Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have emerged as compelling alternatives for wealth building and storage. While direct ownership of these digital assets remains popular, investors increasingly seek regulated financial instruments such as cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Canada pioneered this space by launching the first Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in 2021, enabling tax-advantaged investments through registered accounts like TFSAs and RRSPs.
Why Crypto ETFs Are Gaining Traction
👉 Discover how crypto ETFs simplify digital asset investments
- Institutional Adoption: Ross Mayfield of Robert W. Baird & Co. noted, "The liquidity and exchange-traded nature of ETFs make Bitcoin products highly attractive."
- Market Growth: U.S. Bitcoin ETFs surpassed $100 billion in assets by late 2023, rivaling gold ETFs. Fundstrat’s Sean Farrell predicts the Bitcoin ETF market could exceed $300 billion.
- Ethereum’s Appeal: As the most utilized blockchain platform, Ethereum’s native token (ETH) offers exposure to decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 innovations.
Below, we analyze 13 leading Canadian cryptocurrency ETFs, ranked by assets under management (AUM) as of January 2025.
Top Canadian Bitcoin ETFs
1. Purpose Bitcoin ETF (TSX:BTCC)
- AUM: C$3.1 billion
- MER: 1%
- Cold Storage: 25,610.96 BTC
- Key Feature: First physically settled Bitcoin ETF (February 2021).
2. CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (TSX:BTCX.B)
- AUM: C$1.23 billion
- MER: 0.4%
- Partnership: Galaxy Digital + CI Global Asset Management.
3. Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF (TSX:FBTC)
- AUM: C$1.02 billion
- MER: 0.39% (reduced in 2024).
Leading Ethereum ETFs
4. CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF (TSX:ETHX.B)
- AUM: C$554.78 million
- MER: 0.4%
- Spot Price Exposure: Holds Ether in cold storage.
5. Purpose Ether ETF (TSX:ETHH)
- AUM: C$410.3 million
- MER: 1%
- Holdings: 94,065.95 ETH.
6. 3iQ CoinShares Ether Staking ETF (TSX:ETHQ)
- AUM: C$103.92 million
- Yield Strategy: Staking rewards.
Niche and Multi-Asset Crypto ETFs
7. Evolve Cryptocurrencies ETF (TSX:ETC)
- AUM: C$75.68 million
- Diversification: Balances BTC (70%) and ETH (30%).
8. Purpose Ether Yield ETF (TSX:ETHY)
- AUM: C$69.3 million
- Income Focus: Monthly distributions from Ether lending.
👉 Explore tax-efficient crypto investment strategies
FAQs About Canadian Crypto ETFs
Q: Are crypto ETFs safer than direct crypto ownership?
A: Yes—ETFs eliminate wallet security risks and offer regulatory oversight.
Q: How do Ethereum ETFs differ from Bitcoin ETFs?
A: Ethereum ETFs provide exposure to DeFi and smart contract ecosystems, while Bitcoin ETFs focus on store-of-value assets.
Q: Can I hold crypto ETFs in tax-sheltered accounts?
A: Absolutely. Canadian ETFs qualify for TFSAs and RRSPs.
Final Thoughts
Canadian crypto ETFs bridge traditional finance and digital assets, combining convenience with growth potential. Whether you’re eyeing Bitcoin’s scarcity or Ethereum’s utility, these funds offer a balanced entry point.