Canvas Calendar syncs to Google Calendar through your Canvas account settings

Canvas Calendar does not appear as a separate calendar you can add directly to Google Calendar. Instead, you export your Canvas schedule as an iCalendar file (.ics), then import that file into Google Calendar. The connection is one-way: changes you make in Canvas show up in Google Calendar, but changes in Google Calendar do not sync back to Canvas.

This setup works best if Canvas is your main schedule source — you check Canvas for updates, and Google Calendar shows what you have coming. If you need to edit events from both places, you will be managing two separate systems.

Key Takeaways

  • Canvas Calendar exports as an iCalendar file that you import into Google Calendar once, then update manually when Canvas changes.
  • You find the export link in Canvas under Account Settings, Calendar, then copy the iCalendar URL or read the .ics file.
  • In Google Calendar, you add the Canvas calendar as a subscription using the iCalendar URL, or import the downloaded file as a new calendar.
  • Updates from Canvas do not automatically appear in Google Calendar — you may need to refresh or re-import the file periodically.
  • If your school or institution manages Canvas, check with them first, as some have already set up Canvas-to-Google Calendar integration.

Finding your Canvas Calendar export link

Log into Canvas and go to your Account Settings. Click the Calendar link in the left menu. You will see an iCalendar feed URL — this is a long web address that starts with https. Copy this entire URL.

Some Canvas instances also offer a read button next to the iCalendar feed. If you see it, you can read the .ics file directly instead of copying the URL. Either method works; the URL method updates more reliably if Canvas adds new events later.

Adding Canvas Calendar as a subscription in Google Calendar

Open Google Calendar in a web browser. On the left side under "Other calendars," click the plus sign (+) next to "Other calendars." Select "Subscribe to calendar."

Paste the Canvas iCalendar URL you copied into the text field. Click Subscribe. Google Calendar will add Canvas Calendar as a new calendar in your list. Events from Canvas now appear in your Google Calendar view, usually within a few minutes.

The Canvas Calendar will show in a different color so you can tell it apart from your personal Google Calendar. You can rename it, change the color, or hide it by right-clicking the calendar name and selecting the option you want.

Importing a downloaded Canvas Calendar file

If you downloaded the .ics file from Canvas instead of copying the URL, open Google Calendar. Click the plus sign (+) next to "Other calendars" and select "Import and export."

Click "Import calendar" and choose the .ics file you downloaded from Canvas. Select which calendar you want to import the events into — you can create a new calendar called "Canvas" or add them to an existing calendar. Click Import.

This method brings in all Canvas events at once, but you will need to read and import the file again if Canvas adds new events later. The subscription method (using the URL) is usually easier for ongoing use.

Keeping Canvas Calendar updated in Google Calendar

If you subscribed using the iCalendar URL, Google Calendar checks for updates automatically, though the timing varies. If you do not see new Canvas events after a few hours, you can force a refresh by clicking the three dots next to the Canvas Calendar name and selecting "Refresh."

If you imported a downloaded file, you will need to read the updated .ics file from Canvas and import it again. This is more work, which is why the subscription method is usually the better choice for students or staff who use Canvas regularly.

Some Canvas instances let you set up automatic syncing through your institution's IT department. If your school or college runs Canvas, ask them whether they have already connected Canvas to Google Calendar for your account.

Removing Canvas Calendar from Google Calendar

If you no longer want to see Canvas events in Google Calendar, click the three dots next to the Canvas Calendar name in your calendar list. Select "Unsubscribe" if you added it as a subscription, or "Delete" if you imported a file.

Removing the calendar from Google Calendar does not delete anything in Canvas itself — your Canvas schedule stays intact. You can always add it back later by repeating the subscription or import steps.

Troubleshooting Canvas Calendar in Google Calendar

If Canvas events are not showing up, first check that you copied the iCalendar URL correctly — even one missing character will break the link. Log back into Canvas, go to Account Settings and Calendar, and copy the URL again carefully.

If you subscribed using the URL and events still do not appear after refreshing, try unsubscribing and subscribing again. Sometimes the connection drops, and re-adding it fixes the problem. If you imported a file and new Canvas events do not appear, read the updated .ics file from Canvas and import it again.

If Canvas Calendar appears in your calendar list but shows no events, check whether the calendar is hidden. Click the three dots next to the calendar name and make sure "Show" is selected. You can also check the calendar color — if it is very light or matches your background, events may be invisible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit Canvas events from Google Calendar?

No. Canvas Calendar is read-only in Google Calendar. If you need to change an event, you must go back to Canvas and edit it there. The change will then appear in Google Calendar after a refresh or update.

Will Google Calendar changes show up in Canvas?

No. The sync only goes one direction, from Canvas to Google Calendar. If you add events to Google Calendar, they stay in Google Calendar only and do not appear in Canvas.

What if my school uses Canvas but I cannot find the Calendar option?

Some Canvas instances have Calendar disabled by default. Contact your school's IT department or Canvas administrator — they can enable it for you or set up the integration on their end.

Do I need to read the .ics file every time Canvas updates?

Only if you imported the file. If you subscribed using the iCalendar URL, Google Calendar checks for updates automatically. The file method requires manual re-imports, so the URL method is usually easier.

Can I add Canvas Calendar to Google Calendar on my phone?

Yes, if you set it up on a web browser first. The subscription syncs to the Google Calendar app on your phone automatically. You cannot subscribe directly from the phone app, but once it is added on the web, it appears on mobile.