The Canadian investment landscape has evolved significantly with the introduction of Ether ETFs, offering investors a seamless way to gain exposure to Ethereum through traditional brokerage accounts. April 2021 marked a pivotal moment when four Ethereum ETFs launched in rapid succession, following the success of Canada’s pioneering Bitcoin ETFs. As we approach July 2025, these Ether ETFs continue to provide accessible, secure, and tax-efficient investment options for both registered (TFSA, RRSP) and non-registered accounts.
This guide reviews and compares the top 5 Ether ETFs in Canada, analyzing fees, performance, asset size, and key features to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're new to crypto investing or expanding your portfolio, this overview delivers actionable insights tailored to Canadian investors.
Core Keywords
Ethereum ETF Canada, Ether ETF, CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF, Purpose Ether ETF, 3iQ Ether ETF, Evolve Ether ETF, crypto ETF investing, Ethereum investment Canada
1. CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF (ETHX)
- Ticker: ETHX (CAD Unhedged: ETHX.B; USD: ETHX.U)
- Management Fee: 0.40%
- MER (Capped): 0.77%
- AUM: $544.07 million
- Inception Date: April 16, 2021
- TFSA/RRSP Eligible: Yes
The CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF (ETHX) stands out as a leader among Canadian Ether ETFs due to its industry-low management fee of just 0.40%, the lowest in the market. Offered by CI Investments in partnership with Galaxy Digital Capital Management LP, ETHX is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and available in both CAD and USD variants.
👉 Discover how low fees can boost your long-term crypto returns
Launched as the “world’s first Ether offering with the world’s lowest management fee,” ETHX has maintained strong investor appeal. Its MER is capped at 0.77%, significantly undercutting competitors like Purpose (1.48%) and 3iQ (1.63%).
As of early 2024, ETHX delivered:
- Year-to-date return: 0.8%
- 1-Year return: -45.1%
- Since inception: 3.8%
Despite short-term volatility, ETHX remains a top choice for cost-conscious investors seeking pure-play Ethereum exposure.
2. Purpose Ether ETF (ETHH)
- Ticker: ETHH (CAD Unhedged), ETHH.B (CAD Hedged), ETHH.U (USD)
- Management Fee: 1.00%
- MER (Capped): 1.48%
- AUM: $354.93 million
- Inception Date: April 19, 2021
- TFSA/RRSP Eligible: Yes
The Purpose Ether ETF (ETHH) was one of the first physically settled Ether ETFs globally. As of February 2024, it held over 99,744 ETH, reflecting strong institutional and retail demand.
ETHH offers three share classes to suit different investor needs:
- CAD Non-Currency Hedged: ETHH
- CAD Currency Hedged: ETHH.B (ideal for reducing USD exchange rate risk)
- USD Non-Currency Hedged: ETHH.U
Performance as of early 2024:
- 1-Year Return (USD): 41.82%
- Since Inception (Non-FX Hedged): -26.40%
While its fee is higher than ETHX, Purpose passes on cost savings to investors and maintains a capped MER. The currency-hedged option makes it unique among peers.
3. Evolve Ether ETF (ETHR)
- Ticker: ETHR (CAD), ETHR.U (USD)
- Management Fee: 0.75%
- AUM: $64.18 million
- Inception Date: April 20, 2021
- TFSA/RRSP Eligible: Yes
The Evolve Ether ETF (ETHR) provides direct exposure to Ether with a competitive management fee of 0.75%—lower than most rivals except CI Galaxy. Though smaller in assets under management, it has delivered solid performance.
As of early 2024:
- 1-Year Return: 50.04%
- Since Inception: 5.31%
ETHR is ideal for investors who prefer a mid-tier option with strong historical returns and lower fees than staking-focused alternatives.
4. 3iQ Ether Staking ETF (ETHQ)
- Ticker: ETHQ (CAD), ETHQ.U (USD)
- Management Fee: 1.00%
- MER (Capped): 1.63%
- AUM: $44 million
- Inception Date: April 19, 2021
- TFSA/RRSP Eligible: Yes
The 3iQ Ether Staking ETF (ETHQ) is managed by Canada’s largest digital asset fund manager in collaboration with CoinShares. Unlike pure spot ETFs, ETHQ generates additional returns through staking rewards on its Ether holdings.
