Not all paper is created equal, and your printed materials will show the difference immediately. Walk into any office supply store in Canada or order online, and you face a wall of paper options: weights, finishes, brightness ratings, and formats. Most people grab whatever is cheapest and wonder why their flyers look flat, their photos smear, or their business cards feel flimsy. This guide breaks down every major paper type, its best use cases, and what to look for when buying paper in Canada.

Bond Paper (Writing Paper): Best for Business Correspondence

The standard for Canadian business letterhead, formal correspondence, and everyday laser or inkjet printing. Typically, 20–24 lb weight. Bond paper is crisp, clean, and professional. Best use cases: business letters, government forms, internal memos, and everyday office printing.

Printer and Multipurpose Paper: The Office Workhorse

The most-used paper in Canadian offices. Engineered to work in laser printers, inkjet printers, and high-volume photocopiers. Standard spec is 20 lb, 92 brightness. Best use cases: high-volume printing, draft documents, forms, and general daily office use. Buy in case quantities to reduce per-sheet cost.

Cardstock (Cover Stock): Best for Professional Print Materials

Heavy, rigid, and durable. Cardstock typically ranges from 65 lb to 110 lb in weight. It holds ink beautifully, resists bending, and immediately signals quality to whoever holds it. Best use cases: business cards, event invitations, report covers, menus, brochures, and promotional signage.

Photo Paper: Best for Vivid Image Printing

Photo paper is coated to absorb ink without bleeding, producing vivid, high-resolution images. Available in glossy, matte, and satin finishes. Essential for any business that prints photographs, product images, or portfolio materials. Best use cases: photo prints, product photography, and visual marketing materials.

Glossy Paper: Best for High-Impact Marketing

A bright, reflective finish that makes colours pop and images stand out. Glossy paper is ideal for marketing materials that need to catch attention. Note: fingerprints show easily and writing does not adhere well. Best use cases: brochures, sales flyers, marketing inserts, and magazine-style newsletters.

Matte Paper: Best for Professional Reports and Presentations

No glare, easy to write on, and naturally elegant. Matte paper photographs well and reduces eye fatigue for long-read documents. Best use cases: presentations, business reports, restaurant menus, certificates, and any document that will be read carefully or annotated.

Recycled Paper: Best for Eco-Conscious Canadian Offices

Made from post-consumer waste fibres. Modern recycled papers match conventional papers in brightness, smoothness, and print quality. Many Canadian businesses schools are switching to certified recycled paper to meet environmental commitments. Best use cases: internal documents, everyday printing, and eco-certified business correspondence.

Specialty and Coloured Paper: Best for Education and Organization

Available in pastels, brights, and premium textures. Coloured paper is a practical tool for colour-coded filing systems, visual classroom materials, event programs, and creative projects. Especially popular in daycare and school settings across Canada Best use cases: classroom worksheets, activity sheets, colour-coded files, and certificates.

Matching paper type to purpose is one of the fastest ways to make your Canadian business or daycare look polished and intentional. Shop our complete paper collection — organized by type, weight, brightness, and application.