VPN shield icon, Google Bard logo, robot holding G sign from Google logo and Canada circle flag
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Use Google Bard in Canada: A Quick Guide

You can access Google Bard in Canada with a VPN. We tested 15+ VPNs and recommend Surfshark as the best VPN to access Bard from Canada.

Google Bard is currently unavailable in many countries, including Canada and even the European Union. If you want to use Google Bard in Canada, just follow these steps:

  1. Sign up with Surfshark and create an account.
  2. Download the VPN client to your device.
  3. Connect to a server in the US.
  4. Go to the Google Bard website and start using it!

Pro tip: Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use Bard for up to 30 days and get a full refund, no questions asked, within a month. This way, you can use Bard for a month without paying anything!

Continue reading for step-by-step instructions and more details about accessing Google Bard in countries where it’s not available.

Google Bard was released in 180 countries, but Canada wasn’t one of them. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t access Google’s AI chatbot from Canada.

Recently, Canadian lawmakers introduced the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), which aims to regulate AI systems. It’s been speculated that Bard does not (yet) comply with these new laws, hence the restrictions. You’ll see the following error if you try to access the Bard website from Canada.

Google Bard homepage where the message Bard isn't currently supported in your coutry. Stay Tuned! is highlighted

Have you been waiting to try out Google Bard for yourself but can’t access it from Canada? There’s an easy solution! Below, we detail how you can access Google Bard from Canada by using a VPN.

How to Fix the “Bard Isn’t Currently Supported in Your Country” Error

Cut out globe representing geo restrictions icon

You need to use a VPN to fix the “Bard isn’t currently supported in your country” error in Canada and other countries like China. In this guide, we’ll show you how to unblock access to Bard with a VPN, and we’ll also provide a neat tip to use a VPN for 30 days and get a full refund. Read on!

1. Sign up for a Surfshark VPN subscription

Using a VPN is the best way to access Google Bard in Canada. We recommend Surfshark, because it’s one of the best VPNs for Google Bard. It is reliable and has 600+ servers across the US. This is ideal for using Google Bard, so you don’t have to worry about connection drops as you continue using Google Bard.

Plus, Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can use Google Bard for up to a month and get your money back, no questions asked.

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All you need to do to is to sign up, choose your plan, provide your email address, and select a payment method.

And, as we noticed in our Surfshark VPN review, this is a great all-around VPN that doesn’t just let you access Surfshark, but you can also use it for unblocking all streaming services, including HBO Max, which isn’t currently available in Canada.

2. Download and install the VPN

Surfshark VPN's download page

Once you’ve subscribed to Surfshark, you have to download the software for your computer or mobile device. Make sure you select the right software for your operating system. Surfshark is compatible with iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows.

3. Connect to a VPN server in the United States

Now comes the fun part. To access Google Bard, you’ll have to connect to a VPN server in a country where the Google chatbot is available. If you’re located in Canada, your best bet is connecting to a server in the United States.

You can find a US VPN server by going to the locations tab and searching for it. Any server will do.

Screenshot of Surfshark server search results for United States

Usually, it doesn’t take more than a couple of seconds to connect. With your new IP address, unblocking Google Bard has become as easy as anything.

4. Start using Google Bard

Since your IP address has been changed to an American one, you can head over to the Bard website and access Google Bard right away. We tested it ourselves from Canada with Surfshark, and it works flawlessly from Canada, as you can see in the screenshot below.

Screenshot of Bard working with Surfshark VPN in the background

You can use Google Bard now from Canada without having to worry about any issues. In fact, you can also use Surfshark VPN to access ChatGPT if you live in an area where it’s not available!

The Best VPNs to Access Google Bard in Canada

We tested a host of VPNs with Google Bard in Canada, and here are our top picks.

Screenshot of Surfshark homepage

What We Like

  • Maintains 95% of your connection speed
  • 600+ servers in the United States
  • Unblocks Google Bard and other services

What We Don't Like

  • Some servers are faster than others

If you want value for your money, Surfshark is easily one of the best VPNs in the market. It’s an incredibly affordable VPN, and comes with top-tier features, including unlimited simultaneous connections. If you want to unblock Google Bard from Canada, this is our top pick.

What’s more is that Surfshark has over 800 VPN servers (combined) in the United States and the United Kingdom, where Google Bard is freely accessible. This means you won’t have to worry about crowded servers or slow speeds. When we tested this VPN for Google Bard, we maintained 95% of our connection speed — excellent results!

Finally, Surfhark has your back when it comes to security. The benefits are countless. With AES-256 encryption, an automatic kill switch, and split tunneling, it’s one of the best no-logs VPNs around.

