Hold or Reschedule Canada Post Packages: FlexDelivery, Redelivery & Alternatives [2026]

CRITICAL CLARIFICATION: Canada Post’s “Hold Mail” service does NOT hold packages. This article explains your actual options. (If your package isn’t moving for other reasons, check our guide on Canada Post package delays.)

The Short Answer: What to Do If You Can’t Receive Your Canada Post Package

If you’re not home when your Canada Post package arrives, you have four practical options—and none of them are “Hold Mail.” Here’s what works:

Key Takeaways

Most important fact: Hold Mail does NOT work for packages. FlexDelivery is your best bet for package management. (Using FedEx instead? See how to reschedule FedEx deliveries for similar options.)

Why “Hold Mail” Doesn’t Work for Packages

This is the single biggest point of confusion. Canada Post’s Hold Mail service is for lettermail only—not packages.

What Hold Mail Actually Covers

• Regular mail and letters
• Registered mail
• Magazines and flyers
• Prepaid envelopes

What Hold Mail Does NOT Cover (Including All Packages)

• Priority™ parcels
• Xpresspost™ and Xpresspost™ Certified
• Expedited parcels
• Regular parcels
• Any package delivery service

Why the distinction? Canada Post facilities don’t have the infrastructure to hold individual packages long-term like they do with flat mail. Packages arrive on delivery vehicles and are sorted for immediate delivery, not held in storage.

Option 1: FlexDelivery — Your Primary Package-Holding Solution

FlexDelivery is Canada Post’s official service that effectively lets you “hold” a package by redirecting it to your nearest post office for pickup. This is the closest equivalent to package holding.

How FlexDelivery Works

1. Register your FlexDelivery account at canadapost-postescanada.ca (takes 2 minutes)
2. Add participating post offices where you’d like packages delivered
3. Notify senders of your FlexDelivery address (or let the system intercept eligible parcels automatically)
4. Receive notification when your package arrives at the post office
5. Pick up during business hours — no appointment needed

Key Facts About FlexDelivery

• Cost: FREE
• Package types: Works for domestic parcels; some international shipments may have restrictions
• Availability: Not available in all locations (mostly urban/suburban areas)
• Pickup window: 15 calendar days from delivery at the post office; Final Notice Card sent after 5 calendar days
• Pickup hours: Location-dependent; some post offices open 24/7 with self-serve boxes, others have standard business hours
• What happens after 15 days: Package automatically returned to sender

Step-by-Step: Setting Up FlexDelivery

Online (Fastest Method):

• Visit canadapost-postescanada.ca/flexdelivery
• Create or log into your Canada Post account
• Enter your name and postal code
• Select up to 5 post offices near your home/work
• Receive your unique FlexDelivery address (format: [Name] / FlexDelivery / [Post Office Postal Code])
• Share this address with online retailers

At a Post Office:

• Ask for a FlexDelivery registration form
• Fill it out with your name, address, and preferred post offices
• Show government-issued ID
• Receive your FlexDelivery address immediately

Real Cost Scenario: FlexDelivery vs. Missing Your Package

Assume you order a $100 item with $15 shipping.

Scenario A: Using FlexDelivery (Proactive)

• Setup: $0
• Pickup: $0 (on your schedule, up to 15 days)
• Total cost: $0
• Outcome: You receive your package

Scenario B: Miss delivery, then redirect (Reactive)

• First missed delivery notice: $0
• Redirect request: $13 + shipping to new address (~$10)
• Total cost: $23
• Outcome: Package rerouted; delayed delivery

Scenario C: Miss all deadlines (Worst case)

• Package returned to sender after day 15: $0
• Seller refund (if any): ~$90–100 (many deduct restocking fees)
• Total loss: $15–25 (your original shipping fee)
• Outcome: You don’t get your package

Bottom line: FlexDelivery costs nothing and guarantees delivery. If you’re frequently not home, it’s the only smart choice.

