Decoding the Canadian phone number format is like cracking a secret code.

When placing business calls to Canada, it’s important to have a good grasp of the Canadian phone number format. While the North American numbering plan is relatively straightforward, its various nuances can be confusing. Understanding the Canada number format is crucial for effectively directing your calls, finalizing deals, and communicating with Canadian colleagues and stakeholders.

When making international calls to Canada, callers should be aware of their country’s exit code, the specific country and area codes for Canada, the optimal time to make calls to Canada from different continents, and the potential reasons why calls might not go through.

Let’s delve into the main topic by answering the simple question of what Canada phone number format is.

🔑 Key Highlights
  • Canadian phone numbers consist of an 11-digit format (area code + local number) and share the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) with the US.
  • Canada has numerous area codes representing different provinces and territories. Knowing the correct area code is essential for successful calls.
  • Consider time zones when calling Canada from different regions to ensure you reach recipients during their convenient hours.
  • Utilizing a virtual Canadian phone number offers benefits like privacy, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility for both personal and business use.

What does a Canadian phone number look like?

Canadian Phone numbers generally consist of 11 digits and a 3-digit area code. They look similar to US numbers since they both have a +1 country code (011 when calling from a landline number) followed by a 3-digit area code and a seven-digit number.

Canadian Phone numbers follow the fixed-length format of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which consists of a three-digit area code or exchange code and a four-digit station or line code represented as NPA-NXX-XXXX. Canadian phone numbers are ten digits long, with three digits representing the area code and seven digits representing the phone number.

1. Country Code

Basically, Canada’s country code is +1. When dialing internationally, you must include a country code to reach a Canadian phone number.

2. Area Code

Area Code is a three-digit number that denotes a specific geographic region to make communication within a network more efficient. Smaller areas share an area code, whereas big cities have multiple area codes.

3. Local Number

The local number consists of seven digits, which are divided into two parts: a three-digit central office code and a four-digit station code. The central office code functions as an area code exchange, while the station code distinguishes the subscriber.

For example, if you are trying to call a person who is living in Ottawa, Canada, with a local number  “123 4456”, then the final number will look like “+1 613 562 1332.”

Where, 

+1 is a country code 

613 is an Ottawa area code

562 is the central office code 

1332 is the station code

How to call Canada through a landline?

To convey project concepts to your Canadian clients, place calls to their landlines using your international phone numbers by following these steps:

Step 1: When dialing internationally from the US, input your country’s international access or exit code, such as 011.

Step 2: Then, input Canada’s country code (1).

Step 3: After that, input the appropriate area code based on the recipient’s Canadian area.

Step 4: Finally, carefully dial the recipient’s complete local Canadian phone number.

What are the area codes for the Canada phone number format?

Canada has 40 geographic area codes and two non-geographic area codes due to its vast area. When making international calls to Canada, enter the same country code but different area codes based on the location of your contact’s mobile numbers or Canadian landlines.

Area Code Province/Territory Main Cities Covered
204 / 431 Manitoba Winnipeg
236 / 250 / 778 / 672 British Columbia Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna
403 / 587 / 825 Alberta Calgary, Edmonton
416 / 437 / 647 Ontario Toronto
418 / 581 / 367 Quebec Quebec City, Saguenay
438 / 514 Quebec Montreal
450 / 579 Quebec Laval, Longueuil
506 New Brunswick Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton
519 / 226 / 548 Ontario London, Windsor, Kitchener
604 / 778 / 236 British Columbia Vancouver
613 / 343 Ontario Ottawa, Kingston
639 / 306 Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Regina
647 / 416 / 437 Ontario Toronto
705 / 249 Ontario Sudbury, Barrie, North Bay
709 Newfoundland and Labrador St. John’s
778 / 604 / 236 British Columbia Vancouver
780 / 587 / 825 Alberta Edmonton
807 Ontario Thunder Bay
819 / 873 Quebec Gatineau, Sherbrooke
867 Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Iqaluit
902 / 782 Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island Halifax, Charlottetown
905 / 289 / 365 Ontario Hamilton, Niagara Falls

Different types of Canadian phone number 

The types and division categories of virtual phone numbers in Canada are no different from regular phone numbers. Anyway, here are all the types of Canadian cloud-based phone numbers that you can acquire:

1. Toll-free Numbers

Canadian toll-free numbers are very familiar and usually contain 10 digits along with particular prefixes. These prefixes can be 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, 888, 800, or 1800; however, they all have the same function, operate in the same way, and are free for callers to dial, no matter where they are located.

