You are waiting on a package. The seller says it shipped three days ago. You have a tracking number but no idea where to paste it, what it means, or why it says the same thing it said yesterday.
Track Your Order
You are not alone. Canada Post is a Crown corporation serving over 16 million addresses across one of the largest geographic countries in the world. It handles billions of pieces of mail every year. The tracking system works, but it only makes sense once you understand the format of your tracking number, where to look, and what each status actually tells you.
This guide covers everything from finding your tracking number to decoding every status, fixing the most common problems, and knowing exactly when to take action if something goes wrong.
Where to Track Your Canada Post Package
There are three legitimate places to track a Canada Post shipment:
The Official Canada Post Track Tool
The primary tracking tool is at canadapost-postescanada.ca/track-reperage/en. This is the most up-to-date source because it pulls directly from Canada Post’s internal scanning system. You do not need an account to use it. You can enter up to 24 tracking numbers at once, separated by line breaks.
The Canada Post Mobile App
The official Canada Post app for iPhone and Android includes tracking, automatic package detection, and push notifications. Once you add a tracking number to your watch list inside the app, you receive an alert every time the status changes. The app also shows Photo Confirmation for safe-drop deliveries, which is not always visible on the desktop version.
Third-Party Tracking Tools
Several external platforms support Canada Post tracking alongside other carriers. These are useful when you want to monitor multiple shipments from different carriers in one dashboard.
| Tool | Best Use | URL |
| 17Track | Free multi-carrier tracking, no account needed | 17track.net |
| AfterShip | E-commerce sellers tracking outbound orders | aftership.com |
| TrackingMore | API access for developers and businesses | trackingmore.com |
| Parcels App | Mobile tracking across Canada Post and others | parcelsapp.com |
| Ship24 | Batch tracking and international coverage | ship24.com |
One important note: third-party tools pull data from Canada Post’s system via API. They are generally accurate but can lag by a few hours during high-volume periods. If you need the most current status, always check the official tool first.
Canada Post Tracking Number Formats: What You Actually Have
The most common point of confusion with Canada Post tracking is the tracking number itself. There is no single universal format. The format depends on the service type and whether the shipment is domestic or international.
| Format | Example | Used For |
| 16 digits (numeric) | 5035 1441 9918 3281 | Domestic parcels: Regular Parcel, Xpresspost, Priority, Expedited Parcel |
| 13 alphanumeric (ends in CA) | LM 094 334 892 CA | International and prepaid items, Registered Mail |
| 13 alphanumeric (ends in US) | EZ 623 383 565 US | Xpresspost USA shipments |
| 15 digits (Delivery Notice Card) | 123456789012345 | Left on a card when delivery was attempted at your door |
| 11 characters | EE220718414CA | Some inbound international postal items |
| Pro Tip: Entering Tracking Numbers Correctly
On the Canada Post website, enter numbers without spaces even if spaces appear on the label. The system accepts both formats but spaces can occasionally cause a no-results error. Always copy directly from your confirmation email rather than typing manually to avoid reading the letter O as a zero. |
What the Letters Mean in Alphanumeric Tracking Numbers
In the 13-character format, the two opening letters indicate the service type. Common prefixes include:
- LM: Lettermail or tracked domestic shipment
- CX: Xpresspost domestic
- EZ: Xpresspost USA
- EE or EM: Inbound international tracked items
- RR: Registered Mail
- CP: Priority
The final two letters indicate the country of origin. CA means the package originated in Canada. If you are receiving something from abroad, the country code at the end will match the origin country, not Canada.
How to Track a Canada Post Package: Step by Step
- Find your tracking number. Check your order confirmation email, the shipping label on the package, or the receipt from the Canada Post counter. If a delivery was attempted, check the Delivery Notice Card left in your mailbox, which has its own 15-digit number.
- Go to canadapost-postescanada.ca/track-reperage/en in any browser. No login required.
- Type or paste your tracking number into the search field. To track multiple parcels at once, press Enter after each number and add the next one below it. The system accepts up to 24 numbers per search.
- Click the Track button.
- Review the delivery progress bar at the top of the results. The coloured bar shows where your package is in the journey from origin to delivery.
- Read the event timeline below the bar. Each entry shows the date, time, and location of the most recent scans.
- Check the estimated delivery date shown in the results if one is available. Note that Canada Post does not guarantee estimated delivery dates on all services.
