Top 10: Ad Agencies in Canada

In an industry becoming more and more saturated, ad agencies are needing to stand out from its competitors in different ways. 

The capabilities of AI mean that clients are turning to agencies less frequently and for those that are independent, that can pose a real problem.

It's not quite over for the agencies yet though – despite AI being prevalent in the everyday world, businesses of all sizes still seek out professional agencies to help them with their advertising plans.

But which ones are doing it best in Canada? Having produced work for the likes of Dove, Taco Bell and Uber, each agency in this list is unique in its own way and offers a variety of services to its clients.

Read below to find out Marketing Chief's Top 10 Ad Agencies in Canada, and which one takes the #1 spot.

10. BHLA

Revenue: Publicly undisclosed
CCO: Todd Mackie

Based in Toronto, Broken Heart Love Affair (BHLA) agency is known for delivering creative and heartfelt work that resonates with audiences. 

With the ability to elevate brands with innovation and careful thought, BHLA has established a strong client base that includes well-known brands like Burger King Canada and Kruger.

In a market that can easily become oversaturated, BHLA is dedicated to inspiring brands to fall back into love with advertising and emphasises emotional calls to action in its work that transcends numbers and metrics.

9. Courage

Revenue: US$7.1m
CCO: Joel Holtby

Courage describes itself as Canada’s fastest growing independent creative agency, and after working with clients like KFC, Sephora and Taco Bell Canada – it’s a reasonable argument to make.

Known for its unique approach to advertising that emphasises human-first philosophy and bold creativity, the agency centralises around helping partnering brands “find their courage”.

Courage focuses on delivering work that shapes perception and drives real business results, having repeatedly been recognised for its strategies innovative enough to shift perceptions.

8. Leo Toronto

Revenue: US$23.6m
CCO: Adriano Matos

Leo Toronto is best known for its proprietary research initiative, the HumanKind Study, which displays what worries Canadians and how brands can help. This connects brands to consumers and drives behavioural change.

With the capabilities to help with brand strategy, marketing communications, creative advertising, AI and customer experience, the full-service creative agency has continuously been recognised for its innovative work.

Its passion for human-based creativity and diversity of thought has positioned Leo Toronto as one of the top-performing creative agencies in Canada.

7. Bensimon Byrne

Revenue: US$24.6m
CCO: Joseph Bensimon

Known for its strategic approach to advertising embedded with creativity, Bensimon Byrne is one of the leading independent advertising agencies in Canada.

Since being founded more than 30 years ago, the agency has established a reputation for driving sustainable growth and cultural impact through the services it offers. 

Bensimon Byrne’s work has been recognised for its big brand ideas that align with the client’s culture as well as its distinctive production of attack ads for federal and provincial Liberal Party campaigns.

6. Zulu Alpha Kilo

Revenue: US$46.8m
CCO: Jenny Glover

Founded in 2008, Zulu Alpha Kilo has created a strong presence in Canada. Specialising in strategy and social & content, the agency has worked with brands like Dove and The New York Times.

Zulu Alpha Kilo is best known for its concept-first and craft-heavy approach, with a commitment to creativity and innovation.

The agency has also earned recognition for its efforts to support causes it believes in, turning down work from clients that do not share the same values as the agency.

5. No Fixed Address Inc.

Revenue: estimated US$50m
CCO: Kelsey Horne

No Fixed Address Inc.’s purpose focuses on discovering growth opportunities in unexplored places. 

It partners with brands that are ambitious and refuse to shy away from challenges to help them achieve their maximum greatness.

The agency offers a ‘no fixed approach’ to its work, meaning that no two clients (or campaigns) will be the same, and everything can change if a client is willing to evolve out of their comfort zones.

4. LG2

Revenue: US$75m
CCO: Josh Stein

Founded 35 years ago, LG2 holds the firm belief that its work must serve progress. Covering more than 10 areas of expertise, the agency has grown into the largest independent agency in Canada.

LG2 is dedicated to helping clients reach their potential, integrating creativity and strategy with technology to build experiences that provide sustainable impact.

At the heart of its work, the agency prides itself on the fact that its work fosters creativity with true meaning behind the execution.

3. Rethink

Revenue: US$128.1m
CCO: Aaron Starkman

Rethink is a full-service creative agency that encourages brands to rethink everything. Specialising in strategy design and PR, Rethink has worked with some of the largest brands globally like Ikea, Uber and Kraft, and creates work that gets people talking.

It has become distinctive for its creative work that creates effect on an audience and has earned accolades to reflect its dedication and success.

The agency has a founder-driven independence that keeps creative risk-taking a core part of Rethink’s culture and delivers innovative campaigns.

2. Sid Lee

Revenue: US$183.5m
CCO: Johan Vakidis

Specialising in brand strategy, design and experiential marketing, Sid Lee is a multinational creative agency founded and headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Since established in 1993, the agency has evolved into a firm focused on communications that are driven by culture. 

Sid Lee offers services including design and branding, advertising, media planning and website development. The agency places storytelling, technology and community engagement at the forefront of its work, delivering campaigns that foster brand growth and cultural impact.

The agency has been recognised for its creative excellence and serves clients globally across several industries like sports, finance and entertainment. Some of Sid Lee’s notable clients include Adidas Originals, BNP Paribas and IGA.

1. Cossette

Revenue: US$318.5m
CCO: Anne-Claude Chenier

Founded in 1972, Cossette has grown from serving local retailers to distinguished global brands like Renault and General Motors.

Cossette operates as a full-service ad agency, offering services including experiential marketing, media planning, market research and advertising and branding. It integrates creativity, technology and strategy to create uniquely resonating brand experiences.

The agency is committed to building big legacies from big ideas, fuelled by passion and a vision for each client.

Giving each client 110%, Cossette has consistently been recognised for its innovative edge the agency brings to all of its work. Cossette is focused on delivering work that is culturally relevant and encourages its clients to pitch their wildest ideas and biggest dreams – striving to constantly outdo itself time and time again.