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Canada Country Code (+1): How to call Canada
Canada’s international country code is +1. If you need to call Canada from another country, dial your international exit code, followed by +1, the relevant Canadian area code, and the local telephone number. This guide explains how to call Canada, lists major area codes, outlines time zones, and answers common questions about Canadian phone numbers.
Table of Contents
What is Canada’s Country Dialling Code?
The international dialling code for Canada is +1. Canada shares this country code with the United States and several Caribbean nations through the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
When you call Canada from abroad, you must enter:
- Your country’s international exit code.
- The Canada country code (+1).
- The Canadian area code.
- The local telephone number.
For example: +1 613 123 4567
In this example:
- +1 = Canada country code
- 613 = Ottawa area code
- 123 4567 = Local number
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How to call Canada from another country
Calling Canada from overseas is straightforward. However, you should always confirm the correct area code before dialling.
Step 1: Dial your international exit code
Most countries use either 00 or + as the international access code. Mobile phones usually allow you to enter + directly.
Step 2: Enter Canada’s country code
Next, enter +1.
Step 3: Enter the Canadian area code
Canada uses regional area codes that identify provinces, territories, and metropolitan areas.
Step 4: Dial the local number
Finally, enter the remaining telephone number.
Example: Calling Ottawa from abroad
To call a telephone number in Ottawa, you would dial: +1 613 XXX XXXX
Canada phone number format
Canadian telephone numbers generally follow a standard format: +1 AAA XXX XXXX
Where:
- +1 = Country code
- AAA = Area code
- XXX XXXX = Local telephone number
As a result, most Canadian phone numbers contain ten digits after the country code.
Major Canada area codes by city
The following table lists some of Canada’s most commonly used city area codes.
| City | Area Code |
|---|---|
| Toronto | 416 |
| Ottawa | 613 |
| Montreal | 514 |
| Vancouver | 604 |
| Calgary | 403 |
| Edmonton | 780 |
| Quebec City | 418 |
| Winnipeg | 204 |
| Regina | 306 |
| Halifax | 902 |
| Victoria | 250 |
| St. John’s | 709 |
Canada area codes by province and territory
Canada uses multiple area codes across its provinces and territories. Furthermore, many regions now use overlay area codes because demand for telephone numbers continues to grow.
| Province or Territory | Major Area Codes |
|---|---|
| Ontario | 416, 437, 647, 905, 289, 365, 613, 343 |
| Quebec | 514, 438, 418, 581, 819, 873 |
| British Columbia | 604, 778, 236, 250, 672 |
| Alberta | 403, 587, 780, 825, 368 |
| Manitoba | 204, 431, 584 |
| Saskatchewan | 306, 639 |
| Nova Scotia | 902, 782 |
| New Brunswick | 506, 428 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 709, 879 |
| Prince Edward Island | 902, 782 |
| Yukon | 867 |
| Northwest Territories | 867 |
| Nunavut | 867 |
Calling Canadian mobile phone numbers
Canada does not use separate mobile phone prefixes. Instead, mobile numbers use the same area codes as landline numbers.
Therefore, you dial Canadian mobile phones using exactly the same format:
+1 + Area Code + Local Number
Canada time zones
Before making an international call, check the local time in Canada. The country spans six primary time zones.
| Time Zone | UTC Offset |
|---|---|
| Pacific Time (PT) | UTC -8 |
| Mountain Time (MT) | UTC -7 |
| Central Time (CT) | UTC -6 |
| Eastern Time (ET) | UTC -5 |
| Atlantic Time (AT) | UTC -4 |
| Newfoundland Time (NT) | UTC -3:30 |
Consequently, the time difference between eastern and western Canada can exceed four hours.
Common mistakes when calling Canada
Forgetting the +1 Country Code
You must include +1 when calling Canada from another country.
Using the wrong area code
Many Canadian cities now use multiple area codes. Therefore, verify the correct code before dialling.
Ignoring time zone differences
Canada covers a vast geographic area. As a result, a convenient time in one province may be late at night in another.
Confusing Canada and United States Numbers
Although Canada and the United States both use +1, each country has its own area codes and telephone networks.
FAQs: About Canada country codes and dialling
Yes. Save Canadian numbers in international format using +1 followed by the three-digit area code and seven-digit local number. For example, save an Ottawa number as +1 613 XXX XXXX. This format is particularly useful when travelling because your phone can normally use the same saved number from different countries.
Not from the +1 country code alone. Canada, the United States and several Caribbean countries and territories share the +1 numbering system. Instead, check the three-digit area code that follows +1 to identify the region associated with the number.
No. Canadian area codes do not use a leading trunk zero, so you should dial the complete three-digit area code after +1. For example, an Ottawa number starts +1 613 rather than +1 0613.
Many Canadian cities and regions use overlay area codes because the original codes could no longer provide enough telephone numbers. Consequently, two people living in the same city can have different area codes without living in different parts of the city.
It depends on the number and your telephone provider. Canadian toll-free numbers commonly use prefixes such as 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888, but some may not accept calls from outside the North American Numbering Plan. In addition, a call that connects internationally may not be free.
First, check that you have entered +1, the complete three-digit area code and the seven-digit local number. You should also confirm that your telephone plan allows international calls. If the number still does not connect, check it with the person or business you are trying to reach because the number may have changed or become inactive.
Yes, if both you and the person you are contacting use WhatsApp. Save the Canadian number in international format beginning with +1 before adding it to WhatsApp. Calls then use Wi-Fi or mobile data rather than the conventional international telephone network.
Canadian telephone numbers contain a three-digit area code and a seven-digit subscriber number. Ten-digit dialling is now widely required because many regions have multiple overlay area codes. Therefore, it is best to store and use the complete ten-digit number even when making calls within Canada.
Related International Dialling Code Guides
Planning international travel? You may also find these guides useful:
- United States Country Dialling Code
- Mexico Country Dialling Code
- United Kingdom Country Dialling Code
- Australia Country Dialling Code
- New Zealand Country Dialling Code
- France Country Dialling Code
- Germany Country Dialling Code
- Ireland Country Dialling Code
Summary
Canada’s country code is +1. To call Canada from abroad, enter your international exit code, followed by +1, the relevant Canadian area code, and the local telephone number. Additionally, checking area codes and time zones before calling can help you avoid common dialling mistakes and connect successfully.

Author
Michael Harper
Michael Harper is the North America travel editor for anothertravel.com, specialising in travel guides, road trips, luxury escapes, and outdoor adventures across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing on years of first-hand travel experience throughout destinations including California, New York, British Columbia, and the Mexican Caribbean, he creates experience-led content that combines local insight with practical travel planning advice. His expertise includes city breaks, national parks, coastal travel, scenic driving routes, and family-friendly destinations, helping travellers discover both iconic attractions and lesser-known experiences across North America.
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