Area Code 604 – Vancouver
The phone area code for Vancouver is 604 (international format +1 604). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📞 Exchange Codes (NXX) for Area Code 604
Select a central office code to view local carrier data and detailed information
📍 Geographic Location of Vancouver
Geographic Coverage and Regulatory Context
Area code 604 is a geographic numbering plan area (NPA) within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), serving the southwest coast of British Columbia, Canada. Its primary hub is Vancouver, the province's largest city, and it encompasses the surrounding Metro Vancouver Regional District, including Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and North Vancouver. The code also covers the Sunshine Coast, Whistler, and parts of the Fraser Valley. Administered by the Canadian Numbering Administrator (CNA) under the oversight of the CRTC, 604 is one of the original area codes assigned in 1947, making it one of the oldest in Canada.
Dialing Formats and Overlay
In 2001, an overlay complex was introduced, adding area codes 778 and 236 to the same geographic region, followed by 672 in 2019. This means that all local calls within the region require ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit local number). For callers within Canada, the international format is +1 604 XXX XXXX, while local callers can dial 604 XXX XXXX. From outside Canada, callers must dial the international access prefix (e.g., 011 from the US) followed by 1 604 XXX XXXX. The overlay does not require a change to the seven-digit local number, but it mandates ten-digit dialing for all calls, including local ones.
Number Allocation and Services
Numbers with area code 604 are distributed to local exchange carriers (LECs) and competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs) for both wireline and wireless services. While originally assigned to fixed-line services, number portability allows subscribers to retain their 604 numbers when switching providers or moving to VoIP or mobile services, provided they remain within the rate center. This has led to a mix of traditional PSTN, VoIP, and mobile numbers under the same prefix. For businesses, having a 604 number establishes a local presence in Vancouver, which can be crucial for customer trust and local SEO. When calling a 604 number from abroad, standard international rates apply, and the call is routed via the Canadian PSTN.
Practical Guidance for Callers
For local callers, simply dial the ten-digit number. For long-distance callers within Canada and the US, dial 1 followed by the ten-digit number. For international callers, use your country's exit code (e.g., 00 from most European countries) then 1 604 and the local number. Always verify the current dialing procedures with your carrier, as some VoIP services may require a different format. If you are unsure whether a number is local, remember that the 604/778/236/672 overlay means all calls within the region are local, but you must still dial all ten digits.