A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address used to access resources on the internet—the text you type in a browser's address bar to visit a website. URLs have structured components: protocol (https://), domain (www.canuckduck.ca), and path (/glossary). URLs uniquely identify web pages, documents, images, and other online resources. Understanding URLs helps navigate the web and recognize legitimate versus suspicious links. Government websites typically use .gc.ca (federal), .gov.xx.ca (provincial), or city-specific domains. URL security indicators (https and padlock icons) show encrypted connections. When sharing resources, URLs provide the specific address others need to access the same content. Shortened URLs (like bit.ly links) redirect to full URLs but obscure the actual destination.