On top of that, Surfshark offers lots of features that really improve your general online security, including a CleanWeb filter and Camouflage Mode. Canada doesn’t ban VPNs, but if you want that extra peace of mind, Surfshark’s got you covered.

We used it with Google Bard for almost 3.5+ hours, and didn’t suffer a connection drop once. If you need a reliable VPN for using Google Bard, we highly recommend Surfshark.

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2. NordVPN: Fast VPN to access Google Bard from Canada (tried and tested!)

Screenshot of NordVPN website homepage with added logo in the corner

What We Like

  • Nearly 2,000 servers in the United States!
  • Tons of security features
  • Runs on fast VPN protocol Nordlynx

What We Don't Like

  • Slightly more expensive than Surfshark

Another excellent VPN that we highly recommend for accessing Google Bard from Canada is NordVPN. It’s slightly more expensive than Surfshark, but works just as well! We tested it from Vancouver, BC, and it worked without any issues. Check out the screenshot below!

Screenshot of Bard working with NordVPN

With over 5,500 VPN servers across 60 countries (including nearly 2,000 servers in the United States), this is easily one of the best VPNs in the world. Check out our NordVPN review to learn more about its features.

In our tests, NordVPN easily unblocked Google Bard and ran smoothly in the background thanks to the ultra-fast NordLynx VPN protocol. It’s exceptionally fast and unlocks Google Bard in a single click.

Again, you won’t have to worry about your data or security. NordVPN has built a great reputation for itself when it comes to cybersecurity. With AES-256 encryption, a built-in kill switch, and robust security features to keep you safe from malware, NordVPN is a very safe VPN that will improve your daily internet use.

Want to make use of NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk-free yourself? There’s even a seven-day free trial for Android through Google’s Play Store, if you want to try Google Bard on your phone! Visit NordVPN below and enjoy one of our favorite and most trusted VPNs right away.

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3. ExpressVPN: Secure Canada VPN for unblocking Google Bard (verified)

Screenshot of ExpressVPN homepage website

What We Like

  • Strong reputation
  • 3,000 servers across 94 countries
  • Provides a fast and smooth connection to use Bard

What We Don't Like

  • Comparatively, on the expensive side
  • Only 25 servers in the United States

Finally, we’d like to recommend ExpressVPN. We were able to unblock Google Bard right away with this VPN and enjoyed great internet speed on ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol, as shown below.

Screenshot of Bard working with ExpressVPN

We managed to maintain around 90% of our connection — more than enough to get quick responses from Google Bard, without any lag or disruption.

Plus, ExpressVPN has servers in all the major regions: 3,000 servers across 94 countries. In comparison to Surfshark and NordVPN, they do have fewer options in the United States with 25 server locations. These include all the major cities, so you can use Google Bard without any issues.

What you give up in terms of US servers, is compensated by security. ExpressVPN easily keeps hackers and cybercriminals at bay. They’ve got a strict no-log policy, and these claims are backed by third-party audits, as we noted in our ExpressVPN review.

Moreover, if you run into restrictions on apps and websites, ExpressVPN will automatically connect you to servers that can get around these restrictions. A great benefit for Google Bard users!

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How Can You Use Google Bard in Canada?

Circular flag of Canada

You can use Google Bard for a multitude of reasons. Now that you can access Google Bard from anywhere with your VPN, here’s how you can actually get started with it.

  1. Go to Google Bard and log in with your personal Google Account. Business accounts don’t work.
  2. Find the input field at the bottom of the page. This is where you can enter your question.
  3. Enter your prompt into the text box that says “Enter a prompt here” and click “Submit.”

Now, you have some options. You can modify your prompt by clicking “Edit text.” It’s also possible to review different drafts that Google Bard has created for you. You can see the under “View other drafts.”

Keep in mind that the responses you get from Google Bard will be deleted once you close the window. You won’t be able to retrieve them, though you can see previous prompts under “Bard activity” in the sidebar. If you want to save Bard’s responses somewhere, you can convert them to Google Docs or have them sent to Gmail.

What else can I use Google Bard for?

Coffee mug with pile of books next to it icon

If you don’t know where to get started with the Google Bard AI, there are different approaches you can take. In the first place, you can use Google Bard for creative purposes.

For example, you can ask Bard to compose a poem or a short story with you based on a specific prompt. You can also ask it to develop code for you.

You can have conversations with Google Bard by asking it personal questions, such as “What is your favorite movie?”  or “Do you have any plans for the weekend?”

Of course, a great way to use Google Bard to ask it for recommendations. Instead of relying on your average Google search entry, consider asking the chatbot for the best coffee shops in downtown Toronto, or what highlights you can visit on Vancouver Island.