Canada Post Tracking Statuses: What Every Message Means
Canada Post’s tracking statuses are often vague or worded in ways that raise more questions than they answer. Here is a plain-language breakdown of every status you are likely to see.
| Status | Plain English Meaning | What to Do |
| Electronic information submitted by shipper | The seller has created a shipping label but Canada Post has not physically received the parcel yet | Wait 24 to 48 hours for the first physical scan to appear |
| Item processed at postal facility | Canada Post has received and scanned the package at a sorting centre | Normal progress. No action needed |
| Item in transit to destination | The package is moving between facilities on its way to you | Normal progress. Check back in 24 hours |
| Item out for delivery | A carrier has the package on a delivery vehicle and is heading to your address today | Be available or ensure there is a safe place to leave it |
| Delivered | The package has been delivered to the address on the label | Check your mailbox, door, and any common parcel areas |
| Delivered as a safe drop | No one was available, so the carrier left the package in a secure location at your address | Check for a safe drop notification. A photo may be available in the Canada Post app |
| Notice left / Available for pickup | Delivery was attempted but could not be completed. The package is now at a post office for pickup | Bring government-issued photo ID and the Delivery Notice Card to the listed post office |
| Item held by customs | The package has arrived in Canada or the destination country and is being reviewed by customs authorities | No action by the recipient is typically needed. Allow time for clearance |
| Returning to sender | Canada Post cannot deliver the package and is sending it back to the original shipper | Contact the sender to understand the reason and arrange redelivery or correction |
| Delivery attempted | A carrier tried to deliver but was unable to complete it | Check the tracking for pickup location or redelivery instructions |
| Tracking information unavailable | No scan data is currently showing for this number | Allow 24 to 48 hours. If the number still returns nothing, contact the sender |
| Item available for pickup at post office | The package is ready and waiting at a specific post office location | Pick up with ID within the hold period, usually 15 days |
Canada Post Services and Delivery Times
Not every Canada Post service includes tracking. Knowing which service was used tells you what to expect from both speed and visibility.
Domestic Services
| Service | Delivery Time | Tracking | Who Can Use It |
| Priority | Next business day (major centres) | Yes, full | Anyone |
| Xpresspost | 1 to 2 business days | Yes, full | Anyone |
| Expedited Parcel | 1 to 7 business days | Yes, full | Business customers only |
| Regular Parcel | 2 to 13 business days | Yes, full | Anyone |
| Lettermail | 2 to 9 business days | No | Anyone |
US and International Services
| Service | Delivery Time | Tracking |
| Xpresspost USA | 2 to 3 business days | Yes, full |
| Expedited Parcel USA | 4 to 7 business days | Yes, full |
| Tracked Packet USA | 4 to 7 business days | Yes, full |
| Small Packet USA Air | 4 to 7 business days | No |
| Xpresspost International | 4 to 7 business days | Yes, full |
| Tracked Packet International | 6 to 10 business days | Yes, partial |
| International Parcel Air | 6 to 10 business days | No |
| International Parcel Surface | 4 to 12 weeks | No |
| Small Packet International Air | 6 to 10 business days | No |
| Important: No Tracking on Small Packet and Surface Services
If you ordered something from abroad and the sender used Small Packet, International Parcel Surface, or basic Lettermail, you will not receive tracking updates. The package is still being shipped but there is no scan data available. The only way to resolve a missing item shipped with these services is for the sender to file an inquiry with their country’s postal service. |
Canada Post Tracking Not Updating: The Real Reasons
This is the question that brings most people to an article like this. Your tracking has shown the same status for two, three, or even five days, and you are starting to wonder if something went wrong.
In most cases, nothing is wrong. Here is a clear breakdown of why tracking pauses.
The Label Was Created But the Package Was Not Dropped Off Yet
When a seller or shipper creates a label online, the status immediately shows Electronic information submitted by shipper. This does not mean Canada Post has the package. The package becomes active in the tracking system only after the first physical scan at a Canada Post facility. If the seller shipped the item but forgot to physically drop it off, or if there is a delay at their end, tracking will sit at label-created status indefinitely.
The Package Is Travelling Between Facilities
Canada Post does not scan every package at every intermediate stop. A parcel moving from Vancouver to Halifax may be scanned at the origin facility, at a major hub in Toronto, and then again at the destination. The time between those scans can be 24 to 48 hours with no updates showing. This is by design, not a malfunction.
