As Canada’s national public broadcaster, I can tell you that CBC is one of the easiest channels to get in the country. It offers a compelling mix of news, award-winning original Canadian series, documentaries, and sports.
Unlike most specialty channels, the main CBC Television Network is considered a mandatory carriage channel. That means it’s included in even the most basic cable and satellite packages nationwide.
What I find unique about CBC is the sheer accessibility of its content. Not only is it available on virtually every TV provider, but you can also watch it for free with a simple TV antenna in most major Canadian markets. On top of that, its streaming service, CBC Gem, offers a massive library of on-demand shows for free (with ads) and a low-cost Premium tier for extras like CBC News Network.
In this guide, I’ll outline CBC channel numbers and show you where to find CBC on your TV provider. I’ll also break down the differences between the Free and Premium tiers of CBC Gem so you know exactly how to start watching.
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What channel is CBC on near me?
The channel number for CBC Television is almost always one of the lowest numbers in your provider’s lineup, typically between Channel 2 and Channel 15. Since CBC operates 14 regional stations (e.g., CBLT Toronto, CBUT Vancouver, CBMT Montreal), your local broadcast number determines the channel number on your TV provider and the primary digital feed.
To give you a general idea, I’ve listed the CBC TV channel numbers for 20 Canadian cities in the table below. But your channel number may vary depending on your exact postal code.
CBC channel numbers in major Canadian cities
| City | Local channel | Bell Fibe TV | Bell Satellite TV | Rogers Xfinity TV | Shaw Direct | Telus Optik TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary, AB | 9.1 | — | 245 | 6 | 197 | 100 |
| Charlottetown, PE | 13.1 | — | 197 | — | 109 | — |
| Edmonton, AB | 5.1 | — | 230 | 4 | 192 | 100 |
| Fredericton, NB | 4.1 | — | 196 | 3 | 106 | — |
| Halifax, NS | 3.1 | 3 | 203 | — | 102 | — |
| Hamilton, ON | 5.1 | 205 | 210 | — | 132 | — |
| Iqaluit, NU | — | — | 242 | — | 308 | — |
| London, ON | — | 205 | 210 | 6 | 136 | — |
| Montreal, QC | 6.1 | 205 | 206 | — | 122 | — |
| Ottawa, ON | 4.1 | 205 | 208 | 8 | 144 | — |
| Quebec City, QC | — | 205 | 206 | — | 122 | — |
| Regina, SK | 9.1 | — | 247 | — | 172 | — |
| Saskatoon, SK | — | — | 247 | 12 | 172 | — |
| St. John’s, NL | 8.1 | 205 | 200 | 3 | 111 | — |
| Thunder Bay, ON | — | 205 | 223 | — | 132 | — |
| Toronto, ON | 5.1 | 205 | 210 | 6 | 132 | — |
| Vancouver, BC | 2.1 | — | 251 | 3 | 213 | 100 |
| Victoria, BC | — | — | 251 | 2 | 213 | 100 |
| Whitehorse, YT | — | — | 242 | — | 308 | — |
| Winnipeg, MB | 6.1 | 2 | 226 | 2 | 162 | — |
Data effective as of post date.
Don’t see your city? If your city isn’t in the table above, your next best bet is to check your TV’s on-screen guide. You can also visit the official CBC Channels and Frequencies page, which is a great tool that also lists all CBC Radio frequencies.
Get CBC with cable or satellite TV
CBC Television is included in the Basic or Starter package of every major Canadian cable and satellite provider, as it’s a mandatory broadcast channel. You’ll almost certainly find it in standard definition on one of the lowest channels in your guide.
I always recommend checking the CBC Montreal (Channel 6), CBC Toronto (Channel 5), or CBC Vancouver (Channel 2) numbers on your provider’s website to get a sense of where your local CBC channel will be positioned. You can also click the “View Plans” buttons below to explore each provider further.
| Provider | Type | CBC | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Fibe TV | IPTV | ✔ | View Plans |
| Bell Satellite | Satellite | ✔ | View Plans |
| Cogeco | Cable | ✔ | View Plans |
| Eastlink | Cable | ✔ | View Plans |
| Rogers Xfinity TV | Cable/IPTV | ✔ | View Plans |
| Shaw Direct | Satellite | ✔ | View Plans |
| Telus Optik TV | IPTV | ✔ | View Plans |
| Vidéotron | Cable | ✔ | View Plans |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Get CBC with a live TV streaming service
Because CBC is a fundamental part of the Canadian broadcasting landscape, most Canadian-based streaming services do not need to carry the main channel, as it’s accessible for free or via basic TV.
The best way to watch the CBC TV live feed via streaming is through the official CBC Gem app or website. With a free CBC Gem account, you can stream the live feed of your local CBC channel (one of up to 14 regional channels) anywhere in Canada.
How to stream CBC with the CBC Gem app
CBC Gem is the official streaming home for all CBC content and operates on a successful “Freemium” model. That’s a fancy way of saying you can watch most shows for free with ads, while a low-cost subscription removes ads and adds premium content.
| Plan | Price | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| CBC Gem | Free | Access to all live CBC TV feeds, all on-demand series (ad-supported), and ad-free kids programming. |
| CBC Gem Premium | $5.99/mo. + tax | Ad-free on-demand viewing, access to CBC News Network (24/7 live stream), and early access to some Gem-exclusive content. |
Data effective as of post date.
What’s on CBC?
CBC is known for its high-quality, diverse programming, emphasizing Canadian content across comedy, drama, news, and sports. I’d recommend it for anyone looking to support Canadian talent.
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find on the network.
- Original dramas & comedies: Includes critically acclaimed, award-winning Canadian series like Schitt’s Creek, Kim’s Convenience, Sort Of, Murdoch Mysteries, and Heartland.
- News & current affairs: Features the flagship national newscast, The National, daily regional news broadcasts, and investigative journalism programs like Marketplace and The Fifth Estate.
- Sports: Covers CBC Sports broadcasts, focusing heavily on Olympic and amateur sporting events, including the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, and key international competitions.
- International TV series: Offers exclusive international content (primarily through CBC Gem), including popular British and Australian series.
- Reality & lifestyle: Includes hits like The Great Canadian Baking Show and various lifestyle and documentary programming.
CBC channel FAQ
What's the cheapest way to get CBC?
The absolute cheapest way to get the live CBC Television channel is for free using a digital antenna if you're in an area with signal coverage. If you prefer streaming, a free CBC Gem account provides live access to all local CBC channels.
Can I get CBC as a standalone subscription?
Yes, you can get a standalone subscription through CBC Gem Premium for only $5.99 a month. The subscription gives you an ad-free on-demand library and access to the 24/7 live feed of CBC News Network, which is the main perk I recommend if you need 24-hour news.
Is CBC on Amazon Prime Video?
No, CBC content is primarily accessible through the main free CBC TV broadcast and its proprietary streaming service, CBC Gem. You won't find it as an add-on through Amazon Prime Video Channels.
Can I watch CBC outside of Canada?
While CBC Gem is geo-locked to Canada, it's possible to pick up CBC with an antenna if you live along the Canada-U.S. border. You can also stream some live news content on the official CBC News YouTube channel. Plus, you may find some CBC originals licensed to streaming services in other countries (like Hulu or Netflix in the U.S.).
