Discover the best GPS watches in Canada: compare accuracy, battery life, smart features, and where to buy them at the best value.
Do you consider yourself a fitness enthusiast? Are you dedicated to outdoor adventures? If you’ve answered yes to either question (or both!), you’ve likely explored a ton of gadgets to make your workouts and explorations more fun and informative. If you’ve never tried out a GPS watch, though, you’ve been missing out.
A GPS watch is able to track your location, altitude, heart rate, and so much more. They have a lot in common with regular fitness watches, including being compatible with more workout types than you’ll ever need, but you get the added benefit of GPS tracking. With comfortable bands, touchscreen displays, and days of battery life, they’re well-suited to every excursion.
Whether you’re ready to try out a GPS watch for the first time or you’re looking for a replacement for an outdated one you’ve enjoyed for years, we’re here to help you find your perfect fit. GPS watches will vary in price, display shape and size, workout/activity compatibility, battery life, and more. Every feature matters at the end of the day, so it’s a good idea to think about all of them.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best GPS watches 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 GPS Watches Right Now
Top Pick: Suunto Race GPS Sports Watch
Upgrade Pick: Garmin Fēnix 8 Solar Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch
Apple Pick: Apple Watch Ultra 2 Smartwatch
Budget Pick: Coros Pace 3 GPS Sport Watch
Alternative Budget Pick: Amazfit T-Rex 3 Military Smart Watch
Our Top Pick for The Best GPS Watch
Suunto Race GPS Sports Watch Review
What We Think of the Suunto Race GPS Sports Watch
The Suunto Race GPS Sports Watch has a lot working in its favour. One of the things we think you’ll appreciate most is the offline maps. They’re all free, and they offer a global selection. No matter where you travel, you’ll be safe to walk, run, bike, hike…you get the idea. You can get around with route navigation, breadcrumb trails, POIs, and more—the options are unlimited with this one, too.
Since this watch is also compatible with more than 95 exercise/workout types, and monitors all kinds of health metrics, you’ll be able to get a full picture of your fitness no matter how you like to move. The display is always clear, and with a touchscreen and interactive crown, it’s incredibly user-friendly and easy to access different features. It’s nearly indestructible, too! Bonus.
Unfortunately, there are two things that might hold you back from choosing this watch. First, the heart rate monitor isn’t incredibly accurate, so if that’s something you’re keen on tracking, this won’t be the best choice. It also doesn’t offer any call compatibility or sophisticated sync features for your smartphone. You’ll have to look at higher-end options for those types of features.
All in all, the Suunto Race GPS Sports Watch is pretty impressive all around. Whether you’ll be hitting remote trails, training for a race, or enjoying any other type of outdoor activity, this watch has everything you need to get the most out of it.
Performance: 4.5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4.5/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Suunto Race GPS Sports Watch
Reviewers have a very high opinion of the Suunto Race GPS Sports Watch. They find it very simple to use, and the screen is always easy to read, even in direct sunlight. They put a lot of trust in the navigation and have not been let down yet. They’re also very impressed by its durability. They highly recommend this watch for all types of workouts and adventures.
Suunto Race GPS Sports Watch Pros and Cons
Buy If…
User-friendliness is a priority
Offline maps are what you’re after
Display clarity is important to you
Multiple navigation options would be nice
Don’t Buy If…
You need a watch that’s compatible with calls
Heart rate monitoring is a top feature you’re looking for
Suunto Race GPS Sports Watch Specifications
Weight: 0.18 lbs
Band Colour: Black
Display Shape: Round
Display Size: 1.43”
Battery Life: 26 days standby, 40 hours in performance mode
Charge Time: 2 hrs
Waterproof Rating: Waterproof to 100 m
Warranty: 1 year
Our Upgrade Pick
Garmin Fēnix 8 Solar Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch Review
What We Think of the Garmin Fēnix 8 Solar Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch
Are you ready to be blown away by the Garmin Fēnix 8 Solar Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch? We sure hope so, because we’re diving in regardless. One of the first things you’ll notice about this watch is its impressive battery life. With GPS deactivated, the battery can run for 48 days, and with everything powered on (including solar charging), you can get 149 hours of runtime before you have to take it off. Isn’t that impressive?
It also offers the most comprehensive fitness tracking and support with features like sport-specific strength workouts, a full range of health metrics, endurance coaching programs, and more. Plus, with reliable GPS accuracy, you can roam new areas with confidence. It even offers extras like voice-assistant compatibility and a built-in flashlight, and it supports calls. How does it get better?
