GPU colocation in Canada: what AI teams need from a high-density data centre
09.30.2026
GPU colocation means placing your own GPU servers in a data centre built for dense AI hardware. You own the compute; the facility provides the power, cooling, network and security around it. In Canada, Hut 8 has 5 MW of high-density capacity available now across two Tier III designed data centres, in Kelowna, BC and Mississauga, Ontario, at 135 kW and up per rack.
This guide covers what to check before you place a GPU cluster:
- power per rack
- cooling
- resilience
- connectivity
- data residency and time to deploy.
What makes a data centre ready for GPU colocation?
A GPU cluster packs a lot of power into a small footprint. A facility built for general IT spreads that load across a floor. A high-density facility delivers it to the cabinet.
Three things decide whether a site can host a GPU cluster:
Power per rack
in kilowatts, delivered to a single cabinet.
Cooling
that can remove that heat, including liquid cooling as densities rise.
Resilience
in power and cooling, so a single failure doesn't stop training or inference.
How much power per rack does a GPU cluster need?
It depends on your hardware, so ask for the per-rack figure, not a facility total. Hut 8's Kelowna data centre supports up to 135 kW per rack in 50U cabinets. The Mississauga data centre supports 135+ kW per rack in 42U cabinets, one of the highest densities in the market.
At 135 kW and up, a full GPU node deploys into a single cabinet instead of being spread across a floor.
Does GPU colocation need liquid cooling?
As rack power rises, air alone does less of the work. Both Hut 8 Canada high-density sites are liquid-cooling capable. Kelowna runs a chilled-water closed loop plus air, with N+1 cooling. See power and cooling for how each site is built.
What resilience should an AI data centre have?
Look for the design standard, the power path and the generator runtime:
- Kelowna (KEL1): Tier III designed, 2N (A+B) power, N+1 cooling, 2 × 1,500 kW generators with more than 29 hours at full load.
- Mississauga (GTA1): Tier III designed, 2N power and 2N UPS, 10 × 700 kW generators (N+1) with more than 24 hours of runtime.
Both sites carry a 99.99% uptime SLA and are monitored by a 24/7 network operations centre.
Kelowna or Mississauga: which Hut 8 Canada site fits your GPU cluster?
Frequently Asked
How much high-density colocation capacity does Hut 8 have available in Canada?
Hut 8 has 5 MW of high-density capacity available now in Canada, as at Q3 2026. That is 2.5 MW in Kelowna, BC, of 3 MW secured. It is also 2.5 MW in Mississauga, Ontario, of 3.5 MW designed. Both sites are Tier III designed and liquid-cooling capable.
How many kW per rack can Hut 8 support for GPU deployments?
Hut 8's two high-density sites support 135 kW and up per rack. Kelowna supports up to 135 kW per rack in 50U cabinets. Mississauga supports 135+ kW per rack in 42U cabinets. Both sites are Tier III designed and liquid-cooling capable, with 5 MW available now between them.
Can Hut 8's Kelowna and Mississauga sites support liquid cooling?
Yes. Both of Hut 8's high-density sites, Kelowna and Mississauga, are liquid-cooling capable. Kelowna uses a chilled-water closed loop plus air, with 2 × 200-tonne chillers and cold aisle containment. It also has a winter free-cooling advantage. Mississauga uses chilled water.
How quickly can a GPU deployment go live at Hut 8?
High-density deployments at Hut 8 typically go live in a few weeks. The usual path is to shortlist a site, review its spec sheet and deploy. Capacity is available now in Kelowna and Mississauga, as at Q3 2026. To start, call 1-855-488-8472 and press 1 for sales, or email sales@hut8.com.
Does data in Hut 8's facilities stay in Canada?
Yes. Equipment at every Hut 8 Canada site is hosted in Canadian facilities, supporting PIPEDA data residency. Every site is SOC 2 Type II certified. Access uses card and biometric controls, with 24/7 NOC-monitored CCTV. Every site also carries a 99.99% uptime SLA, or 53 minutes of downtime a year at most.
What happens at Hut 8's high-density sites if the power grid goes down?
Both sites are designed to keep running through a grid outage. Kelowna has 2N (A+B) power, N+1 cooling and 2 × 1,500 kW generators, with more than 29 hours of generator runtime. Mississauga has 2N power, 2N UPS and 10 × 700 kW generators, N+1, with more than 24 hours of runtime.
Should I place a GPU cluster in Kelowna or Mississauga?
Choose Kelowna for liquid-cooled GPU clusters on 95% renewable hydroelectricity, larger 50U cabinets, or a second site for Vancouver. Choose Mississauga for dense GPU deployments close to the Greater Toronto Area, with 42U cabinets and five carriers. Both sites are Tier III designed and on Hut 8's 100G national backbone.
What network connectivity do Hut 8's high-density sites offer?
Both sites are carrier-neutral, with 100G ports, dark fibre, cross-connects and diverse fibre entrances. Kelowna has four carriers: Telus, Rogers, Zayo and Bell. Mississauga has five: Rogers, Bell, Zayo, Cogent and Telus. A 100G national backbone links all five Hut 8 Canada data centres.
What colocation options and on-site support does Hut 8 offer?
Hut 8 offers half rack, full rack and private cage colocation, all with A + B power. Support includes remote hands or 24/7 smart hands, with Remote Hands and Eyes billed hourly. On-site equipment storage is available. Every site has 24/7 NOC monitoring and more than 24 hours of generator runtime.
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A 10-page guide to placing a GPU cluster in Canada: power per rack, liquid cooling, resilience, data residency, a 10-question provider checklist and FAQs, with full specs for Kelowna and Mississauga.