Tracking your package with Canada Post ensures you stay updated on its delivery progress, whether it's a domestic shipment or an international order. You can monitor your parcel’s progress from dispatch to final delivery with various tracking options available. However, sometimes tracking updates may be delayed, or you might need an alternative method to check your package's status.
This guide provides everything you need to know about Canada Post tracking, including how to find and use your tracking number, the different tracking services available, and how to track shipments using Ship24 for a more efficient experience. Whether you're waiting for an Xpresspost delivery or an international parcel, this article will help you stay informed every step of the way.
Tracking your Canada Post packages is simple with options available on both Canada Post’s official website and Ship24, a comprehensive tracking tool that covers multiple couriers. You can track your shipment by entering the tracking number on either platform and receiving updates on its status.
To track your parcels on Canada Post’s website:
Ship24 offers global tracking for various Canada Post services, including XpressPost, Priority, Regular, and Expedited. To track on Ship24:
Related:
Canada Post Registered Mail Tracking Canada Post Lettermail Tracking Canada Post Priority TrackingCanada Post offers different tracking services based on delivery speed, security, and destination. Below are the primary tracking options available.
Domestic Service | Description |
Regular Parcel | Ideal for non-urgent deliveries, this is the most cost-effective option, although delivery times are not guaranteed. |
Expedited Parcel | Offers faster delivery than Regular Parcel and includes tracking and up to $100 liability coverage. |
Xpresspost | Provides guaranteed next-day or two-day delivery across major urban centers, along with tracking and a delivery guarantee. |
Priority | This service is designed for urgent parcels, offering next-day delivery with a full suite of features, including tracking, guaranteed delivery times, and higher liability coverage. |
For shipments to the USA and international destinations, Canada Post provides several options:
USA/International Service | Description |
Small Packet USA/International | The most affordable option for small and lightweight packages under 2kg. However, it does not offer tracking or guaranteed delivery times for some destinations. |
Tracked Packet USA/International | Offers similar benefits to Small Packet, but includes tracking and delivery confirmation for peace of mind. |
Expedited Parcel USA | An affordable option for heavier parcels to the US, combining tracking with delivery in 4-7 business days. |
Xpresspost International | This premium service ensures quick delivery (4-7 days) to over 70 countries, with tracking, on-time guarantees, and optional insurance coverage. |
By considering factors such as delivery speed, parcel size, and destination, you can choose the best service to match your needs and budget.
Canada Post tracking international services allow customers to track packages sent outside Canada. Options include:
Tracking international shipments ensures you stay updated on customs clearance and estimated delivery times.
For fast and reliable shipping to the United States, Canada Post's XpressPost USA service provides delivery within 2-3 business days. You can easily track your XpressPost parcels using Ship24’s real-time tracking feature. Just enter your tracking number to view the parcel’s current location and the estimated delivery time.
In addition to XpressPost, Ship24 also tracks other Canada Post services like Expedited Parcel USA, Tracked Packet USA, and Small Packet USA. These options vary in delivery speed and cost, offering flexibility for different shipment needs.
When tracking a package with Canada Post, you may encounter various tracking statuses that indicate your shipment's progress. Understanding these updates helps you stay informed about your package’s location and expected delivery time.
Below is a table explaining common Canada Post tracking statuses and their meanings:
Tracking Status | Description |
Item processed | Your parcel is sorted and prepared for the next step in transit. |
Electronic information submitted by shipper | The sender has created a shipping label. |
Item out for delivery | The parcel is on its way to your address. |
International item has left originating country and is en route to Canada | Your item is on the way to Canada and will be delivered to you shortly. |
Item departed | The shipment has left a sorting facility. |
International item mailed in originating country | The shipment originated from an international location and is en route to the recipient. |
International item processed in originating country | The parcel is prepared and awaiting shipment from an overseas location. |
Shipment picked up by Canada Post | The nearest Canada Post office has collected the parcel. |
Item has arrived in Canada and will be presented for review | The item has reached Canada and is undergoing inspection. |
Item arrived | The local post office has received the parcel. |
Item in transit | Your parcel is currently on its way to the destination. |
Delivered to your community mailbox, parcel locker or apt./condo mailbox | The parcel has been delivered to the specified address. |
Delivered | The package has been delivered to its final destination. |
When using Ship24, you can track these statuses and receive real-time updates.
