How it works
After you purchase a shipping service that includes tracking (i.e. delivery confirmation), you are given a tracking number that is linked to the barcode on that item.
Once the item is delivered and the information is uploaded into our system, the tracking tool will indicate that the item has either been delivered or, a Delivery Notice Card has been issued. A Delivery Notice Card notifies the recipient that they can pick up their item at their local Post Office. Where applicable, a signature image or signatory name is available to view online.
Your tracking number can be found on the label or on your receipt. A Tracking Number is either 16 numeric digits or 13 alpha-numeric digits (AA 000 000 000 AA). See examples of other ID numbers that allow you to track your package.
With your tracking number handy, you can check the status of your shipment by:
- Using our online Tracking tool.
- Calling 1-866-607-6301 (within Canada) or 1-416-979-8822 (from outside of Canada).
Check the Delivery Service Standard
Service standards are estimates of how long it will take for the mail to be delivered from where it was sent, to its destination. The number of days excludes the day of mailing, weekends and statutory holidays.
When purchasing a shipping service either at a Post Office or online, be sure to find out the expected delivery date for your parcel. Knowing when to expect delivery will help manage your expectations, as well as those of the recipient. Timely delivery not only depends on the service you purchase and the options you select but also depends on the time of day at which you mail your package. Please check the scheduled pickup hours posted at most Post Offices and street letter boxes.
To learn more about our service standards and to compare services, check out our Find a Rate Tool.
Receive Delivery Updates by email
For your convenience, you can request to receive delivery updates by email. This is especially handy if there is no available information at the time you first enter the number. Rather than re-entering the number continuously, you can do so once into the Track tool and sign up for automated email updates.
Updates are generated with delivery-related events such as when the item first enters the system, and when Canada Post ships it. You will also be notified when unforeseen delivery interruptions occur. But most importantly, you will receive an email when your item is delivered or when a Delivery Notice Card has been issued and the recipient has been notified that they can pick their item up at a local Post Office.
You can assign up to four email addresses to receive these updates.
| Mailed within Canada | Mailed to USA or Internationally |
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Our system will inform you:
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Our system will inform you:
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For Your Information
Common Concerns: Delays in displaying tracking information
Our tracking system is updated daily. As a result, you should be aware that there might be a time delay between when scanning events happen on your item and when you receive the tracking information. This is especially common for rural locations. We are working hard to improve the visibility of our delivery network because we know that tracking the progress of your item is important to you. To better meet your needs, we will continue to make ongoing investments in our delivery processes.
We often receive phone calls or emails when customers are unable to find up-to-date tracking information on our website. We want to reassure you that your parcel is always making progress to its intended destination - even if tracking information is limited. Your package is not sitting idle in one of our mail sorting plants. Our delivery experts are busy making sure that your package is delivered when and where you want it.
- All items that are shipped to a destination outside of Canada will be delivered by, and in accordance with the requirements of, the foreign postal administration in the destination country.
- Your package may experience clearance delays at customs if the customs declaration is not accurately completed on the shipping label
- You can expect to see Delivery Confirmation for your package as a minimum, but for most services you will also see that we have received your package and when it has reached customs.
- There are some exceptions based on the service purchased and the destination. You can consult the postal guide if you need more detailed information on our USA and International services.
