Passport Photo Near Me in Canada (2026)
Finding a passport photo near you in Canada depends on where you live. In Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal you have eight or more options within a short walk. In rural Saskatchewan or northern Ontario, Canada Post may be the only option for 50 kilometres. This guide covers every confirmed in-person provider by province and type, what to check before leaving any photographer, and when online is the better choice — with current 2026 pricing for all providers.
Two things to confirm before walking in to any provider
- They produce the Canadian 50×70 mm format, not the US 51×51 mm square. Say: "Canadian passport photo, fifty by seventy millimetres."
- They will provide the Photographer Note on the back of each photo: studio name, complete address, and date — handwritten or stamped. Photos without this are automatically rejected by IRCC.
Find your nearest option: quick guide by province
Use this table to find the best starting point based on your province, then read the detailed section below for what to expect at each provider.
| Province / Territory | Best options |
|---|---|
| Ontario | Shoppers Drug Mart (1,300+ locations), Staples, Walmart, UPS, CAA, Canada Post, Rexall, Commissionaires (Toronto/Hamilton/London/Barrie) |
| Quebec | Jean Coutu (400 locations, walk-in, $13.80), Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Staples, Canada Post |
| British Columbia | London Drugs ($9.95, 35 BC locations), Shoppers Drug Mart, Staples, Walmart, UPS, Henry's Camera, Canada Post |
| Alberta | AMA (members $9.99, all cities + towns), London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart, Staples, Walmart, Don's Photo (Calgary), Canada Post |
| Saskatchewan | Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs (SK locations), Walmart, Don's Photo (Saskatoon), Canada Post, PharmaChoice, Guardian Pharmacy |
| Manitoba | Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs (MB locations), Walmart, Henry's Camera (Winnipeg), Canada Post, Guardian Pharmacy |
| Nova Scotia | Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Lawtons Drugs, Canada Post, Commissionaires NS, local pharmacies |
| New Brunswick | Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Lawtons Drugs, Canada Post, Jean Coutu (NB locations), Guardian/IDA pharmacies |
| PEI | Shoppers Drug Mart, Canada Post, Guardian Pharmacy, Lawtons |
| Newfoundland | Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart (larger centres), Lawtons Drugs, Canada Post, Guardian Pharmacy |
| NT / Yukon / Nunavut | Canada Post (most communities), local pharmacies. Call ahead. |
National chains: available across Canada
These providers have locations in most provinces and territories. All know the Canadian 50×70 mm spec.
| Provider | Price (2026) | Locations | Booking | Babies | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoppers Drug Mart | CAD $19.99 | 1,300+ across Canada | Call ahead recommended | Yes | Widest national reach. Consistent Canadian spec knowledge. Staff trained for all ages. |
| Staples | CAD $24.99 | 300+ across Canada | Walk-in | Yes (all ages) | Most expensive national chain. 39 countries. Free retakes with rejection notice. |
| Walmart Photo Centre | CAD $16.97–18.57 | 400+ across Canada | Order online first | No | Must pre-order at walmartphotocentre.ca. No infant service. |
| The UPS Store | CAD $12–14.99 | 360+ across Canada | Walk-in | Varies — call ahead | Cheapest national chain. Also handles passport mailing. |
| Canada Post | CAD $18–22 | 6,000+ including rural | Walk-in / call ahead | Varies by location | Only option in many rural and northern communities. |
Shoppers Drug Mart
Shoppers Drug Mart is the most accessible national option for most Canadians. With over 1,300 locations, it covers every major urban area, most suburbs, and many rural towns. It is among the more expensive national options at $19.99, but its consistency and baby photo capability make it reliable. Important: Call your local branch before visiting — service times vary. Baby passport photos are handled at most locations with photo departments.
Staples
Staples is the most expensive national chain at $24.99, but it has the most family-friendly service (all ages, no appointment, free retakes with rejection notice) and covers 39 countries. Most locations offer digital copies by email. Walk-in during regular copy-and-print hours.
