To start a Shopify store in Canada: (1) Sign up at Shopify.com free trial (3 months: CAD$1/month for new merchants), (2) choose your store name, (3) select a theme, (4) add products with CAD pricing, (5) set up Shopify Payments CA for 0% fees, (6) configure GST/HST if registered, (7) connect your domain, (8) launch. Total time: under an hour.
How to Start a Shopify Store in Canada: Complete Guide 2026
Shopify was founded in Canada, so Canadian e-commerce is in their DNA. Thousands of Canadian businesses use Shopify to sell locally and globally. Here's your complete step-by-step guide.
Why Canadian Entrepreneurs Choose Shopify
Canada has 75,000+ Shopify stores, and here's why:
- Shopify Payments CA — Direct deposits to your Canadian bank account with 0% transaction fees
- Shopify HQ is Canadian — Native CAD support and Canadian expertise
- Multi-currency — Sell in CAD and USD effortlessly
- GST/HST automation — Calculate and track taxes by province
- First 3 months: Just CAD$1/month
Step-by-Step: Launch Your Canadian Shopify Store
1. Sign Up for Free
Head to Shopify.com and click "Start free trial."
- Enter email
- Create password
- No credit card required for 14-day trial (or 3 months at CAD$1/month for new merchants)
Time: 5 minutes
2. Choose Your Store Name
Pick a temporary Shopify domain (e.g., yourshop.myshopify.com). You'll connect your real domain later.
Pro tip: Verify your business name is available across domains and social media first using Namecheckly. Consistency builds brand strength.
3. Select a Theme
Choose from 100+ free and premium themes:
- Browse Shopify themes
- Pick one that matches your brand
- No coding required (drag-and-drop customization)
Free themes are great to start. Upgrade later if you want advanced features.
4. Add Your Products
- Upload product photos
- Write descriptions
- Set prices in CAD (or USD if selling cross-border)
- Manage inventory
Shopify guides you through every step. This is where you spend the most time, but setup itself is fast.
5. Set Up Shopify Payments CA
Critical for getting paid:
- Go to Settings → Payments
- Select Shopify Payments
- Enter your Canadian bank account details
- Verify your identity (Canadian address + ID)
Shopify deposits every 2 days with 0% transaction fees.
6. Configure GST/HST (If Registered)
If you have a Business Number (BN) from the CRA:
- Go to Settings → Tax
- Enable GST/HST
- Enter your BN
- Shopify calculates taxes by province automatically
Not required if under CAD$30k annual revenue. Register when you hit that threshold.
7. Connect Your Domain
- Register
.caor.comdomain on Namecheap - Go to Settings → Domains in Shopify
- Add your domain and update DNS
Your store is now live on your custom domain.
8. Launch & Market
- Post on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook
- Create Google Business profile (boosts local search)
- Build email list for repeat customers
Canadian Business Registration Checklist
✅ Business number — Get from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
✅ Incorporation — Register federal or provincial business
✅ Domain — Register .ca for local credibility
✅ Social handles — Claim on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok
✅ Shopify Payments CA — Set up for direct deposits
✅ GST/HST — Register if you hit CAD$30k revenue
Start selling today
Start with a free trial, then $1/month for your first 3 months. No developer required.
Shopify Pricing in Canada (CAD)
| Plan | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | CAD$39/mo | Getting started |
| Shopify | CAD$105/mo | Growing stores (recommended) |
| Advanced | CAD$399/mo | Scaling businesses |
First 3 months: CAD$1/month. Annual billing saves ~25%.
Common Questions
How quickly can I launch?
Under an hour with products ready. The setup is fast; product sourcing and photography take longer.
Can I sell across Canada and the US?
Yes. Shopify lets you set different shipping rates, currencies, and taxes by region. Many Canadian stores sell CAD-side and USD-side.
Do I need a Canadian address?
For sole proprietors and partnerships, having a Canadian address helps. For incorporated businesses, use your registered office address.
Can I integrate with Canadian shipping carriers?
Yes. Shopify integrates with Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, and DHL with real-time rates.
Next Steps
- Start your free Shopify trial (first 3 months: CAD$1/month)
- Browse Shopify store name ideas
- Check Canadian business names
- Learn more about Shopify in Canada
Ready to launch? Get 3 months for CAD$1/month. No credit card required. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Pro Tip: Secure your brand handles early. Even if you aren't ready to build your website or post content yet, registering your brand name across key platforms prevents squatters from hijacking your identity later.
