Canadian voice narrators that you need to listen to | Audible.ca
Canadian voice narrators that you need to listen to
Discover the voices and stories of Canada with this list of Canadian narrators and authors who are bringing Canadian tales to life in these incredible audiobooks.
The Canadian voice is a unique and powerful thing. Blending friendliness and warmheartedness with a depth of sincerity and openness that is distinct in Canada, Canadian voice actors have qualities that make Canadian audiobooks some of the best listens around. From suspense thrillers and fantasy novels to contemporary fiction, from young adult or coming-of-age stories to memoirs and autobiographies, these Canadian storytellers strongly represent their culture, their cities and their stories.
Yasuko Thanh tells her incredible and moving story in this audiobook, Mistakes to Run With. Living in the poorest, most crime and drug ridden area of British Columbia, her childhood was difficult and often cold and harsh. Thanh tells her story with a candid frankness that is both bold and heartfelt, painful and triumphant. She tells of her experiences as a Canadian child, teen and young woman through dark and troubled times, and the hope and solace that writing brought her.
This beautiful and moving story is an honest and unpolished memoir. Its openness is what will catch listeners, and it is nearly impossible not to feel connected to her and her story, whether it resonates with your own past or not. Experienced Canadian narrator Erin Moon lends her voice to this audiobook adaptation, bringing it to life with all the care and love this very personal tale deserves.
This international bestseller by Canadian author Claire Cameron is a mysterious thriller that unfolds the parallel stories of two women whose lives were separated by 40,000 years: the last living female neanderthal and a modern day archeologist uncovering the ancient past. The result is an interesting and unexpected look at motherhood, womanhood and identity. Throughout, Cameron exerts a strong voice for women everywhere and for every woman’s right to control her own body—and heart.
Moving and unique, The Last Neanderthal is a wonderful mix of history, mystery and contemporary fiction. This audiobook version is voiced by the strong, experienced, and award-winning Canadian narrator Erin Moon, who delivers an exceptional performance that captures all the nuances of the story, and of Cameron’s writing.
Fall head first into the deep and mysterious world that is Oracle. Andrew Pyper’s genre bending mystery thriller that pairs suspense with supernatural elements is a twisting, turning, exciting listen that will pull in listeners and leave them guessing every step of the way. The author’s distinct take makes for an exciting tale of suspense and riveting plot. A native Canadian, Pyper lives in Toronto, and has gained much acclaim and a wide fan base with this and his other works.
Oracle is also narrated by a Canadian in the form of Joshua Jackson, a Vancouver born actor and voice artist. He has a distinctly Canadian voice, which resonates warmth yet has all the strength and experience to make for a powerful listen. Jackson offers a truly impressive audio performance with this title, which has already won over fans and listeners.
Another example of a strong Canadian pairing—in both author and narrator—is the audiobook of All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews. This story is not only created and narrated by two strong female voices but it also tells the story of powerful females, including their triumphs as much as their failures, their vulnerabilities and their strengths. A powerful and moving story, it will strike you deep in the heart. Toews writes candidly about depression, pain, suffering and familial ties in this fiction that has many strong parallels to her own life. A Canadian who grew up in a Mennonite community in Winnipeg, she has a distinctly Canadian voice that resonates with listeners and is truly authentic and unique.
This audiobook version is narrated by Erin Moon, a seasoned Canadian voice actor who has done a wide range of narration and voice over work. Her soft Canadian accent and strong spirit are the perfect pairing for this difficult yet beautiful story.
Another incredible pairing of Canadians shines in Audible’s audiobook adaptation of The Never-Ending Present—the story of Gord Downie, front man and lead singer of the Canadian band Tragically Hip, and an iconic part of Canada’s music scene and history. Downie was more than a musical sensation. He also became well respected for donating to and founding a non-profit organization titled the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund to support reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Written by Michael Barclay, The Never-Ending Present chronicles and celebrates Downie's inspiring life. This biography is narrated by another iconic Canadian voice in George Stroumboulopoulos. Stroumboulopoulos, widely known as ‘Strombo,’ was a Much Music VJ and went on to host his own talk show. His calm, soothing, but engaged voice is well known to many listeners, and a perfect choice for this audiobook.
Thomas King is a well known Canadian author who has produced a variety of stories and novels, mainly highlighting Indigenous or First Nations people. Coyote Tales mixes mystical or mythical First Nation and Cherokee characters with traditional storytelling style, which adapts perfectly to audiobook format. King writes with all the cheeky humour that has become his signature, and which fits the personality of Coyote as well.
