Does Amazon Prime Ship to Canada?
Many shoppers in Canada frequently ask if their Amazon Prime membership extends its signature fast and free shipping benefits across the border. The straightforward answer is yes, Amazon Prime generally ships to Canada, but it comes with important distinctions and potential pitfalls that differ from domestic US shipping.
It's crucial to understand that 'Amazon Prime' shipping isn't a monolithic service that applies identically everywhere. When you're a Prime member in Canada, you primarily benefit from the Amazon.ca marketplace. However, orders placed from Amazon.com (the US marketplace) can also often be shipped to Canada, though these shipments are treated as international orders. This means standard Prime benefits like two-day or one-day delivery typically do not apply to items shipped from Amazon.com to Canada. Instead, you'll see estimated delivery dates and shipping costs that reflect the international journey.
- Amazon Prime shipping is available for many items to Canada.
- Prime benefits usually apply to Amazon.ca orders.
- Items from Amazon.com shipped to Canada are international shipments.
- International shipments may incur extra fees and longer delivery times.
- Always check shipping details before checkout.
The experience can feel quite different, and many consumers make assumptions about Prime eligibility that lead to disappointment. This guide will help clarify what you can expect, common mistakes to sidestep, and how to best navigate ordering from Amazon into Canada.
You might be accustomed to the speed and predictability of Prime shipping within your own country. When extending that to cross-border orders, the landscape shifts. Factors like customs, duties, and different logistics networks become significant. Understanding these differences is the first step to a smoother shopping experience.
The core of the question often stems from whether the 'Prime' badge on an item on Amazon.com automatically means free, fast shipping to Canada. This is where many shoppers stumble. While Amazon.com sellers *can* opt to ship internationally, it doesn't automatically align with Prime's domestic service standards.
Prime Membership and Canadian Marketplaces
Your Amazon Prime membership is primarily tied to the marketplace you signed up in or the one you are currently browsing. If you are a Prime member in Canada, you have full access to the benefits on Amazon.ca. This includes free and fast shipping on eligible items fulfilled by Amazon within Canada.
When you shop on Amazon.ca, look for the Prime badge. Items marked with this badge are eligible for Prime shipping within Canada, usually meaning free, fast delivery. The delivery speed will be clearly indicated during checkout, often ranging from one to two business days for many populated areas.
However, the Amazon.ca marketplace is not as extensive as Amazon.com. Many unique items, or items from specific third-party sellers primarily based in the US, might only be available on Amazon.com. This is where the international shipping question truly arises for Canadian Prime members.
The ease of browsing Amazon.com can be tempting, especially if you're looking for a specific product not listed on Amazon.ca. Knowing how these cross-border shipments work is vital to avoiding surprises.
Shipping from Amazon.com to Canada: The International Difference
When you navigate to Amazon.com and find an item you wish to purchase, the shipping process to Canada changes significantly. Even if you are an Amazon Prime member, the 'Prime' tag on Amazon.com does not automatically confer free or expedited shipping to your Canadian address. Instead, these orders are treated as standard international shipments.
Amazon offers an "International" shipping option for many items sold on Amazon.com that can be sent to Canada. When you add an eligible item to your cart and proceed to checkout, Amazon will display estimated delivery dates and any applicable shipping fees. For items that qualify for "AmazonGlobal," you may see an option to pre-pay estimated import duties and taxes.
This pre-payment of duties and taxes can sometimes streamline the customs process, potentially leading to fewer delays. However, it's not always an option, and if duties or taxes are not pre-paid, you may be responsible for them upon delivery. These charges are separate from any shipping fees and can add a substantial amount to your order total.
Understanding AmazonGlobal Shipping
AmazonGlobal is Amazon's program that facilitates international shipping from its US marketplace to over 100 countries, including Canada. When an item is eligible for AmazonGlobal, Amazon provides an estimate of the import fees deposited (IFD) at checkout. This IFD covers customs duties, taxes, and other import charges. If the actual charges are less than the IFD, Amazon refunds you the difference. If they are more, Amazon covers the additional cost.
However, not all items sold on Amazon.com are eligible for AmazonGlobal shipping to Canada. Restrictions can apply based on the item's nature, size, weight, or seller policies. If an item isn't eligible, you simply won't see the international shipping option.
