12 Best Crypto ETFs in Canada for June 2025

Cryptocurrency has firmly entered the mainstream investment landscape, and Canadian investors now have regulated, accessible ways to gain exposure through crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These funds offer a secure and familiar way to invest in digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum without managing private keys or navigating volatile crypto exchanges.

While the crypto market remains highly volatile — as evidenced by the $1 trillion sector-wide loss in early 2022 — demand for crypto ETFs in Canada continues to grow. This guide explores the top 12 crypto ETFs available in Canada, helping you make informed decisions based on fees, performance, structure, and unique features.

What Are Crypto ETFs?

A crypto ETF (exchange-traded fund) allows investors to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies through a traditional brokerage account. Instead of buying and storing digital coins directly, investors purchase shares in a fund that holds the underlying crypto assets, typically stored in secure cold storage.

Most Canadian crypto ETFs focus on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) — the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. These funds track the price of the asset minus management fees and are traded like stocks on major exchanges such as the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).

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Pros and Cons of Crypto ETFs

Before diving into specific funds, it’s essential to understand the advantages and drawbacks of investing in crypto via ETFs.

Pros

• Tax Efficiency: Crypto ETFs can be held in tax-advantaged accounts like TFSAs and RRSPs, shielding gains from capital gains tax.
• Simplified Access: No need to manage wallets, private keys, or exchange accounts.
• Security: Assets are stored in institutional-grade cold storage, reducing hacking risks.
• Portfolio Integration: Easily combine crypto exposure with traditional investments under one account.

Cons

• Management Fees: ETFs charge MERs (Management Expense Ratios), which eat into returns.
• Bid-Ask Spreads: Trading costs apply when buying and selling ETF shares.
• No Direct Ownership: You don’t own the actual cryptocurrency, so you miss out on staking rewards or decentralized finance (DeFi) opportunities.

Given these trade-offs, crypto ETFs are best suited for investors who prioritize convenience, security, and tax optimization over direct control.

Top Crypto ETFs in Canada

Below is a curated list of the 12 best crypto ETFs available to Canadian investors, categorized by asset focus.

Best Bitcoin ETFs in Canada

1. CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCX-B.TO)

• Ticker: BTCX-B.TO
• Inception Date: March 5, 2021
• AUM: $230.5 million
• MER: 0.85%
• Management Fee: 0.40%
• YTD Return: 41.69%
• Cold Storage: Yes

CI Galaxy’s BTCX is one of the lowest-cost Bitcoin ETFs in Canada, making it ideal for cost-conscious investors. It tracks Bitcoin’s price directly and offers a US-dollar share class (BTCX.U), enabling seamless integration into USD-denominated portfolios.

2. Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF (FBTC.TO)

• Ticker: FBTC.TO
• Inception Date: November 30, 2021
• AUM: $175.07 million
• MER: 0.96%
• Management Fee: 0.00%
• YTD Return: 41.71%
• Cold Storage: Yes

Fidelity’s offering stands out with a zero management fee and competitive MER. While smaller in assets under management, it’s a strong contender for long-term investors seeking low-cost exposure.

3. 3iQ CoinShares Bitcoin ETF (BTCQ.TO)

• Ticker: BTCQ.TO
• Inception Date: March 31, 2021
• AUM: $221.17 million
• MER: 1.25%
• Management Fee: 1.00%
• YTD Return: 40.9%

BTCQ is one of Canada’s first Bitcoin ETFs and remains popular despite higher fees. It’s suitable for investors who prioritize brand recognition over cost efficiency.

4. Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF (BTCY-B.TO)

• Ticker: BTCY-B.TO
• Inception Date: November 30, 2021
• AUM: $37.33 million
• MER: 1.28%
• Distribution Yield: 9.26% (monthly)

Unlike most Bitcoin ETFs, BTCY generates income through a covered call strategy. It’s the only income-focused Bitcoin ETF in Canada — ideal for investors seeking passive returns.

5. Purpose Bitcoin ETF (BTCC-B.TO)

• Ticker: BTCC-B.TO
• Inception Date: February 11, 2021
• AUM: $1.4 billion
• MER: 1.49%
• YTD Return: 40.9%

BTCC is the largest Bitcoin ETF in Canada by assets. It offers multiple share classes, including a carbon-offset version (BTCC.J.TO), appealing to ESG-focused investors.

