Canada Area Codes: Province-by-Province Guide

Canada Area Codes by Province: Quick Reference

canada area codes are three-digit Numbering Plan Area codes used at the start of Canadian phone numbers, after the country code +1. They help identify the general province, territory, city, or regional calling area where a phone number was originally assigned. Canada shares the North American Numbering Plan with the United States and several Caribbean countries, so Canadian numbers follow the familiar format +1 NPA-NXX-XXXX, such as +1 416 555 0198.

This guide lists Canadian area codes province by province, explains overlays, shows how to read a Canadian phone number, and covers what an area code can and cannot tell you about an unknown caller. If you need to identify a caller beyond the area code, use Phone Number Lookup Canada: Find Any Canadian Caller to check available caller details, carrier information, location signals, and spam risk.

How canada area codes work in the North American Numbering Plan

Canadian phone numbers use the same core structure as other countries in the North American Numbering Plan, often shortened to NANP. A standard Canadian number has 10 national digits:

Area code / NPA: the first three digits, such as 416, 604, 514, or 902.
Central office code / NXX: the next three digits, which historically identified a local exchange.
Line number: the final four digits assigned to the subscriber line or mobile service.

When written internationally, the number begins with Canada’s country code, +1. For example, a Toronto number may appear as +1 416 555 0134. Within Canada, you will often see it written as (416) 555-0134 or 416-555-0134.

Because Canada uses overlays in many regions, the area code does not always pinpoint a small local area. Several area codes can serve the same city or province. For example, Toronto uses 416, 647, 437, and newer relief codes, while Vancouver and the wider British Columbia region use 604, 778, 236, 672, and other overlays. This is why 10-digit dialing is common across Canada: callers dial the area code plus the seven-digit local number, even for many local calls.

Complete province-by-province list of Canadian area codes

The following province and territory guide covers the main geographic area codes used across Canada. Area code availability can change as regulators add overlays to create new number supply, but these are the codes callers are most likely to encounter.

Alberta area codes

Alberta uses several area codes across Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Fort McMurray, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, and surrounding communities.

403: one of Alberta’s original area codes, historically associated with southern Alberta, including Calgary.
780: historically associated with northern Alberta, including Edmonton and northern communities.
587: province-wide overlay used across Alberta.
825: province-wide overlay added to expand available numbers.
368: newer Alberta overlay used as additional number relief.

A 403 number may suggest Calgary or southern Alberta, while a 780 number may suggest Edmonton or northern Alberta, but number portability and overlays mean these signals are not guaranteed. Mobile users can keep numbers when they move or switch providers.

British Columbia area codes

British Columbia has a large mix of urban, coastal, island, interior, and northern communities. Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Abbotsford, Nanaimo, Prince George, and Whistler all fall within BC’s numbering system.

604: historically associated with Metro Vancouver and nearby areas.
250: historically used outside the Lower Mainland, including Vancouver Island and much of interior BC.
778: overlay used across BC.
236: province-wide overlay.
672: province-wide overlay added for number relief.
257: newer or planned relief code associated with BC numbering expansion where implemented.

Because overlays are common, a BC caller with 778 or 236 could be in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, or elsewhere in the province. The area code provides a starting point, not a precise address.

Manitoba area codes

Manitoba numbers cover Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson, Portage la Prairie, Steinbach, Selkirk, and rural areas across the province.

204: Manitoba’s original area code.
431: overlay for Manitoba.
584: newer overlay added to increase available numbers.

Many long-established Manitoba numbers still use 204, while newer mobile and VoIP assignments may use 431 or 584. A number beginning with 204 is often associated with Manitoba, but it does not automatically confirm the current caller’s city or carrier.

New Brunswick area codes

New Brunswick area codes serve Saint John, Moncton, Fredericton, Dieppe, Miramichi, Edmundston, Bathurst, and other communities.

506: the long-time New Brunswick area code.
428: overlay introduced to provide additional numbering capacity.

New Brunswick historically relied on 506 for a long period, so many residents, businesses, and public services still use it. Newer assignments may appear under 428.