It's a common mistake to assume that because you are a Prime member, these international shipments will also be free and fast. The reality is that Prime benefits are largely optimized for domestic deliveries within the country of the marketplace you are shopping on. For cross-border deliveries, standard international shipping rates and timelines apply, regardless of your Prime status.
The most critical distinction to grasp is that Amazon Prime benefits are largely geo-specific to the marketplace where they were activated.
Consider this: if you live in the US and order from Amazon.com, you get Prime perks. If you live in Canada and order from Amazon.ca, you get Prime perks. Ordering from Amazon.com to Canada bypasses the core domestic Prime promise.
This leads to a common frustration: seeing a low price on Amazon.com, only to discover significant shipping costs and potential duties that negate the perceived savings.
Always compare the total landed cost (item price + shipping + estimated duties/taxes) from Amazon.com against the price on Amazon.ca, if available. This comparison is your most powerful tool against unexpected expenses.
Common Mistakes Shoppers Make
Navigating international shipping can be tricky, and many Amazon shoppers, especially those new to cross-border ordering, fall into predictable traps. Understanding these common mistakes can save you money, time, and frustration when ordering from Amazon into Canada.
One of the most frequent errors is assuming that a 'Prime' eligible item on Amazon.com will be delivered with the same speed and cost as if it were being shipped within the US. This is rarely the case. The Prime badge on Amazon.com often signifies eligibility for Prime shipping *within the United States*. When this item is destined for Canada, it reverts to international shipping rules, which means:
- Shipping Fees: Unlike domestic Prime orders, you will almost always incur shipping fees for items shipped from Amazon.com to Canada.
- Delivery Speed: Expedited Prime shipping (like 1-day or 2-day) is typically not offered for international deliveries. Delivery times can range from several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the service and customs processing.
- Import Duties and Taxes: This is a major one. Items shipped from the US to Canada are subject to Canadian import duties and taxes (GST/HST/PST). While Amazon offers the option to pre-pay 'Import Fees Deposit' on eligible items, this cost is often overlooked, leading to sticker shock at checkout or upon delivery.
The 'Free Shipping' Illusion
Another significant misconception is the idea of 'free shipping' for Prime members when ordering internationally. While Prime memberships often tout free shipping as a primary benefit, this benefit is overwhelmingly tied to domestic fulfillment. If an item is fulfilled by Amazon within Canada and is Prime eligible on Amazon.ca, then yes, shipping is typically free. But when ordering from Amazon.com, the 'free shipping' promise usually doesn't cross the border.
Shoppers might also forget to check the seller. Many items on Amazon.com are sold by third-party sellers. While Amazon fulfills some of these orders (FBA - Fulfilled by Amazon), others are shipped directly by the seller. If a third-party seller on Amazon.com does not offer international shipping, or if they use a less reliable carrier, your order might be delayed or even canceled. Always verify the seller's shipping policies and the fulfillment method.
A common oversight is not comparing prices between Amazon.ca and Amazon.com. Many Canadians assume Amazon.com will be cheaper, but once shipping, duties, and taxes are factored in, the total cost can often be higher than purchasing the same or a similar item on Amazon.ca.
This is particularly true for items that are readily available on the Canadian site. The convenience of Amazon.com can sometimes blind shoppers to the potential added expenses. Always perform a total cost calculation before committing to a purchase from the US site.
Furthermore, customers sometimes assume that their Prime membership allows them to ship to different addresses with Prime benefits, even internationally. While you *can* ship to different addresses, the Prime benefits (like fast, free shipping) are generally only active for deliveries within the Prime membership's home country. The ability to ship to a different address, like a friend's in the US, does not automatically extend Prime shipping benefits to international destinations.
Finally, customers often misunderstand how returns work for international orders. Returning an item shipped from Amazon.com to Canada can be more complex and costly than domestic returns. Ensure you understand the return policy for international shipments before buying.
What To Check Before You Order
To avoid the common pitfalls and ensure a smooth transaction when ordering from Amazon into Canada, a few key checks at the checkout stage are indispensable. These steps are designed to give you clarity on costs, delivery times, and potential issues.
Firstly, always confirm the marketplace you are shopping on. Are you on Amazon.ca or Amazon.com? This distinction dictates the shipping rules and Prime benefits that apply. If you intend to ship to Canada, prioritize browsing Amazon.ca to leverage your Prime membership fully.
