Are you planning to send a letter within Canada, to the United States, or internationally and wondering how much a Canadian stamp costs? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will break down the current prices of Canadian stamps for various destinations and provide some additional insights into Canada Post’s stamp pricing strategy.

Current Canadian stamp prices

As of January 13, 2025, the price of a single domestic stamp in Canada has increased to $1.44, up from $1.15. For stamps purchased in a booklet, coil or pane, which represent the majority of stamp sales, the price per stamp has risen to $1.24, up from $0.99.

If you’re sending mail to the United States, the cost of a Canadian stamp is $1.40 for a standard-size letter mail of up to 30 grams or up to five paper sheets. For international destinations outside the US, the price is higher at $2.92 for a postage stamp for sending mail up to 30 grams or up to five paper sheets. If your mail weighs between 30 grams and 50 grams or consists of up to nine paper sheets, the rate increases to $4.17.

Why the price increase?

Canada Post has cited several reasons for this price hike. Over the past decade, the volume of letter mail has decreased significantly by 60%, from 5.5 billion letters in 2006 to 2.2 billion letters in 2023. However, the number of addresses Canada Post serves has increased by over 3 million during the same period. This means that Canada Post has to deliver fewer letters to more addresses, which adds significant cost pressures. Additionally, the corporation has been facing ongoing inflationary pressures and financial losses, including a pre-tax loss of $748 million in 2023. This price increase is a one-time adjustment to better align stamp prices with the rising cost of providing letter mail service to all Canadians.

The impact on households and businesses

According to Canada Post, the estimated impact of the rate increase is $2.26 per year for the average Canadian household and $42.17 per year for the average Canadian small business. While these increases may seem modest, they can add up over time, especially for businesses that rely heavily on mailing services.

Permanent stamps: a flexible option

It’s worth noting that Permanent™ stamps will continue to be accepted at the current domestic postage price. These stamps are marked with a “P” and offer flexibility as they will always cover the cost of domestic postage, even if the price increases again in the future. So, if you have any Permanent stamps on hand, you can continue to use them without worrying about the recent price changes.

Other considerations

When it comes to mailing, it’s not just about the stamp price. The weight and dimensions of your mail item also play a role in determining the total cost. Standard-size mail includes postcards and letter envelopes that meet specific size requirements set by Canada Post. If your mail exceeds these dimensions or weighs more than 30 grams, you’ll need to calculate the additional postage required.

Conclusion

In summary, the price of a Canadian stamp varies depending on the destination and the weight of the mail item. With the recent 25-cent increase, it’s important to be aware of the new rates to ensure your mail is properly stamped and delivered without any issues. Whether you’re sending a letter domestically, to the US, or internationally, understanding the current stamp prices will help you budget accordingly and avoid any unnecessary delays or costs.

By staying informed about Canada Post’s postage rates and considering options like Permanent stamps, you can make the most of your mailing experience and ensure your letters reach their intended destinations promptly and efficiently.