trying to connect my printer to my laptop

Hi,

Would it be correct to assume that your Canon printer is listed in About AirPrint - Apple Support as a model supporting the driverless AirPrint technology (if in doubt, please post back with the exact model)? If so, it means that it should work without additional drivers when connected to the same network (Wi-Fi router) as the Mac notebook computer.

So, to begin with, check that it is possible to connect the printer to your home Wi-Fi network. If necessary, and if the router supports it, you could try WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). Once connected to the Wi-Fi router, a supported printer can be added for use with AirPrint.

Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac – Apple Support (UK)

Reset the printing system on your Mac to solve a problem – Apple Support (UK)

You could also test the AirPrint capability via an iPhone or iPad.

Use AirPrint to print from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If there is a problem with AirPrint discovery for one or more devices, you may want to try the following full procedure (in the exact order):

Power off the Wi-Fi router, the printer, the Mac computer, and all other devices/computers. Wait two to three minutes. Power on the router. Wait two to three minutes. Power on the printer. Wait a minute or two. Power on the Mac computer. Finally, power on all other devices/computers.