Rural and Remote Delivery Routes
Delivery to rural addresses, remote communities, and northern Canada takes longer and has fewer scan points than urban routes. A package showing Item in transit for several days on a rural route is completely normal. Canada Post explicitly acknowledges that tracking information can be delayed in rural areas.
Customs Processing for International Shipments
International packages entering Canada go through the Canada Border Services Agency before Canada Post can deliver them. While a package is in customs, tracking typically shows Item held by customs. This status can remain unchanged for several days to a few weeks depending on what is being imported, how the documentation is filed, and the current volume at the border crossing.
Canada Post has no ability to speed up or inquire about a package currently in customs. Only the recipient or importer can contact CBSA if a delay becomes excessive.
Handoff to USPS or a Foreign Postal Service
When you send a package to the United States, Canada Post hands it off to USPS for final delivery. The same applies to other countries, where the local postal service handles the last mile. After this handoff, Canada Post’s tracking system may not update again until delivery is confirmed. To see continued tracking after the handoff, check the destination country’s postal service website using the same tracking number.
System Lag During Peak Periods
November, December, and major sale events generate massive parcel volumes. During these periods, there can be a 12 to 24 hour lag between when a physical scan happens and when it appears in the online tracking system. If your package should logically be moving based on the timeline, give the system another day before escalating.
Canada Post Tracking Troubleshooting: A Step-by-Step Checklist
- Verify the tracking number format. Domestic parcels are 16 digits. International and prepaid are 13 alphanumeric characters ending in CA or US. Delivery Notice Cards are 15 digits.
- Enter the number on the official Canada Post site without spaces. Copy and paste directly from the email rather than retyping.
- If no result appears, wait 24 to 48 hours. A freshly created label may not register until the first physical scan.
- Check what service was used. If it was Small Packet, Lettermail, or International Parcel Surface, there is no tracking available by design.
- If the status has not changed in more than 3 business days on a domestic shipment, try the same tracking number on 17track.net or Ship24 to see if those platforms have additional scan data.
- If the last status is Item in transit for more than 5 business days on a domestic shipment, contact the sender and ask them to submit a trace request with Canada Post. Only the sender can initiate a formal inquiry.
- For international shipments, check the destination country’s postal service website with the same tracking number. After Canada Post hands off the package, only the destination carrier shows further updates.
- If the status says Delivered but you have not received the package, check all access points at your address including community mailboxes, parcel lockers, a concierge desk, and neighbours. Then check the Canada Post app for a safe drop photo. If still missing, contact the sender to open a trace.
- If a delivery was attempted and you received a Delivery Notice Card, use the 15-digit number on the card instead of the original tracking number to find the pickup location and hold deadline.
- If the estimated delivery date has passed and the package is still showing In transit or a similar active status, contact Canada Post directly at 1-866-607-6301.
How to Get Automatic Tracking Notifications from Canada Post
Instead of manually checking tracking every day, Canada Post offers several ways to receive automatic updates.
Email Notifications
You can sign up for email delivery updates through Canada Post’s website. Once you add a tracking number to your watch list, Canada Post sends an email each time the status changes. This is the most reliable passive tracking method for people who do not want to use the mobile app.
Canada Post Mobile App Notifications
The Canada Post app for iPhone and Android allows push notifications tied to specific tracking numbers. The app also has an automatic tracking feature that scans your email inbox to identify incoming Canada Post shipments and adds them to your watch list without you needing to manually enter numbers.
MyMail Service
MyMail is a Canada Post notification service that alerts you to incoming mail and parcels addressed to your home. It works even for items that have not yet been formally assigned a tracking number in your account. You receive a daily summary of what to expect in your mailbox.
Understanding Your Canada Post Delivery Notice Card
If Canada Post could not deliver your package directly, a letter carrier leaves a Delivery Notice Card in your mailbox. This is a small card with specific instructions for picking up your parcel.
What Information Is on the Card
- The post office where your package is being held
- The hold deadline, usually 15 calendar days from the delivery attempt
- A 15-digit card number you can use to track the package
- Hours of the post office where pickup is available
What You Need to Pick Up Your Package
- Government-issued photo ID (drivers licence, passport, or provincial ID card)
- The Delivery Notice Card itself, or the tracking number
- If someone else is collecting on your behalf: your signed Delivery Notice Card with their name printed on it, plus their government-issued photo ID
Why a Delivery Notice Card Was Left
- No one was home to receive the package and there was no secure location to leave it
- The sender selected the Card for Pickup option, meaning the package must be collected from a post office
- The item was addressed to a P.O. Box but was too large for the box
- A signature or identity verification was required by the sender
| Do Not Miss the 15-Day Pickup Deadline
If you do not pick up your package within 15 calendar days of the delivery attempt, Canada Post returns it to the sender. If the 15-day window is a problem, contact your local post office to request an extension. Some locations will accommodate a brief extension, but this is not guaranteed. |
Tracking International Packages Coming INTO Canada
Tracking a package that was shipped to you from another country works differently from tracking something you sent. Here is what to expect.
Phase 1: Origin Country Tracking
When the package is still in the origin country, tracking updates come from that country’s postal service or carrier. You may need to use the origin carrier’s tracking website with the same tracking number. For example, a package from the United States ships USPS and shows on the USPS tracking website until it crosses the border.
Phase 2: Arrival in Canada
When the package arrives in Canada, it enters the CBSA customs process. At this point, tracking may show Item received in Canada or a customs-related status. The package must clear customs before Canada Post can continue delivery.
Phase 3: Canada Post Last-Mile Delivery
After customs clearance, Canada Post takes over for final delivery and tracking updates resume on the Canada Post Track tool. Depending on the origin service, you will see statuses like Item processed at postal facility followed by Out for delivery and finally Delivered.
When Tracking Stops After Entering Canada
Some inbound international services do not include full tracking inside Canada. If tracking stops at the point where the package entered the country, check whether the service used by the sender includes full tracking. Services like ePacket and EMS from most countries include Canadian tracking. Basic Small Packet or economy postal services often do not.
Common Canada Post Tracking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Checking the Wrong Website
Many third-party sites rank for Canada Post tracking searches but are not operated by Canada Post. Some are legitimate aggregators. Others are slow, outdated, or serve ads around your tracking results. Always start with the official Canada Post tool at canadapost-postescanada.ca/track-reperage/en for the most accurate and current data.
Using a Tracking Number From a Non-Trackable Service
Not all Canada Post services include tracking. If you shipped or received something via Lettermail, Small Packet, or International Parcel Surface, there is no tracking data in the system regardless of what number appears on the label. Entering these numbers into the Track tool returns no results, which is not an error.
Confusing the Order Number With the Tracking Number
When shopping online, many stores show an order number immediately and email a tracking number later, sometimes a day or two after the order is placed. If you paste your order number into Canada Post’s tracking tool, you will get no results. Wait for the shipping confirmation email that specifically contains a Canada Post tracking number.
Expecting Weekend Delivery
Canada Post does not offer standard weekend delivery. Delivery standards are calculated in business days, which are Monday to Friday excluding public holidays. If your estimated delivery date falls on a weekend, expect delivery on the following Monday. Limited Saturday delivery occurs in some urban areas during peak periods but is not guaranteed or standard.
Not Checking the Canada Post App for Safe Drop Photos
When Canada Post leaves a package in a safe location at your address, they photograph it as proof of delivery. This photo is available in the Canada Post mobile app under the tracking details for that shipment. If you cannot find a delivered package, checking the safe drop photo often reveals exactly where it was left.
Also Read :Â DSV Tracking: How to Track Any DSV Shipment (Air, Sea, Road)
What to Do If Your Canada Post Package Is Lost or Damaged
If a package is genuinely lost or arrives damaged, Canada Post’s claims process is straightforward but has specific rules about who can file and when.
Who Can File a Claim
Only the sender can file a claim with Canada Post for a lost or damaged shipment. If you are the recipient, you need to contact the sender and ask them to initiate the claim on your behalf. This is a privacy policy, not a rule that can be worked around.
Time Limits for Filing
- Domestic shipments: claims must be filed within 90 days of the mailing date
- US and international shipments: claims must be filed within 6 months of the mailing date
- Do not wait until the last minute. The sooner a trace is filed, the better the chance of locating the item
What Compensation Is Available
Compensation depends on the service used and whether additional liability coverage was purchased at the time of shipping. Basic coverage on domestic parcel services is $100 for loss or damage. Additional coverage up to $5,000 can be purchased for an extra fee at the time of shipping. Fragile items and items not properly packaged may be subject to reduced or denied claims.