Option 2: Redelivery — If You Missed the First Attempt

If your package wasn’t delivered because no one was home, Canada Post leaves a delivery notice. You have three choices:

Redelivery Request Process

Online (Fastest):

• Log into your Canada Post account
• Find your parcel using the tracking number
• Select “Request redelivery”
• Choose your preferred date (usually next business day)
• Confirm and receive updated tracking notification

By Phone:

• Call Canada Post customer service at 1-866-607-6301
• Provide your tracking number and preferred delivery date
• Confirm your address and postal code
• You’ll receive a confirmation

At Post Office:

• Bring the delivery notice to your local post office
• Ask staff to request redelivery
• Show your government-issued ID
• Staff will schedule your redelivery

Cost of Redelivery

First redelivery request: FREE. According to Canada Post, initial redelivery requests are typically no charge.

Additional attempts: If you miss multiple redelivery attempts, fees may apply for further attempts. This is why FlexDelivery is recommended for frequent absences — it eliminates the need for rescheduling entirely.

Option 3: Contact the Sender Before Package Ships

The earliest intervention point is BEFORE your package is dispatched.

When This Works Best

• You know your package is coming but your delivery address is in flux (vacation, renovation, office move)
• You want to delay receipt by a few days to ensure someone is home
• You want to have it shipped to a different address instead

How to Execute

1. Find the sender’s customer service contact — email, chat, or phone
2. Provide your order number and package details
3. Request one of these actions:
   • “Please delay shipment until [specific date]” — gives you time to ensure someone is home
   • “Ship to [different address] instead” — safer than redirecting after dispatch
   • “Request carrier hold until [date]” — sender contacts Canada Post before dispatch

Why This Sometimes Works

Canada Post respects sender instructions on parcels before they enter the delivery network. Once a package is in the system and given a delivery slot, it’s harder to change. This is especially important if your package is a signature-required item—contacting the sender early prevents failed delivery attempts before they even happen.

Timing matters: Contact the sender within 24 hours of purchase, before they hand off to Canada Post. If you’re already tracking your package, watch for when it shows as in-transit—once delivery is imminent, sender holds become nearly impossible.

Option 4: Package Redirection — If You Change Your Address After Delivery Attempt

If your package has already been delivered or attempted, you can redirect it if eligible.

What Redirection Covers

• Parcels not yet in final delivery phase
• Mail and letters (but use Hold Mail for longer-term mail holds — separate service)

What Redirection Does NOT Cover

• Parcels from some senders/services (must be checked first)
• International shipments with restrictions
• Registered parcels (cannot be redirected)

Redirection Process & Cost

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Go to canadapost-postescanada.ca and log into your account
• Find your parcel using the tracking number
• Use the redirection tool to check if eligible
• System will confirm if redirection is available

Step 2: Enter New Address

• Only available if parcel is eligible (some services/senders restrict redirection)
• New address must be within Canada
• Some restrictions apply (rural routes, certain service types)

Step 3: Pay Fee

• $13 per package for redirection
• Plus applicable shipping charges to the new address
• Payment is pre-authorized but only charged if redirection is successful

Timeline:

• Processing: 1–3 business days
• Redelivery to new address: Depends on distance and service type

Important: Package Redirection vs. Holding

Redirection is different from holding. You can only redirect a package after it has been delivered or a delivery attempt made. Once redirected, it leaves your local post office and heads to the new address. This is why early action (FlexDelivery signup or sender contact) is better than late redirection.

What Happens If You Miss All Delivery Attempts

This is the critical scenario: If you don’t act within the window, you lose the package.

Timeline After Failed Delivery

Can’t find your delivery notice? If the notice has gone missing, you can still check your Canada Post tracking to see if your package is at a depot or in transit back to the sender.

