Canada Post Holiday Schedule 2026: Is Post Office Delivering Today?

Here’s a detailed guide to the canada post holiday schedule, complete with open hours to help shippers and ecommerce business owners to plan their shipment for timely delivery.
Canada Post Holiday Schedule 2026: Is Post Office Delivering Today?
3 Min Read
September 23, 2026
Augustin
3 min read
Sep 23, 2026

Key Points:

  • Canada Post closes on 11 statutory holidays in 2026. There’s no mail collection or delivery on these days, so a weekend next to a Monday or Friday holiday turns into a three-day delay.
  • Domestic Christmas cut-offs depend on service and zone. Regular Parcel to the National Zone must ship by December 10. Priority and Xpresspost give you until December 22–23.
  • International deadlines come even earlier. Tracked Packet and Small Packet to Africa and Central/South America close on December 3. USA shipments by Xpresspost need to go out by December 17.
  • Black Friday and Cyber Monday are normal operating days. Canada Post runs as usual on November 27 and 30, but expect high parcel volumes.
  • Choose your service by how much time is left. Use Regular Parcel or Tracked Packet when you have a buffer. Switch to Xpresspost or Priority as the deadlines get close, and compare rates first so the faster service doesn’t eat your margin.
  • Canada Post doesn’t collect or deliver mail on national, provincial or territorial holidays. Post office counters inside retail stores, like pharmacies and grocery stores, may stay open, though. They follow the store’s own hours.

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Canada Post is closed with no mail collection or delivery on the following national statutory holidays.

  • New Year's Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026
  • Good Friday: Friday, April 3, 2026
  • Victoria Day: Monday, May 18, 2026
  • Canada Day: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
  • Civic Holiday / Provincial Day: Monday, August 3, 2026 (varies by province/territory)
  • Labour Day: Monday, September 7, 2026
  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 (network observance varies by region)
  • Thanksgiving Day: Monday, October 12, 2026
  • Remembrance Day: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (network observance varies by region)
  • Christmas Day: Friday, December 25, 2026
  • Boxing Day / Observed: Saturday, December 26, 2026 (or observed Monday, December 28, 2026)

As you finalize your holiday preparations—launching promotions, setting up campaigns, and stocking inventory—it’s equally important to plan your shipping strategy. 

To deliver a joyous holiday experience to your customers, meeting the Christmas shipping cut-offs is essential. Staying ahead of these deadlines will ensure your orders are delivered on time, leaving your customers happy and stress-free this holiday season.

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What is the Canada Post Holiday Schedule for 2026?

Shipping deadlines vary based on the service or courier selected, so it’s important to share accurate timelines for Canada Post services to help customers plan accordingly. Any updates to your shipping processes, such as adjusted fees or timelines, should be clearly stated in your policies to ensure transparency and build trust during this busy time of year.

Let’s take a look at the 2026 and 2027 Holidays Schedule for Canada Post:

Holiday 2026 2027
New Year’s Day (National) Jan. 1 (Thursday) Jan. 1 (Friday)
Good Friday (National) Apr. 3 (Friday) Mar. 26 (Friday)
Easter Monday (National) Apr. 6 (Monday) Mar. 29 (Monday)
Victoria Day (National) May 18 (Monday) May 24 (Monday)
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (Quebec Only) May 18 (Monday) May 24 (Monday)
Canada Day (National) Jul. 1 (Wednesday) Jul. 1 (Thursday)
Civic Holiday (SK, MB, ON, NU, NT, NL) Aug. 3 (Monday) Aug. 2 (Monday)
Labour Day (National) Sep. 7 (Monday) Sep. 6 (Monday)
National Day For Truth And Reconciliation (National) Sep. 30 (Wednesday) Sep. 30 (Thursday)
Thanksgiving Day (National) Oct. 12 (Monday) Oct. 11 (Monday)
Remembrance Day (National) Nov. 11 (Wednesday) Nov. 11 (Thursday)
Christmas Day (National) Dec. 25 (Friday) Dec. 25 (Saturday), observed Dec. 27 (Monday)
Boxing Day (National) Dec. 26 (Saturday), observed Dec. 28 (Monday) Dec. 26 (Sunday), observed Dec. 28 (Tuesday)

Valentine's Day: Thursday, February 14, 2026

February 14th is a day filled with love and joy, and Canada Post is committed to helping your Valentine’s Day surprises arrive on time. With normal operations running smoothly, you can count on timely deliveries of gifts, cards, and parcels. To ensure they reach their destination by Valentine’s Day, it’s recommended to ship by February 10 or 11. Planning ahead guarantees your loved ones feel the love on time.

