How to Write an Address to Canada (With Tips and Examples)

Updated March 21, 2023

If you're sending a package or letter to a person anywhere in Canada, it's important to understand how to address the parcel. Canada has its own specifications, set forth by the Canada Post, which are similar to the US and UK, but with certain variations. Understanding these variations can help you properly address a parcel or help international customers and partners address packages to your business.In this article, we explain how to write an address to Canada on a letter or parcel by exploring the Canadian address format, explaining the writing process, and providing tips for writing on different parcels.

What is the Canadian address format?

The Canadian address format gives the information essential to identify a building, area of land, or building. You can often use this collection of information specifically and comprises items like political borders, street names, building numbers, company names, and postal codes as geographical references. Here's what the address format looks like in Canada:

Recipient's name
Recipient's business name (if applicable)
Apartment, unit, or street address number and street name
City, province or territory, and postal and province or territory code

The return address header on a letter follows this same format, except you can include your country's name if you're outside of Canada at the bottom of the header.Related: How to Address a Letter (With Template, Tips, and Examples)

How to write an address to Canada on personal envelopes

Here's how to write an address to Canada on personal envelopes:

1. Print the name of the recipient

Write the recipient's name in the centre of the front of the envelope, leaving enough space above and below this line. You may insert honorific titles such as Mr. or Mrs., but doing so is optional. In general, postal agencies prefer you write all addresses in full capital letters or in block characters. You can also write any other additional address line below. For example, you may wish to print the name of the hotel, company, or department to ensure that the letter reaches the intended recipient.Related: How to Address a Business Letter Professionally

2. Include the apartment number and street address on the next line

Follow the apartment or unit number with a hyphen and then the street address. Specifically, 2-234 Pine St. N. Addresses in Canada don't include punctuation. Because many addresses get scanned by sorting machines, it's crucial to write addresses accurately. If it's addressed legibly in accordance with Canada's postal standards, it may reach its destination quicker. If you're sending the letter to a unit in a commercial building, write the unit number before the street name.

3. Determine the proper postal code and province or territory

Different regions of Canada have unique postal and provincial codes for their addresses. Before writing the address, it's necessary to determine the precise codes, including the relevant provincial abbreviation. If the recipient hasn't already provided this information, you can access it by visiting the Canada Post website. On the next line, you may write the city, province or territory, and postal code. Write them in this precise sequence, with two spaces between the province or territory and postal code, to ensure proper sorting and readability.Related: Who to Address a Cover Letter to (With Templates and Examples)

4. Include Canada on the last line

When an associate or customer sends a package from outside of Canada, it's important that they write the country of destination on the parcel. Typically, you can write this at the bottom of your address on the last line. This helps the postal service verify that the package is for a Canadian address. While this isn't always a hard requirement for sending mail to Canada, it's a step anyone can take to help ensure the efficiency of the mailing process and help minimize any confusion.

5. Write your return address

In the top left of the letter, you can write your return address header. This header describes the origin of the parcel and where the recipient can return it if necessary or if the postal service needs to return it for any reason. The return address header typically follows the same format as the address and includes the name of the country of origin at the very bottom of the header.Related: How to Address a Cover Letter (With Examples)

How to include an address in a business envelope

Here are steps you can take to write an address in a business envelope:

1. Include the name of the recipient on the top line

You can start the address line in the centre of the front of the envelope. Before a person's name, it may be more business-appropriate to add an honorific prefix such as "Mr." or "Ms." You may also provide the company or department name. You can write this directly underneath the person's name.Related: How to Write an Envelope for Letters

2. Add more address details

This may comprise an apartment or unit number, a hyphen, and a street address. Determine the proper postal code and province or territory. Different regions of Canada have unique postal and provincial codes for their addresses. Before writing the address, you're to determine the exact codes, including the relevant provincial abbreviation. If the individual or organization you're writing to has not already provided this information, you may discover it by visiting the USPS or Canada Post websites.

3. Write the city, province or territory, and postal code on the next line

Insert one space between the city and province or territory and two spaces between the province or territory and postal code. You can write Canada in the final line. The country name can always be on the last line of an address unless the letter is already being sent from Canada, in which case this line is unnecessary. Also, include the return address.Related: What To Include in Your Address on a Resume (With Tips)

Tips for writing your address

Here are some tips to help you write your address:

Write French words exactly as they appear in French, as the postal service in Canada is bilingual.

Replace the street address with "PO Box" and the box number if you're sending it to a post office box.

Mark priority mail, letters, and big envelopes with "AIRMAIL/PAR AVION." Inquire in person at the post office if you're unsure whether your letter requires this.

If you choose to include additional directions, such as "personal," "confidential," or "urgent," place them above the address line.

The number of stamps or cost of postage relies on a variety of criteria, such as the size and weight of the envelope and also the destination of the letter. Use the Canada Post Rate Calculator to determine the cost of postage.

Tips for writing a letter

Here are some tips to help you write a good letter:

Add an introduction to your letter: Use a salutation as the introduction to your letter to help make the reader feel at ease. Some common salutations include "Dear," "Hello," and "To whom it may concern."

Be concise: Respect your receivers' time and make your correspondence more readable by being concise and straightforward. In the initial one or two phrases, clearly state your aim or objective. For instance, you may say, "I am writing to express my appreciation for discussing the manager role with me."

Proofread: After you have completed your letter, take a two-hour break and do something different. Then, carefully proofread your message for any grammatical or spelling issues.

Use consistent formatting: Format your letter font and style consistently throughout the document to provide a sense of professionalism and consistency in your writing.

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Address examples for Canada

Here are some Canadian address examples for reference:

Single recipient, residential

Here's what the address might look like for a single residential recipient in a single-family home:Marcus DuBois
6587 Roller Derby Lane
Toronto, ON M1R-0E9
Canada

Business recipient

Here's what the address might look like if you're sending a parcel to a business recipient in Canada:Keller Freeman
358 Industry Drive.
Toronto, ON M4C-1V7
CanadaPlease note that none of the companies, institutions, or organizations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.