Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform launched in 2015 that allows developers to build applications using smart contracts, which are programs that run automatically when conditions are met. It is powered by its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), which is used to pay for transactions and network activity. Unlike Bitcoin, which is focused on digital payments, Ethereum aims to support a wide range of use cases including decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, gaming, and identity systems. As one of the largest blockchains by market cap, Ethereum plays a central role in the crypto ecosystem. Users frequently track metrics like ETH to USD, ETH price, or Ethereum price in USD to monitor network performance.

Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain that powers smart contracts and decentralized applications. In 2022, it shifted from proof-of-work (PoW) to proof-of-stake (PoS), making the network more energy-efficient and scalable. Under PoS, participants called validators secure the network by staking a minimum of 32 ETH. This staked ETH acts as collateral, discouraging dishonest behavior through penalties known as “slashing.” Validators earn rewards and transaction fees for their role, helping keep the system secure, efficient, and environmentally friendly. At its core, Ethereum runs on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which enables smart contracts—programs that automatically execute agreements when conditions are met. This functionality powers decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, gaming, and more. Network upgrades, adoption, and overall market sentiment often influence the price of ETH in currencies like USD and CAD, making it closely tied to activity on the blockchain.

Ethereum supports a wide range of decentralized applications across industries. In finance, it powers DeFi platforms for lending, borrowing, and trading without banks, with the total value locked often influencing its price. It is also central to the creation and trading of NFTs, where transactions on marketplaces directly impact ETH’s value in currencies like USD and CAD. Beyond that, Ethereum enables play-to-earn gaming, giving players true ownership of digital assets, and offers solutions for digital identity and supply chain tracking through its secure, transparent blockchain. Overall, the demand for these applications plays a key role in shaping Ethereum’s price and value.

Ethereum was conceived in 2013 by Vitalik Buterin, who aimed to create a blockchain with programmable functionality beyond just simple currency transfers. In 2014, a pre-launch token sale successfully raised the initial funding, with participants buying ETH with Bitcoin. The network officially went live in July 2015, introducing smart contracts and decentralized applications to the world. Throughout its evolution, Ethereum has undergone several key upgrades to improve its security and scalability. A major turning point was "The Merge" in 2022, when the network switched from a proof-of-work mining model to a more energy-efficient proof-of-stake system. This move was a landmark achievement that significantly altered the network's long-term sustainability. The Ethereum price, specifically the ETH USD and ETH CAD values, often reacts to these major milestones, as network changes and upgrades directly impact its perceived Ethereum value.

Both Bitcoin and Ethereum are decentralized, open-source networks, but they serve different goals. Bitcoin focuses on peer-to-peer value transfer, while Ethereum supports programmable smart contracts and decentralized applications across various domains. This difference leads to varied use cases and ecosystem activity. Bitcoin uses a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism, where miners compete to validate transactions. Ethereum, on the other hand, transitioned to a proof-of-stake (PoS) model in 2022, where validators secure the network by "staking" ETH. Ethereum’s design allows developers to build tools, games, and finance systems, whereas Bitcoin primarily functions as a digital transfer mechanism. These structural differences contribute to distinct patterns in ETH price, Bitcoin price, and their respective network dynamics. The Bitcoin price is heavily influenced by its reputation as a scarce asset, macroeconomic factors, and its role as a digital hedge. The Ethereum price and ethereum value are more closely tied to network activity, developer adoption, and the demand for applications on its blockchain.

Ethereum staking involves committing ETH to support the network’s operation through a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. Participants may choose to operate as validators by securing at least 32 ETH, or they may delegate smaller holdings to existing validators. These validators help process transactions and maintain the Ethereum blockchain, which transitioned to proof-of-stake in 2022 to improve energy efficiency. Participants in staking are evaluated based on uptime, performance, and adherence to protocol rules. Those running validator nodes seek activation through a staking process that locks ETH for a certain period before unscheduling is permitted. This mechanism aims to enhance network security and decentralization while progressively phasing out proof-of-work methods.

The Ethereum price changes due to global supply-and-demand dynamics in decentralized markets. Variations in network usage, protocol upgrades, and ecosystem adoption can all influence value. Notable upgrades and new applications often coincide with shifts in ETH price and ETH value, reflecting changing sentiment in the broader crypto ecosystem. Ethereum plays a central role in decentralized applications (dApps), decentralized finance, and NFTs. Activity across these domains can drive volume and influence the Ethereum price. Public policy and regulatory developments—such as approval of ETH ETF products—may also affect market perception and pricing. For instance, recent regulatory clarity around stablecoins and ETFs tied to Ethereum has coincided with heightened interest in the asset. Market observers often review historical Ethereum price (ETH to CAD and ETH to USD), transaction volume, and network performance metrics to assess volatility.

Ethereum (ETH) is available through digital asset platforms that offer access to blockchain-based assets. To get started, users typically create an account, complete identity verification if required, and connect a payment method. Once registered, they can exchange supported currencies—such as USD for ETH based on the current ETH to USD conversion rate. Similarly for CAD - using the ETH to CAD conversion rate. The platform usually provides a user interface that displays the Ethereum price in real time, along with a transaction summary. Some also offer tools to track the ETH price today, monitor trends, and explore historical performance. Users may choose to store ETH in software wallets for convenience or hardware wallets for offline access. The amount of Ethereum one can access will depend on the ETH USD price or the ETH CAD price at the time of the transaction. Since ether price can change rapidly due to market activity, many platforms display live charts and conversion tools to help users stay informed.

The amount of Ethereum received for $1 CAD depends on the current ETH price at the time of exchange. For example, if the ETH CAD price is $2,000, $1 CAD exchange would equal 0.0005 ETH. Because Ethereum price changes in real time, the exact quantity varies throughout the day. Many platforms offer live calculators that convert CAD to ETH instantly based on the ETH to CAD rate. These tools can help users estimate how much ETH they would receive, even when making small conversions. Keep in mind that network fees or platform service charges may apply and slightly affect the final amount received. Monitoring Ethereum price CAD can be useful for timing conversions and understanding how much ETH corresponds to a specific amount of currency.

We update our Ethereum to CAD currency in real-time. Get the live price of Ethereum on Coinbase.

The current market cap of Ethereum is CA$541.136B. A high market cap implies that the asset is highly valued by the market.

The all-time high of Ethereum is CA$6,949.05. This all-time high is highest price paid for Ethereum since it was launched.

Over the last 24 hours, the trading volume of Ethereum is CA$27.177B.

Assets that have a similar market cap to Ethereum include Bitcoin, Tether, XRP, and many others. To see a full list, see our comparable market cap assets.