I don't think the Canadian system is a true "on-line" process.
In years past, you picked up an application form at, say, the local post office, filled it in, got guarantors to sign it, got photos taken and then headed to the Service Canada office. Now the forms are available on-line and it is wise to use the on-line forms, as they are the most up-to-date.
You can fill them in on-line and print them and take them to the Service Canada office along with your new photos and your old passport, if it is a renewal.
Not all Service Canada offices offer appointments. If you need a passport in a hurry, they will oblige providing you can prove that your flight date is close.
I recently renewed my passport at the local office. It is extremely busy but turns out passports faster than some offices. People start lining up at 6:00 a.m. for the office that opens at 8:30 a.m. I was number 6 in line that morning and stood in the bitter cold. When I reached the door to the office, a man and woman who had just arrived, thinking they could just walk in, were upset to see the long line. He asked me what time I had arrived to have that position in the line. When I told him 6:00 a.m. he cursed and walked away.
Another sharpee tried to get ahead of the crowd by telling the guard on duty that he had a flight out that night and needed a passport immediately. The guard said: "Yes, sir. Just show me your ticket and itinerary." Of course, the guy had neither and left, also cursing.
Passport is good for 10 years. I'll be 84 by then, God willing, but not sure if I will be travelling. HOWEVER - here is a tip I received from a friend. Even if you don't plan to travel, renew your passport, as it is one piece of government ID. If, after a while, you are no longer driving and don't have a driver's license, you may still need sufficient government ID to handle certain situations. I realize this may apply more to those of us who live in Canada than to folks who reside elsewhere.
Safe travels!
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