If you must shop on Amazon.com, the most critical step is to scrutinize the shipping options presented during checkout. Look for the estimated delivery date and the associated shipping costs. Pay close attention to whether the item is eligible for "AmazonGlobal" shipping. If it is, you will likely see an "Import Duties & Taxes" estimate, often called an Import Fees Deposit (IFD). This figure is vital for calculating the true cost of your purchase.
Calculating Total Landed Cost
The "total landed cost" is the sum of the item price, shipping fees, and all import duties and taxes. For items shipped from Amazon.com to Canada, this is the figure you need to compare. If Amazon provides an IFD, add it to the item price and any shipping fees. If no IFD is provided, be prepared for potential charges upon delivery, which could be levied by the carrier or Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Always verify the seller and the fulfillment method. Look for "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com" or "Fulfilled by Amazon" for the most straightforward experience. Items sold and shipped by third-party sellers can introduce more variables regarding shipping speed, customs handling, and return policies.
Understand that while Prime members can ship to different addresses, the Prime shipping benefits (like fast, free delivery) are generally restricted to domestic orders. So, if you're shipping to Canada from Amazon.com, standard international shipping rates and timelines will apply, regardless of your Prime status. This means you cannot rely on the usual Prime speed or cost for these cross-border deliveries.
Also, be aware of what constitutes an eligible item for Prime shipping on Amazon.ca. Not all items on Amazon.ca are Prime eligible, even if they are sold and fulfilled by Amazon. Look for the distinct Prime logo. For items that are not Prime eligible, standard shipping rates and times will apply, even for Canadian orders.
Consider the logistics of returns. If you order from Amazon.com, returning an item to the US can be a hassle. You might have to pay for return shipping, and the process can be slower. Check the return policy specifically for international orders before you buy.
If an item is not available on Amazon.ca or through an Amazon.com order that ships to Canada, explore other Canadian retailers or distributors. Sometimes, purchasing directly from a Canadian retailer, even if they don't offer Prime-like shipping speeds, can be more cost-effective and simpler due to the absence of international shipping complexities.
Shipping Costs and Delivery Times Explained
When Amazon Prime ships to Canada, the costs and delivery times are significantly influenced by the origin of the shipment. A key distinction lies between ordering from Amazon.ca versus ordering from Amazon.com.
On Amazon.ca, your Prime membership typically grants you free, fast shipping on eligible items. This usually means delivery within 1-2 business days for major Canadian cities. For non-Prime members or non-eligible items on Amazon.ca, standard shipping rates and times apply, which vary based on location and item. These are generally more affordable but slower than Prime options.
When you order from Amazon.com and ship to Canada, these are classified as international shipments. Here's what you can expect:
International Shipping Fees
Shipping fees for items from Amazon.com to Canada are almost always applicable, even for Prime members. These fees are calculated based on the item's size, weight, and the shipping speed selected. Amazon will present these costs during the checkout process. Do not expect these to be free like typical Prime domestic orders.
Import Duties and Taxes
This is where costs can escalate rapidly. Canada imposes customs duties and taxes (GST/HST/PST) on goods imported from other countries, including the United States. Amazon's "Import Fees Deposit" (IFD) aims to cover these charges upfront. The IFD is an estimate, and while Amazon generally refunds any difference if the actual charges are lower, you are responsible for paying these fees. If you don't pre-pay the IFD, the shipping carrier will typically collect these duties and taxes from you upon delivery. Failure to pay can result in the package being refused or returned.
Delivery Timeframes
Prime members accustomed to 1-day or 2-day delivery from Amazon.com within the US will find international delivery times to Canada considerably longer. Standard international shipments can take anywhere from 3 to 10 business days, and sometimes longer, depending on the shipping method chosen, the efficiency of customs clearance, and the final delivery by Canadian postal services or couriers.
The "estimated delivery date" provided by Amazon for international shipments is just that—an estimate. Factors like weather, customs backlogs, or carrier delays can affect the actual arrival time. This is a stark contrast to the generally reliable and predictable delivery windows offered for domestic Prime orders.
It's also worth noting that Amazon's ability to ship to different addresses is a standard feature, but this doesn't alter the shipping costs or delivery times for international destinations. Whether you ship to your own address or a friend's in Canada, the international shipping rules for Amazon.com orders remain the same.
