Canada Post Mailing Options Explained

Canda Post PO Box

Canada Post offers several mailing services, each with its own features and benefits. At Online Post, we help you easily access three of the most popular ones: regular, registered and express right from your computer. In this article, we’ll walk you through these options so you can choose what fits your needs best — and explain how Online Post makes mailing simpler, faster, and more convenient.

Also, keep in mind that Canada Post’s shipping speed estimates are based on mail being dropped off directly at their facilities. Since Online Post handles the printing, enveloping, and mailing after you place your online request, the total shipping time may vary depending on when you submit your order, weekends, or holidays. We’ll always work to get your mail on its way as quickly as possible!

Regular Mail (Lettermail™)

Lettermail™ is Canada Post’s standard offer. It's the basic, regular mail that you are mostly used to. It's an affordable way to send letters, invoices, statements, greeting cards, ... within Canada. It’s a reliable and budget-friendly option for everyday mail.

When to use Lettermail™?

  • Sending personal messages
  • Mailing business invoices or bills
  • Dispatching voting notices or official reports
  • The delivery timeframe does not matter

Lettermail comes in standard (for items that meet specific size requirements) and non-standard/oversize categories. It’s perfect for most routine mailing needs.
With Online Post, you simply upload your letter, fill in the recipient’s address, and we’ll print, prepare, and send it as Regular Mail — so you never have to leave your home.

Registered Mail

Registered Mail gives you way more options than just the Regular Mail: proof of delivery with signature and a tracking of the letter. You’ll know exactly when your letter arrives and who signed for it, which can be crucial in some situation.

Why choose Registered Mail?

  • You want proof of delivery
  • You’re sending sensitive documents
  • You need a signed receipt

Online-Post makes it simple to send Registered Mail by handling all the paperwork and mailing steps on your behalf.

Express Mail (Xpresspost™)

If speed matters, Xpresspost™ is the way to go. It offers next-day or two-day delivery between most major Canadian cities, with full tracking and an on-time delivery guarantee from Canada Post. There's also the possibility to request a signature as an option.

Key benefits of Xpresspost™:

  • Fast, guaranteed delivery
  • Full tracking
  • On-time delivery credit if your parcel is late

At Online Post, we help you take advantage of Express Mail without leaving your home. Just upload your letter, enter the address, and let us handle the printing, packaging, and delivery to Canada Post.

Priority™

Priority™ is Canada Post’s fastest mailing option, guaranteeing next-business-day delivery between major urban centres with tracking and a signature upon delivery. This is one of the most costly option Canada Post provides, but the fastest too. However, Online-Post does not currently offer this options through our platform. If you need Priority™ service, you can purchase it directly from your local Canada Post location.

Why Choose Online Post?

Online Post makes mailing easier than ever. Here’s how it works:

  • ✅ Upload your letter as a PDF
  • ✅ Provide the addresses of the recipient and sender
  • ✅ Pay securely online
  • ✅ We print, envelope, and mail it

No minimum orders. No subscriptions. No hidden fees. From just $3 (plus printing fees), you can save time and skip the line at the post office. Whether you choose Lettermail™, Registered Mail™, or Xpresspost™, we’ll handle it all while you relax at home.

Try Online Post Today

Ready to mail without leaving your couch? Try Online Post today and experience the easiest way to send letters anywhere in Canada.

👉 Start Mailing Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the cheapest way to mail a letter in Canada?

The most affordable way to mail a letter within Canada is Lettermail™, offered by Canada Post. With Online Post, you can send your letter as Lettermail™ without going to the post office — simply upload, address, and we’ll handle the rest.

How can I track my letter with Canada Post?

Canada Post offers tracking on Registered Mail™ and Xpresspost™. If you mail through Online Post using these services, you’ll still get Canada Post tracking — plus the convenience of handling everything online.

How long does standard mail take in Canada?

Standard Lettermail™ usually takes 2–4 business days within Canada, depending on origin and destination. Keep in mind, if you mail through Online Post, the timing can vary depending on when you place your order, as we handle the printing and preparation before handing it off to Canada Post.

Canada Post Mailing Options Explained