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Why choose Seven Seas Worldwide
Purpose-built shipping boxes and materials provided
Trusted with your shipments for over 25 years
Pick your own dates for shipment delivery and collection
Enjoy 2 weeks FREE storage in the origin country
We guide you through the quarantine and customs clearance process
Shipping luggage to Canada — what you need to know
A favourite overseas destination for holidaying and emigrating travellers worldwide, Canada is an unmissable highlight of North America. Whether you're backpacking across the Rocky Mountains or plan to make Canada your permanent home, you'll need someone to transport your personal belongings safely.
That's where Seven Seas Worldwide come in! With over 25 years of experience shipping luggage internationally, we can transport your boxes, bags, suitcases and furniture in a simple, cost-effective manner. Our seasoned experts can ship large items, such as skis, snowboards, bicycles, and golf clubs, to all major Canadian cities, including Toronto, Quebec, Vancouver and Montreal. Discover how easy it is to ship baggage internationally with a free instant quote.
An international shipping company you can trust
Shipping from South Africa to Canada is more straightforward than you might think. With our global network of depots, we can fully support you at every step, from generating a quick quote to safely handing over your luggage shipment at the destination. The following are just a few of the benefits we offer when sending baggage shipments abroad:
- The MoveCube®: our bespoke, secure crates are your personal shipping container. Available in three different sizes to suit your needs, the MoveCube® can be filled with anything from bulky items to sports equipment!
- Door-to-door collection: there's no need to lug your personal items to a distant collection point. We'll supply all the boxes and materials to your door, collect your packaged goods, and safely send your luggage overseas.
- Free storage: unlike our competitors, we can securely store your goods for up to two weeks in the origin country, completely free of charge, allowing greater flexibility with travel dates.
- No unexpected charges: we guarantee complete transparency for our customers. Using our free online quote tool, you can see a step-by-step breakdown of all our shipping services, from logistics to customs clearance.
- Reassuring online tracking tool: watch your household items' movements at every point of their journey.
- Customs support: by using our online customs documents, we can guide you through each step of the process via your online account.
How we ship boxes to Canada in 5 easy steps
Free online quick quote
Our instant quote tool provides a clear, itemised cost with no hidden fees or nasty surprises.
Pick your dates
When placing your order, choose the materials delivery and shipment collection dates that suit you.
Securely pack your items
We deliver your empty shipping boxes or MoveCube®, ready for you to fill.
We collect and ship
Complete the online documentation. Then we'll transport your shipment to its destination.
Delivered to your address
Once you have cleared your items at a Canadian customs office, we then safely deliver them to your new home.
Don't take our word for it
Our customers love us!
Shipping times to Canada from South Africa*
By sea
135 days
*estimated timings dependent on global shipping circumstances
We guide you through the Canadian customs process
The Canadian Customs process has a reputation for being a little complicated. With more than 25 years of experience successfully shipping your belongings to Canada from South Africa, we know how to make it a straightforward experience.
Seven Seas Worldwide provide the documentation needed to clear Canadian Customs Authority via your online account. The first step is to log in to your account. From here, you can complete all our required online documentation. Including:
- An inventory to accurately record each item of your shipment.
- Insurance to protect your goods from accidents or damage.
- Scans of your passport and, if applicable, scans of your visa.
New immigrants and Canadian citizens re-entering the country must complete a "Personal Effects Accounting Document," also known as a BSF186 form. To avoid taxes or duties on your goods, a BSF186 must be stamped at a RED customs channel upon arrival in the country.
Please note: as a strict Canadian Customs rule, you must physically be in Canada when your shipment arrives. Your local Seven Seas Worldwide office will inform you when your goods have arrived and are awaiting customs clearance.
Customs documents need to be presented to a Customs Office, by you, in the city where your cargo is located. If the Customs Office is far from your destination, you may need to travel.
Once cleared by Customs, your Cargo Control Document (supplied by us) will be stamped as "PARS PERMITTED". Next, email us your proof of clearance, and we will arrange delivery of your goods.
With more than 25 years of experience successfully shipping your belongings to Canada from South Africa, we know how to make it easy.