The only possible issue you might take up with this watch is its price tag. It’s one of the most expensive GPS watches currently available, and while it’s for good reason, it won’t be an easy purchase for everybody. If you’re willing to spend a lot to get a lot, you sure won’t regret it, but we understand that the price might be a dealbreaker.
Overall, the Garmin Fēnix 8 Solar Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch is the best choice for folks who will make use of its lofty potential. It might be the most expensive GPS watch out there, but it also offers the absolute best technology you can find. Worthy trade, no?
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 2/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Garmin Fēnix 8 Solar Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch
Reviewers could not be happier with the Garmin Fēnix 8 Solar Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch. The extended battery life with solar charging is a feature they never want to do without in the future, and all of the health and fitness tracking provides all the information they could ever hope to have. They all agree that you get what you pay for with this one.
Garmin Fēnix 8 Solar Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch Pros and Cons
Buy If…
A long battery life is a must-have
You’re looking for a full range of workout and health advice/support
You’d appreciate a watch that can make calls
A built-in flashlight would be useful
Don’t Buy If…
You’re shopping on any kind of a budget
Garmin Fēnix 8 Solar Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch Specifications
Weight: 0.21 lbs
Band Colour: Black
Display Shape: Round
Display Size: 1.4”
Battery Life: 48 days standby, 149 hrs with solar charging
Waterproof Rating: Waterproof to 100 m
Warranty: 1 year
Our Apple Pick
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Smartwatch Review
What We Think of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Smartwatch
We like a lot of things the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Smartwatch has to offer. One of the best (in our opinion, at least) is the unique tracking for each activity. With stats like stroke detection for swimmers and form metrics for runners, you’ll have exactly the info you need to get better and better over time. Offline maps allow hikers to explore with confidence, too, even when they’re out of service range.
The watch can track a wide variety of health metrics, too. You can get accurate updates about your sleep habits, help with menstrual tracking, heart rate and respiration tracking, and more. With this watch, you’ll know more about your body than ever before. We also love the fabric band—it’s an underrated addition that makes this watch more comfortable to wear than most.
We also have to mention the things that might sway you in a different direction. The first and most important is its exclusivity—if you have an Android phone, this watch will be useless. Very important to know, right? The battery life also leaves a lot to be desired, so it can be a bit of a hassle to keep it charged. The high price tag might be another deterrent to consider.
All in all, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Smartwatch is one of the best options that iPhone users could consider. The wide range of health tracking options, accurate GPS with offline maps, and activity-specific stat tracking all work together to provide unbeatable support for your fitness life.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 3.5/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Smartwatch
Reviewers have great things to say about the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Smartwatch. The fabric band is incredibly comfortable and fits well, and the stats that are tracked for each activity (biking, hiking, swimming, etc.) are incredibly helpful for monitoring progress over time. They really appreciate the comprehensive health metrics as well. They highly recommend this watch.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Smartwatch Pros and Cons
Buy If…
You’d prefer a fabric band over a plastic one
You want to track your fitness progress over time
You’d appreciate dedicated and automatic features for different activities
Full health tracking would be nice
Don’t Buy If…
A long battery life is a priority
You’re shopping on a budget
You have an Android phone
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Smartwatch Specifications
Weight: 0.13 lbs
Band Colour: Black
Display Shape: Square
Display Size: 1.9”
Battery Life: 36 hrs normal mode, 72 hrs low power mode
Waterproof Rating: Waterproof to 100 m
Warranty: 1 year
Our Budget Pick
Coros Pace 3 GPS Sport Watch Review
What We Think of the Coros Pace 3 GPS Sport Watch
There are lots of exciting things to tell you about the Coros Pace 3 GPS Sport Watch. One of our favourite features is the band. It comes in two styles (nylon and silicone) and two colours (white and black/grey). How nice is that? It’s also incredibly comfortable to wear, especially if you choose a nylon option, thanks to its light weight. You’ll hardly notice it’s on your wrist.
Of course, the affordability of this watch is another huge selling point. If you’re shopping on a budget but don’t want to compromise on quality, this is the way to go. It can help you with accurate route planning (with breadcrumb navigation!), monitor your fitness progress in a variety of exercise types, and so much more. You won’t be missing out on much if you choose this budget-friendly option.
We only have two minor downsides to mention before we wrap this up. First, unlike most other GPS watches, this one is only waterproof to 50 meters, not 100. If you’re looking for full protection no matter what you’re doing in the water, there are better options to look at. Second, the 1.2” display is a bit smaller than average.
