While there are many ways to send letters and parcels within Canada and around the world, Canada Post is the main postal operator in the country.
There are also numerous private couriers that offer fast and convenient shipping services. Postage and shipping rates vary depending on what you are mailing and how far it has to go.
This guide covers everything to do with mailing letters and shipping goods within Canada and also internationally.
Even though email has taken over as the most popular way to send a message, sometimes it's fitting (and more meaningful) to send a handwritten letter or card.
Sending lettermail through Canada Post is as straightforward as it gets. Price and delivery time depend on the size of the envelope and the destination. There are two types of lettermail:
Standard Lettermail includes all letters 50g or less, including envelopes, cards, and postcards. The maximum dimensions for Standard Lettermail are 245mm x 156mm x 5mm.
Stamp prices are as follows:
Non-standard and oversized lettermail can weigh up to 500g. The maximum dimensions for standard lettermail are 380mm x 270mm x 20mm. Stamp prices are as follows:
International rates vary by destination country and the size/weight of the letter or package. You can find out how much it costs to mail letters worldwide through Canada Post.
For Canada Post, size is what differentiates a letter from a parcel.
The minimum dimensions for a letter with Canada Post are 140mm x 90mm x 0.18mm (5.6in x 3.6in x 0.007in).
A letter larger than the above dimensions must be sent as a parcel.
Parcels must be at least 3in high x 6in long x ¼in thick. The bonuses of delivering parcels are that they are normally delivered faster and they have a tracking number.
Addressing an envelope is simple. Use a pen with dark ink, and write the receiving address clearly in the centre of the envelope. The address should look like this:
Full Name of Recipient
Street Address
City, Province
Postal Code
Only add the country if you are mailing the letter internationally. Write your address as a return address in the upper right corner, or on the back of the envelope. This way, if the letter doesn’t make it to the recipient or is “Returned to Sender”, it will make its way back to you.
Sending a letter definitely isn't as fast as email. However, it’s a caring gesture. Being on the receiving end of a “snail mail” letter is a lot more fun than looking at a smartphone.
Depending on where you are sending your letter, it will take 2-7 business days to get to the recipient.
Here’s the breakdown:
Of course, things like holidays, seasonal fluctuations of volume, the weather, and postal strikes have an effect on delivery times. Additionally, Canada Post offers ‘Priority Mail’, a service that guarantees next-business-day delivery between major cities in Canada.
You can post a letter at any Canada Post mailbox, community mailbox, or post office.
No matter how remote your location, there’s probably a Canada Post mailbox or outlet within 50 km. All municipalities and many unincorporated villages have Canada Post offices, and some outlets are found in pharmacies.
Canada Post has a tool on its website where you can find out where the closest mailboxes or facilities are located.
You can also send letters and items via alternative delivery services.
Sending a parcel in Canada is relatively simple. The cost to ship depends on the parcel's weight, dimension, and destination.
You can determine the exact cost to ship your parcel by using Canada Post’s Online Shipping Calculator.
This is the most affordable option, and a great option if the arrival of your parcel isn’t urgent.
This option offers a faster delivery compared to Regular Parcel, especially when you need things to move along quickly. It also includes tracking and delivery confirmation.
The second fastest option for parcel delivery, Xpresspost features guaranteed delivery times and tracking.
This is the fastest way to deliver a parcel through Canada Post. Priority Post features tracking, an on-time delivery guarantee, and insurance coverage.
Costs can add up quickly when shipping bulky, oversized, or heavy items through traditional courier services or postal systems. An alternative option to save you a significant amount of money is to hire a moving company. Top Move simplifies the process so you can spend (and worry) less.
Moving a safe, a motorcycle, or a bouncy castle? No matter how heavy or awkward your item seems, you’ll be happy to know that Top Move can connect you with movers who utilize backloading, improving efficiency and lowering costs for everyone.
Top Move’s movers can bid on your job, which is especially beneficial for both of you, especially if they are already travelling on a similar route. This helps them to price their services at a competitive fixed price. With transparent pricing, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying—and no hidden fees or unexpected surprises.
There are a few options for sending parcels overseas through Canada Post. This way is affordable for smaller packages, known for being reliable, and is widely available, even in the most remote villages. Choose between International Parcel, Xpresspost International, and Priority Worldwide.
This option lets you choose between surface or air delivery. You can also choose whether you would like your package to include tracking.
This service offers tracking, guaranteed delivery times, and speedier delivery.
This is the fastest international service option, and it comes with tracking, an on-time delivery guarantee, and insurance coverage.
The maximum weight and size will vary depending on where you send it. The best way to determine specifics is to visit your nearest Canada Post outlet.
There are a handful of options for sending letters and packages within Canada and internationally. Each courier or delivery service comes with varying benefits and strengths.
If you choose a courier or alternative service, shop around until you find the right fit for your needs. Delivery speed, package size, destination, and budget are all factors to consider when deciding.
Purolator is a reliable name in Canada for shipping both domestically and internationally. Choose between express, economy, and same-day delivery options. For your peace of mind, delivery comes with tracking and insurance, and pickup services are a convenient way to save time.
If you have a heavy or bulky object, FedEx is a great option if you have heady or bulky objects to post. The company has advanced tracking and offers exceptional customer support.
UPS offers the most options for how fast you want your package to arrive. They ship both domestically, and internationally, and provide detailed tracking and insurance. Just like FedEx, they are especially adept at handling heavy or bulky objects.
DHL mainly focuses on international shipments, especially for businesses shipping large volumes. DHL offers real-time tracking and support at customs, which comes in handy for businesses that ship internationally on a regular basis.
Moving companies like Top Move will skillfully transport any of your items, from boxes and pianos to cars and more. This is an ideal way to get heavy or oversized items from A to B, especially items that are more expensive to send via courier. These companies use backloading and shared space in transport for cost-effectiveness.
Top Move is a platform, where people find moving companies and independent movers. Our platform is the first of its kind in Canada, cost-effective and user-reviewed service providers with just a few short steps. Founded back in 2017, our focus has always been on making moving as simple and as effortless as possible for both customers and the professionals they rely on.
It's simple and easy to create a request on Top Move.
Describe, add photos and the dimensions of your shipment in your request — anything that you think will make a difference, will make a difference.
Our platform will reach out to moving companies relevant to your delivery specification in your area.
Movers may ask you a few more details about your delivery before giving you a quote.
Compare prices and get to know movers before accepting their quote by reading previous customer feedback on our platform.
Pick your preferred moving company and arrange collection and delivery.
Prepare your package for collection or if you are moving home, get ready for moving day.
Meet and greet your chosen moving company on your collection day.
Sit back and relax while your moving company takes care of your booking.
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