Below are the top B2B lead‑generation databases and data providers to consider for Canada in 2025, with a short note on each (best use case, strengths, and one downside). Sources follow each entry so you can verify details and pricing/features.

Top B2B lead databases for Canada (2025)

1. Scott’s Directories — Canadian‑focused / best for 100% Canada coverage

   • Why: Market‑focused Canadian directory with large, verified Canadian contact base and province/industry filters; good when you need Canada‑only lists and CASL‑aware workflows.
   • Downsides: Some fields (emails/phones) can be limited per CASL policy; less global coverage than ZoomInfo/D&B. (scottsdirectories.com)

2. Data Axle Canada (formerly infoCanada/InfoCanada) — large, verified Canadian business lists

   • Why: Longstanding Canadian dataset and direct‑mail / telemarketing list services; strong for custom mailing lists, B2B+consumer segments and regular phone verification.
   • Downsides: More traditional list model (downloads/labels) — may need extra integration work for modern sales stacks. (dataaxlecanada.ca)

3. ZoomInfo — enterprise sales intelligence with strong firmographics + intent data

   • Why: Rich firmographic profiles, contact data, intent signals and large global coverage; good for enterprise SDR/ABM teams that need deep company intelligence and CRM integrations.
   • Downsides: Higher price; data accuracy and pricing are common purchase considerations. (ca.investing.com)

4. LinkedIn Sales Navigator — best for prospect discovery + social/professional signals in Canada

   • Why: Direct access to LinkedIn profiles, job changes, people search and outreach (InMail); excellent for identifying decision‑makers and warm outreach via mutual connections.
   • Downsides: Less downloadable/clean list export capability than pure data providers; privacy/usage limits. (LinkedIn.com)

5. D&B Hoovers (Dun & Bradstreet) — strong company intelligence & enterprise lists

   • Why: Deep company-level data, financials, D‑U‑N‑S identifiers and integrations useful for targeting larger firms, credit checks and risk scoring.
   • Downsides: Mixed user reviews on UI/support and occasional gaps in certain records; pricing aimed at mid/large buyers. (dnb.com)

6. UpLead — accurate, realtime email verification + good Canada coverage for SMBs

   • Why: Focus on data accuracy and live email verification before download; cost‑effective for SMB sales teams building targeted lists in Canada.
   • Downsides: Smaller contact universe than ZoomInfo; feature set more prospecting‑focused. (UpLead.com)

7. Apollo.io — all‑in‑one prospecting + engagement (good value for SMBs)

   • Why: Large contact database combined with outreach automation and sequencing — useful if you want database + outbound tooling in one platform.
   • Downsides: Data quality varies by region; verify Canadian coverage for your target segments. (industry standard provider)

8. Lead411 / Seamless.AI / Lusha (and similar tools)

   • Why: Lightweight prospect discovery tools that are economical and integrate with CRMs — good for small teams or targeted hires.
   • Downsides: Data completeness/accuracy varies; often best used as a complement to a larger source (ZoomInfo/D&B/Scott’s). (industry standard providers)

How to choose (quick guide)

• Need Canada‑only, highly localized lists or to ensure CASL compliance: choose Scott’s Directories or Data Axle Canada. (scottsdirectories.com)
• Need enterprise firmographics, intent signals and large global coverage: ZoomInfo or D&B Hoovers. (ca.investing.com)
• Need to discover people, job changes, and social signals for outreach: LinkedIn Sales Navigator. (LinkedIn.com)
• Need cost‑effective SMB prospecting with verified emails: UpLead or Apollo. (UpLead.com)

Recommendations for evaluation

• Do a 2–3 vendor trial (most offer demos/free trials). Test for: (a) Canadian coverage in your target provinces/NAICS codes, (b) percentage of verified emails/phones, (c) ease of CRM export and API, and (d) CASL / privacy compliance for email outreach.
• For ABM/enterprise, pair a global intelligence provider (ZoomInfo/D&B) with a Canada‑native source (Scott’s or Data Axle) to fill local gaps. (ca.investing.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• shortlist 3 vendors matched to your company size and target verticals (e.g., tech mid‑market in Ontario vs. national manufacturing), or
• create a comparison matrix (coverage, verified emails%, CRM connectors, price band) based on the vendors above.

Which would you prefer?