Overall, the Coros Pace 3 GPS Sport Watch is an amazing option if you’re new to wearing a GPS watch and want to see what all the fuss is about. It’s comfortable to wear 24/7, is easy to navigate, and provides all of the features you can expect from a GPS watch.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Coros Pace 3 GPS Sport Watch
Reviewers are very happy with the Coros Pace 3 GPS Sport Watch. Most of them were first-time GPS watch wearers looking for something affordable, and they’re very happy with the quality and performance of this choice. The band is comfortable, it’s incredibly lightweight, and the fitness and health tracking all seem to be accurate.
Coros Pace 3 GPS Sport Watch Pros and Cons
Buy If…
Band style and comfort are important to you
Affordability is a priority
You don’t do well with heavy watches
You’d appreciate versatile activity tracking and accurate route planning
Don’t Buy If…
You’d like a large watch display
You’re looking for extensive waterproofing
Coros Pace 3 GPS Sport Watch Specifications
Weight: 0.066 lbs
Band Colour: 2 nylon options, 2 silicone options
Display Shape: Round
Display Size: 1.2”
Battery Life: 17 days no GPS, 38 hrs continuous GPS
Charge Time: Under 2 hrs
Waterproof Rating: Waterproof to 50 m
Warranty: 2 years
Our Alternative Budget Pick
Amazfit T-Rex 3 Military Smart Watch Review
What We Think of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Military Smart Watch
We’re very excited to share the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Military Smart Watch with you. Despite its affordable price tag, it still manages to compete with the best in terms of GPS accuracy, ease of navigation, health tracking, and workout/activity compatibility. However (and wherever) you like to move your body, this watch can help you track your progress and explore new workouts. It even offers voice control. How cool is that?
It has free global maps, too, including contour maps and ski maps, so you’ll be able to explore the entire world without worrying about getting lost. How’s that for peace of mind? With the right settings turned off, you can even get 180 hours of battery life with the GPS still working. That’s impressive. We’re also big fans of its durability—it’s dustproof, waterproof to 100 metres, and incredibly scratch resistant.
Unfortunately, this watch doesn’t come with any of the fancy features you see in higher-end watches, like the ability to make phone calls or payments. Hopefully, you’re not set on any of those things. The display is also quite busy, so if you like a more streamlined look, you might be better off with something a little different.
All in all, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Military Smart Watch is one that we easily recommend to just about everybody. Whether you’re looking for help with your workouts, trail navigation, sleep tracking, or anything else, this watch has the features to make it happen.
Performance: 4.5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
What Reviewers Are Saying About the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Military Smart Watch
Reviewers have great things to say about the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Military Smart Watch. They’ve yet to participate in an activity that this watch can’t help them track, and the GPS navigation is incredibly accurate and responsive. It holds up well in harsh environments, and they appreciate the voice control as well. They have no complaints with this watch and highly recommend it.
Amazfit T-Rex 3 Military Smart Watch Pros and Cons
Buy If…
An indestructible watch sounds like a good fit
Voice control is something you’d enjoy
You like to train in a variety of disciplines
You want to travel the world with confidence
Don’t Buy If…
You won’t do well with a busy display
You want to use your watch for phone calls, payments, etc.
Amazfit T-Rex 3 Military Smart Watch Specifications
Weight: 0.15 lbs
Band Colour: Black
Display Shape: Round
Display Size: 1.5”
Battery Life: 27 days average use, 42 hrs constant GPS
Charge Time: 3 hrs
Waterproof Rating: Waterproof to 100 m
Warranty: 1 year
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 GPS Watch
Price
Some GPS watches cost as little as $330, while others can hit nearly $2,000. Generally, more expensive GPS watches will offer longer battery lives, better durability, more responsive GPS systems, and advanced features like voice assistant compatibility or call compatibility.
Display Style
Since you’ll likely be wearing your GPS watch nearly 24/7, it’s important to consider the display style. You’ll want to look at the display size (typically between 1.2 and 1.5 inches across) and the shape (round or square) to make sure you won’t mind looking at it all day, every day.
Battery Life
The battery life of a GPS watch can vary considerably depending on what features you have activated. At the conservative end, with GPS off, a watch can run for 3-48 days depending on how much you spend. At the low end, with all features activated, you might get 24 to 180 hours of runtime, again depending on how much you spend. If you’ll be actively using your GPS quite often or enjoy an always-on display, you’ll want to look for the longest possible battery life.
Charge Time
The charge time of a GPS watch typically ranges between 2 and 3 hours, but there are a select few watches that use solar energy to recharge. If you’ll be using your GPS pretty heavily, one of those options might help avoid regular downtime for charging.
Waterproof Rating
Most GPS watches will be waterproof to a depth of 100 meters, but some are more limited. If you plan to swim or dive with your watch, it’s a good idea to look for that 100-meter rating, just to be safe.
