If you’re looking for the best radio stations for music in Canada, you’ve come to the right place. Canada is home to a huge community of avid radio fans.
Even in a world where podcasts and online streaming are becoming more common, around 88 percent of Canadians say they listen to the radio monthly.
In 2021 alone, more than 960 radio stations were registered across Canada, of which approximately 716 were commercial stations known for broadcasting talk shows, news programs, music and more.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, most listeners prefer FM radio stations, and the largest cities in the country have the highest listenerships.
In Toronto, for example, 5.87 million people listen to the radio every day.
Today we’re going to help you narrow down the stations you should add to your playlist if you want a phenomenal music experience.
Top 12 Music Radio Stations in Canada
Before we start our list, it’s worth noting that the “best” stations to listen to music in Canada will likely vary based on your preferences.
Like stations in other parts of the world, Canadian radio stations often focus their music on a specific niche or location.
To help you make the right choice, we’re going to highlight different channels covering everything from pop to funk, R&B and rock.
1. CBC radio 2
Part of the CBC Music family, CBC Radio 2 is a Canadian FM radio station operated by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
In the past it was mainly focused on jazz and classical music. However, in the 2000s, the station began exploring new genres of ‘adult music’.
In 2009, Radio 2 alone had an average weekly listener of around 2.1 million and is still one of Canada’s largest and most popular networks.
Website: CBC Music
2. CHUM FM
Based in Toronto, CHUM-FM is a Bell Media music channel that follows the trending adult contemporary format.
The station broadcasts on 104.5MHz and also has an online stream for those who listen to radio over the internet.
Consistently ranked as one of the most popular radio stations in Toronto, CHUM-FM plays a wide variety of different songs, from trending pop songs to rock and R&B music.
This channel was considered Canada’s most listened to and most influential station until 2009 before rival station CHFI-FM took over.
Website: CHUMFM
3. CHFI-FM
Another Toronto-based commercial radio station, CHFI-FM, is owned and operated by the Rogers Sports & Media brand.
It usually broadcasts an adult contemporary format, although it often switches to seasonal music around the festive season.
First launched in 1957, CHFI-FM has grown to become one of the most listened to music channels on Canadian airwaves.
The station plays pop, rock, jazz, and R&B music with various programs throughout the day. You can listen to CHFI online or on 98.1 MHz (FM).
Website: CHFI-FM
4. CFNY-FM
Radio station CFNY-FM, known to many as “102.1 The Edge,” broadcasts on 102.1 MHz in the greater Toronto area.
This is an excellent channel worth checking out if you are interested in alternative rock music. It plays all the latest indie tracks and rock classics.
Owned by Chorus Entertainment, CFNY has been in operation since 1960 and began life as an AM station rebroadcast.
Interestingly, CFNY-FM is an international station with a signal strong enough to draw attention from regions across North America and Canada.
Website: CFNY-FM
5. Virgo Radio
With locations across Canada and various other countries, Virgin Radio is one of the best channels worth checking out if you’re into music.
There are currently 12 Virgin Radio broadcasts available in major Canadian cities and regions from Toronto to Montreal.
Typically, these stations broadcast a variety of different styles of music, including hits, pop, rock, and R&B.
Many Virgin radio stations are among the most listened to in the Canadian market thanks to their universal accessibility.
Website: Virgin Radio
6. CHWE FM
CHWE-FM, also known as “Energy 106”, broadcasts on 106.1 MHz and focuses on the Winnipeg market.
The channel uses a top 40 music format, making it a great place for listeners to keep up to date with the most popular up and coming songs and artists.
Initially, the station focused on a dance-heavy playlist before eventually switching to the CHR/Top 40 format to reach a wider audience.
Today, listeners can also hear the station’s latest hits by watching the live online broadcast.
Website: CHWE-FM
7. CKUA FM
Unlike most of Canada’s top music radio stations, CKUA Radio is a community radio station funded by Canadian donors.
The Alberta-based station was originally the first public broadcaster in Canada and has been sharing music with listeners since 1927.
The CKUA FM station is in Edmonton on 94.9 MHz, but the station also operates 15 repeat stations to serve other listeners across the country.
The station plays a variety of music genres including classical, world music and jazz.
Website: CKUA
8. CJTR-FM
Based in Regina, Saskatchewan, CJTR-FM is a community radio station with playlists spanning multiple genres of music, from rock to electro.
In addition to some excellent musical sessions, the station also broadcasts comedy and talk shows.
Owned by Radius Communications, the station is operated primarily by volunteers and supported by local fundraisers and sponsors.
It also serves in part as the unofficial campus radio station for the University of Regina with various hosts from the college campus.
Website: CJTR
9. CKIS FM
CKIS-FM or “KISS 92.5” is another Canadian premier radio station broadcasting in Toronto on 92.5 MHz.
The station is owned by Rogers Sports & Media and usually broadcasts in a Top 40/CHR format.
Established in 1993, CKIS-FM has enjoyed increasing popularity over the years thanks to its excellent music collection and great presenters.
When KISS started, it played a stretch of 10,000 songs without any commercial or DJ breaks.
Now the station’s playlist consists mostly of pop, hip-hop, and R&B music, with a few occasional rock artists.
Website: CKIS-FM
10. CHBM-FM
In Toronto, CHBM-FM or “Boom 97.3” is a station that broadcasts primarily on a classic hits format.
The station’s playlist often consists of popular songs from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, although most songs are closer to the 1980’s. Occasionally selected songs from the 2000s can also be heard.
Boom 97.3 was first launched in 1987 with an easy listening format before eventually changing hands and pursuing a new style of music.
Today it is one of the most popular stations to listen to tunes from the past decades.
Website: CHBM-FM
11. CIND FM
CIND-FM, better known as Indie88, is a Toronto radio station broadcasting on 88.1 MHz.
Focused on an adult album format, Indie88 was first introduced in 2013, making it a relatively new addition to the airwaves. Toronto Station is a great option for soft rock and indie lovers.
Over the years, CIND-FM has helped various Canadian radio personalities break into the industry. The original cast included Brian Bailey, Matt Hart, Carlin Burton and many other well-known presenters.
Website: Indie88
12. CKMB-FM
Another popular station broadcasting in the trendy adult contemporary format, CKMB-FM, broadcasts on 107.5 MHz in Barrie, Ontario.
The station was originally launched in 2001 by Central Ontario Broadcasting Corporation, the owners of another well-known station called CFJB.
Originally CKMB-FM used the callsign Star 107.5, but changed its name to Kool FM in 2005 and began to focus on more contemporary music rather than classical songs.
Website: Kool FM