Walmart Photo Centre
Walmart Canada does not offer passport photo services for babies or infants. For adults and older children, Walmart is one of the more affordable national chain options at $16.97–18.57 — but you must order online at walmartphotocentre.ca before visiting the store. Refund is available with an IRCC rejection letter.
The UPS Store
The UPS Store offers one of the lowest prices among national chains at $12–14.99. Many UPS Stores also handle passport applications and mailing, making it a convenient one-stop option if you are submitting by mail. Walk-in during regular store hours. Infant photo availability varies — call ahead.
Canada Post
Canada Post is the most important option for rural and northern Canada, with over 6,000 locations including corporate offices, franchise locations, and rural dealer outlets. All Canada Post passport photo staff are trained on the IRCC 50×70 mm Canadian spec. Prices range from $18–22 depending on location type. Call your nearest location to confirm photo services are available.
Provincial and regional chains
Quebec: Jean Coutu — CAD $13.80
Jean Coutu is the best-value in-person option in Quebec, at $13.80 for two photos. With 400 locations across the province and in New Brunswick, it is the most accessible option for Quebec residents. Acceptance guarantee: free reprint plus a Jean Coutu gift card if rejected by IRCC — one of the most generous of any Canadian pharmacy chain. A digital copy is available using the code on your receipt. Walk-in, no appointment. Call ahead for babies under 5.
BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba: London Drugs — CAD $9.95
London Drugs charges $9.95 for 2 printed passport photos — the cheapest staffed in-person option of any major Canadian chain — with a $50 acceptance guarantee. For Western Canadians, London Drugs is almost always the best value staffed in-person option. Experienced with the Canadian 50×70 mm format and baby passport photos. 80+ locations across BC, AB, SK, MB only (not available in Ontario or Quebec).
Alberta: AMA (Alberta Motor Association) — CAD $9.99 for members
AMA is a strong option for Alberta residents who are AMA members. At $9.99 for members (and free annually for Plus/Premier members), it is among the cheapest staffed options in the province. AMA centres are located throughout Alberta including smaller cities (Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray and more). Walk-in, all ages. Non-member pricing is typically around $19.99.
Canada-wide (regional): CAA — CAD $8.50 for Classic members
CAA Classic membership holders can get 2 passport photos for $8.50 at most CAA regional stores — the cheapest staffed option of any kind for members. CAA Plus and Premier members may qualify for one free set per membership year. CAA photos meet IRCC requirements and the Photographer Note is included. CAA is structured regionally: CAA South Central Ontario (SCO), CAA North & East Ontario, BCAA (BC), CAA Manitoba, CAA Quebec. Check your regional CAA club for current pricing. Locations are concentrated in larger cities and towns, not rural areas.
Atlantic Canada: Lawtons Drugs
Lawtons Drugs operates in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Most Lawtons locations with photo departments offer Canadian passport photos. Call ahead to confirm 50×70 mm format. Pricing is typically $15–20 per set.
Camera and photography specialists
| Provider | Regions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Henry's Camera | BC, ON, NS, MB | CAD $24.99 printed, $29.99 with digital. Biometric technology, all ages, digital available. |
| Don's Photo | SK (Saskatoon, Regina), AB (Calgary) | Professional studio. Money-back guarantee. Full retake at no cost if rejected. |
| Commissionaires | Ontario (Toronto, GTA, Hamilton, London, Barrie) and Nova Scotia | Professional service. Canadian, US, and international passports. |
| Local camera shops | Major cities | Variable pricing $15–50. Most reliable for non-standard cases (babies, religious coverings). |
Independent photography studios and camera shops typically charge more ($25–50) but offer the most expertise for non-standard cases: baby photos, religious head coverings, medical conditions affecting appearance. Henry's is particularly well-equipped with biometric verification technology.
