Exploring Popular .CA Domains: Canada's Digital Landscape Overview
Introduction
In January 2023, Canada boasted more than 36 million internet users, constituting 94 percent of the nation's entire population, and counting among the Americas' most prominent online markets. Simultaneously, approximately 33 million people actively engaged in social media platforms, accounting for 85.7 percent of the population. With ongoing efforts to address regional discrepancies for even more inclusive digital participation, this high percentage of internet users reflects an increasingly robust national connectivity trend in Canada, with digital audiences projected to grow to around 38 million online users by 2028.
.ca stands as Canada's primary top-level domain, offering direct and reliable access to the country's market potential. For entrepreneurs striving to establish and expand their foothold in the Canadian online marketplace, comprehending the diverse levels of internet access and online engagement is crucial. It enables businesses to tailor their online strategies effectively, navigate regional internet access disparities, and engage with diverse consumer segments across the nation.
In this article, we will spotlight the top .ca websites, exploring into their appeal within Canada's digital landscape, while examining traffic and user engagement. Whether you're an individual entrepreneur or a business aiming for success in Canada's online sphere, our objective is to offer valuable insights and strategic guidance, giving you an advantageous edge.
Why Choose a .CA Domain?
Choosing a .ca domain can have number of advantages for individuals, businesses, or organizations targeting the Canadian market:
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Supporting Canadian Identity and Culture: A .ca domain signifies a direct association with Canada, reinforcing your brand's connection to the country. As well as supporting and promoting the Canadian digital identity and culture, it showcases a commitment to the Canadian market and its values and helping to establish trust and credibility among local users.
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Enhanced Local SEO: Search engines often prioritize local domains for country-specific searches. Using a .ca domain can potentially improve your website's visibility in search results when users in Canada search for related products, services, or information.
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Compliance with Canadian Regulations: Having a .ca domain demonstrates adherence to Canadian internet regulations and policies, which might be advantageous for businesses operating within the Canadian legal framework.
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Greater Availability: As a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD), there's a considerably lower number of registered .ca domains compared to generic domains, presenting internet entrepreneurs with a broader range of naming possibilities.
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Promoting Growth: By registering a .ca domain, you contribute to CIRA's Community Investment Program (CIP), fostering growth and advancement in Canada.
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Privacy protection: Securing a .ca domain offers free privacy protection, safeguarding your identity and curbing unwanted spam and telemarketing. This unique feature is exclusive to .ca domains and is offered at no cost to individuals.
Overall, opting for a .ca domain aligns your online presence with Canada's identity, enhances local visibility, and can contribute positively to your brand's credibility and connection within the Canadian market.
It should be noted that, to register a .ca domain, the owner is required to fulfill one or more of the following criteria:
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The owner should be a Canadian individual or a resident in Canada, either a natural person or a company; or
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The owner should possess a trademark in Canada.
If you do not have a registered trademark in Canada, our legal team can initiate the trademark application process on your behalf.
Are Different .CA Domains Available?
The short answer today is no. Individuals or entities registering .ca domains have the option to register at the second level, such as "example.ca". However, to streamline the .ca domain system, the option to utilize specific provincial domain endings, also known as third-level registrations, such as .ab.ca for Alberta or .bc.ca for British Columbia, was discontinued by the registry in 2012. This change did not affect existing third-level domain names, as they continue to receive support and function as usual including the option to renew or transfer it through Web Hosting Canada.
Before 2012, the following geographic domain name third-level domains were available:
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.ab.ca / Alberta
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.bc.ca / British Columbia
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.mb.ca / Manitoba
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.nb.ca / New Brunswick
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.nf.ca / Newfoundland
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.ni.ca / Newfoundland and Labrador
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.ns.ca / Nova Scotia
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.nt.ca / Northwest Territories
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.nu.ca / Nunavut
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.on.ca / Ontario
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.pe.ca / Prince Edward Island
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.qc.ca / Quebec
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.sk.ca / Saskatchewan
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.yk.ca / Yukon
In 2014, the introduction of .quebec emerged as an alternative to .qc.ca, presenting an active domain option for those engaged in Quebec or conducting business within the province.