Good Friday: Friday, April 3, 2026

Good Friday is an important public holiday across Canada, marked by the closure of Canada Post services, including mail collections and deliveries. This observance enables employees to take part in religious ceremonies or community gatherings. To prevent any shipping delays, it’s essential to schedule your shipments ahead of time. Aim to send your parcels by Wednesday, April 16, to guarantee timely delivery despite the holiday.

Canada Post Services and Deadlines

Service Deadline Details
Regular Parcel Service March 31 Standard delivery service for parcels within Canada; delivery times vary by region.
Xpresspost Apr. 2 Fast and reliable service with next-day delivery in most areas; includes tracking.
Priority™ Apr. 2 The fastest service available; next-day delivery with guaranteed service and tracking.
International Parcel (Standard) March 29 For sending parcels internationally; delivery times vary by destination.
International Xpresspost Apr. 1 Fast international shipping option with tracking; delivery times vary by destination.

Easter Monday: Monday, April 6, 2026

Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday and is recognized as a holiday by many organizations across Canada. On this day, Canada Post will be closed, meaning there will be no mail collections or deliveries. This closure allows employees to observe the holiday and spend time with family and friends. To ensure timely delivery of Easter greetings and gifts, it is advisable to send them before the holiday weekend. Aim for dispatch by Friday, April 17.

Service Deadline Details
Regular Parcel Service March 31 Standard delivery service for parcels within Canada; delivery times vary by region.
Xpresspost Apr. 2 Fast and reliable service with next-day delivery in most areas; includes tracking.
Priority™ Apr. 2 The fastest service available; next-day delivery with guaranteed service and tracking.
International Parcel (Standard) March 29 For sending parcels internationally; delivery times vary by destination.
International Xpresspost Apr. 1 Fast international shipping option with tracking; delivery times vary by destination.

Victoria Day: Monday, May 18, 2026

Victoria Day, celebrated in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday, marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada. On this public holiday, Canada Post will suspend all mail collections and deliveries. Many Canadians use the day for outdoor activities and family gatherings.

To ensure your parcels and mail arrive on time, plan ahead and dispatch items by Friday, May 16. Early preparation helps avoid delays and ensures recipients can enjoy their Victoria Day celebrations uninterrupted.

Canada Day: Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Canada Day is a time for nationwide celebration, marking the country’s confederation on July 1st, 1867. From parades to fireworks, it’s a day filled with joy and unity. Canada Post locations will be closed on this public holiday, with no mail collections or deliveries, allowing employees to celebrate with their communities. Plan ahead and dispatch your packages by Friday, June 27, to ensure timely delivery before the festivities.

Labor Day: Monday, September 7, 2026

Labor Day in Canada is a time to honor the contributions and achievements of workers nationwide. As part of the observance, Canada Post will suspend all operations, including mail collections and deliveries, allowing employees to participate in community events and spend time with their families.

To ensure your mail and parcels reach their destinations on time, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Dispatching items by Friday, August 29, is highly recommended. Sending early helps avoid delays during the long weekend, a period when many Canadians embrace travel and leisure activities to celebrate this well-deserved break.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Wednesday, September 30, 2026

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation stands as a solemn occasion in Canada to honor the victims and survivors of residential schools. It offers an opportunity to reflect on the enduring impact of these institutions on Indigenous communities while fostering education, understanding, and meaningful dialogue.

In observance of this day, Canada Post operations, including mail collections and deliveries, will be paused. To ensure your correspondence or packages reach their destinations without delay, plan ahead and send items by Friday, September 26. Early preparation ensures your messages of remembrance and support arrive on time, reflecting the significance of this meaningful day.

Thanksgiving Day: Monday, October 12, 2026

Thanksgiving in Canada is a time to gather with family, share delicious meals, and reflect on the year’s blessings. To allow Canada Post employees to celebrate with their loved ones, all mail and delivery services will be paused on Thanksgiving Day.

To ensure your messages of gratitude and festive parcels reach their destinations before the holiday, it’s recommended to send them by Friday, October 10. Thoughtful planning will ensure your tokens of appreciation arrive in time to make the day extra meaningful.