This adaptation is narrated by Meegwun Fairbrother, a Canadian actor of Ojibway background. His deep and soulful voice adds authenticity and depth to the often light and silly narrative. It also has, in many ways, the cadence and style of the traditional storytelling way. Fairbrother also narrates King’s acclaimed novel, Sufferance.
Sufferance is another powerful story that highlights the strong Canadian voice of Thomas King. It carries the same dry wit and dark humour he uses to address and blatantly point at the hardships and triumphs of First Nation and Indigenous people in North America. He pairs mythical or magical elements with a traditional storytelling style, creating a feel and voice all his own yet deeply rooted in his cultural heritage.
Meegwun Fairbrother is one of the best known and most experienced Canadian indigenous narrators, and has lent his voice to many titles by Thomas King. His steady, inviting and warm voice has all the hallmarks of that traditional storytelling sound, and he delivers an impressive narrative performance again with Sufferance.
Hunting by Stars is the first book in a series by Georgian Bay Métis Nation author Cherie Dimaline titled The Marrow Thieves. Dimaline plays on the tragedies, discrimination and persecution of indigenous people in this story about indigenous North Americas who are being hunted for their bone marrow. Dark, twisted, and dystopian, the novel pushes reality just far enough to seem absurd, while highlighting the notion that this seemingly horrific plot is not all that far from the truth.
Dimaline does an impressive job of sharing the Métis voice, while delivering a wholly fantastic story. Powerful, moving and imaginative, it is a triumph of storytelling—and truth telling—that is a true must-listen. The audiobook is also narrated by Meegwun Fairbrother, an Ojibwa Canadian actor who brings an authenticity to the indigenous voices of the story.
No Land to Light On is a powerful, painful, and truly heart wrenching story that highlights the immigrant voice, and the struggle of many of refugee status. Author Yara Zgheib was born in Beirut but has lived in a number of other countries, so she understands the experience of being a foreigner in a new land firsthand. In this novel, she tells the story of Sama and Hadi, a young Syrian couple anticipating the birth of their first child. They are abruptly separated when Hadi returns home to Jordan for his father’s funeral and is banned from returning to Sama when he is stopped and interrogated by US Customs and Border Protection officials.
This story is one of exile, home, identity and power, and its heart-wrenching plot is made all the more moving by the beautiful characters and prose created by Zgheib. She gives a voice to those who are often less heard, and sheds light on the humanity of those torn apart by governmental rules and bureaucratic decisions. Iraqi-Canadian voice actor Fajer Al-Kaisi narrates this emotional tale alongside cast members Ali Andre Ali and Suehyla El-Attar, who bring their own voices and experiences to the difficult story of No Land to Light On.
Kim Stanley Robinson is an American author of the fantastical and sci-fi based The Ministry of the Future. This out-of-this-world science and political drama weaves a tale of the potential effects of climate change, exploring what happens to the planet and its inhabitants when it’s too late to change the past. Exciting, interesting, and full of imagination, this story gives a voice not so much to the people as it does the environment (and the scientists and ecologists) attempting to make us see the consequences of our actions.
This audiobook adaptation of the acclaimed novel is narrated by Canadians Jennifer Fitzgerald, Fajer Al-Kaisi and a full cast of voices. This multicast narration allows for an immersive and all encompassing audio experience that thoroughly enhances the story.
This book by best-selling American author Ben Mezrich looks at the short squeeze and financial genius of GameStop. A real-life corporate drama, The Anti-Social Network follows the shocking story of how a failing business provided a lucrative investment opportunity like no other. Mezrich goes behind the scenes to highlight the various power players, investors and titans of Wall Street, exploring who caught the wave, who didn’t and how it changed the way we view business and finance.
Again, seasoned Canadian voice actor Fajer Al-Kaisi narrates this audiobook. Backed by his large portfolio of audio work in nonfiction and information based titles, he delivers the financial facts and twists of fortune with a clarity and precise nature that is ideal for the subject matter.
Fool Me Twice is a fast-paced crime thriller about a series of stolen objects, betrayals and high profile robberies. Exciting, heart racing, and full of action, it is the perfect thrilling crime story for fans of high-stakes capers. American author Jeff Lindsay creates an extremely entertaining world in this first installment in his Riley Wolfe series.
This audiobook is narrated by Braden Wright, an Alberta born Canadian actor and voice artist who has narrated dozens of titles. His experience and expertise shine through in this reading for a truly wonderful listening experience.