How to File
The sender initiates a claim through the Canada Post website or by visiting a post office counter. They will need the tracking number, proof of the item’s value such as a receipt, and documentation of the damage if applicable. Canada Post investigates the claim and responds within a set timeframe.
How to Contact Canada Post for Tracking Support
| Method | Details |
| Phone (English) | 1-866-607-6301 |
| Phone (French) | 1-877-262-5762 |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 11 PM EST. Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 9 PM EST |
| Online Help Centre | canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support.page |
| Find a Post Office | canadapost-postescanada.ca/information/app/fpo/personal/findpostoffice |
When you call, have your tracking number, the approximate ship date, your address, and the sender’s information ready. The more detail you provide, the faster the support agent can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I track a Canada Post package?
The official Canada Post tracking tool is at canadapost-postescanada.ca/track-reperage/en. You can also track through the Canada Post mobile app on iPhone or Android. No account is required for basic tracking.
What does a Canada Post tracking number look like?
Domestic parcel tracking numbers are 16 digits, for example 5035 1441 9918 3281. International and prepaid shipments use 13 alphanumeric characters ending in CA or US, for example LM 094 334 892 CA. Delivery Notice Cards have a separate 15-digit number printed on the card itself.
Why does my Canada Post tracking say Electronic information submitted but nothing else?
This means a shipping label has been created but Canada Post has not yet physically scanned the package. The seller may not have dropped it off yet, or there is a delay before the first facility scan appears. Allow 24 to 48 hours. If the status has not updated after 72 hours, contact the sender to confirm the package was actually shipped.
How long does Canada Post take to deliver?
Priority delivers the next business day in most major centres. Xpresspost takes 1 to 2 business days. Expedited Parcel and Regular Parcel take 2 to 13 business days depending on origin and destination. Xpresspost USA takes 2 to 3 business days. Xpresspost International takes 4 to 7 business days to most destinations.
My tracking says Delivered but I did not receive my package. What should I do?
First check all possible delivery spots at your address, including your mailbox, front porch, side entrance, parcel locker, and with a building concierge or neighbour. Open the Canada Post app and check whether a safe drop photo was taken, which will show exactly where the carrier left the item. If you still cannot locate it, contact the sender and ask them to open a trace with Canada Post.
What does Notice left mean on Canada Post tracking?
Notice left means a delivery was attempted but the carrier could not complete it. The package has been sent to a nearby post office for pickup. Check the Delivery Notice Card in your mailbox for the post office address and the hold deadline. You have 15 calendar days to pick up the package before it is returned to the sender.
Can I track a Canada Post package without a tracking number?
Canada Post does not allow tracking by name or address for privacy reasons. If you lost your tracking number, check your original order confirmation email or any shipping notification email from the sender. If neither is available, contact the sender directly and ask them to provide the tracking number. They have it on the receipt from when the package was shipped.
Why does Canada Post tracking say Item held by customs?
This status means the package is being reviewed by Canada Border Services Agency or the customs authority in the destination country. Customs review is a normal step for all international shipments. The duration varies from a few hours to several weeks depending on the item, its value, its documentation, and the current workload at the border. Canada Post cannot intervene while a package is in customs.
Does Canada Post deliver on weekends?
Canada Post does not offer standard weekend delivery. Delivery standards are based on business days, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Limited Saturday delivery occurs in some urban areas during holiday peak periods but is not guaranteed. If your estimated delivery date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, expect delivery on the next business day.
How do I track a Canada Post package sent to the US or internationally?
Enter your tracking number at the Canada Post Track tool. For US-bound shipments using Xpresspost USA or Expedited Parcel USA, tracking continues on the USPS website after the package crosses the border. For other international destinations, check the destination country’s postal service website with the same tracking number once the package exits Canada.
Conclusion: What to Remember About Canada Post Tracking
Canada Post tracking is reliable when you know which format your number is in, which service was used, and what each status actually means. The biggest source of frustration is mismatched expectations, checking too frequently, or using the wrong website.
Most domestic packages move smoothly with minimal tracking gaps. International shipments take longer and go through customs, which creates pauses in updates that are completely normal. And for anything shipped via Lettermail or Small Packet, there simply is no tracking, which is a service limitation rather than a problem.
When something genuinely goes wrong, the path is clear: wait for the appropriate time window to pass, then have the sender initiate a trace. Canada Post’s investigation process is formal and documented, and most missing domestic parcels are located within the inquiry period.