Remembrance Day: Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Remembrance Day serves as a time for Canadians to express gratitude and honor the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces. As part of this solemn observance, Canada Post will not operate on November 11, meaning no mail collections or deliveries will occur. Ensure your messages of appreciation and remembrance arrive on time by dispatching them by Friday, November 6. Early planning ensures your sentiments are part of this day of nationwide reflection.

Black Friday: Friday, November 27, 2026

Black Friday marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season, with retailers and customers alike gearing up for significant sales. Canada Post will maintain normal operations on this day, ensuring timely mail and parcel deliveries. Customers can rely on standard services for smooth and uninterrupted shipping during this busy period.

Cyber Monday: Monday, November 30, 2026

As the online shopping frenzy continues on Cyber Monday, Canada Post will also operate as usual, handling the increased volume of eCommerce parcels. With normal operations in place, customers can expect reliable collection and delivery services to keep up with the heightened demand.

Christmas Day: Friday, December 25, 2026

Christmas Day is one of the most significant holidays in Canada; it celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is marked by family gatherings and gift-giving. On Christmas Day, all Canada Post locations will be closed, with no collections or deliveries taking place. To manage the high volume of shipments leading up to Christmas and ensure timely delivery before December 25th, it’s essential to send items well in advance—ideally by December 20th for standard services.

Domestic Canada Post Christmas Shipping Deadlines for Packages

Priority™ Xpresspost™ Expedited Parcel™ Or Flat Rate Box™ Regular Parcel™
Local Zone December 23 December 23 December 22 December 21
Regional Zone December 23 December 22 December 18 December 16
National Zone December 23 December 22 December 14 December 10

International Canada Post Christmas Shipping Deadlines for Packages

Service USA
Xpresspost™ USA 17-Dec
Expedited Parcel™ USA 14-Dec
Tracked Packet/Small Packet USA 11-Dec
Popular Sending Destinations Xpresspost International™ Tracked Packet/Small Packet
Africa 10-Dec 03-Dec
Asia 11-Dec 09-Dec
Australia 14-Dec 09-Dec
Central/South American and Caribbean 10-Dec 03-Dec
China 14-Dec 09-Dec
Europe 15-Dec 09-Dec
France 15-Dec 11-Dec
Germany 15-Dec 11-Dec
India 11-Dec 09-Dec
Japan 14-Dec 11-Dec
Middle East 11-Dec 09-Dec
Netherlands 15-Dec 11-Dec
New Zealand 11-Dec 09-Dec
Switzerland 15-Dec 11-Dec
United Kingdom 15-Dec 11-Dec

Learn more on the Canada Post Website

Boxing Day: Saturday, December 26, 2026

Boxing Day follows Christmas Day and is traditionally a day for shopping and relaxation after the festivities. On this day, Canada Post will also be closed, meaning there will be no mail services available. To avoid delays during this busy shopping period following Christmas celebrations and ensure timely delivery for any post-Christmas greetings or returns you may need to send out after Boxing Day itself.

New Year's Eve: Thursday, December 31, 2026

New Year's Eve marks the end of the year and celebrations leading up to midnight festivities across Canada. On New Year's Eve day itself (December 31), Canada Post will operate with normal business hours allowing for last-minute shipping needs as people prepare for New Year celebrations. However, it's advisable to send any important items earlier in December to avoid last-minute rushes.

By understanding these operational statuses for each holiday throughout the year and planning accordingly with early dispatching where necessary can help ensure smooth communication and timely delivery through Canada Post services! If you have any further questions or need assistance regarding shipping during these holidays feel free to ask!

2026 Holiday Shipping Deadlines for Canada Post International Deliveries

Sending international gifts this Christmas? Make sure your packages arrive before December 25, 2026, by shipping early and following Canada Post’s guidelines. Timely preparation is the key to avoiding delays and spreading holiday joy worldwide.