Getting a passport photo in rural Canada
For Canadians outside major urban centres, the options are narrower but not as limited as they might appear.
Canada Post rural outlets
Canada Post operates through corporate offices, franchise locations, and rural dealer outlets (often inside general stores, pharmacies, or other local businesses). Many offer passport photo services, though availability depends on the specific location. Use the canadapost.ca outlet locator and filter by service type. Call the nearest outlet in advance for remote communities — not all rural dealer locations offer passport photos.
Independent pharmacies in rural Canada
Many independent pharmacies offer passport photo services: Rexall (Ontario and Western Canada), Guardian Pharmacies (across Canada, including rural and small-town locations), IDA Pharmacies (across Canada), Pharmasave (BC, AB, SK, MB, ON), PharmaChoice (rural community pharmacies), Medicine Centre (Alberta community pharmacies). When calling an independent pharmacy: ask "Do you take Canadian passport photos in the 50×70 mm format?" and "Will you stamp or write the Photographer Note on the back?"
Online as a rural solution
PassportApp provides a compliant 50×70 mm digital file with Photographer Note details. You can print at your nearest pharmacy print kiosk (Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, London Drugs, or any photo kiosk) on a 4×6-inch sheet for approximately $0.24–0.39, then cut out the two photos. This is often faster and cheaper than a 50+ km round trip. Confirm with your print kiosk that they can print a 4×6 without further resizing the image.
Before you leave: the 5-question passport photo checklist
Every in-person provider should meet these five checks. This takes 30 seconds and prevents weeks of delay. Do not leave the shop until all five are confirmed.
| # | Check | What to verify | If wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Two photos? | Count them. Canadian passport applications require exactly 2 identical printed photos. | If only 1, ask for the duplicate before leaving. |
| 2 | Size is 50×70mm? | Canadian passport photos are 50mm wide by 70mm high. Not square. Not 2×2 inch. | US-format photos (51×51mm square) are rejected immediately. Measure if in doubt. |
| 3 | Photographer Note on the back? | Check the back of each photo. Must have studio name or photographer name, complete address, and date taken. Written in pen or stamped. | Stick-on labels are not accepted. Missing fields = rejection. |
| 4 | No stick-on label? | Labels peel off or are not accepted. Must be handwritten in pen or an embedded stamp. | If a label was used, ask the photographer to write the details in pen instead. |
| 5 | Not edited? | IRCC bans any editing: no background swaps, skin corrections, filters, or AI tools. Ask the photographer directly. | Most legitimate studios do not edit. If unsure, choose a different provider. |
The Photographer Note is the most common preventable rejection reason. IRCC requires: the photographer's name or studio name, the complete address of the studio, and the date taken — handwritten in pen or stamped directly onto the photo. Stick-on labels are not accepted. Many budget providers forget the address. Check the back before you leave.
What makes a good Canadian passport photo provider
They ask "Canadian passport photo?" before shooting
A good provider confirms the format before setting up. They know 50×70 mm is different from the US 51×51 mm default.
They use a measuring guide or biometric software
Professional providers verify the 31–36mm face height range with a template or digital tool. If they are eyeballing it, your rejection risk increases.
They complete the Photographer Note before handing you the photos
All three fields (name, address, date) should be filled in before you take the photos away.
They confirm they do not edit the images
IRCC bans photo editing. A provider who says "we just touch it up a little" is producing photos that IRCC will reject.
They handle babies without hesitation
An experienced provider will ask about the child's age and confirm they have the right setup for infants or toddlers.
They give you both photos at once
You need 2 identical prints. Some budget providers hand you 1 and offer to print a duplicate later.
