
Finding your postal code in Canada is easier than you think. You can find your postal code online through the Canada Post website, which provides a handy tool to look up postal codes by address.
Canada Post uses a unique six-character code, consisting of a combination of letters and numbers, to identify specific geographic areas. This code is essential for mail delivery and other postal services.
To access the Canada Post website, simply visit their website and click on the "Find a Postal Code" tool. This will take you to a page where you can enter your address to find your postal code.
Understanding the Format
The Canadian postal code format is divided into several parts, each with its own specific meaning.
The first part is the Forward Sortation Area (FSA), which indicates the province or territory and region.
The second digit defines whether the address is rural (0) or urban (1-9).

The third character narrows down the locality within the FSA.
The last three characters, known as the Local Delivery Unit (LDU), pinpoint the specific address or building.
Here's a breakdown of the format:
Finding the Right Code
If you run into a mismatch between Google and Polaris, it's best to verify the postal code for your address with Canada Post's tool.
To do this, use Canada Post's Address Complete tool, which you can access by typing in the address you want to retrieve the postal code for. This tool will provide you with the most accurate postal code.
For example, if you search the address "15765 Croydon Drive" on Google, it may not find the correct postal code, but using the Address Complete tool will give you the correct code, V3Z 2L6.
If Google doesn't recognize an address, don't worry! The Address Complete tool will still provide you with the correct postal code.
Here's a breakdown of the regions and their corresponding postal code prefixes:
Canada's Postal Code System
Canada's postal code system is a well-structured and efficient way to sort and deliver mail across the country. It's managed by Canada Post and has been instrumental in ensuring timely and accurate delivery since its introduction in 1971.
The system is alphanumeric, with a six-character format: A1A 1A1, where the letters represent geographic regions and the numbers provide further specificity. This format helps postal workers quickly identify where a piece of mail needs to go.
Canada's postal codes are assigned based on regions, provinces, and territories. You can use a tool like Canada Post's Address Complete tool to verify the postal code for your address. This tool provides the most accurate postal code, which you can then use to find the correct location on Polaris.
Here's a breakdown of postal code prefixes for major regions:
Canada Post's Address Complete tool is a great resource to verify the postal code for your address, especially if you encounter a mismatch between Google and Polaris.
Canada Regions

Canada is a vast and diverse country, and its postal code system reflects this diversity. Each region has its own unique set of postal code prefixes.
Canada is divided into 10 regions, each with its own set of postal code prefixes. Let's take a look at some of the most populous regions and their corresponding prefixes.
Ontario is the most populous province in Canada, and it has a range of postal code prefixes, including K, L, M, N, and P. You can find examples of these prefixes in postal codes like M5W 1E6 (Toronto) and L5A 1S7 (Mississauga).
Quebec is the second-most populous province, and it has its own set of unique postal code prefixes, including G, H, and J. If you're looking for a specific postal code in Montreal, you might find it in the H3Z 2Y7 range.
British Columbia is known for its stunning natural beauty, and it has a range of postal code prefixes, including V. If you're looking for a specific postal code in Vancouver, you might find it in the V6B 1H4 range.

Here's a breakdown of the 10 regions in Canada, along with their corresponding postal code prefixes:
Remember, knowing the region and postal code prefix can help you find a specific address in Canada.
Sources
- https://www.mapsofworld.com/postal-codes/country-canada.html
- https://www.polarisintelligence.com/perfect-your-postal-code-search/
- https://www.geopostcodes.com/country/canada-zip-code/
- https://www.freemaptools.com/find-canada-postcodes-inside-user-defined-area.htm
- https://www.postalcode.pro/en/country/canada/ca/
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