In Songs for the End of the World, acclaimed author Saleema Nawaz writes powerfully about hope in the face of impending catastrophe. Set in the future as the world is seemingly coming to an end, this deeply human novel focuses on the bonds and connections that are formed in times of crisis through the intersecting stories of a handful of characters, including a first responder, an author of dystopian novels and a pregnant singer preparing for a benefit concert. Powerful, moving, and extremely well told, the story received critical and audience approval.
This audiobook adaptation is narrated by a full cast of Canadian voices, who add their own take and perspective on Nawaz’s words, delivering an astounding and entertaining listen. The multi-voice reading also pairs well with the subject matter, about the coming together of various people from all beliefs and all walks of life.
Is there a Canadian female character more iconic than Anne of Green Gables? Lucy Maud Montgomery is the well known author of this truly heartwarming and much loved tale of the precocious and spirited Anne. Set in small town P.E.I. and originally created in 1908, her books about this character have sparked a devoted fan base globally and continue to be enjoyed by countless Canadian children today.
This audiobook adaptation is narrated by another Canadian female voice in Rachel McAdams, who grew up in London, Ontario. Sweet yet steadfast, headstrong and yet caring, McAdams is the perfect fit for this absolutely iconic character and story.
Mike Meyers—famed actor, comedian and Hollywood icon—turns the spotlight inward in this book, simply titled Canada, that reflects both on Canadian history and his own life as a Canadian. Proud, hilarious, and full of amazing stories, Canada is a masterpiece of storytelling, and a true testament to his beloved home. While many actors who become successful seem to assimilate with Hollywood and the US, Meyers has always made a point to be proudly Canadian, giving a voice to his country through his own unique perspective.
Here, he highlights his own experiences, and proudly touches on milestones in his life, what makes Canada Canada, and why he loves being Canadian so much. A lovely and funny tribute to his home and his people, Canada is a must listen for all Canadians. And it’s delightfully narrated by Meyers himself.
Another well known Canadian voice is Rick Mercer. For many years, he was the face of The Mercer Report, a much loved news show. In Talking to Canadians, Mercer documents his time interviewing many big names in Canada and travelling across the country. This memoir is as compelling as it is humorous—a hallmark of Mercer’s ability to be both funny and insightful at the same time.
Mercer was born in St. John’s Newfoundland, and his distinct maritime Canadian accent shines through in his narration. By telling the story himself, he is able to add all the perfect comedic timing pauses and emphasis to enhance the story and make for a true winner.
In this second book by Rick Mercer, the author continues to explore his career and the icon he became within Canada. When he closed out his hit talk show in the height of its popularity, Canadians across the nation were shocked. This look behind the scenes of the much loved Mercer Report tells all the untold tales, hilarious antics, catastrophic fails and triumphs of the show that made him famous.
For many, Mercer was the voice of Canada. In his infamous rants, he said what many others secretly wanted to express. He travelled the nation meeting Canadians of all walks of life and told their stories, too, with humour, grace and a level of entertainment that translates seamlessly to this book, and his narration of it. This listen is a welcome addition to the library of any Canadian.
In North of Normal, Cea Sunrise Pearson describes her unique life and upbringing in the remote wilderness of Canada, in a simple and plain spoken style. As the title suggests, her family’s lifestyle was anything but normal, but it was also all she knew. As she got older, Pearson began to see different perspectives and ways of living—or at least, see that they existed.
Pearson narrates the audiobook adaptation of her memoir, adding an authenticity and authority to the book that someone who was not emotionally connected with the story could muster. The result is a moving and intriguing coming-of-age story about finding your own way and your own sense of self in life, despite what circumstances you may come from.
This audiobook celebrates long-silenced Canadian voices. “Indian” in the Cabinet challenges the treatment of First Nation people, who were wrongly called ‘Indians’ for many decades. This impressive and inspiring book by Jody Wilson-Raybould highlights an indigenous voice and the power and identity of being able to truly express one’s self. It also points to historical times when this voice was so brutally shut out, as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to make these voices heard.
Wilson-Raybould narrates her own book, ensuring the authenticity and realness of her story—and voice—is told. Through her own words, she sheds light on her world and reminds us there are so many different types of Canadian voices.