How many .CA Domains have been registered?
Approximately 3.34 million websites have been registered under the .ca top level domain code. Most of these domains, were registered in Ontario (46.8%), followed by British Colombia (18%) and Quebec (14%). It should be mentioned that limited access to the internet across certain communities and geographic regions has resulted in considerably fewer domain registrations outside the capital, despite efforts to address this.
Figure 1. Distribution of Registrations by Region. Source: CIRA.
Figure 2 .CA Registry Data. Source: CIRA 2021.
Enhanced Security Measures for .CA Domains
Security measures for .ca domains indicate improvements in SSL certificate adoption and DNSSEC implementation. As of January 2022, 68.3% of active .ca domains possessed an SSL certificate, showing a 2% increase from the previous quarter. An SSL certificate encrypts sensitive data, signified by a green padlock icon and "Secure" label in browsers, ensuring secure connections.
Although only 1.9% of all .ca domains are DNSSEC-enabled, this was an 11% increase from the prior quarter. DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) provides end-to-end security within the domain name system, bolstering authentication to verify website legitimacy. This security layer enhances protection against sophisticated online attacks, offering .ca owners a proactive approach to DNS security.
What are the most popular websites in Canada?
In the Canadian digital landscape of 2023, key players shape the nation's internet preferences, with significant contributions from various platforms. Wikipedia.org emerges as an informational titan, drawing an impressive 245.8 million Canadian visits monthly, accounting for 3.9% of its global traffic. YouTube.com holds a strong second position, with 123.7 million Canadian visits each month, making up 31.8% of its worldwide traffic. Google.com, not far behind, garners 51.2 million Canadian clicks per month, comprising 1.6% of its global engagement. In the realm of social media, twitter.com, facebook.com, and instagram.com mark their territory with 69.2 million, 64 million, and 54.4 million Canadian engagements per month respectively, highlighting the widespread usage and influence of social media in Canada and emphasizing the country's active role in the global social media sphere.
Figure 3 Most Visited Websites in Canada, December 2023. Source: Semrush
What are the Top .CA Domains?
In the dynamic Canadian online landscape, various websites capture the essence of the nation's interests. Amazon.ca leads the way with a massive 42 million clicks per month, standing as the go-to online marketplace. Canada.ca, the official government hub, draws in 31.5 million visitors seeking information and services. Canadiantire.ca, a retail powerhouse, secures 14.9 million clicks, competing strongly with the global giant Amazon, Google.ca guides users with 14.8 million clicks, while Walmart.ca stands tall as the preferred online superstore with 12 million clicks. Media outlets such as CBC.ca, with 11.5 million clicks, and Globalnews.ca, with 5.4 million clicks, keep Canadians on the pulse of current events. From the DIY dreams of Homedepot.ca (11 million clicks) to the bustling marketplace of Kijiji.ca (7.6 million clicks), these online platforms represent various facets of Canada's digital landscape, reflecting diverse pursuits and activities.
