
If you're sending mail to Canada, you'll want to use the correct address format to ensure it reaches its destination. This includes using the right postal code, which can be found after the city or town name in a Canadian address.
For example, in the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, the postal code is V6H 3R7. This code is used to identify the specific postal zone and is essential for correct mailing.
A typical Canadian address with postal code might look like this: "123 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R7".
How to Format Correctly
To format correctly, make sure to write in uppercase or block letters to make the address more legible.
Use hyphens to separate the unit number/suit/apartment number followed by the street/civic number.
Abbreviate the street type, street direction, and the names of provinces and territories.
The Canada address format requires three lines:
Line 1: The recipient's full name
Line 2: The apartment number, then a hyphen, followed by the street address
Line 3: The municipality name, province code, and the 6-character postal code
Here's a breakdown of the correct standard envelope mailing address format in Canada:
- The street address should be in CAPITAL letters.
- The postal codes will be in uppercase letters. Separate the first 3 characters from the last three with a single space. Avoid putting hyphens, as this can create issues.
- Write the provinces or territories, cities or municipalities, and postal codes in the same line.
- Give a space between the province (or territory) and the postal code. Give two spaces between the municipality and the province (or territory).
Remember to include a return address on your letter or parcel, generally in the top left corner, and format it as the destination address.
Address Examples
Canada address examples can be quite straightforward, but it's essential to get them right. A typical civic address format in Canada includes the addressee, address, and municipality, province, and postal code.
You can start with the addressee, which is the person or company name. For example, "MR SMITH" is a common format. The address itself typically includes a street address, such as "15-123 1/2 SWIFT ST SE". And finally, you'll need to include the municipality, province, and postal code, like "MONTREAL QC H3Z 2Y7".
If you need to include additional delivery information, like a department name, it should appear below the addressee. For instance, "BILLINGS DEPARTMENT" would be written on the second line.
Some addresses may use a rural route identifier and station identifier instead of a street address. For example, "RR4 LCD SWIFT ST" is a common format for rural route addresses. The municipality, province, and Canadian postal codes would still be included at the end, such as "LLOYDMINSTER AB T9V 2Z9".
If you're working with a postal box address, the format is slightly different. You'll need to include the addressee, additional delivery information (if any), the civic address, the postal box number and station information, and the municipality name, province or territory, and postal code. Here's a breakdown of the format:
- The addressee (first line)
- Additional delivery information (second line)
- Civic address (third line)
- Postal Box number and station information (fourth line)
- Municipality name, province or territory, and postal code (fifth line)
Here's an example of a postal box address with civic address and additional delivery information:
Rural Address Format
In Canada, rural addresses have a specific format to ensure mail delivery. The format includes the addressee's name on the first line, followed by additional address information on the second line, the rural route identifier and station information on the third line, and the municipality name, province or territory, and postal code on the fourth line.
For a rural route address, you'll need to include the rural route identifier and station information. This is usually in the format of "RR" followed by a number and then the station identifier, as seen in the example of "RR 4 LDC SWIFT ST".
If the rural address doesn't contain a civic address, you'll need to add additional address information above the rural route identifier and station information. This can include the house number, road name, and other relevant details.
Here's a breakdown of the rural address format:
For example, a rural address with additional address information might look like this: "MR SMITH", "123 SWIFT ST", "RR 4 LDC SWIFT ST", "LLOYDMINSTER AB T9V 2Z9".
How to Write a Canadian Address
Writing a Canadian address can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered.
To start, you should write the name of the recipient on the front of the envelope, with the title and name on the same line and in capital letters. This is a must-have for any Canadian mail address.

When including additional delivery information, it should appear under the first line or between the first and third lines, depending on the type of address.
For a postal box address, the format is a bit more specific. It should contain the addressee, additional delivery information, civic address, postal box number and station information, and municipality name, province or territory, and postal code.
Here's a breakdown of the format for a postal box address with civic address and additional delivery information:
- The addressee (first line)
- Additional delivery information (second line)
- Civic address (third line)
- Postal Box number and station information (fourth line)
- Municipality name, province or territory, and postal code (fifth line)
For a rural route address, the format is a bit different. It should contain the addressee, rural route identifier and station identifier, and municipality, province, and Canadian postal codes.
Here's an example of a rural route address:The addressee (first line): MR SMITHRural route identifier + station identifier (second-last line): RR4 LCD SWIFT STMunicipality, province, and Canadian postal codes (last line): LLOYDMINSTER AB T9V 2Z9
In general, it's a good idea to keep plenty of space on all sides of the name and address information to ensure it's easy to read.
Sources
- http://www.bitboost.com/ref/international-address-formats/canada/
- https://www.postalytics.com/blog/mailing-address-format-canada/
- https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support/articles/addressing-guidelines/canadian-addresses.page
- https://shippingchimp.com/blog/how-to-write-address-on-envelope-in-canada/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/credit-cards/credit-card-zip-code-postal-code
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