Keep food and drinks cold on all your adventures with our guide to the best coolers in Canada. We've reviewed top hard and soft coolers for durability, insulation performance, and portability.
Whether you’re a fan of day trips to the beach, multi-day camping trips, road trips, or social gatherings in your backyard, you’ve likely needed a cooler at some point in your life. They’re awesome for keeping drinks on ice anywhere, anytime, and they’re absolutely crucial for keeping food safe when you don’t have a fridge handy.
A cooler is one of the most portable, durable, and reliable ways to transport drinks and food. Some are small and easy to carry, others can be packed for days and roll along on handy little wheels. Some have soft shells, some have hard shells. And some are even powered by electricity so you don’t need to constantly replace ice. Convenient, eh?
If you’re convinced that you need your first (or a replacement) cooler, we’d love to help you pick the best one for you. They will vary in a lot of ways—things like price, capacity, shell type, wheeled vs. carried design, and more can all impact how useful a cooler is to you.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best coolers in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
The Best Coolers Right Now
Versatile Pick: Ninja FrostVault 50-Quart Hard Cooler with Dry Zone
Electric Pick: Bluetti MultiCooler Portable Fridge
Upgrade Pick: Yeti Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler
Budget Pick: Coleman Chiller 16-Quart Hard Cooler
Our Versatile Pick
Ninja FrostVault 50-Quart Hard Cooler with Dry Zone Review
What We Think of the Ninja FrostVault 50-Quart Hard Cooler with Dry Zone
We really like the Ninja FrostVault 50-Quart Hard Cooler with Dry Zone. As our versatile pick, you’re probably expecting us to tell you that it’s got everything you need for every occasion, and that’s exactly what we’re saying. Its large capacity guarantees you’ll be able to pack enough for large gatherings or multi-day camping trips, and with superior ice retention, everything stays nice and cold for days.
The Dry Zone is a huge selling point, too. The slide-out drawer is perfect for fresh food—it stays perfectly cold and eliminates the need to dig through ice and water for your food. Brilliant. The durability of this cooler is another thing we admire. No matter where you take it or how long you carry it, the handles will stay put, and your food and drinks will stay safe.
There are only two minor things that might get in the way of choosing this cooler. First, it’s fairly large and doesn’t have any wheels, so it can be difficult to move around when it’s full, especially if you’re by yourself. You won’t want to carry it very far. Otherwise, the expensive price might be the only reason you choose to look elsewhere for your perfect match.
All in all, the Ninja FrostVault 50-Quart Hard Cooler with Dry Zone has a lot to offer, no matter what types of trips you enjoy. Whether you’re taking the family to the beach or hitting the trails for days, this cooler has everything you need for a great time with perfect food and drinks.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 3/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Ninja FrostVault 50-Quart Hard Cooler with Dry Zone
Reviewers have very positive things to say about the Ninja FrostVault 50-Quart Hard Cooler with Dry Zone. It easily holds enough food to serve families, even over multiple days, and they really appreciate the convenience of the Dry Zone. They’re all impressed by its durability, too. They’d all choose this one again.
Ninja FrostVault 50-Quart Hard Cooler with Dry Zone Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You want a dedicated space for wet and dry foods
Longevity means a lot to you
A large capacity is essential
You enjoy multi-day trips
Don’t Buy If…
You need a cooler that’s easy to move around solo
Affordability is a priority
Ninja FrostVault 50-Quart Hard Cooler with Dry Zone Specifications
Dimensions: 18.8” x 18.8” x 17.1”
Weight: 29 lbs
Colour: Blue
Capacity: 47 L
Wheeled or Carried: Carried
Warranty: 5 years
Our Soft Pick
Hydro Flask Insulated Carry Out Soft Cooler Bag Review
What We Think of the Hydro Flask Insulated Carry Out Soft Cooler Bag
The Hydro Flask Insulated Carry Out Soft Cooler Bag is an easy one to love. One of the things we like most about it is how portable it is. It’s compact and weighs less than two pounds when it’s empty, so it’s easy to keep with you at all times. With the option of using carry handles or a shoulder strap, you’ll always be comfortable, too.
This cooler bag is reliably self-standing, too, so packing and unpacking is a breeze. No more fighting with your cooler bag. The durability of this cooler bag was a pleasant surprise, too. The zipper always glides easily, which isn’t a guarantee with this type of cooler, and the bag itself holds up well to frequent use.
With a capacity of only 12 litres, the small size is the only potential issue, countering all of the great things this cooler has to offer. If you plan multi-day trips, are serving a large group, or just like to keep a lot of options on hand, there are better coolers out there for you.