Canadian customs process - Video explainer
For more customs advice, including rules on duty-free goods and wedding and inheritance gifts, head to our Importing into Canada page.
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) customs offices
We will contact you before your shipment arrives in Canada to advise which CBSA Customs Office you need to visit to clear your shipment. This office will be local to the bonded warehouse storing your belongings while you arrange customs clearance, but it might not be local to your home address.
Below we've listed the CBSA office and bonded warehouse addresses we use:
Alberta
Calgary Customs Office
175 Aero Way Northeast, Unit 162,
Calgary, AB T2E 6K2
Monday- Friday 8:.00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
Edmonton Customs Office
1727 35th Ave East Unit 100
Edmonton, AB T9E 0V6
1 800 461 9999
Monday- Friday 8:.00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
British Colombia
Vancouver Customs Offices
1611 Main Street Unit 412
Vancouver, BC V6A2W5
204 983 3500
Monday- Friday 8:.00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
Manitoba
Winnipeg Customs Office
1821 Wellington Avenue Unit 130
Winnipeg MB R3H 0G4
204-983-3030
Monday- Friday 8:.00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
Nova Scotia
Halifax Customs Office
163 Susie Lake Crescent
Halifax, NS B3L 4V6
902 426 2072
Monday- Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
Ontario
Mississauga Customs Office
2720 Britannia Road East
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 0G3
OPEN 24/7
905 676-3626
Quebec
Montreal Customs Office
400 Place d'Youville
Montreal, QC
514 283 8700
Monday- Friday 8:.00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
Saskatchewan
Saskatoon Customs Office
2625 Airport Dr
Saskatoon, SK S7L 7L1
306 975 4755
Monday- Friday 8:.00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
Regina Customs Office
2510 Sandra Schmirler Way
Regina, SK S4W 1B7
1 800 461 9999
Monday- Friday 8:.00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat. & Sun. - Closed
Bonded warehouse addresses:
Calgary
Fastfrate
11440 – 54th Street SE
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2C 4Y6
Tel: 403.264.1687
Edmonton
Fastfrate
10020-56th Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6E 5L7
Tel: 780.439.0061
Saskatoon
Direct Distribution
3030 Cleveland Ave
Saskatoon, SK
Tel: 306-956-1760 x 38804
Montreal
Lafrance Warehouse
7055 Notre-Dame St. East
Montreal, Quebec H1N 3R8
Tel: 514 523 1127
Simard Warehouse
1212, 32nd Avenue
Lachine, QC H8T 3K7
Tel: 514 636 9411
Halifax
I. H. Mathers
165 Burbridge Ave.
Dartmouth, NS, Canada B3B 0G6
Which boxes are best for international shipping?
As experts in shipping luggage to Canada, we have created chemically-strengthened, double-thick cardboard boxes. These allow you to safely pack your worldly belongings, knowing they will arrive in the same condition you sent them.
We also provide a range of specially-tailored shipping boxes for more uncommonly-shaped goods such as musical instruments, bikes and surfboards. Please note: the weight limit for each box or bag is 30kg/66lbs, so be sure to weigh your shipping luggage one at a time before handing them to our driver. If any items take a box over the limit, spread the load between different containers.
Do you need to ship large items such as white goods or furniture? Check out our International MoveCube® service to discover if this is a better option.
Large box
External dimensions:
61 x 51 x 41cm / 24 x 20 x 16.14 inches
Best for:
- Sports equipment
- Clothes
- Bedding
Standard box
External dimensions:
51 x 41 x 31cm / 20 x 16.14 x 12.2 inches
Best for:
- Files and papers
- Books
- Children's toys
FAQs on our shipping service to Canada
Our international luggage shipping service works in six easy-to-follow steps:
- Generate a free online quote, make your order, and then pay the security deposit.
- Select a suitable date for us to deliver your packing materials and empty boxes.
- Carefully pack your boxes and bags, then complete all the required documentation, including an accurate inventory of your items and Customs forms.
- We collect your goods, and once Shipping and Transportation charges are paid, we'll ship them to Canada.
