Virgin Radio Canada: Your Guide to the #1 Hit Music Network in 2026
From Taylor Swift’s latest philanthropic headlines to the fresh voices waking up Canadian cities, Virgin Radio remains a dominant force on the airwaves. As we move into 2026, the network continues to evolve, blending chart-topping hits with engaging local personalities and expanding its footprint. Whether you’re in Toronto tuning into 99.9 or catching the morning vibes in Winnipeg, this is your complete guide to the sound, the shows, and the stations that define Virgin Radio across Canada today.
The Virgin Radio Network: Stations and Signals
Video Correlato: Morning vibes with 103.1 Virgin Radio
Virgin Radio isn’t just one station; it’s a national network of Top 40 (CHR) stations owned by Bell Media, delivering a consistent playlist of pop and party hits from artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Post Malone. However, each station carries its own local flavour and frequency. The network has seen significant rebranding in recent years, with more stations adopting the Virgin Radio name.
Key Canadian Virgin Radio Stations
| City/Region | Frequency | Branding | Notable Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto, ON | 99.9 FM | 99.9 Virgin Radio | Flagship station; formerly Mix 99.9. |
| Winnipeg, MB | 103.1 FM | 103.1 Virgin Radio | Home to “Morning Vibes” with Chrissy & LTI. |
| Waterloo Region, ON | 105.3 FM | Virgin Radio | Recently rebranded from Kool-FM. |
| London, ON | 97.5 FM | 97.5 Virgin Radio | CIQM-FM; has undergone branding tweaks. |
| Windsor, ON | 93.9 FM | 93.9 Virgin Radio | Part of the national network lineup. |
| Vancouver, BC | 94.5 FM | Virgin Radio Vancouver | Home to a groundbreaking female-led morning show. |
It’s worth noting that not all former Virgin stations have kept the name. In Kelowna, for example, 99.9 FM reverted to its original Sun FM branding, a change that resonated deeply with local listeners.
Must-Listen Shows and Hosts
The heart of Virgin Radio is its on-air talent. From coast to coast, hosts connect with communities, break the latest news, and provide the soundtrack to your day. The network offers a mix of local morning drives and nationally syndicated programming in other dayparts.
Signature Shows Across the Network
| Show | Typical Air Time | Host(s) | Station/Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Morning Show | Weekday Mornings | Local Personalities (e.g., Chrissy & LTI in Winnipeg) | Various (Toronto, Windsor, etc.) |
| Shannon Burns | Midday | Shannon Burns | Syndicated |
| The Night Show | Evenings | Myles, Daryn and Deepa | Syndicated |
| Morning Show with Holly & Nira | Weekday Mornings | Holly Conway and Nira Arora | Virgin Radio Vancouver (94.5) |
The Vancouver morning show with Holly Conway and Nira Arora is particularly notable, standing out as one of Canada’s first—and possibly only—female-led morning shows on a major Top 40 station. Their “keep it real” approach has forged a powerful connection with listeners.
News, Culture, and Community Impact
Virgin Radio stations are more than just music. They are local hubs for news and community engagement. A prime example from early 2026 was 99.9 Virgin Radio Toronto reporting that Taylor Swift donated $1 million USD (approximately $1.34 million CAD) to help feed families facing hunger—the kind of pop culture-meets-community story the network excels at covering.
Stations actively promote local events, run contests, and maintain a strong digital presence through sites like virginradio.ca and social media channels such as Virgin Radio Montreal’s engaging Threads account. This blend of global hits and local relevance is a key to their sustained popularity.
A Brief History and Global Connection
The Virgin Radio brand has deep roots, originating in the UK in 1993. The Canadian stations, while now under Bell Media, carry on the spirit of a contemporary, energetic music service. Historical shifts, like Steve Penk joining the UK breakfast show in the 2000s or the evolution of Chris Evans’ popular UK programme, mirror the constant refresh happening on the Canadian side with rebrands and new host lineups.
How to Tune In Today
Listening to Virgin Radio has never been easier. You can catch your local station on traditional FM radio, stream it live via the iHeartRadio Canada app or website, and engage with hosts and other listeners through social media and station-specific features like “Talkback.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Kool-FM in Waterloo Region?
On January 5, 2026, Bell Media officially rebranded the station at 105.3 FM from Kool-FM to Virgin Radio, aligning it with the national Top 40 network.
Can I listen to Virgin Radio Toronto online?
Yes. You can stream 99.9 Virgin Radio Toronto live through the iHeartRadio Canada platform, either on their website or via the iHeartRadio app.
Which Virgin Radio station has a female-led morning show?
Virgin Radio Vancouver at 94.5 FM features a morning show hosted by Holly Conway and Nira Arora, recognized as a pioneering female-led duo in Canadian Top 40 radio.
Is Virgin Radio the same in Canada and the UK?
While they share a brand name and a focus on contemporary hit music, Virgin Radio Canada (owned by Bell Media) and Virgin Radio UK (owned by News UK) operate independently with different programming, hosts, and ownership.