British Columbia

Canada Post says Dec. 22 last day to mail packages for Christmas

The last day to mail packages for Christmas delivery is Dec. 22 — but customers might have to use Priority or Express Post services.

Customers might have to use Priority or Express Post services for guaranteed Christmas delivery

Canada Post says you need to mail your packages by Dec. 22 for Christmas delivery. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)

Canada Post says Dec. 22 is the last day to get a parcel mailed and under the tree before Christmas.

"We have guaranteed services like Priority and Express Post, so that is the last date," Canada Post spokesperson Aurélie Walsh said, noting it is slightly earlier than usual because Christmas falls on a Sunday this year.

At this point, she said it might be too late to guarantee delivery for regular parcel service.

Canada Post will deliver over 50 millions packages during the holiday season. (Jacy Schindel/CBC)

"Right now we have crazy volumes. Regular parcel is not always guaranteed as it always takes a little bit longer."

There are still options for mailing internationally, she said, and a full list can be found at canadapost.ca/holiday.

Online retailers who ship directly to consumers might have their own timelines, she added.

Canada Post delivers 2 out of 3 parcels ordered online by Canadians. (Jacy Schindel/CBC)

The holiday season is the busiest time of year for Canada Post, which processes a quarter of its parcels during November and December.

"It is an all-out effort … We've added more seasonal workers, we have extra vehicles, we have extra equipment. We are delivering on the weekend. We have extended retail hours."

With files from The Early Edition