Get a 226 Area Code Local Virtual Number for Ontario

The 226 area code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and serves parts of southern Ontario, including major cities such as London, Kitchener, Windsor, Guelph, and Waterloo.

To meet the growing demand for new phone numbers, the 226 area code was introduced as an overlay for the 519 area code in 2006. Later, area code 548 was also added as an additional overlay. Ontario operates within the Eastern Time Zone (ET) — UTC-5 during standard time and UTC-4 during daylight saving time.

The 226 area code is located in Ontario, Canada. It covers a large portion of southwestern Ontario, including cities like London, Kitchener, Windsor, Guelph, and Waterloo. Introduced in 2006, 226 was created as an overlay to the existing 519 area code to meet the growing demand for new phone numbers in the region.

Because it’s an overlay, 226 shares the same geographic area with 519 and later with 548, meaning residents and businesses in this region can have any of these area codes. Today, the 226 area code serves a diverse and vibrant part of Ontario, known for its mix of urban centers, manufacturing hubs, and scenic countryside. Ten-digit dialing (area code + local phone number) is mandatory in this region due to the multiple area codes operating within the same territory.

The 226 area code was introduced in 2006 to serve southwestern Ontario, Canada. It was created as an overlay to the 519 area code, which had been in place since 1953. As the population and demand for new phone numbers grew across cities like London, Kitchener, Windsor, and Guelph, 519 alone could no longer meet the need.

Rather than splitting the region geographically, authorities chose to overlay 226, allowing existing numbers to stay the same while providing new numbers with a different code. This move also made ten-digit dialing mandatory across the region.

Later, in 2016, the 548 area code was added as a second overlay. Today, 226 continues to serve one of Ontario’s busiest and most dynamic regions, balancing historical charm with modern economic growth.

You can purchase a 226 area code phone number from a VoIP service provider like Dialaxy. Follow these simple steps:

A 226 area code business phone number works just like any other local number but helps your business establish a presence in southwestern Ontario, even if you’re not physically located there. When you choose a 226 number—whether through a VoIP service or virtual phone provider—it routes incoming calls to your preferred device, such as a mobile phone, desk phone, or computer.

This setup allows you to manage calls professionally with features like call forwarding, voicemail, auto-attendants, and even SMS. Because 226 is a recognized area code in cities like London, Kitchener, and Windsor, it adds local credibility and trust to your brand.

Businesses often use 226 numbers to tap into Ontario’s growing market, support regional customers, or appear more accessible to local clients. It’s a flexible, cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

A 226 business number offers a professional and reliable communication solution to grow your Ontario customer base.

The 226 area code supports diverse industries across southwestern Ontario. Here’s a look at who’s thriving: