.

2. Fund your account with Canadian dollars.

3. Search for the ETF ticker (e.g., BTCC, BTCX.B, FBTC).

4. Place a buy order, choosing market or limit orders as usual.

5. You can hold these ETFs in registered plans like a TFSA or RRSP, or in non‑registered accounts.

6. View and monitor your holdings through your brokerage platform—there’s no crypto wallet or exchange needed.

Are Bitcoin ETFs a safe investment?

As with all financial investments, there are both benefits and risks with Bitcoin ETFs.

Benefits:

• Access Bitcoin without self-custody risk

• Traded on regulated exchanges, following familiar ETF mechanics.

• Often more liquid and better priced than older crypto trusts.

• Some funds offer very low fees (e.g., Fidelity's at ~0.32%).

Risks:

• Bitcoin is highly volatile.

• Fees vary significantly across funds and can erode returns.

• Market risk remains speculative; crypto can decouple from traditional asset performance.

• Lower-fee funds may have lower volume or newer track records, impacting liquidity or confidence.

In short, Bitcoin ETFs reduce operational risk but not market risk. They aren’t conservative equity or bond investments, and your capital is still exposed to crypto’s price behavior.

Read next: Is Crypto a Good Investment?

Can you buy a Bitcoin ETF in a TFSA?

Yes. You can hold eligible Canadian Bitcoin ETFs inside a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or RRSP. That’s a major advantage over buying crypto directly, which generally isn’t permitted in registered accounts. Gains inside your TFSA aren’t taxed at all.

For example, turning a hypothetical gain on Bitcoin into a TFSA-held Bitcoin ETF versus holding actual crypto could result in thousands of dollars more in after-tax value.

If you’re looking for simple exposure to Bitcoin on a tax-efficient basis, using these ETFs in registered accounts is a popular choice.

Don't forget the tax bill...

If you've got gains from your Bitcoin ETF investments or crypto investments, the CRA wants its cut. For crypto taxes, Koinly can help. It's a crypto tax calculator that helps you easily calculate your gains, losses, income, and more, as well as generates CRA reports like the Schedule 3.