Can I receive a parcel without a permanent address?

In today's world, mobility and temporary residence are becoming the norm: students, seasonal workers, tourists, and people waiting for their property to be sold often do not have a permanent address. At the same time, the need to receive correspondence or parcels remains urgent. In Calgary, there are several ways to arrange delivery without having your own home or apartment. This guide reveals all the available options, helps you get started and avoid mistakes so that you receive your shipments quickly and without unnecessary hassle.

Mail directly to a post office (General Delivery)

For people without a permanent address, Canada Post offers a “General Delivery” service (general postal address). In this case, the parcel is delivered to one of the post offices, where it will be stored for a specified period.

Key points:

  • Select a post office that serves the Calgary area and offers General Delivery.

  • When arranging delivery, enter the recipient's first and last name and the phrase “General Delivery” instead of the street and house number.

  • In the city field, enter “Calgary, AB,” and for the postal code, you can use the general postal code of the main office or check it on the Canada Post website.

  • Once your package arrives, you will receive a notification (by email or phone), after which you will need to visit the post office in person with a form of ID.

  • Packages are usually held for up to 15 business days and then returned to the sender.

General Delivery is a good option if you are sure of the delivery date and are able to visit the post office during business hours.

Using FlexDelivery

Another option from Canada Post is FlexDelivery, a free online service that allows you to receive international and domestic shipments at a location of your choice.

How to use:

  1. Register for a Canada Post account on the official website.

  2. Activate FlexDelivery by entering your temporary address (e.g., a hotel or a friend's address) to confirm your location.

  3. Select the location that best suits your location or schedule from the list of available locations.

  4. Once your package has been shipped, the tracking number will automatically be sent to your account, and you can pick up your package at the selected location.

FlexDelivery ensures that you can pick up even small packages that would not normally be accepted at the post office without registration.

Post office boxes (P.O. Box)

Renting a P.O. Box from Canada Post is a convenient solution for those who are staying in the city for more than a month but do not have a private apartment.

Procedure:

  • Select the nearest post office with available boxes.
  • Fill out a box rental application (available online or directly at the post office).
  • Pay the applicable fee, which is usually quarterly or annual.

Example address:

Recipient's name P.O. Box 12345 Calgary, AB T2P 0A1 Canada

A P.O. Box is suitable for receiving regular letters and small parcels, but not for large shipments, which are sent as general delivery.

Private operators and courier pickup points

If you use UPS, FedEx, or DHL, you can use their pickup points to receive packages without a fixed address:

  • UPS Access Point: small stores or post office kiosks where customers can pick up packages.
  • FedEx OnSite: a network of locations in partner stores.
  • DHL Service Point: pickup and drop-off locations in urban areas.

For all of these services, you just need to have an ID and the tracking number.

Using the address of friends or temporary accommodation

If none of the above options are suitable, you can ask friends, colleagues, or landlords to provide you with a delivery address.

Important:

  • Agree with the owner of the address that you will accept mail and parcels.
  • Indicate their name as the recipient or add “c/o” (care of):

Your name c/o Guarantor's name Street, house, apartment Calgary, AB T2P 0A1 Canada

  • Notify them of the expected arrival and arrange for delivery.

Tips and advice

  • For large or valuable shipments, choose insurance and tracking with confirmation of receipt.

  • Take into account the branch's working hours.

  • For international shipments, check customs restrictions and declared value.

  • Observe storage periods (General Delivery and FlexDelivery: 15–30 days).

  • Stay in touch with the operator or owner of the address.

Conclusion

In Calgary, it is easy to receive mail and parcels even if you do not have a permanent address. The choice of method depends on the timing, size, and budget:

  • General Delivery and FlexDelivery — free from Canada Post.

  • P.O. Box — convenient for long stays.

  • UPS and FedEx courier points — fast and flexible.

  • Address of acquaintances (c/o) — for trusted delivery.

Following these recommendations will ensure that your shipments are received safely and on time.