All in all, the Hydro Flask Insulated Carry Out Soft Cooler Bag is our favourite soft cooler right now. The capacity might not work for long trips or large gatherings, but otherwise, we love everything about it. We think you will, too.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Hydro Flask Insulated Carry Out Soft Cooler Bag
Reviewers could not be happier with the Hydro Flask Insulated Carry Out Soft Cooler Bag. It’s the perfect size for day trips and functions well as a lunch bag, too. The zipper is easy and reliable, and the handles and shoulder strap are very comfortable. They love that it stands up on its own, too. They have no complaints with this one and highly recommend it for others.
Hydro Flask Insulated Carry Out Soft Cooler Bag Pros and Cons
Buy If…
Portability is really important
You want a soft cooler that can stand by itself
You’d appreciate multiple carry styles
Sustainability is important to you
Don’t Buy If…
A large capacity is something you need
Hydro Flask Insulated Carry Out Soft Cooler Bag Specifications
Dimensions: 11.5” x 11.5” x 14.6”
Weight: 1.9 lbs
Colour: Black
Capacity: 12 L
Wheeled or Carried: Carried
Our Electric Pick
Bluetti MultiCooler Portable Fridge Review
What We Think of the Bluetti MultiCooler Portable Fridge
The Bluetti MultiCooler Portable Fridge is one of the most useful things you’ll ever buy for yourself. The versatility is only the first thing that wowed us. With an adjustable temperature, you can use this cooler as a fridge or as a freezer, depending on what you’re toting around. And with smart features, you can use the companion app to make changes!
It even has a built-in ice maker so you can serve your drinks the way you like them, or prep smaller cooler bags for outings. It’s pretty heavy, but with durable wheels, you won’t notice too much. It’ll travel with you anywhere you decide to go. A single battery provides three days of cooling power, so it’s great for multi-day trips, too. And as long as you have somewhere to recharge (there are four ways to do it), you’ll be set for every adventure.
In light of all these amazing benefits, you can probably predict what the main downside is here—the price tag. As one of the most expensive coolers out there right now, it won’t be a snap decision for very many people. If you’re willing to save (or already have the cash to spend), this cooler will exceed all of your expectations.
All in all, the Bluetti MultiCooler Portable Fridge is one of the most sophisticated and useful coolers you’ll ever come across. Battery power, precise temperature control, and a built-in ice maker are only the highlights. If you can swing the expense, we promise you won’t regret it.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 1/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Bluetti MultiCooler Portable Fridge
Reviewers are very impressed by the Bluetti MultiCooler Portable Fridge. They love that it makes ice on its own and that the main compartment can be used as a fridge or freezer. The smart features make it really easy to adjust settings, too. They’re happy with how long the battery lasts and how many options there are for recharging. They’d choose this one again in a heartbeat.
Bluetti MultiCooler Portable Fridge Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You want a cooler that can stay cold with no limits
Freedom of movement is important to you
A built-in ice maker sounds like a nice touch
You’d make use of smart features
Don’t Buy If…
You don’t have a ton of money to spend on a cooler
Bluetti MultiCooler Portable Fridge Specifications
Dimensions: 28” x 16.5” x 18.7”
Weight: 52.9 lbs
Colour: Black
Capacity: 40 L
Wheeled or Carried: Wheeled
- Warranty: 2 years
Our Upgrade Pick
Yeti Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler Review
What We Think of the Yeti Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler
We really love the Yeti Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler. It’s one of the most durable coolers around—it’s been tested against fireworks, among other things, and comes out on top. It’s perfect for rough camping and accident-prone owners. The wheels are super durable, too. They’re a never-flat material and will roll well on every surface. Even gravel. Even when it’s full of heavy drinks.
This cooler also takes first place for temperature-maintaining performance. Whether you’re resting hot meat or travelling with multiple days' worth of cold food and drinks, you won’t have any problems. And that’s all thanks to the extra-thick walls and Permafrost insulation. We also really like the handle design. It’s easy to raise up and down, and makes towing the cooler a breeze.
There are only two things we want you to be aware of before you commit to this one. First of all, the price is high, so make sure you’re prepared to invest a little extra. It won’t be worth it for everybody, but the cooler really is worth the money. Also, the extra-thick wheels are a little deceptive when it comes to interior space, so make sure you get a good idea of its true capacity before you buy.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 2/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Yeti Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler
Reviewers really like the Yeti Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler. Whether they’re resting freshly barbecued meat or towing around food and drinks for days at a time, the cooler does a great job of maintaining the interior’s temperature. It’s pretty easy to wheel around, and they really like how durable it is—they want to keep it forever.