As of January 2024:
- 1-Year Return: 43%
- Since Inception: -12%
This ETF suits investors looking for passive yield alongside price appreciation. However, the higher MER reflects staking operational costs.
👉 Learn how staking enhances crypto investment returns
5. Purpose Ether Yield ETF (ETHY)
- Ticker: ETHY
- Management Fee: 1.10%
- MER: 1.29%
- AUM: $70.1 million
- Inception Date: November 30, 2021
- TFSA/RRSP Eligible: Yes
Launched later than others, the Purpose Ether Yield ETF (ETHY) focuses on generating income via staking and lending activities. It offers both hedged and unhedged versions.
Performance (FX-Hedged Component, Jan 2024):
- Year-to-date: -0.67%
- 1-Year: 36.12%
- Since Inception: -30.47%
While fees are the highest among the five, ETHY appeals to yield-seeking investors comfortable with slightly elevated costs for potential income generation.
How to Choose the Right Ethereum ETF
When selecting an Ether ETF in Canada, consider these key factors:
Fees
Lower management fees directly improve net returns. CI Galaxy (ETHX) leads with a mere 0.40% fee.
Performance History
While past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, consistent returns matter. Evolve (ETHR) and Purpose (ETHH) showed strong one-year gains as of early 2024.
Currency Hedging
Only Purpose ETHH.B offers CAD currency hedging—valuable for minimizing forex risk.
Staking vs. Spot Exposure
For passive income: choose ETHQ or ETHY. For pure price exposure: go with ETHX or ETHR.
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Pros and Cons of Canadian Ether ETFs
✅ Advantages
- Tax Efficiency: Hold Ethereum in TFSA or RRSP without violating CRA rules.
- Security: Assets stored in cold storage; no need to manage private keys.
- Accessibility: Buy through familiar brokerage platforms like Questrade or Wealthsimple Trade.
- Regulatory Oversight: Fully regulated by Canadian securities commissions.
❌ Drawbacks
- Higher Fees: MERs range from 0.4% to over 1%, exceeding direct exchange trading costs.
- No Asset Control: You cannot withdraw or transfer underlying Ether to personal wallets.
- Limited Flexibility: No access to DeFi or smart contract functionalities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Ether ETFs safe in Canada?
Yes. All listed Ether ETFs are regulated by Canadian securities authorities and store assets in secure cold storage facilities.
Can I hold Ethereum ETFs in my TFSA?
Absolutely. All five ETFs reviewed are TFSA and RRSP eligible, making them ideal for tax-sheltered growth.
Which Ether ETF has the lowest fee?
The CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF (ETHX) has the lowest management fee at just 0.40%.
Do any Ether ETFs offer staking rewards?
Yes—3iQ Ether Staking ETF (ETHQ) and Purpose Ether Yield ETF (ETHY) generate returns through staking mechanisms.
Is Ethereum a good long-term investment?
Ethereum remains a leading blockchain platform for decentralized applications and smart contracts. Many analysts view it as a strong long-term digital asset, though volatility should be expected.
Can U.S. investors buy Canadian Ethereum ETFs?
Yes, if their brokerage provides access to TSX-listed securities.
Final Thoughts
Canadian investors now have multiple high-quality options to gain regulated exposure to Ethereum through ETFs. The CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF (ETHX) stands out for low-cost, long-term investors, while staking-focused funds like ETHQ and ETHY cater to those seeking yield.
Regardless of your strategy—passive holding, tax efficiency, or yield generation—there's an Ether ETF tailored to your goals. As the crypto investment ecosystem matures, these products will likely see increased adoption across North America.
For those ready to take the next step in their crypto journey, integrating Ethereum into a diversified portfolio via a trusted ETF is a smart, secure move in today’s financial landscape.