Canada Post Priority Tracking

Canada Post Priority is the fastest domestic shipping service offered by Canada Post, designed for urgent deliveries that need to arrive the next business day between major Canadian cities. Every Priority shipment comes with full tracking, signature confirmation, and included liability coverage, giving senders confidence that their item will be delivered quickly and securely. This page explains how to track a Priority parcel, delivery standards, service features, and how Priority compares with other Canada Post options like Xpresspost.

Quick answers

• Speed: next-business-day delivery between most major urban centres; remote areas may take longer.
• Tracking: end-to-end online status with scans from acceptance to delivery.
• Guarantee: on-time delivery is guaranteed under standard conditions; refunds are available to the shipper if eligible.
• Signature: signature collection is included for Priority.
• Coverage: up to $100 included; optional additional coverage is available for most domestic items.
• Service days: business days (Monday–Friday). No standard weekend delivery.

How to track a Canada Post Priority shipment

On the Canada Post site

1. Open the Canada Post Track page.
2. Enter your Priority tracking number (format like AA123456789CA).
3. Select Track to see the latest scans: “Item processed,” “Out for delivery,” “Delivered,” and more.

On Ship24

1. Open Ship24 and paste the same tracking number.
2. View all available events in one place. If a partner carrier assists on the route, Ship24 groups those events for a single view.

Tip: If you track many Priority parcels every day, Ship24’s tracking tools can reduce manual lookups by checking multiple shipments at once with the same numbers you already use.

Delivery standards and how they work

Delivery standards represent the expected transit time (in business days) from the next business day after deposit to the first delivery attempt. Priority targets next-day delivery for local, regional, and national routes between major urban centres. Cut-off times apply, and shipments deposited after a cut-off count as next-day deposits. For non-major or remote destinations, add extra time. Service alerts, peak periods, weather, and other events can also affect delivery.

What the Priority service includes

• On-time delivery guarantee: if a parcel arrives late and the mailing qualifies, the shipper can request a refund of the shipping charges after investigation.
• Signature collection: included at no extra charge for Priority. Signature details are viewable online for a limited time after delivery.
• Liability coverage: up to $100 included on each parcel. You can purchase additional coverage in increments (up to the standard maximum for most domestic items).
• Delivery options: features such as Collect on Delivery (COD) and delivery preferences may be available when prepared with supported tools.
• Tracking visibility: scans at key points from acceptance through delivery, including attempted delivery events.

When Priority is the right choice

• Time-sensitive business documents and sample kits that must arrive the next business day between major centres.
• High-value domestic items that need signature collection and higher coverage.
• Shipments requiring the strongest on-time standard among Canada Post’s domestic services.

Priority vs. Xpresspost

Preparing a Priority shipment

• Packaging: use a sturdy box or a flat rate Priority envelope (where offered) that meets size and weight limits. Protect contents with padding and seal all edges.
• Label and address: print the full address with postal code and add a clear return address.
• Deposit and cut-off: tender the parcel at a post office or approved counter before the local cut-off to meet next-day standards between major centres.
• Add-ons: choose additional coverage or COD at the counter or through supported shipping tools before handing over the parcel.

Costs and how to estimate them

Priority prices vary by weight, size, origin, and destination. Because rates and surcharges are subject to change, use the online rate finder or a current price guide to estimate your cost. If you often ship urgent items of similar size, flat rate Priority envelopes (when available) can simplify pricing for documents and small goods.

Tracking events you may see

• Electronic information submitted by shipper: label was created.
• Item processed: accepted at a facility and sorted for the next leg.
• Item out for delivery: with a delivery agent.
• Delivered: delivered at the address or to a designated pickup point; signature captured if required.
• Notice left / Available for pickup: the parcel is at a post office awaiting pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Priority deliver on weekends?

Standard delivery days are Monday through Friday. Residential deliveries can occur as late as the evening on business days. Weekend delivery isn’t standard for Priority.

What if a Priority parcel arrives late?

The shipper may qualify for a refund of shipping charges under the on-time delivery guarantee, subject to eligibility, investigation, and any posted suspensions during peak or extraordinary events.

Is Priority domestic only?

Yes. For international express options, use Xpresspost International or Priority Worldwide. Those services have different features and coverage rules.

What is the Priority tracking number format?

Priority uses the standard Canada Post parcel format of 13 characters, such as AA123456789CA.

Can I get proof of delivery?

Yes. Signature collection is included for Priority, and delivery confirmation appears online for a limited time. Download the proof shortly after delivery if you need a record.

For other service choices, status meanings, and international options, return to the main Canada Post tracking page.