Canada Post 2026 USA Shipping Deadlines for Packages

Service Destination Send By
Xpresspost™ USA USA Dec. 17 (Thursday)
Expedited Parcel™ USA USA Dec. 14 (Monday)
Tracked Packet/Small Packet USA Dec. 11 (Friday)

Canada Post 2026 International Shipping Deadlines for Packages

Destination Xpresspost International™ Tracked Packet/Small Packet
Africa Dec. 10 (Thursday) Dec. 3 (Thursday)
Asia Dec. 11 (Friday) Dec. 9 (Wednesday)
Australia Dec. 14 (Monday) Dec. 9 (Wednesday)
Central/South America and Caribbean Dec. 10 (Thursday) Dec. 3 (Thursday)
China Dec. 14 (Monday) Dec. 9 (Wednesday)
Europe Dec. 15 (Tuesday) Dec. 9 (Wednesday)
France Dec. 15 (Tuesday) Dec. 11 (Friday)
Germany Dec. 15 (Tuesday) Dec. 11 (Friday)
India Dec. 11 (Friday) Dec. 9 (Wednesday)
Japan Dec. 14 (Monday) Dec. 11 (Friday)
Middle East Dec. 11 (Friday) Dec. 9 (Wednesday)
Netherlands Dec. 15 (Tuesday) Dec. 11 (Friday)
New Zealand Dec. 11 (Friday) Dec. 9 (Wednesday)
Switzerland Dec. 15 (Tuesday) Dec. 11 (Friday)
United Kingdom Dec. 15 (Tuesday) Dec. 11 (Friday)

View more details on the Canada Post Website

Ship on Time this Holiday with Easyship

Canada Post’s Christmas cut-offs come early. Regular Parcel deadlines for national deliveries fall on December 10. Before you decide which services to offer at checkout, find out what each one costs.

Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator lets you compare Canada Post services with other carriers in one place. You can see the price and delivery time for each option, then pick one that arrives before December 25 and fits your margins.

[Compare Holiday Shipping Rates for Free]

Canada Post Holiday Schedule FAQs

Does Canada Post work on holidays?‍

No. Canada Post doesn’t collect or deliver mail on national, provincial or territorial statutory holidays. In 2026, these include New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Mail picks up again on the next business day.

Are the post offices in Canada open today?‍

That depends on the date. Canada Post locations are closed on statutory holidays and open as usual on all other business days. Post office counters inside retail stores may stay open on holidays, during the store’s own hours.

Do any postal workers work on holidays?‍

Canada Post employees don’t collect or deliver mail on statutory holidays. Post office counters inside pharmacies and other retail stores are staffed by the store’s own employees, so some of them may be open during the store’s holiday hours.

What are the Canada Post delivery dates for Christmas?‍

Your last day to ship depends on the service and the destination:

  • Domestic Priority: December 23 for all zones
  • Domestic Xpresspost: December 23 for the Local Zone, and December 22 for the Regional and National Zones
  • Domestic Regular Parcel: December 21 for the Local Zone, December 16 for the Regional Zone, and December 10 for the National Zone
  • USA: December 17 for Xpresspost USA, December 14 for Expedited Parcel USA, and December 11 for Tracked Packet and Small Packet
  • International: December 3 to 15, depending on the destination and service

What are the holiday hours for the national postal service in Canada?‍

Canada Post is closed on statutory holidays, so it has no regular hours on those days. Post office counters inside retail stores follow the store’s hours. Canada Post runs normal hours on busy shopping days that aren’t statutory holidays, including Black Friday (November 27), Cyber Monday (November 30) and New Year’s Eve (December 31).

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key Points:

  • Canada Post closes on 11 statutory holidays in 2026. There’s no mail collection or delivery on these days, so a weekend next to a Monday or Friday holiday turns into a three-day delay.
  • Domestic Christmas cut-offs depend on service and zone. Regular Parcel to the National Zone must ship by December 10. Priority and Xpresspost give you until December 22–23.
  • International deadlines come even earlier. Tracked Packet and Small Packet to Africa and Central/South America close on December 3. USA shipments by Xpresspost need to go out by December 17.
  • Black Friday and Cyber Monday are normal operating days. Canada Post runs as usual on November 27 and 30, but expect high parcel volumes.
  • Choose your service by how much time is left. Use Regular Parcel or Tracked Packet when you have a buffer. Switch to Xpresspost or Priority as the deadlines get close, and compare rates first so the faster service doesn’t eat your margin.
  • Canada Post doesn’t collect or deliver mail on national, provincial or territorial holidays. Post office counters inside retail stores, like pharmacies and grocery stores, may stay open, though. They follow the store’s own hours.

‍

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