Post offices are closed weekends. During the week most are open from 8 to 6, or from 9 to 7.

In Canada you can buy stamps at the post office or from vending machines in most hotel lobbies, railway stations, airports, bus terminals, many retail outlets, and some newsstands. If you're sending mail to or within Canada, be sure to include the postal code (six digits and letters). Note that the suite number may appear before the street number in an address, followed by a hyphen. The postal abbreviation for Ontario is ON.

Main postal outlets for products and services in the downtown area include Adelaide Street Post Office. Near the Marriott, the Delta Chelsea Hotel, and the Eaton Centre is the Atrium on Bay Post Office; and one block southeast of the major Bloor-Yonge intersection is Postal Station "F." All mailboxes are red.

Within Canada, postcards and letters up to 30 grams cost C$0.51; between 31 grams and 50 grams, the cost is C$0.89; and between 51 grams and 100 grams, the cost is C$1.05. Letters and postcards to the United States cost C$0.89 for up to 30 grams, C$1.05 for between 31 and 50 grams, and C$1.78 for up to 100 grams. Prices do not include GST (Goods and Services Tax).

International mail and postcards run C$1.49 for up to 20 grams, C$2.10 for 21 to 50 grams, and C$3.49 for 51 to 100 grams.

Mail may be sent to you care of General Delivery, Toronto Adelaide Street Post Office, 36 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, ON M5C 1J0.

American Express allows its clients—cardholders and those who purchase traveler's checks or travel services—to pick up mail (with proper ID) from its office at 50 Bloor Street West on the concourse level (416/967-3411).

Main Branches

Adelaide Street Post Office (31 Adelaide St. E. 416/214-2352). Atrium on Bay Post Office (595 Bay St. 416/506-0911). Postal Station "F" (50 Charles St. E. 416/413-4815).

Shipping Parcels

Customs forms are required with international parcels. Parcels sent regular post typically take up to two weeks. The fastest service is Federal Express, which has a 24-hour branch on Lakeshore Boulevard.

Express Services

FedEx (215 Lakeshore Blvd. E, at Sherbourne St., Downtown. 800/463-3339).