Canada Communications

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:

  1. Your country’s international exit code.
  2. The Canada country code (+1).
  3. The Canadian area code.
  4. 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.

CityArea Code
Toronto416
Ottawa613
Montreal514
Vancouver604
Calgary403
Edmonton780
Quebec City418
Winnipeg204
Regina306
Halifax902
Victoria250
St. John’s709

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 TerritoryMajor Area Codes
Ontario416, 437, 647, 905, 289, 365, 613, 343
Quebec514, 438, 418, 581, 819, 873
British Columbia604, 778, 236, 250, 672
Alberta403, 587, 780, 825, 368
Manitoba204, 431, 584
Saskatchewan306, 639
Nova Scotia902, 782
New Brunswick506, 428
Newfoundland and Labrador709, 879
Prince Edward Island902, 782
Yukon867
Northwest Territories867
Nunavut867

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 ZoneUTC 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:

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.

Michael Harper

Author

Michael Harper

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