2. Local Phone Numbers

Canadian local phone numbers are often utilized by businesses to establish a local presence because they are associated with a particular geographical region or locality. These numbers follow a specific format, starting with a 3-digit local area code, followed by the exchange code, and then the remaining numbers of the subscriber.

3. Mobile Phone Numbers

Canadian mobile phone numbers are virtual numbers used exclusively on mobile devices. They function like local numbers and are useful for making and receiving calls, messages, and video calls via cloud telephony services. They are especially handy for businesses with remote workers.

4. Vanity Phone Numbers

The final kind of virtual phone number is the Vanity Phone Number. These numbers are unique, simple to recall, and can be used to spell out specific words or phrases. Vanity numbers in Canada are frequently utilized in brand advertising to strengthen their brand image and simplify customer contact.

Why did your call to Canada fail to connect?

  1. Rural connectivity challenges in Canada, particularly in remote areas, can result in slow and unreliable internet connections.
  2. Using the correct dialing pattern is crucial for successfully placing calls in Canada.
  3. Ensure you have enough overseas long-distance minutes to call Canada by checking with your service provider.
  4. It may be difficult to connect the call if the recipient’s phone is switched off or in airplane mode.
  5. In order to call your Canadian client, you need an active international calling plan or credit.

How to buy a Canada phone number from Dialaxy?

Here are some general steps to Buy a Canada virtual number from Dialaxy:

Step 1: Create an account.

Step 2: Sign in to your account with the correct credentials to access the dashboard.

Step 3: Click the “My Number” option under the “Portal” menu.

Step 4: Select the “Buy Number” option.

Step 5: Choose “Canada” as the country and select the phone number from the list.

Step 6: Make payment and submit necessary documents if necessary.

Step 7: You have a Canada phone number now. Start making calls!

Note: Be sure to check with providers for call transfer options and other advanced call features. Documentation requirements for obtaining a virtual phone number may vary by provider and business type, but the benefits are clear.

What is the best time to call Canada?

As mentioned earlier, timing plays a huge role in making successful calls to Canada. Here’s an in-depth guide to help you make calls to Canada from all continents. 

Continent Optimal Time to Call (Local Time) Canada (Eastern Time, ET) Canada (Central Time, CT) Canada (Mountain Time, MT) Canada (Pacific Time, PT) UTC
North America 9 AM to 9 PM 9 AM to 9 PM 8 AM to 8 PM 7 AM to 7 PM 6 AM to 6 PM 1 PM to 1 AM (UTC)
South America 9 AM to 6 PM 8 AM to 5 PM 7 AM to 4 PM 6 AM to 3 PM 5 AM to 2 PM 12 PM to 9 PM (UTC)
Europe 2 PM to 11 PM 8 AM to 5 PM 7 AM to 4 PM 6 AM to 3 PM 5 AM to 2 PM 12 PM to 9 PM (UTC)
Africa 3 PM to 11 PM 9 AM to 5 PM 8 AM to 4 PM 7 AM to 3 PM 6 AM to 2 PM 1 PM to 9 PM (UTC)
Asia 8 PM to 10 PM 8 AM to 10 AM 7 AM to 9 AM 6 AM to 8 AM 5 AM to 7 AM 12 AM to 2 PM (UTC)
Australia 7 PM to 9 PM 5 AM to 7 AM 4 AM to 6 AM 3 AM to 5 AM 2 AM to 4 AM 10 AM to 12 PM (UTC)

FAQs

1. How can I call Canada for free?

You can use internet calling applications on your mobile devices, such as WhatsApp, to place complimentary calls to Canadian phone numbers. However, this will incur internet fees. Additionally, the country code for Canada on WhatsApp is +1.

2. How many digits are there in a Canadian phone number?

Basically, there are 11 digits, including a 3-digit Canadian area code.

3. Can I get a fake Canadian phone number for number verification?

Of course, here is the reworded text:

It is indeed possible to obtain a counterfeit Canadian phone number for verification purposes using different online services that provide virtual phone numbers. However, this action violates the terms of service and is considered unethical.

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.