If Your Package Gets Returned to Sender

• Your refund depends on the seller’s return policy, not Canada Post
• Some sellers refund immediately upon return receipt
• Others deduct restocking fees (typically 10–20%)
• Some require you to initiate a return claim within specific timeframes
• You lose the original shipping fee paid (non-refundable)

If a returned package is damaged or you suspect it was lost during the return process, check our guide on what to do with Canada Post packages that aren’t delivered. The lesson: Don’t miss the delivery window. Set phone reminders for redelivery requests.

Hold Mail for Lettermail (If You’re Also Expecting Mail)

While packages can’t be held through the Hold Mail service, you can use Hold Mail for your regular letters and magazines during the same period. This is a separate service.

Hold Mail Quick Reference

Key point: If you’re using FlexDelivery for packages AND expecting regular mail, you don’t need Hold Mail — your mail continues normally unless you specifically request a hold.

Comparison: All Four Options at a Glance

FAQ: Common Questions About Holding Packages

Can I use Hold Mail for packages?

No. Hold Mail covers lettermail, registered mail, and magazines only. It explicitly does NOT apply to any parcel service, including:

• Priority™ parcels
• Xpresspost™ and Xpresspost™ Certified
• Expedited Parcels
• Regular Parcels
• Prepaid envelopes

Source: Canada Post Hold Mail — Overview

What’s the difference between FlexDelivery and Hold Mail?

• FlexDelivery: For packages. You specify post office(s) where packages should go. FREE. You must pick up packages from the post office within 15 days.
• Hold Mail: For lettermail only. Stops all mail delivery to your address during the hold period. Costs $24.25 for 10 weekdays (residential). Does NOT apply to packages or prepaid envelopes.

Source: Canada Post FlexDelivery | Canada Post Hold Mail Pricing

Can I request the sender to hold my package instead?

Yes, and this often works. Contact the seller’s customer service and ask them to request a hold from Canada Post before the package ships. Once it’s in the delivery network, requests become harder. Success rates are highest within 24 hours of order placement.

What happens if I don’t pick up my FlexDelivery package?

After 15 calendar days, the package is automatically returned to the sender. The sender’s return policy determines your refund amount. Some sellers charge restocking fees (typically 10–20%). You lose the original shipping fee (non-refundable).

Source: Canada Post Parcel Services — Flexible Delivery Options

Can I redirect a package after it’s delivered or failed delivery?

Yes, sometimes. Use the redirection tool at canadapost-postescanada.ca to check eligibility by tracking number. If eligible, redirection costs $13 per package plus applicable shipping to the new address. Processing takes 1–3 business days.

Source: Canada Post Package Redirection FAQs

Is FlexDelivery available in my area?

FlexDelivery is available in most urban and suburban locations but not all rural areas. Check availability by visiting Canada Post FlexDelivery and entering your postal code.

Can I use both FlexDelivery and Hold Mail at the same time?

Yes. FlexDelivery redirects packages to post offices; Hold Mail stops lettermail. You can use both simultaneously. FlexDelivery packages go to your designated post office (not affected by Hold Mail). Lettermail and magazines are held per the Hold Mail dates you choose.

How much does it cost to request redelivery?

First redelivery request: FREE. Canada Post typically does not charge for the first redelivery attempt. However, additional rescheduling beyond the first or second attempt may incur fees. FlexDelivery is free and eliminates the need for rescheduling entirely.

Source: Canada Post Delivery FAQ

Can I hold a package for a specific person (not me)?

For FlexDelivery, the recipient or authorized person can pick up by showing government-issued ID. For redelivery requests, the same applies — ID is required to match the shipping label. If you want someone else to receive the package long-term, ask the sender to ship to that person’s address instead of using holding services.

Next Steps

1. For immediate peace of mind: Set up a FlexDelivery account now (free, 2 minutes online) and use it for all future orders
2. For an upcoming delivery: Contact your retailer within 24 hours asking them to delay shipment or request a hold
3. If a package just arrived: Check the delivery notice for options — redelivery or post office pickup
4. If you missed the window: Use the redirection tool to attempt salvage (if eligible)