All Canadian passport photo providers: side-by-side comparison (2026)
| Provider | Price (2026) | Coverage | Booking | Babies | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PassportApp (online) | CAD $13.99 | Nationwide | Online | Yes (all) | Human review. Photographer Note. IRCC compliance guaranteed or refund. |
| CAA (Classic members) | CAD $8.50 | Regional (see below) | Walk-in | Yes | Cheapest overall staffed option for members. Plus/Premier may be free. |
| AMA (AB members) | CAD $9.99 | Alberta only | Walk-in | Yes | Plus/Premier members may get free annual photos. |
| London Drugs | CAD $9.95 | BC, AB, SK, MB | Walk-in | Yes | Cheapest staffed chain. $50 rejection guarantee. |
| UPS Store | CAD $12–14.99 | Nationwide (360+) | Walk-in | Varies | Cheapest national chain. Also handles passport mailing. |
| Jean Coutu | CAD $13.80 | Quebec + NB | Walk-in | Call ahead | Best value in Quebec. Gift card if rejected. |
| Walmart Photo Centre | CAD $16.97–18.57 | Nationwide (400+) | Order online first | No | No infant service. Must pre-order at walmartphotocentre.ca. |
| Canada Post | CAD $18–22 | Nationwide (6,000+) | Walk-in / call | Varies | Only option in many rural areas. |
| Shoppers Drug Mart | CAD $19.99 | Nationwide (1,300+) | Call ahead recommended | Yes | Most locations. Consistent quality. Handles babies. |
| Staples | CAD $24.99 | Nationwide (300+) | Walk-in | Yes (all ages) | 39 countries. Free retakes. Digital available. |
| Henry's Camera | CAD $24.99–29.99 | BC, ON, NS, MB | Walk-in | Yes | Biometric tech. Digital + printed. Specialist quality. |
| Don's Photo | Varies | SK, AB | Walk-in | Yes | Professional studio. Full money-back guarantee. |
| Commissionaires | Varies | ON (Toronto area), NS | Walk-in | Yes | Professional. International formats available. |
Passport photo near me for babies and children
Baby and infant passport photos are one of the most common failure points when people try to do it themselves. The 31–36 mm face height requirement, the neutral expression rule, and the prohibition on hands visible in the frame all make in-person professional service strongly recommended.
| Provider | Baby passport photos | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shoppers Drug Mart | Yes, all ages including newborns | Call ahead to confirm staff availability for under-6-months. |
| Staples | Yes, all ages | Specifically trained for children. Most family-friendly national chain. |
| Jean Coutu | Call ahead for under-5s | Most locations handle babies but confirm before visiting. |
| London Drugs | Yes | Staff experienced with infants. |
| AMA (Alberta) | Yes | AMA staff handle all ages. |
| CAA | Varies by location | Call your regional CAA office before visiting with a baby. |
| Walmart Photo Centre | No | Walmart Canada does not offer infant passport photo services. |
| UPS Store | Varies | Call your local UPS Store before visiting with an infant. |
| Henry's Camera | Yes | Professional biometric equipment and experienced staff. |
| Canada Post | Varies by location | Call ahead. Rural outlets may not have infant capability. |
| Professional studios | Yes — best option for newborns | Most reliable for babies under 3 months. |
When online is better than in-person
An in-person provider is often the fastest option if you need same-day prints. But online is frequently the better choice in these situations:
You live in a rural area
PassportApp sends a compliant digital file you can print at the nearest pharmacy kiosk. Often cheaper and faster than a 50 km round trip.
You cannot find a convenient appointment
Online services work any time of day, any day of the week.
You want to avoid in-person rejection risk
A human expert review against IRCC specifications before you receive the file reduces submission problems.
You need photos for online passport renewal
Online renewal requires a digital JPEG from a commercial photographer. PassportApp provides this directly, eliminating the trip to a studio.
PassportApp: CAD $13.99 — Photographer Note included
Human expert checks every photo against IRCC requirements before delivery. 50×70 mm compliant digital file with Photographer Note details (studio name, complete address, date). Full IRCC compliance or refund. Suitable for printed applications (print at any pharmacy) and online renewal.
Get my Canadian passport photo