Mailing a letter in Canada has become more expensive in 2025 due to recent price increases implemented by Canada Post. The cost of sending a letter now varies depending on factors such as the weight of the letter, the type of stamp used, and whether it’s being sent domestically or internationally. For most Canadians sending standard domestic letters, the price has increased by about 25 cents per letter.
As of January 13, 2025, the cost of mailing a standard domestic letter weighing up to 30 grams has increased. The price for a single stamp purchased individually is now $1.44, up from $1.15 in the previous year. However, if you buy stamps in a booklet, coil, or pane, which is how most people purchase their stamps, the cost is slightly lower at $1.24 per stamp. This represents a significant increase from the previous rate of 99 cents per stamp when bought in bulk.
Here’s a quick overview of the current domestic letter mail rates for Canada Post:
| Postage Type | Price (up to 30g) |
|---|---|
| Single Stamp | $1.44 |
| Stamps in Booklet/Coil/Pane | $1.24 |
| Postage Meter | $1.23 |
Understanding Canada Post’s Letter Mail Categories
Canada Post categorizes letter mail into different types based on size and weight. The standard letter category applies to items up to 30 grams, which covers most personal and business letters. For heavier or larger items, different rates apply. It’s important to understand these categories to ensure you’re paying the correct postage and avoiding any delays in delivery.
Standard Letters
Standard letters are the most common type of mail sent by Canadians. These are typically rectangular envelopes that meet specific size requirements set by Canada Post. The dimensions for a standard letter should not exceed 245 mm x 156 mm x 5 mm. As long as your letter fits within these dimensions and weighs no more than 30 grams, you can use the standard letter rate.
For letters weighing between 30 and 50 grams, there’s a slight increase in cost. The price for this weight category is $1.75, regardless of whether you’re using single stamps or stamps from a booklet. This rate applies to both metered mail and stamps purchased at the post office.
Non-Standard and Oversized Letters
If your letter doesn’t meet the standard size requirements or weighs more than 50 grams, it falls into the non-standard or oversized category. The pricing for these items is as follows:
| Weight | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 100g | $2.61 |
| 100g to 200g | $4.29 |
| 200g to 300g | $5.98 |
| 300g to 400g | $6.85 |
| 400g to 500g | $7.36 |
These rates apply regardless of whether you’re using stamps or a postage meter. It’s worth noting that for items over 100 grams, you can’t use the stamps in booklets, coils, or panes – you’ll need to purchase individual stamps or use a postage meter.
Saving Money on Postage
Despite the recent price increases, there are still ways to save money when mailing letters in Canada. Here are some tips to help you minimize your postage costs:
- Buy stamps in bulk: Purchasing stamps in booklets, coils, or panes can save you 20 cents per stamp compared to buying single stamps.
- Use a postage meter: If you send a lot of mail, consider using a postage meter. The rate for metered mail is slightly lower at $1.23 for standard letters.
- Optimize your mailing: Ensure your letters meet the standard size requirements to avoid paying higher non-standard rates.
- Consider digital alternatives: For non-urgent communications, consider using email or other digital methods to reduce your reliance on physical mail.
- Take advantage of bulk mailing rates: Businesses sending large volumes of mail can benefit from Canada Post’s Incentive Lettermail rates, which offer discounts for pre-sorted mail.
International and USA Letter Rates
If you’re sending letters outside of Canada, different rates apply. As of 2025, the cost of sending a standard letter (up to 30 grams) to the United States is $1.40 for metered mail and stamps. For other international destinations, the rate is $2.86 for a standard letter.
Here’s a breakdown of international letter rates:
| Destination | Up to 30g | 30g to 50g |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $1.40 | $2.09 |
| International | $2.86 | $4.16 |
These rates are for standard-sized letters. Oversized or non-standard international mail will incur higher costs, similar to domestic mail.
Impact of Rate Increases on Canadians
The recent postage rate increases have raised concerns among Canadians, especially small businesses and individuals who rely heavily on mail services. Canada Post justifies these increases as necessary to cover rising operational costs and declining letter mail volumes. The Crown corporation estimates that the average Canadian household will spend an additional $2.26 per year on postage due to these changes.
For small businesses, the impact is more significant, with an estimated average increase of $42.17 per year. This has led some businesses to explore alternative shipping methods or to pass on the increased costs to their customers.
It’s important to note that while letter mail rates have increased, Canada Post continues to face competition in the parcel delivery market from private couriers. This competition helps keep parcel shipping rates more stable, even as letter mail costs rise.
Future of Postal Services in Canada
The ongoing trend of declining letter mail volumes and increasing operational costs suggests that further price increases may occur in the future. Canada Post is exploring various strategies to remain financially viable while continuing to provide essential postal services to all Canadians.
Some potential future developments include:
- Increased focus on parcel services: As e-commerce continues to grow, Canada Post may shift more resources towards parcel delivery.
- Digital integration: More services may be offered online to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
- Alternate day delivery: Some proposals suggest reducing delivery frequency in urban areas to cut costs.
- Increased automation: Investment in automated sorting and delivery systems could help reduce labor costs.
As these changes unfold, it’s crucial for Canadians to stay informed about postal rates and services to manage their mailing costs effectively.
FAQs About How Much Does It Cost To Mail A Letter Canada?
- Can I still use old stamps to mail letters?
Yes, any Canadian stamps with a “P” designation or a specific dollar value remain valid for postage, regardless of when they were purchased. - Are there any discounts for seniors or low-income individuals?
Currently, Canada Post does not offer specific discounts for seniors or low-income individuals on regular letter mail. - How often does Canada Post increase its rates?
Canada Post typically reviews and adjusts its rates annually, with changes often implemented in January. - Can I use US stamps to mail letters from Canada?
No, only Canadian postage is valid for mailing letters from within Canada. - Is it cheaper to use a postage meter for mailing letters?
Yes, using a postage meter can be slightly cheaper, with rates starting at $1.23 for standard letters compared to $1.24 for booklet stamps.