Yeti Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You want a cooler with wheels that roll smoothly on any terrain.
Maximum insulation and ice retention are a top priority for you.
Durability matters—you need something nearly indestructible.
You like a handle that folds up and down easily for quick storage or pulling.
Don’t Buy If…
You’re on a budget—the price tag is steep.
You want maximum interior capacity—the thick insulated walls take up space.
Yeti Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler Specifications
Dimensions: 28.25” x 19.5” x 18.6”
Weight: 37 lbs
Colour: 11 options
Capacity: 52 L
Wheeled or Carried: Wheeled
Warranty: 5 years
Our Budget Pick
Coleman Chiller 16-Quart Hard Cooler Review
What We Think of the Coleman Chiller 16-Quart Hard Cooler
We like a lot of things about the Coleman Chiller 16-Quart Hard Cooler. It’s insanely durable—most people could probably use it as a chair or step and be just fine. It’s also really easy to clean (inside and out), which is super important for keeping it shiny on the outside and food-safe on the inside. It has a 15.1 litre capacity, meaning it can hold 11 drinks and eight pounds of ice.
One of our favourite features on this one is the handle. It’s a large bail handle that makes it really easy to carry with one hand, even when it’s full and heavy. Its TempLock insulation is another noteworthy feature—whether you’re carrying hot food or cold drinks, this cooler does its job right. There won’t be much change in temperature, even if you leave it alone for hours.
The main issue we have with this one is the small size. While it’s great for use as a lunch box or solo trips, it won’t be the best choice if you plan on chilling drinks for large family get-togethers or multi-day trips to a cottage or campsite. Just make sure you’re aware of the limitations before you buy so you don’t end up disappointed.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Coleman Chiller 16-Quart Hard Cooler
Reviewers have a great opinion of the Coleman Chiller 16-Quart Hard Cooler. They’ve used it for things like solo camping trips, for resting meat after barbecuing, and even as a lunch box. They love how portable and easy to carry it is, and they don’t have any trouble keeping it clean, either. A couple of people expected it to be a bit larger, but it suited most people’s needs just fine.
Coleman Chiller 16-Quart Hard Cooler Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You need a compact cooler that still keeps drinks cold all day.
You want a lightweight model that’s easy to carry with one hand.
A cooler for quick trips, picnics, or solo outings is exactly what you need.
Easy cleaning and low maintenance are important to you.
Don’t Buy If…
You need to carry a lot: its small capacity limits how much you can pack.
Coleman Chiller 16-Quart Hard Cooler Specifications
Dimensions: 12” x 15.75” x 11.25”
Weight: 3.6 lbs
Colour: Blue
Capacity: 15.1 L
Wheeled or Carried: Carried
Why Trust Shopping Trends?
At Shopping Trends, every product we review goes through rigorous hands-on testing to ensure we’re recommending only the best for Canadian households. With over a decade of experience in product evaluation and consumer reporting, I personally oversee each test and comparison.
Our process is transparent, methodical, and grounded in real-world usage. Whether it’s a cordless vacuum, a 4K TV, or a hammock for your next camping trip, we evaluate items the way you’d use them at home. When needed, we also consult Canadian industry experts to offer context and help readers make confident, informed decisions. Every “top pick” featured in our guides has earned its spot through careful analysis, not sponsorship.
How to Properly Choose Your Cooler
Price
Some coolers can be purchased for less than $50, but others will cost upwards of $550. In general, more expensive coolers will be more durable, will have a larger capacity, and/or will be electric. Most people won’t need to spend more than $200 for an awesome cooler that suits their needs.
Capacity
Typically, the capacity of a cooler will range between 15 litres and 50 litres. Obviously, a larger capacity means there’s more room for drinks and food, but they’ll also be heavier and more expensive. For single-day trips, a 20-litre capacity will be plenty.
Wheeled vs. Carried
Some coolers will have wheels and long handles, and others will need to be carried. This is mainly something to pay attention to when buying a larger cooler, as no small coolers will have wheels. If you will need to walk long distances or you don’t want the hassle of two-teaming a heavy cooler, you’ll want to make sure that you choose one that has wheels and a comfortable handle. There are plenty of large coolers that don’t, so it’s something to prioritize if it’s important to you.
Hard vs. Soft Shell
Most coolers have a hard shell, and these will be better at insulating your food and drinks, and they’ll also be a lot more durable. However, soft shell coolers exist, too, and they have their benefits. Soft shell coolers are a lot lighter and easier to carry. Plus, many of them can collapse down for easier storage.
