Canada Post Track Package

Canada Post lets you track a package with a tracking number, a Delivery Notice Card number, or a shipper reference number. This page shows you how to check the status on Canada Post and Ship24, what the main statuses mean, delivery time basics, and quick fixes when updates seem stuck. It’s written for shoppers and for small teams that handle many orders every day.

Quick answers

• Where to track: Canada Post “Track” page or Ship24. Both accept the same tracking number.
• Numbers accepted: tracking number, 15-digit Delivery Notice Card number, or a shipper reference number (add a date range for best results).
• Domestic parcel speeds: Priority next business day (major centres), Xpresspost 1–2 days, Expedited and Regular typically 2–13 days depending on distance.
• International: Xpresspost International and Tracked Packet International include tracking. Small Packet and many International Parcel services do not.
• Notifications: you can sign up for email or text alerts from Canada Post once a number is added to your list.
• Lost tracking number: contact the sender or check your order email; Canada Post cannot search by name or address.

How to track on the Canada Post website

1. Open the Canada Post Track page.
2. Paste your tracking number, Delivery Notice Card number, or reference number.
3. Select “Track” to see the latest scan and the delivery progress bar.
4. To follow more than one item, press Enter after each number to add another line.

Tip: Signed-in users can turn on text or email updates for new events like “Out for delivery” or “Ready for pickup”.

How to track on Ship24

1. Open Ship24 and paste the same number.
2. Click the search button.
3. See events from Canada Post and any handoff carrier (for example, USPS for U.S. items) on one page.

This helps when a parcel leaves Canada and scans are posted by a partner abroad. Ship24 keeps the history together under the same number, which is handy for cross-border orders.

What a Canada Post tracking number looks like

• Domestic parcel: often a 16-digit number (numeric only).
• U.S. and international parcel: 13 characters, such as AA123456789CA.
• Delivery Notice Card: 15 digits printed on the card left at your address.
• Reference number: created by the shipper (enter a date range to avoid duplicates).

Common tracking statuses

• Electronic information submitted by shipper: a label was created; the parcel may not be in the mail stream yet.
• Item processed: the parcel was accepted and sorted at a facility.
• In transit: moving between facilities or travelling to the next location.
• Item out for delivery: with a delivery agent today.
• Delivered: delivered to the address, parcel locker, or pickup point; signature may be shown in the delivery details.
• Notice left / Available for pickup: bring ID and the notice card to the listed post office.
• Item held by customs: waiting for clearance in the destination country; the next scan appears after release.
• Delivery attempt made: the agent tried to deliver; the next step is a second attempt or pickup.
• Verifying recipient’s address: the address is being checked; expect a short delay or a return to sender if it cannot be confirmed.

Delivery time basics

Times below are typical targets. They can shift with distance, weather, service alerts, and holiday peaks.

• Priority (domestic): next business day between major urban centres; longer to remote locations.
• Xpresspost (domestic): 1–2 business days on most routes.
• Expedited Parcel (domestic): usually 1–13 business days depending on origin and destination.
• Regular Parcel (domestic): similar window, often 2–13 business days.
• Xpresspost International: commonly 4–7 business days to many countries.
• Tracked Packet International: about 6–10 business days (up to 2 kg, select destinations).
• Small Packet International (Air): about 6–10 business days, no tracking.
• Small Packet / International Parcel (Surface): roughly 4–12 weeks, no tracking.

International tracking: what to expect

When a parcel goes abroad, Canada Post often hands it to the destination post (for example, USPS, Royal Mail, La Poste, or DPD). Two things to know:

• Scan timing: some events appear only after the handoff is processed by the local operator. This can add a short gap between Canadian and foreign scans.
• Service type: not every international service includes tracking. Pick Xpresspost International or Tracked Packet International if you need online events and delivery confirmation. Small Packet services are cheaper but do not post scans.

Troubleshooting when updates seem stuck

• No change for 24–48 hours: this can be normal between facilities. Check again the next business day.
• Label created only: ask the sender if the parcel has been handed to Canada Post yet.
• International gap: wait for the first scan by the partner operator after export; Ship24 can show those new events as soon as they post.
• Past expected date: start an inquiry with the sender (the contract is between the shipper and Canada Post).
• Delivered but not received: look around the property, check with others in the home, and review the delivery details for a pickup location or signature name. If still missing, contact the sender for a trace.

Lost or missing tracking number

For privacy reasons, Canada Post cannot look up a tracking number by name, address, or phone number. Try these steps instead:

• Search your email for order or shipping confirmations.
• Ask the sender or the store for the number. Only the shipper can re-issue it.
• Check your Canada Post Track history if you used the site recently and allowed cookies.
• If a Delivery Notice Card was left, use the 15-digit number on the card.
• If you have a reference number from the shipper, search with a date range.

How Ship24 helps

Ship24 gives a single view of scans from Canada Post and partner carriers overseas. Paste one number to see acceptance, export, import, and delivery events without switching sites. This is useful for:

• Shoppers: follow a parcel after it leaves Canada.
• Small teams: paste many numbers at once and sort by last event.
• Developers: tie tracking into helpdesk or order-status emails with a tracking API so customers get timely updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does “out for delivery” mean on Canada Post?

A delivery agent has your parcel and will try to deliver it today. If no one is available and a signature is required, the agent may leave a notice for pickup at a post office.

How long does it take for tracking to update?

Most updates appear at acceptance, processing, out for delivery, and delivery. It’s normal to see gaps between facilities. For many international routes, the next scan appears after the handoff abroad.

Can Canada Post track my package once it leaves Canada?

Yes for trackable services. Events from the destination operator appear on the Canada Post site when shared. If you prefer, Ship24 shows both sides of the route under the same number.

What if I need a signature or proof of delivery?

Most premium services support signatures. On the Canada Post site, open the tracking result and check the delivery details for the signature name or the option to view proof of delivery.

Do weekend deliveries happen?

Standard delivery days are Monday to Friday. During peak periods hours may be extended, but weekend delivery is not standard for most services.

For service-specific details such as Canada Post Priority, Xpresspost, or Registered Mail, see the related child pages linked from the main Canada Post tracking guide.