Delays in Canada Post shipments can occur due to weather conditions, customs processing, or high shipping volumes. If your package is delayed, you can:
If your Canada Post tracking status has not been updated for several days, consider the following steps:
If a shipment appears lost, missing, or excessively delayed, taking immediate action improves the chances of locating it.
If a package is marked as "Item Delayed" or has not moved for several days, follow these steps:
When a package appears to be lost, taking early steps can prevent further complications. If the tracking information has not changed in a significant amount of time:
For lost packages, filing a claim with Canada Post ensures that compensation is requested for insured shipments. To file a claim:
A Canada Post tracking number consists of a combination of letters and numbers, typically 11 to 16 characters long. The format varies depending on the type of service used. Here are some common formats:
Format | Description |
11 or 12 digits | These formats are generally used for services like Priority Worldwide or Xpresspost USA. |
13 alphanumeric characters | This format, such as AA123456789CA, is common for Xpresspost, Expedited Parcel, or Registered Mail services. |
16-digit numeric codes | These are often used for online orders or prepaid shipping labels, such as 5035144199183281. |
Your tracking number is essential for monitoring your shipment. You can find it in several places:
Tracking a package typically requires a valid Canada Post tracking number, but there are alternative ways to gather shipping information if it is unavailable.
Canada Post does not allow packages to be tracked using only the recipient's address due to privacy and security policies. If you do not have a tracking number, consider these options:
If a tracking number is unavailable, these methods can help locate a Canada Post package:
For Canada Post shipments, the average delivery times are as follows:
Here are some additional international shipping times to key regions:
Note: Delivery times can be affected by factors like seasonal peaks, customs processing, and weather conditions. This is especially true during sales periods and holidays when mail volumes are significantly higher
Canada Post typically does not deliver on weekends. However, there are some exceptions based on the type of service and the time of year.
While weekend deliveries are not standard for Canada Post, some services provide limited weekend options:
If your shipment needs to arrive on a weekend, consider using private courier services. FedEx and UPS offer weekend delivery options in select locations, which can be a reliable choice when time-sensitive deliveries are required. Shoppers Drug Mart and other Canada Post franchise locations may also offer limited weekend services for parcel pickup.
Canada Post has made notable improvements to its tracking services in 2025. Parcel volumes have increased by 12% for domestic deliveries and 8% for international shipments, driven by growth in cross-border eCommerce. Delivery times have also improved, with domestic parcels now averaging 2.8 days in major cities, down from 3.4 days last year. Inquiries about tracking have declined by 15%, following the rollout of enhanced status notifications and expanded automated sorting facilities in Calgary and Montreal.
The adoption of AI-powered tools is playing a larger role in Canada Post’s operations. New systems provide more accurate tracking updates and predictive delivery windows. Third-party platforms like Ship24 are also being used more frequently to offer additional visibility, especially for international parcels. These changes reflect a broader effort to make tracking updates faster and more reliable across the entire network.
Looking ahead, Canada Post is expected to introduce personalized tracking notifications and more precise delivery windows by the end of 2025. Early pilots suggest delivery estimates could soon be narrowed to two-hour timeframes in urban areas. Sustainability features, such as carbon impact data alongside tracking updates, are also being explored as part of Canada Post’s future plans.
For businesses looking to enhance their shipment tracking, Ship24’s Canada Post tracking API offers seamless integration. Within minutes, you can track shipments across multiple couriers with automatic detection features. The integration process is straightforward and cost-effective.
If you need assistance with your parcel, you can contact Canada Post through various channels:
Availability:
For mail inquiries, write to:
Canada Post Customer Service
PO BOX 90022,
2701 Riverside Drive,
Ottawa, ON, K1V 1J8.
Canada Post, originally known as Royal Mail Canada, rebranded in 1960 and has since become a central player in Canada’s logistics network. As a Crown corporation, Canada Post is mandated to provide universal postal services to all Canadians at affordable and uniform rates. This includes delivering letters, parcels, and other postal services across its vast geography, ensuring that even the most remote communities receive mail.
With a workforce of over 60,000 employees, Canada Post manages one of the largest logistics operations in the country. It handles millions of packages and mail items daily, utilizing a network of over 6,100 post offices, of which nearly 80% are run by private businesses. These retail locations form a key part of Canada Post’s strategy to maintain nationwide reach.