Always take a moment to review the full breakdown of costs and the estimated delivery window before confirming your order. This diligence prevents unwelcome surprises and ensures you know exactly what to expect.
Eligible Items and Restrictions
When considering if Amazon Prime can ship to Canada, it's important to understand that not all items are eligible for cross-border shipping, and even those that are may come with specific restrictions or considerations.
For orders placed on Amazon.ca, the eligibility for Prime shipping is clearly marked with the Prime logo. Items fulfilled by Amazon and bearing this badge are generally eligible for free, fast delivery within Canada. If an item is not fulfilled by Amazon or does not have the Prime badge, standard shipping rates and times will apply.
When ordering from Amazon.com to Canada, the eligibility for international shipping is more complex:
Item Restrictions
Certain categories of items cannot be shipped internationally from the US to Canada due to regulations, carrier restrictions, or Amazon's own policies. These can include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Certain hazardous materials (e.g., lithium batteries in some configurations, aerosols, flammable liquids)
- Perishable goods
- Live plants and seeds
- Certain regulated items (e.g., firearms, certain electronics that don't meet Canadian standards, prescription drugs)
- Oversized or overweight items that exceed international shipping limits.
If an item is restricted, Amazon will typically notify you during the checkout process that it cannot be shipped to your selected international address. This is a critical check to perform before you get too attached to a particular product.
Seller Restrictions
Even if an item itself is not restricted, the individual seller might not offer international shipping. Many third-party sellers on Amazon.com only ship within the United States. If you encounter this, you will not be able to ship the item to Canada. Always check the seller's shipping destination options.
Customs and Duties Considerations
While not a direct restriction on shipping, the cost of import duties and taxes can effectively make certain items prohibitively expensive to ship to Canada. For example, high-value electronics or luxury goods might incur significant duty and tax charges that, when added to the item price and shipping, make the purchase from Amazon.com uneconomical compared to buying locally or on Amazon.ca.
The 'Prime' badge on Amazon.com is not a guarantee of cross-border shipping eligibility or benefits. It primarily indicates that the item is available for Prime shipping within the US. International shipping eligibility must be checked separately during the checkout process.
For consumers in Canada, the most straightforward approach is to first check Amazon.ca. If an item is available there and is Prime eligible, you'll receive the standard Prime benefits. If it's not available on Amazon.ca, then you can proceed to check Amazon.com for international shipping options, keeping in mind the potential for extra costs and longer delivery times.
Some specialized items, like specific books or niche electronics, might only be available on the US site. In such cases, understanding the full cost picture—item price, shipping, and import fees—is paramount. If an item is particularly large or heavy, the international shipping cost could easily exceed the item's value, making it an impractical purchase.
Alternatives and Workarounds
While Amazon Prime does ship to Canada, and Amazon.ca offers a robust shopping experience, there are situations where direct ordering might not be ideal or possible. In such cases, exploring alternative shipping methods or retailers can be a smart move.
If you find an item on Amazon.com that you desperately want but it cannot be shipped directly to Canada, or if the shipping costs and duties are too high, a package forwarding service can be a viable solution. These services operate in the US and provide you with a US mailing address. You order the item from Amazon.com to this US address, and then the forwarding service ships it from their US location to your Canadian address. This often involves additional fees for the forwarding service and a second shipping charge, but it can sometimes be more cost-effective than direct international shipping, especially for items that are restricted or very expensive to ship directly.
Using a US Mailing Address (Package Forwarders)
Companies like MyUS, Shipito, or Planet Express specialize in this. You sign up for an account, get a US address, and then use that as your shipping destination on Amazon.com. The package forwarder then consolidates your shipments, repackages them if necessary, and sends them to you in Canada. Be sure to research different providers, as their pricing, service offerings, and reliability can vary significantly. This method also means you'll be paying standard US domestic shipping to the forwarder, plus the international shipping from the forwarder to Canada, and any applicable Canadian duties and taxes.
The most direct and often most cost-effective alternative is to thoroughly search Amazon.ca first. Many items that appear unique to Amazon.com are also available on Amazon.ca, possibly from Canadian sellers or fulfilled by Amazon Canada. This ensures you are leveraging your Prime membership benefits to their fullest extent.
Consider other Canadian online retailers. For many product categories, Canadian stores offer competitive pricing and faster, simpler shipping without international complications. Websites like Best Buy Canada, Walmart Canada, or specialized electronics/book stores might have what you need, often with free shipping thresholds that are easier to meet than international ones.
