Domain .ca - national domain: Canada

Canadian domain information

.ca domains (Canada) are available only for citizens, permanent residents, and companies with a physical address in Canada. Registration for foreign companies is possible in case they hold a valid Canadian trademark with the same word component as the domain name. Please make sure you read carefully and understand .ca domain eligibility.

ATTENTION! The person or entity that meets the requirements must be specified as a domain subscriber in the registration request. Invalid or incompliant data may result in domain deletion without the right to any refund.

.ca domain is the Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) specifically designated for Canada. The .ca domain is the official ccTLD for Canada and is managed and operated by the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA).

While registrants can primarily register domains at the second level (like example.ca), there were third-level registrations in geographic domains (like example.ab.ca). However, as of October 12, 2010, new third-level registrations were discontinued, though existing ones are still supported.

To register a .ca domain, one must meet specific Canadian Presence Requirements set by the registry. This includes being a Canadian citizen, a legally recognized Canadian organization, indigenous people to Canada, a division of the government, and more.

The .ca domain was allocated to John Demco of the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 1987 by Jon Postel of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). The first-ever .ca domain was registered by the University of Prince Edward Island in January 1988. The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) took over the operation of the .ca ccTLD from UBC on December 1, 2000. By April 15, 2008, CIRA registered its one millionth .ca domain.

UBC's registry operations initially favored fourth-level names for local entities or third-level names for entities operating within a province. However, this structure was complex, leading many Canadian entities to prefer .com, .org, and .net registrations. Currently, any eligible party can register a domain directly under .ca. CIRA stopped accepting new third-level domain registrations on October 12, 2010.

In January 2013, Internationalized domain names (IDN) were introduced with a limited character set to accommodate French language text with diacritics. Names that differ only in diacritical accents must have the same owner and registrar. There are also restrictions on names that match existing three-letter top-level domains or the Canadian top-level country code.

Domains that expire go through a thirty-day redemption period. After this, they are assigned a to-be-released (TBR) status and are made available through a weekly auction process. Domains that receive no bids are then open for new registrations.

Why should I buy a .ca domain name?

Purchasing a .ca domain name comes with several advantages, especially if you have a connection to Canada or are targeting the Canadian market. Here are some reasons why you should consider buying a .ca domain name:

1. Canadian Identity. A .ca domain instantly associates your website with Canada. It signals to visitors that you have a presence in Canada or a connection to the country.
2. Trust and Credibility: Many Canadians trust .ca websites more than other domains because they know it's reserved for entities with a Canadian connection. It's a sign of legitimacy and commitment to the Canadian market.
3. SEO Benefits. If you're targeting the Canadian market, a .ca domain can potentially help with local search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines might prioritize .ca domains for searches made within Canada.
4. Availability. Since .ca is specific to Canada, there's a higher chance that your desired domain name is available compared to more generic domains like .com.
5. Protection of Brand Identity. If you have a brand or business that operates in or is related to Canada, owning the .ca version of your domain can prevent others from misusing it and ensures you have a consistent brand identity in the Canadian market.
6. Canadian Presence Requirements. The .ca domain has specific registration requirements that ensure only those with a legitimate connection to Canada can register. This further emphasizes the domain's authenticity and connection to the country.
7. Supporting Local. By registering a .ca domain, you're supporting the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA), a non-profit organization that invests in Canadian internet projects and initiatives.
8. Clear Business Location. For businesses operating in Canada, a .ca domain clearly communicates your location, making it easier for local customers to recognize and trust your business.
9. Domain Security. CIRA has robust security practices in place to protect .ca domains, ensuring a safer online presence for registrants.
10. Patriotism and Branding. For many Canadian businesses and individuals, using a .ca domain is a matter of national pride. It's a way to showcase their Canadian roots and values.

In summary, if you have ties to Canada, whether personal, business-related, or both, a .ca domain can be a valuable asset, enhancing your online presence, credibility, and connection to the Canadian audience.

Canadian domain information

.ca domain is Canada's official country code top-level domain (ccTLD) and serves as a hallmark of Canadian identity in the digital realm. Managed and operated by the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA), this domain is not just a web address but a statement of connection to Canada. To register a .ca domain, entities must meet specific Canadian Presence Requirements, ensuring that the domain remains exclusive to those with a genuine link to the country. This domain's history traces back to 1987 when it was allocated to John Demco of the University of British Columbia by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. Since then, it has become a trusted marker for Canadian businesses and individuals online. Beyond its symbolic value, a .ca domain offers practical benefits, such as potential local search engine optimization (SEO) advantages for those targeting the Canadian market. Additionally, its specific registration criteria mean that desired domain names might be more readily available compared to more generic domains. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the .ca domain remains a steadfast symbol of Canada's presence online, supporting both the nation's heritage and its future.

Everything that you should know about .ca domain price

The cost of a .ca domain name can vary depending on the domain registrar you choose. In addition to the domain name cost, you’ll also need to consider the costs associated with web hosting services. This includes the cost of storage, bandwidth, and other services that are necessary for running a website. Web hosting packages can vary in cost, depending on the features and services offered. So, it’s important to compare prices and services before you make a decision. As you can see, the cost of a .ca domain name is just one factor to consider when creating a website. However, it’s an important one, as it’s a key part of creating a professional online presence for your Canadian business.

How to buy a domain in Canada?

To buy a domain in Canada, first decide on your desired domain name and use online tools to check its availability. If you're aiming for a .ca domain, ensure you meet the Canadian Presence Requirements set by the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA), which typically means having a genuine connection to Canada. Choose an accredited registrar, such as Let’s Domains and proceed with the registration process, providing the necessary personal or business details. Once registered, configure the Domain Name System (DNS) settings to link your domain to your hosting provider. Complete the purchase, and remember to renew your domain regularly to maintain ownership.

Information about the .ca domain registry

.ca - country code top-level domain name (ccTLD): Canada

The available domain TLDs: .ca

Registry: Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA)

Website: http://www.cira.ca/

Public WHOIS server: whois.cira.ca