Newfoundland and Labrador area codes

Newfoundland and Labrador area codes cover St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Corner Brook, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Labrador City, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and smaller communities across the island and Labrador.

709: the primary and historic area code for Newfoundland and Labrador.
879: overlay relief code associated with additional numbering supply.

For decades, 709 was strongly associated with the province. As overlays expand, callers may begin seeing more numbers that do not begin with 709, especially for new mobile, VoIP, and business lines.

Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island area codes

Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island share the same area code region. This numbering area includes Halifax, Dartmouth, Sydney, Truro, New Glasgow, Yarmouth, Charlottetown, Summerside, and other communities.

902: historic area code for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
782: overlay used across the same region.

A 902 number may be from Nova Scotia or PEI, so it is not enough by itself to identify the province with certainty. Checking the full number through a lookup tool can provide better context.

Ontario area codes

Ontario has the largest population in Canada and one of the most complex area code maps. It includes Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, London, Windsor, Kitchener-Waterloo, Barrie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Kingston, Niagara, and many more communities.

416: original Toronto area code.
647: Toronto overlay.
437: Toronto overlay.
942: newer Toronto relief overlay where active.
905: Greater Toronto Area suburbs and surrounding Golden Horseshoe communities.
289: overlay for the 905 region.
365: overlay for the 905 and 289 region.
742: additional overlay for the same southern Ontario region.
519: southwestern Ontario, including London, Windsor, Kitchener, Guelph, and surrounding areas.
226: overlay for southwestern Ontario.
548: overlay for southwestern Ontario.
382: newer overlay for southwestern Ontario.
613: eastern Ontario, including Ottawa and Kingston.
343: overlay for eastern Ontario.
753: additional overlay for eastern Ontario.
705: northern and central Ontario.
249: overlay for northern and central Ontario.
683: additional overlay for northern and central Ontario.
807: northwestern Ontario, including Thunder Bay and surrounding regions.

Ontario is a good example of why area codes should be interpreted carefully. A 416 number is strongly associated with Toronto, but the person using that number could now live in another city. A mobile user may keep a 416 number after moving to Ottawa, Vancouver, or even outside Canada.

Quebec area codes

Quebec area codes cover Montréal, Québec City, Laval, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay, Drummondville, Longueuil, and many rural areas.

514: historic Montréal area code.
438: Montréal overlay.
263: additional Montréal overlay.
450: Montréal suburbs and surrounding areas.
579: overlay for the 450 region.
354: additional overlay for the 450 and 579 region.
418: eastern Quebec, including Québec City and surrounding regions.
581: overlay for eastern Quebec.
367: additional overlay for eastern Quebec.
819: western and northern Quebec, including Gatineau and Sherbrooke regions.
873: overlay for the 819 region.
468: additional overlay for western and northern Quebec.

French-language robocalls, local business calls, and government service calls may use Quebec area codes, but scammers can also spoof them. Treat the area code as a clue, not proof.

Saskatchewan area codes

Saskatchewan area codes serve Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Swift Current, Lloydminster, North Battleford, and many smaller communities.

306: Saskatchewan’s original area code.
639: overlay for Saskatchewan.
474: additional overlay for number relief.

Many established Saskatchewan numbers still use 306, while newer mobile and business numbers may use 639 or 474. Overlay codes mean two people in the same city can have different area codes.

Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut area code

Canada’s three territories share one of the most recognizable area codes in the country.

867: used for Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

The 867 area code can point to northern Canada, but it covers a huge geographic area. A number beginning with 867 may be associated with Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Iqaluit, or another northern community.

Canadian toll-free, premium, and special-use area codes

Not every three-digit code at the start of a Canadian number is tied to a province. Some codes are non-geographic and can be used nationally by businesses, call centres, government services, and specialized phone products.

800: toll-free service.
833: toll-free service.
844: toll-free service.
855: toll-free service.
866: toll-free service.
877: toll-free service.
888: toll-free service.
900: premium-rate services; charges can be higher than normal calls.
600: specialized non-geographic services in Canada.