If you have friends or family in the United States, you could arrange for them to receive your Amazon.com order and then have them ship it to you in Canada. While this is a form of personal forwarding, it bypasses the formal services and might save on some fees, but it can strain relationships if done too frequently. Remember that they would still be shipping it to you as an international package, so duties and taxes could still apply.
For specific goods, like certain digital products or subscriptions, ensure you are purchasing from the correct regional storefront. For example, if you're trying to buy content for Amazon Prime Video, ensure you are signed into your Canadian Prime account to access content available in Canada. The question "can i buy charlie brown christmas on amazon prime" might depend on regional licensing; if it's a digital purchase for Prime Video, it's tied to your account's region.
Ultimately, the best workaround depends on the specific item and your priorities. For most common purchases, Amazon.ca is your primary and best option. For harder-to-get items, package forwarders or a trusted US contact are the next steps.
Compensation for Late Deliveries
A significant perk of Amazon Prime is the expectation of timely delivery. When that expectation isn't met, especially for an international shipment, it's natural to wonder about recourse. The question of 'can I get compensation for a late Amazon Prime delivery?' is common, and the answer depends on several factors.
For standard Prime deliveries within Canada (orders on Amazon.ca that are Prime eligible), if your package is significantly delayed beyond the estimated delivery date, Amazon often offers compensation. This can come in the form of a refund for the shipping fee (if one was charged, though Prime shipping is usually free) or, more commonly, a credit applied to your Amazon account. The specific policy and compensation amount can vary, and it's usually at Amazon's discretion. You would typically need to contact Amazon customer service to inquire about this.
Late International Shipments from Amazon.com
When dealing with shipments from Amazon.com to Canada, the situation becomes more complex. These are international shipments, and delivery times are estimates that are more susceptible to external factors like customs processing, carrier delays, and border issues. Amazon's policies regarding compensation for late international deliveries are generally less generous than for domestic Prime orders.
The key difference is that Prime benefits on Amazon.com do not typically extend to guaranteed delivery speeds for international destinations. Therefore, a delay in an international shipment from Amazon.com to Canada, while frustrating, is less likely to be considered a breach of a guaranteed service level that would warrant direct compensation in the same way a late domestic Prime order might be.
However, this doesn't mean you have no options. If your AmazonGlobal shipment is excessively delayed, or if it appears to be lost, you should still contact Amazon customer service. They can investigate the whereabouts of the package and may offer solutions such as a refund for the item or shipping costs, or a replacement if the item is still available and eligible for re-shipment.
It's important to manage expectations for international shipping. The estimated delivery dates provided for shipments from Amazon.com to Canada are often broader windows than those for domestic Prime orders. Delays can and do happen, and Amazon's responsibility is often limited to ensuring the item is shipped and that you receive a refund if it's confirmed lost.
If you paid for a specific expedited international shipping method and it was significantly delayed without explanation, it might be worth inquiring about a shipping fee refund. However, compensation for the inconvenience or lost time is not guaranteed. Always refer to Amazon's specific customer service policies for international orders, as these can be updated.
In summary, while compensation for late domestic Prime deliveries is a common practice, expecting the same level of recourse for late international shipments from Amazon.com to Canada is generally unrealistic due to the nature of international logistics and the non-guaranteed delivery speeds for such orders. Your best course of action is to contact Amazon customer service directly to discuss your specific situation.
Sharing Prime Benefits with Different Addresses
A frequently asked question among Amazon Prime members is about sharing benefits, particularly concerning shipping to different addresses. Can you share Amazon Prime with a different address, or can you ship to a different address with Amazon Prime?
The ability to ship to different addresses is a standard feature of any Amazon account, Prime or not. You can store multiple shipping addresses in your Amazon account and select any of them at checkout. This applies whether you're shipping domestically within Canada, or internationally from Amazon.com to Canada.
However, the crucial element is how your Prime membership interacts with these different addresses. Your Prime membership benefits, most notably fast, free shipping, are primarily tied to the *country* of the marketplace you are shopping on and the *eligibility* of the items. For example:
- If you are a Prime member in Canada and shop on Amazon.ca, you can ship eligible items to your home address, your office, a friend's place, or a locker within Canada, and receive Prime shipping benefits (free, fast delivery).