6. Ninepoint Bitcoin ETF (BITC.TO)

• Ticker: BITC.TO
• Inception Date: January 27, 2021
• AUM: $19.4 million
• MER: 1.45%

Ninepoint’s fund tracks Bitcoin’s price with zero management fee but carries a high MER. It also offsets carbon emissions from its holdings.

7. Evolve Bitcoin ETF (EBIT.TO)

• Ticker: EBIT.TO
• Inception Date: February 17, 2021
• AUM: $62.6 million
• MER: 1.82%

Evolve’s EBIT has the highest MER on this list, making it less competitive despite solid performance and cold storage security.

Best Ethereum ETFs in Canada

8. CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF (ETHX-B.TO)

• Ticker: ETHX-B.TO
• Inception Date: April 16, 2021
• AUM: $469.59 million
• MER: 0.74%
• YTD Return: 9.98%

ETHX is the lowest-cost Ethereum ETF in Canada and one of the largest. It’s a top choice for investors seeking efficient ETH exposure.

9. Purpose Ether ETF (ETHH-B.TO)

• Ticker: ETHH-B.TO
• Inception Date: April 16, 2021
• AUM: $162.4 million
• MER: 1.48%

Purpose offers multiple share classes, including a carbon-offset version, making it ideal for responsible investors.

10. Evolve Ether ETF (ETHR.TO)

• Ticker: ETHR.TO
• Inception Date: April 19, 2021
• AUM: $47.6 million
• MER: 1.23%

ETHR provides straightforward Ethereum exposure but at a higher cost compared to CI’s offering.

11. 3iQ CoinShares Ether ETF (ETHQ.TO)

• Ticker: ETHQ.TO
• Inception Date: April 19, 2021
• AUM: $28.82 million
• MER: 1.25%

ETHQ is the smallest and second-most expensive Ethereum ETF, limiting its appeal despite solid custody practices.

Best Mixed Crypto ETF in Canada

12. Evolve Cryptocurrencies ETF (ETC.TO)

• Ticker: ETC.TO
• Inception Date: September 29, 2021
• AUM: $26.66 million
• MER: 1.68%

ETC is the only Canadian ETF offering exposure to both Bitcoin and Ethereum through underlying holdings in EBIT and ETHR. While convenient, its high fees may make direct investment in individual ETFs more cost-effective.

Are Crypto ETFs Worth the Fees?

The value of a crypto ETF largely depends on your investment strategy and account type.

👉 See how tax-efficient crypto investing can boost your long-term returns.

If you're using a TFSA or RRSP, holding a crypto ETF allows you to avoid capital gains tax on appreciation — a major advantage over direct ownership in a non-registered account.

However, if you're investing outside tax-sheltered accounts, buying crypto directly may be cheaper due to lower transaction costs and no recurring MERs.

Strategies for Adding Crypto ETFs to Your Portfolio

Treat crypto as a speculative allocation — typically no more than 5–10% of your total portfolio. A well-diversified portfolio should include equities, fixed income, alternatives, and cash.

While crypto once showed low correlation with traditional markets, recent volatility has shown it can fall alongside equities during market stress.

Regulatory Aspects of Crypto ETFs

Canada’s regulatory environment for crypto ETFs is among the most progressive globally. The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and IIROC enforce strict rules on:

• Transparency in asset holdings and valuation
• Secure custody, usually via cold storage
• Comprehensive risk disclosure due to market volatility

These safeguards help protect investors while fostering innovation.

The Future of Crypto ETFs

Crypto ETFs are just the beginning of digital asset integration into traditional finance. Future developments may include:

• ETFs focused on DeFi, NFTs, or blockchain sectors
• Funds offering staking rewards
• Global cross-listings for broader access

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I hold crypto ETFs in my TFSA?
A: Yes, most Canadian crypto ETFs are eligible for TFSAs and RRSPs, allowing tax-free growth.

Q: Do crypto ETFs pay dividends?
A: Most do not, except for income-focused funds like Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF (BTCY), which uses covered calls to generate monthly payouts.

Q: Are crypto ETFs safer than buying Bitcoin directly?
A: Yes — assets are held in regulated custodial cold storage, reducing risks associated with personal wallets or exchanges.

Q: How do management fees impact returns?
A: Higher MERs reduce long-term gains. For example, a 1.5% MER means you pay $15 annually per $1,000 invested.

Q: Can I buy US-dollar versions of these ETFs?
A: Yes — many offer USD share classes (e.g., BTCX.U, ETHX.U), ideal for US-dollar accounts.

Q: What happens if the ETF provider goes bankrupt?
A: Your investment is protected because assets are held separately in trust — not owned by the fund manager.

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