When you think about all the online retailers out there, Amazon is arguably the most well-known, considering its number two ranking on the Fortune 500 list and retail dominance, not just in the U.S., but around the world, too.
So, if you’re interested in Amazon’s international operations, you may be wondering- what is Amazon.ca? I was curious about Amazon Canada as well, so I started researching, and here is what I learned!
Key Takeaways
What Is Amazon.ca In 2022?
Amazon.ca is the e-commerce giant’s Canadian site, which operates the same as U.S.-based Amazon, although products and prices may vary in 2022. Amazon Canada has thousands of items, ranging from everyday essentials to sporting goods, both from local Canadian companies and sellers around the world. Canadian residents can save on shipping costs by ordering from Amazon.ca.
If you want to know more about Amazon.ca, including what you can buy and what the shipping options are, then keep reading for everything you should know!
What Can You Buy on Amazon.ca?
Amazon.ca is a super convenient choice, especially if you like to stock up on household essentials straight from your phone or computer.
The Canadian Amazon site has an extensive selection of items much like the U.S. site.
Therefore, it’s easier for Amazon to ship products to and from Canada, compared to some other smaller countries overseas.
Additionally, there are small and medium-sized Canadian businesses to shop from and support on Amazon, whether it’s weekly household shopping or special deals on Amazon Prime Day.
Because it’s easier to ship within the same continent, let alone the same country, Amazon.ca stocks a variety of Canadian brands, such as the following:
- The Cocktail Box Co.
- GoGo Quinoa
- LAMOSE
- Main and Local
- Karma Cultures
- Champs Luggage
New items and brands are added to Amazon.ca all the time, so the best way to see what’s available is to check the home page of the Canadian site and browse the categories.
How Does Shipping Work on Amazon.ca?
Even though the majority of Amazon warehouses and fulfillment centers are located in the U.S., there are several locations in Canada.
It may surprise you that Canada actually has 14 Amazon warehouses, including seven in Ontario, and two in British Columbia and Alberta.
Air travel and cargo trucking are the most convenient and efficient ways for Amazon to get products into these Canadian facilities.
Also, thanks to the huge land border and close proximity to many U.S. fulfillment centers, Amazon has really streamlined its Canadian operations.
For the most part, you can expect the same reliable delivery service with the extensive Amazon fleet in Canada as you would get in the U.S.
However, on some days, there may be minor delays, particularly on products coming from the southern U.S. or other international destinations.
Shipping times for Amazon.ca vary based on the final destination and chosen shipping speed. However, the company offers these guidelines for Canadian consumers:
- Standard shipping: 3-6 business days
- Express shipping: 2-4 business days
- Priority shipping: 1-3 business days
- Two-day shipping: within 2 days
- One-day shipping: within 1 day
Shipping rates also vary for each order, but generally start around $3.49 for lightweight items like music or DVDs ,and $6.49 for books and larger items.
Amazon.ca has a dedicated page for seller shipping rates and times to give you a better idea of what to expect as a Canadian shopper.
Does Amazon Canada Have Prime?
The good news about shopping on Amazon.ca is that Prime memberships are available in Canada.
Amazon Prime Instant Video, Prime Reading, and Amazon Music are included with Prime memberships, and of course another advantage is the fast, free delivery for millions of products.
In addition, Amazon.ca offers exclusive deals for Prime customers, such as Lightning Deals that are up for grabs 30 minutes before the general public can see them.
Like the U.S. site, Amazon.ca offers a free Prime trial for 30 days, and then it costs CDN $7.99 per month plus taxes.
The only exception is Quebec residents who receive an initial membership for two months at CDN $7.99, rather than a free trial.
Shoppers can take advantage of this offer and sign up for Amazon Prime in Canada by visiting amazon.ca/prime.
Is Amazon U.S. or Canada Better?
Overall, Amazon.com and Amazon.ca are largely the same, from the catchy advertising to the easy customer shopping experience.
Both sites offer Amazon’s impressive advantages in terms of an extensive product catalog and fast, flexible shipping.
However, product availability often differs by country, and shipping times and prices may vary, too.
However, Amazon strives to keep prices low for consumers across North America in both Canada and the U.S.
At the end of the day, it’s best to shop on the Amazon site dedicated to your country of residence, as the shipping is easier and faster.
Realistically, orders made on Amazon Canada and shipped to major Canadian cities should get to you within a week, if not sooner, depending on the item.
Also, you can enjoy big savings as an Amazon Prime member in Canada, thanks to exclusive deals and an array of digital content for both kids and adults.
To know more, you can also read our posts on what is Amazon Prime shipping, Amazon sign-in attempt text, and what is Amazon Seller Central.
Conclusion
If you live or work in Canada, or you want to order a gift for someone in the Great White North, it makes the most sense to shop on Amazon.ca, the e-commerce giant’s dedicated site for Canadian operations.
Amazon customers in Canada have access to thousands of items, although the product selection, prices, shipping times/rates, and taxes may be different than the U.S. site.