Question 1

How do I track my Canada Post package?

Accepted Answer

Enter your Canada Post tracking number in the search box on the home page and click 'Track Package'. Your tracking number is typically found on your shipping receipt, order confirmation email, or directly on the package label. Results appear instantly.

Question 2

What is a Canada Post tracking number?

Accepted Answer

A Canada Post tracking number is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to trackable shipments. Domestic tracking numbers are usually 16 characters (e.g., 1234 5678 9012 3456). International tracking numbers follow the format AA 123 456 789 CA (13 characters). The number is printed on your shipping receipt and label.

Question 3

Where can I find my Canada Post tracking number?

Accepted Answer

You can find your tracking number in several places: (1) On the shipping receipt given at the post office, (2) In the order confirmation or shipping notification email from an online retailer, (3) On the shipping label affixed to the package, (4) In your Canada Post My Account portal if you are a registered shipper, (5) In the merchant's order details page if purchased online.

Question 4

Is CA Post Tracker free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, CA Post Tracker is completely free. You can track unlimited Canada Post packages with no registration, no fees, and no hidden charges. Our mobile app for Android and iOS is also free to download.

Question 5

Is this the official Canada Post website?

Accepted Answer

No. CA Post Tracker is an independent, third-party tracking tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Canada Post Corporation or Postes Canada. For official services, complaints, or claims, please visit canadapost-postescanada.ca directly.

Question 6

What does 'Shipment information received by Canada Post' mean?

Accepted Answer

This status means the sender has created a shipping label and the tracking number is registered, but Canada Post has not yet physically received the package. The package will begin moving through the network once the sender drops it off or it is picked up.

Question 7

What does 'Item processed' mean in Canada Post tracking?

Accepted Answer

'Item processed' means your package has been scanned at a Canada Post processing facility. This is a routine step indicating the package is progressing through the postal network toward its destination.

Question 8

What does 'In transit to destination' mean?

Accepted Answer

This means your package is actively moving through the Canada Post network toward its final destination. The package may be on a truck, aircraft, or at an intermediate sorting facility.

Question 9

What does 'Out for delivery' mean?

Accepted Answer

'Out for delivery' means your package is on the mail carrier's vehicle and is expected to be delivered to your address today. You should receive your package later in the day.

Question 10

What does 'Delivery attempted' mean?

Accepted Answer

A delivery was attempted but could not be completed — usually because no one was home to sign for the package or access to the delivery location was not possible. Canada Post will typically leave a delivery notice card with instructions on how to retrieve the package (usually at your local post office).

Question 11

What does 'Item held at post office' mean?

Accepted Answer

Your package is available for pickup at a Canada Post retail location. This can happen after a failed delivery attempt or if the package is too large for your mailbox. The delivery notice card will indicate which post office is holding your item and how long it will be available.

Question 12

How long does Canada Post delivery take?

Accepted Answer

Delivery times vary by service: Priority (next business day within Canada), Xpresspost (1–2 business days), Expedited Parcel (2–5 business days), Regular Parcel (4–9 business days), Tracked Packet USA (4–9 business days), and International Parcel (depends on destination — typically 4–20+ business days). Remote areas may experience longer delivery times.

Question 13

Why is my package taking longer than estimated?

Accepted Answer

Delays can happen due to several factors: high volume periods (holidays, sales events), severe weather, address issues requiring manual processing, customs clearance for international shipments, or operational disruptions. If your package is significantly delayed, contact Canada Post customer service directly.

Question 14

Does Canada Post deliver on weekends?

Accepted Answer

Canada Post delivers Priority mail on Saturdays. Regular mail and parcels are typically delivered Monday through Friday. Some Xpresspost shipments may also be delivered on Saturdays in major urban areas. Sunday delivery is not a standard service.

Question 15

Can I change the delivery address after shipping?

Accepted Answer

Canada Post does not offer an address change service once a package is in transit. To redirect a package, the sender must request the change through their Canada Post account. As a recipient, you can sometimes arrange a hold at a post office using your delivery notice card.

Question 16

Why is my Canada Post tracking not updating?

Accepted Answer

Tracking updates can be delayed for several reasons: (1) The package was just shipped and hasn't been scanned yet — allow 24–48 hours, (2) The package is between scanning points on a long journey, (3) High volume at processing facilities causing scan delays, (4) International packages may have gaps in updates between postal systems, (5) Remote or rural delivery routes scan less frequently.

Question 17

My tracking says delivered but I haven't received my package. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

First, check around your property — mailbox, front door, side door, porch, or with a neighbour. Check if a delivery notice card was left. Wait 24 hours, as sometimes packages are marked delivered prematurely. If still missing after 24 hours, contact the sender to file a claim and reach out to Canada Post customer service.

Question 18

My tracking number says 'not found'. What does it mean?

Accepted Answer

A 'not found' result typically means: (1) The tracking number was entered incorrectly — double-check for typos, (2) The package was just shipped and the system hasn't registered it yet — try again in a few hours, (3) The service used does not include tracking (e.g., standard lettermail). Verify the tracking number with the sender.

Question 19

Can I track a package without a tracking number?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, Canada Post requires a valid tracking number to provide package information. If you've lost your tracking number, contact the sender — they should have a record of it. If you purchased online, check your order confirmation email or account.

Question 20

Can I track Canada Post packages coming from the USA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Packages shipped from the USA via USPS that are destined for Canada are handed off to Canada Post upon arrival. Once in Canada, Canada Post will show detailed tracking updates. Use the tracking number provided by USPS or the sender.

Question 21

How do I track a Canada Post package sent internationally?

Accepted Answer

Enter the tracking number in the search box above. For international shipments, tracking visibility depends on agreements between Canada Post and the destination country's postal carrier. Once the package leaves Canada, updates are provided by the receiving country's postal service.

Question 22

What is a Canada Post international tracking number format?

Accepted Answer

Canada Post international tracking numbers follow the Universal Postal Union format: two letters + nine digits + two-letter country code 'CA'. For example: RA 123 456 789 CA. The first two letters indicate the service type (R = Registered, E = Xpresspost, C = Parcel).

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Tracking Statuses Explained

Delivery & Timing

Tracking Problems

International Tracking

Still need help?