You can also ask it for recipe suggestions, what shows to watch on Netflix, or artist recommendations based on your favorite bands. It relies on real-time data, unlike ChatGPT, which uses a training model that cuts off in 2021. Finally, you can ask Google Bard for scientific, historic, or factual information.

Note:

Keep in mind that the information Google Bard returns is not always accurate, though it’s a great jumping point for learning more about a certain topic!

What is Bard and Why is it Blocked?

Screenshot of Bard, country error

As many other tech giants, Google has zoned in on the world of artificial intelligence. First released in February 2023, and recently updated, Google Bard is the company’s flagship AI chatbot.

With Bard, Google aims to rival the immensely popular ChatGPT — and, from our extensive testing, we can say that Bard certainly lives up to the task.

How does it work? Like ChatGPT, Google Bard is a conversational AI chatbot, which means you can ask it any question (within legal bounds) and it will generate an answer for you.

This opens up a wide range of possibilities for application: from developing code to brainstorming and collaborating with Bard on creative tasks.

Note:

Keep in mind that, at the moment, programs like Bard are not foolproof. It can certainly be a helpful tool to get you started on a project, but is still flawed and often generates factually incorrect information.

Why is Google Bard not available in Canada and the EU?

Question mark over padlock icon

At the moment, Bard is available in 180 countries, but not in Canada. In fact, it’s also not available in the European Union (EU).

Though Google has not officially confirmed this, it is likely that the main reason for these limitations lies in privacy regulation. With AI chatbots becoming more popular and more widely used, concerns about privacy and security have also increased. Earlier this year, Italy briefly banned ChatGPT, and now Bard is facing similar restrictions.

In the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation requires companies to obtain explicit consent before being allowed to user personal data. At the moment, data safety can’t be fully guaranteed by Google Bard.

Similarly, Canada’s Artificial Intelligence and Data Act has placed more stringent limitations on the use of AI. It requires stronger risk management, monitoring, and transparency.

Luckily, there are ways that you can access Google Bard from anywhere in the world. For Canada, we recommend using a fast and reliable VPN like Surfshark. Let’s get into it!

Google Bard vs. ChatGPT: How Do These AI Chatbots Compare?

ChatGPT is Bard’s biggest rival. But how do these AI chatbots compare? Which one is better? We’ve run extensive tests on both to give you our conclusions.

First, let’s compare some key features.

FeaturesGoogle BardChatGPT
DataMost up-to-date data availableTraining data only runs up to 2021
Internet AccessAccess the entire internet to search for informationRelies solely on training data (no internet access)
CapabilitiesExcels in generating diverse text formats like poems, code, recommendations, scripts, etc.Primarily adept at summarizing text and creating content
AvailabilityStill in development and not available in Canada and the EUAvailable to the general public without geo-restrictions

As you can see, the biggest difference between the two programs is the fact that Google Bard uses the internet for answering queries. ChatGPT is not able to access any information more recent than 2021 and relies solely on training data. Google Bard has tons of up-to-date information that’s very useful.

In terms of application, a useful benefit to ChatGPT is that it’s able to save your conversations. With Google Bard, you’ll have to manually export them.

In Short: Unblock Google Bard From Canada Today

Icon representing VPN shield as hologram

It can be frustrating to find that access to Google Bard has been restricted, based on your geographical location. Luckily, you can unblock Google Bard from anywhere, including Canada, by using a VPN.

Located in Canada? We recommend these three VPNs to access Google Bard:

  1. Surfshark: Overall, our best VPN VPN to unblock Google Bard
  2. NordVPN: Has nearly 2,000 VPN servers in the United States
  3. ExpressVPN: Get a secure connection to access Google Bard

In terms of use, Google Bard certainly gives ChatGPT a run for its money. While there are some downsides, such as the fact that chats are not automatically saved, Google Bard can access more recent data and, generally, works well.

With Surfshark, you’ll soon be able to get started with the AI chatbot yourself!

How to Access Bard in Canada: Frequently Asked Questions

Wondering how you can get access to Google Bard in Canada? Check out our frequently asked questions below for some quick answers!

Is Google's Bard available?

Yes, Google Bard is available, but not everywhere. At the moment, the chatbot is not accessible to people in the European Union and Canada. Luckily, you can use a VPN to access Bard from anywhere.

What is Google Bard used for?

You can use Bard for a variety of reasons, including creative projects, recommendations, scientific or factual information, or coding. Keep in mind that not all responses you get from Bard are accurate.

How can I use Google Bard in Canada?

You can access Google Bard in Canada with a VPN in Canada. Based on our testing, Surfshark is the best VPN to use if you want to unblock Google Bard and use it from Canada.

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