Toll-free numbers are common for banks, airlines, insurers, delivery companies, and national customer service departments. They are also commonly spoofed by scammers. If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from a bank, do not rely on the displayed toll-free number alone. Hang up and call the official number printed on your card, statement, or the company’s verified website.

Why overlays changed the meaning of Canadian area codes

Older phone systems often used a single area code for a city or province. That made the area code feel like a strong location marker. As mobile phones, business lines, fax lines, VoIP numbers, alarm systems, and connected devices grew, many regions needed more numbers. Rather than split cities into new boundaries, Canadian regulators often added overlays.

An overlay means a new area code is added to the same geographic region as an existing one. For example, a city that once used one code may later use two, three, or four codes. New customers may receive the newer overlay code, while existing customers keep their original numbers.

Overlays are the reason 10-digit dialing became standard in many parts of Canada. If two people in the same neighbourhood can have different area codes, the phone network needs the full 10-digit number to route calls correctly.

Because canada area codes are assigned through a shared numbering system and can be overlaid, they are best used as broad location indicators. They do not confirm the caller’s current address, identity, or whether the number is mobile, landline, VoIP, or spoofed.

How to identify a Canadian caller beyond the area code

An area code can tell you where a number was originally issued, but caller identification requires more signals. A reliable phone lookup may combine carrier records, line type signals, public data, user reports, and spam patterns to give a better picture of who may be calling.

If the number appears to be linked to a major Canadian carrier, you can also use carrier-specific lookup resources. For example, SimOwnerApp offers Bell Canada Phone Lookup: Check Any Bell Number, Telus Phone Lookup: Trace Any Telus Mobile Number, and Rogers Phone Lookup: Identify Any Rogers Caller for users who want to investigate caller details connected with major Canadian networks.

When checking an unknown number, look for these clues:

Area code: shows the original numbering region, such as Ontario, Alberta, or Quebec.
Carrier or network: may indicate whether the number is associated with a major provider, VoIP service, or reseller.
Line type: can help distinguish mobile, landline, VoIP, or toll-free numbers when data is available.
Spam score: reflects complaint patterns, robocall reports, or suspicious call behaviour.
Caller name or business data: may help identify legitimate callers, though availability varies.

Never send money, verification codes, banking credentials, or personal information based only on a caller’s displayed number. Caller ID can be spoofed, meaning a scammer can make a call appear to come from a familiar local area code or trusted business number.

Mobile numbers, landlines, and number portability in Canada

Unlike some countries, Canada does not have a separate nationwide mobile prefix that clearly identifies all cell phones. Mobile and landline numbers use the same area code system. A 604, 416, 514, or 902 number might be a mobile phone, landline, VoIP account, business line, or forwarded number.

Number portability also changes how you should interpret Canadian numbers. People can usually keep their phone number when switching carriers. A number originally issued by one carrier may now be active on another network. A person may also move from one province to another while keeping the same mobile number.

This is especially common in large cities and among students, remote workers, business owners, and people who relocate. For example, someone may keep a Montréal 514 number after moving to Toronto, or keep a Vancouver 604 number while living in Calgary. That is why the area code is useful for context but should not be treated as final proof.

How to dial Canadian area codes from inside and outside Canada

Dialing a Canadian number depends on where you are calling from. Canada’s country code is +1, and the national number contains 10 digits.

Calling within Canada

For most calls inside Canada, dial the full 10-digit number:

Format: area code + seven-digit number
Example: 416-555-0198

In many regions, 10-digit dialing is required even for local calls because overlays share the same geographic area.

Calling Canada from the United States

Because the United States and Canada share the North American Numbering Plan, calling Canada from the US is usually similar to a domestic long-distance call:

Format: 1 + area code + seven-digit number
Example: 1-604-555-0188

Charges depend on your plan. Some US plans include Canada calling, while others bill it as international or long-distance.