- Upon arrival, you'll be notified that your goods have entered customs. You must visit a local Canadian customs office to have your documentation stamped.
- Email us proof of customs clearance, pay the destination charge, and arrange delivery of your shipment.
Also, our multilingual customer support team are on hand to offer help and advice whenever needed.
We ship boxes and luggage to Canada by sea. Via cargo ship, delivery time for your baggage will take around 135 days to arrive, and it's the cheaper option. It's also better for the environment!
Sending personal belongings such as boxes, bags, suitcases, and furniture abroad is less costly than you think. With just a few details entered and no obligation to proceed, our free instant quote tool delivers a clear and accurate breakdown of what you can expect to pay.
As one of the most transparent shipping companies in the world, we offer an exact cost estimate for every step of your goods' journey. This way, you can avoid any nasty hidden fees down the line!
The best method to ship large items such as furniture or white goods to Canada is our International MoveCube®. Think of it as your personal shipping container, specially designed to give your belongings the protection they need. Choose from a Small, Medium or Large MoveCube® to suit your removal needs. In addition to oversized goods such as washing machines and sofas, you can include everything from bikes and prams to books and computers!
For customs reasons, shipping to Canada from South Africa can be a daunting process. That's where Seven Seas Worldwide's excellent service comes in! With over 25 years of experience safely sending your personal belongings around the world, we can guide you through every step of the process. The most important thing to note is that you must be in Canada when your goods arrive. You'll need to visit a customs office in person to let a customs agent clear your goods. We provide all documentation and will update you at every stage of your shipment's customs journey via our online tracking.
For more information on customs processes, visit our Importing into Canada guide.
To ensure your goods arrive via the quickest and most efficient method possible, all shipping and air routes are predefined and cannot be altered.
Complete packing guide for shipping abroad
Packing your belongings as securely as possible is the best method to ensure they arrive at their destination fully intact. By following our 4 easy steps, you can become a packing maestro in no time! For complete peace of mind, consider adding one of our Insurance Policies to your order.
Use high-quality packaging materials:
As long as they are firm and sturdy, you can use your own packing boxes and containers, but please avoid plastic storage tubs, bin liners and laundry bags as they break easily.
For a stress-free experience, we suggest using our packing materials. We have perfected our sturdy cardboard boxes over the years to protect your items during long, bumpy journeys.
Parcel tape is your best friend:
To ensure your boxes are as strong as possible, seal the bottom with parcel tape more than once. Next, protect each item thoroughly with bubble wrap, and seal it with more tape.
Once each box is ready, stuff any gaps with materials such as towels or old newspaper and gently shake. If you hear some movement, add more padding. Once satisfied, seal the lid of your box with more parcel tape.
Fill in your inventory as you pack:
To save precious time and ensure accuracy, log in to your Seven Seas Worldwide account to itemise your goods as you pack. An itemised list of your goods is a requirement for Canadian Customs officials who will inspect your shipment.
Using a marker pen, clearly write your name, box number, consignment number, and destination city and country on two sides or more of each box.
Prepare your boxes for collection:
Weigh each separate container on bathroom scales — this ensures they are within the 30kg/66lbs limit. If you discover a container has an excess, remove some items and spread the load between other boxes or bags.
For a smooth collection, get your shipment ready by moving all your beloved possessions, including suitcases, bags and boxes, as close to the entrance of your building as possible.
When moving to Canada, I shipped several large boxes with Seven Seas. It was easy to get an accurate quote and arrange the drop off of shipping materials -which were useful and well-packaged- and pickup of the packed boxes. Everything went smoothly, and all of my things were delivered to me in Canada with no breakage or loss. I would definitely use Seven Seas again.
Katherine
Travel guide: things to do and places to see in Canada
Canada tops the world's safest and most liveable country polls every year. From famous, must-see landmarks to stunning, centuries-old architecture and forward-thinking cityscapes, Canada is a beautiful and varied place to behold. Read on for four must-visit destinations, including indoor and outdoor activities:
Toronto
Canada's most popular tourist destination is a bustling mix of cultures, with roughly half of residents born outside the city. There is no shortage of things to see and do, from museums and historical sites to music and theatre.
