12 Best Crypto ETFs in Canada for June 2025

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Cryptocurrency has become a mainstream investment option, and Canadian investors now have regulated, accessible ways to gain exposure through crypto ETFs. These exchange-traded funds offer a secure, tax-efficient alternative to buying digital assets directly—without the need to manage private keys or navigate crypto exchanges.

While the crypto market remains highly volatile—as evidenced by the sector losing $1 trillion in value in early 2022—investor interest in Canadian crypto ETFs has remained strong. This guide explores the top 12 crypto ETFs available in Canada, focusing on key factors like fees, performance, structure, and suitability for long-term portfolios.

What Are Crypto ETFs?

Crypto ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) are investment vehicles that track the price of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Instead of purchasing and storing digital assets yourself, you buy shares in a fund that holds the underlying cryptocurrency in secure cold storage.

These ETFs trade on major stock exchanges like the TSX, making them easy to buy and sell through any brokerage account. They also allow investors to hold crypto within tax-advantaged accounts such as TFSAs and RRSPs—offering a strategic advantage over direct ownership.

Currently, most Canadian crypto ETFs focus on Bitcoin and Ethereum, with a few offering mixed exposure to both.

Pros and Cons of Crypto ETFs

Before diving into specific funds, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of investing via ETFs versus holding crypto directly.

✅ Advantages

❌ Drawbacks

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Best Bitcoin ETFs in Canada

Bitcoin remains the dominant digital asset, and several ETFs provide pure-play exposure. Here are the top options:

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

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 both CAD and USD share classes (BTCX-B.TO and BTCX.U.TO). The fund uses Galaxy Digital’s custody solutions for secure offline storage.

With solid liquidity and minimal fees, BTCX is a top choice for long-term Bitcoin exposure.

2. Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF (FBTC.TO)

Fidelity’s FBTC offers competitive pricing with no management fee and a relatively low MER. While smaller in size than some peers, it benefits from Fidelity’s strong reputation and infrastructure. The USD version (FBTC.U.TO) allows seamless integration into U.S. dollar portfolios.

FBTC is an excellent option for investors seeking low-cost access with a trusted financial institution.

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

BTCQ was one of the first Bitcoin ETFs in Canada but comes with higher fees compared to CI and Fidelity. Despite solid performance and cold storage security, its cost structure makes it less attractive unless you’re loyal to the 3iQ brand.

Still, as part of Canada’s largest digital asset fund manager, BTCQ offers reliable execution.

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

BTCY stands out as the only income-generating Bitcoin ETF in Canada. It uses a covered call strategy on BTCC (Purpose’s core Bitcoin ETF) to generate monthly distributions.

While this strategy caps upside during bull markets, it provides steady income—a rare feature in the crypto space. Ideal for investors seeking yield alongside crypto exposure.

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

BTCC is the largest Bitcoin ETF in Canada by assets under management. It offers multiple share classes:

The carbon offset series reinvests fees to neutralize environmental impact—a unique ESG-friendly option.

Despite high fees, BTCC’s scale and flexibility make it popular among retail and institutional investors.

6. Ninepoint Bitcoin ETF (BITC.TO)

Ninepoint offers zero management fees but charges a high MER due to other operational costs. The fund tracks Bitcoin closely and includes carbon offset initiatives.

However, its small size and elevated expenses limit its appeal compared to lower-cost alternatives.

7. Evolve Bitcoin ETF (EBIT.TO)

EBIT has the highest MER among major Bitcoin ETFs. While it tracks Bitcoin accurately and offers USD shares (EBIT.U.TO), its cost makes it hard to justify over cheaper options like BTCX or FBTC.

Best avoided unless you're using a platform that specifically favors Evolve products.

Best Ethereum ETFs in Canada

Ethereum is the second-largest cryptocurrency and powers smart contracts and decentralized applications.

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

ETHX is the lowest-cost Ethereum ETF in Canada and one of the largest. It offers both CAD and USD share classes and stores ETH in cold storage via Galaxy Digital.

With strong liquidity and minimal fees, ETHX is the go-to choice for pure Ethereum exposure.

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

ETHH mirrors BTCC’s model with flexible share classes and a carbon-neutral option (ETHH.J.TO). While more expensive than ETHX, it appeals to ESG-focused investors.

Performance is solid, but higher fees eat into long-term returns.

10. Evolve Ether ETF (ETHR.TO)

ETHR offers moderate fees and USD access but lags behind CI in size and cost efficiency. Suitable as a secondary option if ETHX isn’t available on your platform.

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

ETHQ is the smallest and second-most expensive Ethereum ETF. While reputable, its limited scale and high cost make it less competitive.

Best Mixed Crypto ETF in Canada

12. Evolve Cryptocurrencies ETF (ETC.TO)

ETC is Canada’s only ETF offering exposure to both Bitcoin and Ethereum—allocated based on market cap weightings.

While convenient, its high MER means investors might be better off combining low-cost single-asset ETFs like BTCX and ETHX instead.

Are Crypto ETFs Worth the Fees?

For investors with room in tax-sheltered accounts like TFSAs or RRSPs, crypto ETFs are often worth the cost. They allow tax-free growth and eliminate the risks of self-custody.

However, in non-registered accounts, buying crypto directly may be more cost-effective—especially if you’re comfortable with wallets and exchanges.

Strategies for Adding Crypto ETFs to Your Portfolio

Treat crypto as a speculative allocation—typically between 1% to 5% of your total portfolio. Avoid overexposure due to extreme volatility.

Use dollar-cost averaging to reduce timing risk, and pair low-cost ETFs like BTCX and ETHX for core holdings.

Regulatory Aspects of Crypto ETFs

Canada has a progressive regulatory environment led by:

Requirements include:

This oversight adds confidence for traditional investors entering the space.

The Future of Digital Asset Investing

Crypto ETFs are just the beginning:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I hold crypto ETFs in my TFSA?
A: Yes—this is one of their biggest advantages. Gains grow tax-free within TFSAs.

Q: Do crypto ETFs pay dividends?
A: Most don’t, but Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF (BTCY) pays monthly income via covered calls.

Q: Which is better: BTCX or FBTC?
A: Both are excellent; BTCX has a slightly lower MER, while FBTC charges no management fee.

Q: Is direct crypto ownership better than ETFs?
A: It depends. Direct ownership gives full control but lacks tax advantages and increases security responsibilities.

Q: Are these ETFs backed by real Bitcoin or Ethereum?
A: Yes—all listed funds hold the actual assets in cold storage, audited regularly.

Q: Can I trade crypto ETFs outside market hours?
A: No—they only trade during stock market hours, unlike crypto exchanges which operate 24/7.

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