- If you are a Prime member in the US and shop on Amazon.com, you can ship eligible items to various US addresses and receive Prime shipping benefits.
Prime Shipping to Different Addresses Internationally
This is where the common confusion arises. If you are a Prime member (either in the US or Canada) and you are shopping on Amazon.com with the intention of shipping to a Canadian address, **you cannot use your Prime membership to get free or expedited shipping.** These are international shipments. The Prime badge on Amazon.com generally signifies eligibility for Prime shipping *within the United States*. It does not extend those benefits to international destinations like Canada.
Similarly, if you are a Canadian Prime member and you want to ship an item from Amazon.ca to a friend in the US, that would also be treated as an international shipment, and your Canadian Prime benefits would not apply to the US address. You would pay international shipping fees.
The core principle is that Prime shipping benefits are largely confined to domestic deliveries within the primary marketplace of the membership. You can ship to different addresses, but the Prime speed and cost savings are usually limited to within the country where your Prime membership is registered and where you are shopping.
Therefore, the answer to "can you ship to different addresses with Amazon Prime" is yes, you can select different addresses. But the answer to "can Amazon Prime ship to Canada with its usual benefits when ordering from Amazon.com" is generally no. You will be subject to international shipping rates and times.
This distinction is vital for managing expectations and budgets. If you're looking to send a gift to someone in Canada from the US, or vice versa, always factor in the international shipping costs and potential duties, as your Prime membership won't eliminate them for cross-border transactions.
If you wish to share your Prime membership with a household member who lives at a different address, Amazon offers a feature called Amazon Household. This allows you to share certain Prime benefits, like shipping, video streaming, and Kindle books, with another adult and up to four children. However, this is intended for *household* members and requires both adults to link their Amazon accounts. It does not extend Prime shipping benefits to friends or family living in different countries or unrelated households, especially for international orders.
Navigating International Returns
When ordering items from Amazon.com to Canada, or from Amazon.ca to the US, the return process can be significantly different and more complex than domestic returns. Understanding these differences is key to avoiding unexpected costs and hassle.
For items purchased on Amazon.ca and eligible for Prime shipping within Canada, returns are usually straightforward. You can typically print a prepaid return shipping label from your Amazon account and drop the item off at a designated location, often free of charge. The process is designed to be as seamless as possible for Canadian customers.
However, when you order from Amazon.com and ship to Canada, you are dealing with an international return. The process and policies can vary based on whether the item was sold and fulfilled by Amazon, or by a third-party seller.
International Return Policies
If an item is eligible for return and was shipped from Amazon.com to Canada:
- Return Shipping Costs: You may be responsible for the cost of return shipping to the US. Amazon might provide a prepaid label, but this is not always the case, and deductions might be made from your refund to cover shipping.
- Customs Duties and Taxes: If you paid import duties and taxes on the original order, you might be able to reclaim these when returning the item. However, this process can be complicated and requires specific documentation and interaction with Canadian customs.
- Return Window: While Amazon generally has a generous return window, international returns might have specific timeframes or procedures.
- Third-Party Sellers: Returns for items sold by third-party sellers on Amazon.com can be even more varied. Some sellers might have their own return policies or may not accept international returns easily. Always check the seller's specific return policy before purchasing.
The complexity of international returns is a significant factor to consider before placing an order from Amazon.com to Canada.
If an item arrives damaged or defective, Amazon's customer service is usually more accommodating. They may offer a refund, replacement, or cover the return shipping costs. However, for simple change-of-mind returns, you are more likely to bear the brunt of the return shipping expenses and potential customs fees.
Before making a purchase from Amazon.com that you anticipate might need returning, it is highly advisable to:
- Check the item's availability on Amazon.ca. If it's there, domestic returns will be much simpler.
- Review Amazon's International Returns Policy on their website.
- Verify the return policy of the specific third-party seller if applicable.
- Consider the total cost of the item plus potential return shipping and duties.
For instance, if you're buying a relatively inexpensive item from Amazon.com that is not available on Amazon.ca, and the return shipping costs to the US are high, it might be more economical to keep the item even if it's not exactly what you wanted, or to try selling it locally in Canada.
The ability to ship to different addresses doesn't change the return policy; the return process is tied to the original shipping origin and destination. Be prepared for a more involved process than a typical domestic return.