Miriam Toews is an author known for her unflinchingly honest stories about her upbringing in the Canadian Mennonite community in Winnipeg and the influence of strong women in her life. She is a careful storyteller who knows the power of words, and the weight they can have, making her not only an excellent author but also an ideal narrator. In Fight Night, a 2021 Giller Prize winner, Toews explores multigenerational female relationships, focusing on one Toronto family: a nine-year-old girl who has been expelled from school for fighting, her mother (who is heavily pregnant) and her grandmother (modelled on the author’s own mother). It’s a story about what it means to stay and fight.
Toews narrates this audiobook adaptation alongside her daughter, Georgia Toews. Together they voice Fight Night with power, passion and vulnerability. The result is a moving story that captures the ups, downs and complexities of familial bonds, and a masterpiece of generational female voices.
Jesse Thistle is a Métis author who has released a stunning debut work of memoir and history. Award winning, much acclaimed, and much loved, From the Ashes is a triumphant look at what it means to be Métis Cree—an often forgotten or overlooked people of Canada. Thistle uses his voice to look at his own life, with honesty and openness, resulting in an engaging, heartfelt tale that is as relatable as it is personal.
He narrates this title as well, adding a level of personality, depth and authenticity to the story. He is a voice for all Métis people, but also a distinctly unique individual, and the way in which he tells his story highlights this: Everyone has a voice that deserves to be heard. All there is to do is listen.
Life in the City of Dirty Water is another audiobook which sheds light on the First Nation voices that formed an integral part of Canada’s backbone and its history. Author Clayton Thomas-Muller is of Cree heritage, and highlights this rich history in this title. This is a great example of a powerful Canadian voice, as the story centers around the need to return to one’s self and speak their truth.
This book has won numerous awards and honors, including being named to the CBC’s “Best Canadian Non-Fiction of 2021.” This dynamic memoir is powerful and moving as well as informative. Through this work, Thomas-Muller reveals a side of Canada—and a voice in Canada—which is not as well known but just as important to Canada’s past and present as all people’s voices.
Rohinton Mistry, the award-winning author of A Fine Balance, is an Indian-born Canadian. Though this story is rooted firmly in the themes, stories, and experiences of characters in India, Mistry represents the Canadian-Indian identity, which has a powerful presence across the country.
A Fine Balance is a moving, heartbreaking, and touching story that will resonate with many Indian people. It serves as a reminder of the trials many have faced who have moved away from their home country. Similarly, with such a substantial Indian population in Canada (an estimated 1 million Indian-born citizens permanently reside in Canada), A Fine Balance is an educative tale that can help bridge the gap between the Canadian-Indian community and other communities within Canada. Canadian-born narrator Vikas Adam voices this stunning tale that will reach deep into your soul and leave a permanent mark. It is a must-listen for any Canadian, whether you have Indian roots or not.
Iraqi-Canadian actor Fajer Al-Kaisi brings his voice to the narration of Dean Koontz’s suspense thriller The Big Dark Sky. Raised in Kuwait but settled in Quebec, Al-Kaisi is an excellent example of the multicultural aspect of Canada. Many Canadian listeners can relate to his voice, enhancing the personal connection between themselves and the story. A seasoned narrator, Al-Kaisi has lent his voice to several Audible titles.
With The Big Dark Sky, Al-Kaisi offers a gripping, emphatic narration that will have listeners on the edge of their seats for this thrilling mystery tale. Dive into this suspenseful and exciting story of hauntings and murder with the voice of Fajer Al-Kaisi.
Seth Rogen’s hilarious memoir, Yearbook, is a collection of stories that outlines everything from his early life in stand-up comedy to his adventures in Los Angeles and his rise to stardom. Candid, open, and funny, it is an excellent look at one of Canada’s most prominent names in Hollywood today.
Rogen is one of many well-established Canadian comics. His short stories depict his life and offer a window into growing up in Vancouver in the ’90s. As a prominent figure in Hollywood, he makes an effort to pay homage to his Canadian roots, family, and the struggles and breaks that got him to where he is today. Narrated by Rogan himself, these snippets, essays, and stories are full of heart and hilarity, making Yearbook a true delight.
Catherine Hernandez is a Canadian writer from the Greater Toronto Area. Her novel takes a magnifying glass to the city where she grew up and sheds light on the broader issues and triumphs embedded in Canadian culture. Named after a suburb of Toronto, the largest city in the country, Scarborough is a raw and hard-hitting look at representation, prejudice, and bias.
A broad snapshot of classes in Canada, Scarborough juxtaposes various races, cultures, and economic statuses that all live side-by-side. Hernandez weaves these themes into a story about the people who call the city of Scarborough home. Hernandez brings her voice to the narration, adding depth and a personal touch: she is an authentic Canadian voice telling her Canadian story. Moving, eye-opening, and powerful, this is an audiobook experience that will change anyone who listens to it.
