Canada's main postal system is called the Canada Post or Postes Canada. This postal service uses similar conventions to the postal systems of both the United States and the United Kingdom. However, there are some differences. In this article you can read how to address envelopes to Canada.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Addressing personal envelopes
Step 1. Write the recipient's name
Write the name on the middle front part of the envelope, making sure there is enough space above and below this line. You can write personal titles for it, such as Mr. or Mrs., but that is not mandatory.
Postal services generally prefer that all addresses be written in capital or block letters
Step 2. Post any other additional address lines below
For example, you might want to include the name of the hotel, company, or department to make sure the letter gets to the right recipient.
Step 3. Write the house number and address on the next line
Write the house number or housing unit, followed by a hyphen and then the address. For example, 2-234 Pine St. N.
Canadian addresses cannot contain punctuation. It is important to write addresses correctly, as many addresses are read by sorters. If it is legibly addressed according to Canadian postal conventions, it will arrive at its destination faster
Step 4. Find the correct postal and state code
Canadian addresses have specific zip and provincial codes for different parts of the country. Before writing out the address, find out what the specific codes are, including the correct abbreviations for the provinces.
If the person you're writing to hasn't already given you this information, you can find out through the USPS or Canada Post's website
Step 5. Write the city, state and zip code on the next line
Write them exactly in that order and put two spaces between the state and the zip code.
Step 6. Write Canada on the last line
The country name should always be the last line of the address unless you are already sending your mail from Canada, in which case this line is not necessary.
The following is an address written correctly, with the line breaks separated by commas. Rachel Platt, PEARSON EDITORIAL INC., 2-234 Pine St. N, TORONTO ON M5V 1J2
Step 7. Write the return address
The return address is needed so that the recipient knows where to send their reply. Make sure you write the address legibly.
- Write the return address in the same way. The only difference is the placement. Write it in the top left corner of your envelope. You can also place it in the center of the back flap of the envelope.
- If you're writing a US address, don't use periods before abbreviations or commas. Use the two-letter state symbol. Place the abbreviation USA under the last line that contains your city, state, and zip code.
- If you are writing an international address from a country other than the United States, write the full name of the country on the line below the city and zip code line. For example, you address the envelope to the United Kingdom, instead of 'UK'.
Method 2 of 2: Address business mail
Step 1. Write the person's name on the top line
Start the address line in the front center of the envelope. It may be more businesslike to use a prefix, such as "Mr." or "Mrs." before the person's name.
Step 2. State the name of the company or department
Write it directly under the person's name.
Step 3. Enter address details
This can be a house number or the number of a housing unit, followed by a hyphen and then a street address.
Step 4. Find the correct zip code and state code
Canadian addresses have specific zip and province codes for different parts of the country. Before writing down the address, find out what the specific codes are, including the correct abbreviations for the provinces.
If the person or company you are writing to has not already provided this information, you can find out via the USPS or Canada Post website
Step 5. Write the city, state and zip code on the next line
Leave a space between the city and the state and two spaces between the state and the zip code.
Step 6. Write Canada on the last line
The country name should always be the last line of the address unless you are already sending your mail from Canada, in which case this line is not necessary.
Step 7. Provide the return address
At the top left, write the return address, using the same format as the recipient's address.
Step 8. Note the spacing
When writing or typing the address, leave 15mm of space on each side of the envelope. There should be 40mm of space from the top of the envelope and 19mm of empty space from the bottom of the envelope.
- Write all business addresses in capital letters. If possible, you can use a computer to simply type and print the address as this can reduce processing time.
- If you have an image or logo on your envelope, it should be placed to the left of the address. You need to make sure you leave the same amount of space from the edge, including the logo.
Tips
- If you're writing to a French address in Canada, don't translate it. Write it as it is written in French. Canada's postal system is bilingual.
- If you are sending to a PO Box, replace the street with the words 'PO Box' and the number.
- First-class mail, letters and large envelopes must state 'AIRMAIL/PAR AVION'. If you are not sure whether this should be on your letter, inquire in person at the post office.
- If you include other guidelines, such as 'personal', 'confidential', or 'urgent', list them at the very top, above the address line.
- The number of stamps or postage depends on a number of factors, including the size and weight of the envelope, as well as where and from where you are sending the mail. To calculate the postage rate, you can use the Canada Post Rate Calculator.