Buying a Generator in Canada

Need backup power in Canada? Here’s your no-fuss guide to voltages, trusted brands, popular models, and where to buy—plus extras like a reliable inverter generator or a safe transfer switch kit.

Single-Phase Voltage: 120/240 V / Three-Phase Voltage: 208 V, 347/600 V / Frequency (Hertz): 60 Hz / # of Wires: 3–4 / Plug Type(s): Type A, B (NEMA 5-15, 5-20, 14-50)

What are you looking for?

• Generator Brands/Models in Canada
• Where to Buy Generators in Canada
• Canada Generator Guide & FAQs

Generator Brands for Sale in Canada

Canada offers a wide variety of generators from portable inverters for camping and home backup to heavy-duty diesel units for commercial use. Here are some top brands you’ll find across the country:

• Honda: Reliable portable and inverter generators; clean power for sensitive electronics. Typical Canadian pricing: CAD $1,400–$4,000. Browse Honda inverter options.
• Yamaha: Super-quiet inverter units perfect for camping or mobile work; CAD $1,300–$3,500. See Yamaha EF series.
• Champion: Popular for affordability and dual-fuel options (gas/propane); CAD $600–$2,000. Check Champion dual-fuel units.
• Generac: Leading brand for home standby systems with automatic transfer switches; CAD $3,500–$10,000+ installed.
• Cummins: Heavy-duty standby/prime generators for commercial and residential setups; price by quote.
• Kohler: Premium standby generators with advanced controls; price by quote.
• Westinghouse: Budget-friendly portables and inverters with solid features; CAD $500–$1,500. Browse Westinghouse inverter models.
• Firman: Canadian-favourite for cost-effective portables; CAD $450–$1,200.

Best Generator Models in Canada

“Best” depends on what you need—camping, job sites, or whole-home backup. Here are a few top picks:

• Honda EU2200i (inverter): Ultra-quiet and compact, perfect for camping and small home essentials; ~2.2 kW. CAD $1,400–$1,800.
• Yamaha EF3000iSE: Quiet, long runtime, handles appliances and RV loads; ~3 kW. CAD $2,000–$2,800.
• Champion 3800 Dual Fuel: Flexible gas/propane use, ~3.8 kW; great for emergency home backup. CAD $800–$1,200.
• Generac Guardian Series 22kW: Automatic whole-home standby with ATS; CAD $6,500–$8,500 (generator only).
• Cummins QuietConnect: Standby units 13–20 kW; robust and quiet operation. Quote-based pricing.
• Kohler 20RESCL: Premium standby model with reliable power management; ~20 kW. Quote-based pricing.

Where to Buy Generators in Canada

Choose authorised dealers for installation, warranty, and parts support. For accessories, shop online for weatherproof covers, transfer switches, and CO detectors.

Home Depot Canada

• Multiple locations nationwide
• Contact: homedepot.ca customer service
• Hours: Store hours vary by location

Canadian Tire

• Multiple locations nationwide
• Contact: canadiantire.ca support
• Hours: Store hours vary by location

Lowe’s Canada

• Multiple locations nationwide
• Contact: lowes.ca customer support
• Hours: Store hours vary by location

Princess Auto

• National chain with tool/equipment stores
• Contact: princessauto.com
• Hours: Typically Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

KMS Tools

• Branches in Western Canada (BC, AB, MB)
• Contact: kmstools.com
• Hours: Store hours vary by location

Agricole IDEAL (Quebec)

• Multiple branches across Quebec
• Contact: agricoleideal.com
• Hours: Mon–Fri business hours

Toronto Generators

• 1120 Finch Ave W, North York, ON M3J 3H7
• Contact: +1 416-729-9872 · info@torontogenerators.ca
• Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

WesternOne (Power & HVAC)

• Branches in Alberta and BC
• Contact: westernone.ca
• Hours: Mon–Fri business hours

Canada Generator Buying Guide and Tips

• Sizing matters: Add up wattage of essential loads (fridge, sump pump, furnace fan, router). Portables: 2–5 kW. Whole-home standby: 10–24 kW.
• Noise levels: Inverter models run ~50–60 dB; open-frame gas units 70–85 dB; enclosed diesel standby ~65–75 dB.
• Fuel choice: Gasoline for portability; propane/diesel for longer runtimes and easier storage in Canadian winters.
• Cold weather prep: Install cold-weather kits or block heaters for standby generators. Store fuel with stabilizer—check out fuel stabilizers.
• Electrical safety: Always use certified electricians for ATS installs. Never backfeed your home panel.
• Maintenance: First oil change early (5–20 hrs), then every 50–100 hrs. Keep spares like spark plugs and air filters.
• Storage: Use a running cover and keep units elevated/dry in snowy or wet conditions.

Buying Generator in Canada FAQs

How much does generator installation usually cost in Canada?
Portable generator hookups with a manual transfer switch can cost CAD $600–$2,000. Full standby systems with ATS and concrete pad installation often range CAD $4,000–$10,000+ (excluding the generator).

How noisy can a generator be in Canada?
Inverter portables: ~50–60 dB @ 7m (conversation level). Open-frame gas: 70–85 dB. Diesel standby: ~65–75 dB with enclosures. Check local bylaws for residential noise restrictions.

Which generator type and fuel are best for Canada’s climate?
Gasoline inverters are great for short-term outages. For longer or frequent outages in cold weather, propane or diesel is preferred—easier cold starts, safer storage, and higher efficiency.

What are the typical warranties for generators in Canada?
Portable inverters: usually 2–3 years limited residential use. Standby generators: 3–5 years when installed by an authorised dealer. Always confirm in writing with the supplier.