Best time to visit: skip the heavy tourist periods and save money on hotels by booking either side of peak summer, around Mar/Apr or Sep/Oct. Remember to wrap up well — Toronto can be rather chilly!
How to get around: navigating a cosmopolitan city like Toronto is relatively easy. With punctual subways and buses dotted around the most popular tourist destinations, transportation is plentiful and easy to use.
Neighbourhoods to know: the West End is considered a "hip" part of town, home to students and creative professionals and full of leafy streetscapes and beautiful architecture. The East End is popular with families, featuring beautiful parks and boutique cafes.
Things to do: The Royal Ontario Museum showcases human and natural history with a bustling collection of more than 6 million artefacts. Island Park is an excellent family stop, featuring several beaches, fun trails, and kids' amusement rides.
Niagara Falls
One of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders, Niagara Falls is an experience like no other. Witness spectacular sites closer than you could ever imagine from one of the world's most popular destinations.
Best time to visit: considering how cold and breezy The Falls are, we recommend visiting Canada's natural beauty during the warmer summer months. June and September are ideal for avoiding peak tourist times.
How to get around: depending on how adventurous you feel, there are several ways to get the best views. Journey Behind The Falls is a tour that takes you 125ft down to the base of The Falls. Boat trips bring you closer than you ever dreamed (don't forget to wear a rain jacket). There are even helicopter rides and zip slides!
Things to do: Niagara Falls Botanical Gardens is a beautiful and serene site, ideal for a summer afternoon stroll. For a quaint experience taking in local traditions, military costumes and art, there is the impressive Niagara Falls History Museum.
Montreal
Steeped in French history dating back as far back as the sixteenth century, Montreal is considered one of the coolest cities in the world. Discover cobbled streets, beautiful museums, unique cafes, and stunning parks.
Best time to visit: spring and autumn are the best times to book your flights, as the lower temperatures mean fewer tourists. Weather aside, there is no wrong time to visit this cultured and alluring city.
How to get around: with an affordable and reliable subway and bus service, Montreal is easy to navigate by public transport. However, with such beautiful sights and sounds, you would be amiss not to enjoy as much on foot as possible.
Neighbourhoods to know: Quartier des Spectacles places you at the heart of the festivities, including the Just For Laughs comedy club and the International Jazz Festival. Don't forget the up-and-coming Hochelaga-Maisonneuve with its hip vibes, botanical gardens, and burgeoning LGBTQ community.
Things to do: Montreal is all about jaw-dropping architecture and beautiful walks. From Notre-Dame Basilica, a Catholic church built in 1656, to Mount Royal Park and the Botanical Gardens, you'll need more than one visit to take it all in.
Quebec City
Founded in 1608, Quebec City is known for embracing its French heritage and North American roots. For a relaxing holiday like no other, get lost in old-world architecture, the welcoming people, artisan stores and gorgeous food.
Best time to visit: with particularly chilly winterers, we recommend the summer. Although busy, Quebec City comes alive between June and August with various festivals and fun events to enjoy.
How to get around: Quebec City's public transit service, The RTC, provides a bus network that can take you anywhere in the city. Taxis and rental cars are popular alternative options.
Neighbourhoods to know: Old Québec is for tourists looking to soak up 400 years of French North America. Popular with food lovers, Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a bohemian part of town not to miss. Montcalm is jam-packed with museums, theatres and art for culture vultures.
Things to do: take in the stunning, fortified sights of Old Quebec City. Visit Parc de la Chute-Montmorency with waterfalls that, believe it or not, are higher than Niagara Falls! Or, explore La Citadelle de Québec, an active military base with spectacular views over the town.
More about our international shipping services
Prohibitive goods
Before packing, check this list of items prohibited from entering a particular country or region.
Shipping terms glossary
This jargon-busting page provides definitions of common shipping and delivery terms such as personal effects and transit times.
MoveCube®
Our MoveCube® self-load moving container makes home and overseas removals easy and affordable.
Insurance
If you’re shipping your prized possessions with us, it will be worth you having a quick look at the insurance packages we offer.