Katherena Vermette’s The Strangers is a poignant and powerful story of estranged family members. As a Métis Canadian who grew up in Manitoba, Vermette has a distinctly Canadian style and voice. Her story highlights the struggles and challenges the Métis community faces.
Voiced by Alberta native, Michaela Washburn, the story of characters of Elsie, Phoenix, and Cedar encounter many hurdles, but the story holds fast to a sense of lasting hope and resilience. It is a powerful tale of finding one’s identity and importance amid strange communities, homes, and environments. The Strangers is a moving and inspiring example of the Métis experience and voice.
Canadian author Eden Robinson is an award-winning and much-loved Indigenous author. More generally, she is considered a strong voice for her people and Indigenous nations. She has penned many stories rooted in Haisla culture, mythology, and the art of storytelling, including Son of a Trickster.
This story, the first in the Trickster trilogy, follows the main character Jared, a teen living in rural Kitimat, B.C. Robinson paints a beautiful picture of the Canadian landscape and wilderness while highlighting the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous Canadians, both within reservations and outside of them.
She pulls on themes and mythical characters strongly tied to Haisla culture and oral storytelling traditions, including the infamous Trickster and various other magical creatures. Jason Ryll lends his voice to this beautiful story that shares an individual account of Jared and his family and gives voice to a side of Canada historically silenced or diminished. Poignant, surprising, heartfelt, and funny, it is a must-listen for anyone looking to explore more Canadian voices.
Jann Arden is a much-loved Canadian icon, praised for the open, candid, and honest discussions of her life, including her relationship with her mother. In this audiobook, Feeding My Mother, she tells her own stories of love and struggles as she assists her mother, who has a memory loss condition. As Jann walks through life with someone unable to connect to the past and memories as before, she learns to find daily gratitude and live in the moment.
The stories mainly take place in Jann’s kitchen, in a home in rural Alberta, where her mother sits and finds comfort. Together, they spend time as Jann cooks, creating a culture of love and comfort. Listeners will be moved by Jann’s beautiful story of support, love, and resilience.
Learn all about the early lives of music and LGBTQ2S+cons Tegan and Sara in this joint memoir, High School. The Canadian twins grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and their story reflects this Canadian childhood and upbringing. Theirs is a powerful story of identity and finding one’s voice, both figuratively and literally, as the two discovered music and songwriting. It is a dynamic juxtaposition of parallel lives and experiences that depicts how two siblings process the same familial environment and home atmosphere.
Engaging, interesting, and full of passion, it is a moving story perfect for any music lover or listener who identifies as LGBTQ2S+ or Canadian. This coming-of-age autobiography is both deeply personal and a tale that will resonate with many.
David Chilton’s The Wealthy Barber Returns offers insight and practical tips for reaching financial success. This Canadian businessman and investor hails from Waterloo, Ontario, and shares his opinions, tips, and tricks for getting the most out of the Canadian investor market. It offers a simple but effective look at the Canadian economy, with practical guides and the first steps to take when venturing into the investing world.
Chilton offers a helpful listen for Canadians, who have too often relied on economic tips for American-centered economists, magazines, or advisors. Anyone with limited investing experience will want to listen to this audiobook.
Arguably the most famous Canadian storyteller, Margaret Atwood is a staple of the literary world who shares a voice rooted in the culture and daily life. Her stories often take place in Southern Ontario or have distinctly Canadian elements, settings, and characters.
Alias Grace is a thrilling and captivating story, narrated by Canadian actress Sarah Gadon, that focuses on Grace Marks, who was convicted of involvement in a series of murders in 1843. The novel was adapted into an award-winning Netflix series of the same name in 2017. With dynamic storytelling and solid political overtones, this gripping and suspenseful story has all the hallmarks of an Atwood classic, making for a perfect listen for mystery lovers.
Take control of your money with Gail Vaz-Oxlade’s Debt-Free Forever, a practical guide to debt management. Gail is an established debt specialist many Canadians will recognize from her TV show Til Debt do Us Part. She has also written several titles to help Canadians navigate debt.
Debt-Free Forever will walk listeners straightforwardly through the steps they need to take to reduce and eliminate debt. Gail’s style is honest but encouraging, allowing optimal growth and potential. This is the perfect listen for anyone struggling with debt and looking for ways to navigate the complex economic world.