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Rank
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Website
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Monthly Traffic Canada (Millions) Dec 23
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Change (Dec/ Nov 23 )
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Category
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|
1
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amazon.ca
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42M
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+5.7%
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E-commerce
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|
2
|
Canada.ca
|
31.5M
|
—
|
Government
|
|
3
|
canadiantire.ca
|
14.9M
|
↓3.7%
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Retail
|
|
4
|
google.ca
|
14.8M
|
+102%
|
Search Engine
|
|
5
|
walmart.ca
|
12M
|
↓2.2%
|
Commerce
|
|
6
|
CBC.ca
|
11.5M
|
↓4.2%
|
News & Media
|
|
7
|
costco.ca
|
11.2M
|
+1.3%
|
Commerce
|
|
8
|
homedepot.ca
|
11M
|
+0.3%
|
DIY
|
|
9
|
realtor.ca
|
9.8M
|
+1.7%
|
Property
|
|
10
|
Kijiji.ca
|
7.6M
|
—
|
Classifieds
|
|
11
|
Ctvnews.ca
|
7.9M
|
+20%
|
News & Media
|
|
12
|
yelp.ca
|
7.3M
|
+0.8%
|
Classifed
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|
13
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bestbuy.ca
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6.4M
|
3.2%
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Comercio
|
|
14
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weather.gc.ca
|
5.9M
|
↓15%
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Forecast
|
|
15
|
expedia.ca
|
5.7M
|
+1.3%
|
Travel
|
|
16
|
Globalnews.ca
|
5.4M
|
↓1.5%
|
News & Media
|
|
17
|
ontario.ca
|
4.7M
|
+2.2%
|
Government
|
|
18
|
alberta.ca
|
4M
|
+1.8%
|
Government
|
|
19
|
radio-canada.ca
|
3.9M
|
+17%
|
News & Media
|
|
20
|
gov.bc.ca
|
3.1M
|
+0.4%
|
Government
|
|
21
|
sportsnet.ca
|
3.1M
|
+23%
|
Sports
|
Figure 4 Most popular .CA website by traffic. Source: Semrush
Celebrating Canada's Digital Identity: Spotlight on Key .CA Domains
Let's take a cyber-stroll through some of Canada's emblematic websites—from authentic poutine recipes to hockey gear and snow tires. They may not receive as many hits as amazon.ca or google.ca, but these online gems are as Canadian as a double-double from Tim Hortons. Read on as we take a sneak peek at our top picks!
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CANADIANTIRE.ca (14.9M visits per month): For decades, Canadian Tire has been the go-to destination for Canadians seeking all things from hockey gear to snow tires and leaf blowers. Committed to accessibility, they've expanded their reach even to remote locations, boasting nearly 500 stores nationwide. Additionally, their Jumpstart Charities program has generously contributed over $56 million to support local communities.
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CBC.ca (11.5M visits per month): No compilation of .CA websites is complete without acknowledging the CBC, Canada's esteemed national broadcasting entity. Broadcasting in multiple languages, including English, French, and various Native languages, CBC produces iconic shows like Hockey Night in Canada, a staple for many Canadians. Beyond entertainment, CBC plays a crucial role in fostering emerging Canadian talent in various artistic domains.
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TIMHORTONS.ca (1.8M visits per month): When it comes to satisfying those irresistible coffee cravings, Tim Hortons stands as a Canadian icon. Known for its comforting brews and delectable treats, Tim Hortons holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians. While they have a global presence, their .ca domain reflects their Canadian heritage, serving as a digital hub where coffee lovers can find their fix of donuts, Timbits, and their famous double-doubles.
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FOODNETWORK.ca (97.7K visits per month): For culinary enthusiasts seeking inspiration and mouthwatering recipes, Food Network Canada is the ultimate destination. Offering a treasure trove of cooking tips, recipe ideas, and engaging culinary content, Food Network Canada is a haven for foodies. Through their .ca domain, they not only cater to Canadian tastes but also celebrate the diversity of Canadian cuisine, serving as a go-to digital space for everything food-related.
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MANITOBAH.ca (65.2K visits per month): Sean McCormick is the driving force behind Manitobah Mukluks, an online retailer dedicated to preserving Aboriginal artisanship. Specialized in handcrafted mukluks and moccasins, Manitobah allocates a portion of its proceeds to the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD), supporting young Aboriginal entrepreneurs. Despite its availability in renowned retailers, McCormick cherishes the .ca website as the brand's flagship store.
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NFB.ca (31.5K visits per month): The National Film Board of Canada offers over 3,000 film productions for free streaming, encompassing documentaries, animation, and experimental films. Committed to education, they provide a subscription service to schools, ensuring students have access to films reflecting their Canadian heritage and diverse narratives.
Conclusion
As Canada's digital landscape continues to flourish with an impressive 94 percent of the population—more than 36 million people—actively immersed in the online world, the .ca domain remains a pivotal gateway to this expansive digital terrain. Registering a .ca domain embodies Canada's digital narrative—a reflection of the nation's diverse and thriving online presence. In this blog, we shed light on the top .ca websites, exploring their significance within Canada's digital sphere while dissecting traffic and user engagement. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business aiming to thrive in Canada's digital realm, our insights aim to equip you with a competitive advantage in this ever-evolving online landscape.