Hello 'dogues-0',
What the charges will be depends on a number of factors, -- what exactly the item is, the declared value, how it is shipped, and where it is made. Coming from the US, you say.
Any item with a declared value over $20 Cdn (about $15 USD these days) is subject to duties and taxes. If it is made in a NAFTA country - which certainly includes the US - then there is no duty. Still taxable, though.
If you are charged tax, you pay according to your province. In Ontario, for example, I think it is 13%. (I'm in BC, so I pay 12%).
Items coming through the post will often not get assessed for charges because it costs more to process the paperwork than the government gets in revenue, - certainly for items under about $100. Don't ever count on that, however, because when we import from outside Canada we can be expected to pay on amounts over $20, and do so graciously without argument.
At the moment Canada post charges $9.95 for processing, plus you would pay whatever taxes/charges you owe.
Couriers charge hefty brokerage fees. Fed-Ex is not so bad, around 10 bucks on smaller items, but UPS charges a huge fee at the door, plus the taxes (and possible duty) you will owe. Avoid buying from a seller using UPS unless money is simply no object to you.
Do you know specifically what you would like to buy? Are you able to use this link to get a rough idea?
http://www.crossbordershopping.ca/calculators/canadian-duty-calculator
You do not say exactly what the items are. If you buy from a seller using the Global Shipping Program, any charges should be included in your total at the check-out, and the listings will show the item price, the shipping fee, plus the approximate amount for import charges. There should not be any more requests for funds at delivery.
The problem with GSP items is that taxable items, no matter how small, are always assessed. The items get repackaged at a Kentucky warehouse and then forwarded to you which often means delays. And if there is a problem, chasing down compensation can be a hassle.
But if you are just buying skates or ski boots, I can't see anything going wrong with that.
The following link might give you some idea of the charges you could anticipate:
http://www.crossbordershopping.ca/duty-tax-import-guide/canada-customs-duty-rates-tariffs-and-taxes
Currently there is a rumor circulating the boards that there will never be duty charged on used goods. Don't you believe it! The post office may not bother, but used goods are dutiable, so always be prepared.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d13/d13-10-1-eng.html
Factor in any possible costs before deciding how much you are willing to spend, and if your items get assessed, well, that's the cost of all those Canadian social programs we cherish so dearly.
Happy shopping! 
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