Canada +1
Official telecommunications routing registry for Canada. International dialing prefix is +1. Browse all regional numbering plan area codes below.
⭐ Major Area Codes in Canada
🗄️ All Numbering Plan Area Codes (NPA)
Select an area code to view local exchange registries, carrier mappings, and geographic zones
🌍 Neighboring Countries
Canada’s +1 country code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), shared with the United States and many Caribbean nations. Despite its vast geography, the Canadian telecommunications infrastructure is highly advanced, offering extensive coverage across urban centers and remote regions alike. The country is divided into several area codes that reflect its provinces and territories, with a mix of geographic and non-geographic codes for mobile and toll-free services.
Dialing Instructions
To call a Canadian number from abroad, dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 from most countries, or + from a mobile phone), followed by Canada’s country code +1, then the three-digit area code and the seven-digit local number. For example, to call a landline in Toronto (area code 416), you would dial +1 416 XXX XXXX. When dialing within Canada, both local and long-distance calls require the full 10-digit number (area code + local number) since 2001, even for calls within the same area code. For calls from Canada to other NANP countries (like the U.S. or Caribbean), simply dial 1 followed by the area code and number. For international calls from Canada to outside the NANP, dial 011 (the Canadian international access code) followed by the country code and the local number.
Area Codes and Geographic Context
Canada’s area codes are assigned by province and territory, with some regions using overlay codes due to high demand. Ontario, the most populous province, uses multiple area codes including 416 (Toronto), 905 (surrounding Greater Toronto Area), 647 (mobile overlay in Toronto), and 437 (additional overlay). Quebec uses 514 (Montreal) and 438, as well as 418 (Quebec City) and 581. British Columbia uses 604 (Vancouver) and 778, while Alberta uses 403 (Calgary) and 780 (Edmonton), with overlays 587 and 825. The Prairie provinces and Atlantic provinces each have distinct codes, such as 204 for Manitoba, 306 for Saskatchewan, 902 for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and 709 for Newfoundland and Labrador. The territories use 867, which covers all of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. New area codes are introduced regularly; for instance, 263 was added in Quebec in 2024, and 672 is used in British Columbia. It is essential to note that area codes are not strictly tied to city boundaries; they often cover large regions, especially in less populated provinces.
Special Rules and Services
Canadian phone numbers are 10 digits long (including the area code), and the number format is often written as (XXX) XXX-XXXX. When dialing from abroad, the leading 1 is not part of the country code but is the trunk prefix for NANP calls; however, it is already included in the +1. For toll-free numbers, Canada uses the NANP prefixes 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888; these are shared with the U.S. and require the same 10-digit dialing. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 911 anywhere in Canada, which is free from any phone. Mobile numbers are indistinguishable from landlines by their format; they use the same geographic area codes, though overlays are often used for wireless. Non-geographic area codes like 600 are reserved for mobile services but are rarely used.
Traveler and Business Tips
Travelers to Canada should ensure their mobile plans offer roaming in Canada, as U.S. carriers often include Canada in their plans, but other international visitors may face high charges. It is advisable to use a local SIM card or an eSIM for cost-effective calls and data. Canada has excellent 5G coverage in major cities, but rural and northern areas may have limited service; satellite phones are recommended for expeditions in remote territories. Businesses operating in Canada should be aware that dialing 1 before the area code is required for all long-distance calls within Canada, even if the call is within the same province. For customer service lines, many companies use toll-free numbers that work across North America. When making international calls from Canada, the 011 prefix is essential, but VoIP services (e.g., Skype, WhatsApp) are widely used to reduce costs. Also, note that Canada has strict telemarketing regulations, and businesses must register with the National Do Not Call List to avoid fines.