Calling Canada from outside the NANP region

From most countries outside North America, dial your international exit code, then Canada’s country code, then the 10-digit number:

International format: +1 + area code + seven-digit number
Example: +1 514 555 0167

On mobile phones, using the plus sign is usually the easiest option because the device replaces it with the correct international access code for the country you are calling from.

Canada area code lookup tips for unknown calls

If you receive a call from an unfamiliar Canadian number, start by checking the area code, then look at the full number. A local-looking call is not always safe, and a distant-looking call is not always suspicious. Scammers frequently use neighbour spoofing, where the number appears to come from your province, city, or even the same area code as your own phone.

Use canada area codes as one part of a wider verification process:

Identify the province or region: match the first three digits to the province list above.
Check whether it is toll-free: numbers starting with 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, or 888 are not tied to one province.
Search the complete number: use a phone lookup tool rather than relying only on the area code.
Look for repeated reports: multiple spam complaints can be a strong warning sign.
Verify independently: if the caller claims to be a bank, delivery company, government office, or carrier, contact the organization through an official channel.

For readers comparing numbering systems across countries, SimOwnerApp also has guides for other regions, including US Area Codes: Complete List & State-by-State Guide, UK Phone Number Format & Area Codes: Complete Guide, and Australia Area Codes Explained: 02, 03, 07, 08 Complete Guide. Carrier lookup tools are also available for other markets, such as Vodafone UK Phone Lookup: Identify Vodafone Callers.

Common Canadian area code examples by major city

Major Canadian cities often have multiple area codes due to overlays and population growth. These examples can help you quickly recognize common caller regions:

Toronto: 416, 647, 437, and newer relief overlays such as 942.
Greater Toronto Area outside central Toronto: 905, 289, 365, 742.
Ottawa and eastern Ontario: 613, 343, 753.
London, Windsor, Kitchener-Waterloo, and southwestern Ontario: 519, 226, 548, 382.
Montréal: 514, 438, 263.
Québec City and eastern Quebec: 418, 581, 367.
Vancouver and British Columbia: 604, 778, 236, 672, 250, and newer relief codes where active.
Calgary and southern Alberta: 403, plus Alberta overlays 587, 825, 368.
Edmonton and northern Alberta: 780, plus Alberta overlays 587, 825, 368.
Winnipeg and Manitoba: 204, 431, 584.
Regina and Saskatoon: 306, 639, 474.
Halifax and Nova Scotia: 902, 782.
Charlottetown and PEI: 902, 782.
St. John’s and Newfoundland and Labrador: 709, 879.
Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit: 867.

These city examples are useful for fast recognition, but they should not replace a full lookup. A business may use a VoIP number from another province, and a mobile subscriber may keep an old area code after moving.

FAQ: Canada area codes

What is the area code for Canada?

Canada does not have one single area code. Canada’s country code is +1, and each phone number then uses a three-digit area code such as 416 for Toronto, 604 for Vancouver, 514 for Montréal, 403 for Alberta, or 902 for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Are canada area codes tied to provinces?

Many area codes are tied to provinces or territories, but overlays and number portability make the connection less exact than it once was. For example, 204 is associated with Manitoba, 306 with Saskatchewan, and 867 with the territories, but a mobile user can often keep a number after moving.

Can I tell if a Canadian number is mobile from the area code?

No. Canadian mobile numbers and landline numbers share the same area code system. A 416, 604, 514, 902, or 403 number could be mobile, landline, VoIP, or business-related. A phone lookup tool may provide better line type and carrier signals when available.

Why do some Canadian cities have multiple area codes?

Canadian cities and provinces use overlays when they need more phone numbers. Instead of forcing existing customers to change numbers, a new area code is added to the same geographic region. This is why Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver, and many Ontario regions have several area codes.

Can scammers spoof Canadian area codes?

Yes. Scammers can spoof caller ID to make a call appear to come from a local Canadian area code, a toll-free business number, or a familiar region. If a call asks for money, passwords, verification codes, banking details, or urgent action, verify the request through an official contact method.