A Detailed Guide to Canadian Phone Number Format

When dialing within Canada, a phone number consists of a ten-digit number, including the area code and exchange code, and subscriber number. For international calls to Canada, the format includes the IAC of the caller’s country, followed by Canada’s country code, then the area code, exchange code, and subscriber number.

Similar to the US phone number format, Canada uses the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which means the format is the same for both landline and mobile numbers.

1. IAC: The International Access Code, also known as the exit code, is used to initiate an international call. For instance, when you call Canada from China, you have to dial the IAC of China (00) before the Canada country code. On mobile phones, you can simply use the “+” sign instead of dialing the full exit code.
2. Country Code: The country code is a prefix used to identify a country when making international calls. China's country code is 1.
3. Area Code: The area code is a three-digit number assigned to different geographic regions within Canada. The country has 42 Canadian area codes (dialing or telephone codes) corresponding to different geographic territories and provinces.
4. Exchange Code or Central Office Code: The exchange code is a three-digit number that identifies a smaller service area within the region. It helps route the call through the correct local network.
5. Subscriber Number: The subscriber number is the last four digits of a Canadian phone number.

Area codes in Canada are three-digit codes that designate particular regions across the country. They ensure calls are directed to the correct province, territory, or city. The table below shows Canadian provinces and territories along with their major cities and corresponding area codes.

To make local calls, the Canadian number structure consists of the area code and the 7-digit phone number of the recipient.

For local landline calls within Canada, you need to dial the area code followed by the seven-digit subscriber number, even if you're calling someone in the same area. Example: 416-234-5678

Where,

• 416 - Area code of Toronto
• 234 - Exchange code
• 5678 - Subscriber’s landline number

Mobile numbers use the same format as landlines, with no special prefix to distinguish them. The number is determined by the carrier and region, not the device type. Example: 587-321-9876

Where,

• 587 - Area code of Calgary
• 321 - Exchange Code
• 9876 - Subscriber’s mobile number

Toll-free numbers in Canada start with a toll-free prefix such as 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, or 888, and are reachable from anywhere in the country without charging the caller. These numbers are used by businesses and customer support lines.

When calling a toll-free number within Canada:

• If you’re using a landline, you generally need to dial "1" before the toll-free number.
• If you’re calling from a mobile phone, the "1" may be optional.

Example: 1-800-123-4567 or 800-123-4567.

Where,

• 1 - Long-distance dialing prefix
• 800 - Toll-free area code
• 123 - Exchange code
• 4567 - Line number

When calling Canada from abroad, the phone number structure includes the IAC of the country you are calling from, Canada’s calling code, followed by the area code, exchange code, and subscriber number.

To call a Canadian landline number from abroad, you must dial the IAC of the country you're calling from, the country code of Canada, and a ten-digit Canadian landline number.

Here is how to call the landline number of Canada from the UK: 011-1-415-234-5678 or +1-415-234-5678.

Where,

• 011 - IAC of the United States
• 1 - Country code for Canada
• 415 - Area code of Montreal
• 234 - Exchange code
• 5678 - Subscriber’s landline number

Calling a Canadian mobile number internationally uses the same format as a landline since mobile and landline numbers share the same structure in Canada.

Here is how to call a Canadian mobile number from Japan: 010-1-604-321-9876 or +1-604-321-9876.

Where,

• 010 - IAC of Japan
• 1 - Country code for Canada
• 604 - Area code of Vancouver
• 321 - Exchange code
• 9876 - Subscriber’s mobile number

Canadian toll-free numbers are generally not accessible from outside the country, except from the United States. Likewise, U.S. toll-free numbers can often be reached from Canada. This mutual accessibility exists because both countries use the NANP and share compatible telecommunications infrastructure.

Here is how to call a Canadian toll-free number from the US: 1-800-123-4567

Where,

• 1 - North American country code shared by both the U.S. and Canada
• 800 - Toll-free prefix
• 123 - Exchange code
• 4567 - Line number

A valid Canadian phone number has 10 digits following the NANP format, with an area code starting between 2 and 9. It also uses a recognized Canadian area code and excludes invalid patterns like area codes starting with 1.

A valid Canadian phone number must follow the North American Numbering Plan format. This means it should have exactly 10 digits, excluding the country code. The number is divided into three parts: a three-digit area code, a three-digit central office code, and a four-digit local number.

Canada has more than 40 active codes assigned across its provinces and major cities. A proper Canadian area code must be three digits long, and its first digit should fall between 2 and 9, if it begins with “1,” it is not valid. Common examples include 416 for Toronto, 604 for Vancouver, and 514 for Montreal. If a number contains an unrecognized or non-Canadian area code, it’s likely not a valid Canadian phone number.

A valid Canadian phone number must contain exactly 10 digits, excluding the country code. When dialed internationally, a Canadian phone number must begin with the +1 country code, followed by the 10-digit number.

For more certainty, use online phone validation services or APIs (Application Programming Interface). These tools check if the number is officially assigned to a Canadian carrier and whether it’s active, helping you avoid fake or invalid numbers.

Before calling Canada, check your international calling plan, dialing codes, and exit code to avoid extra costs or failed connections. Also, be mindful of common failure reasons and time zone differences.

• International Calling Plan: Check if your mobile plan has an international calling plan. If not, consider subscribing to one to save on frequent calling costs.
• International Exit Code: Remember to include the access code for international calls if you’re dialing from outside the NANP region.
• Dialing Codes: Verify the correct sequence of dialing codes, including area codes, station codes, and central office codes.
• Primary Failure Reasons: Bear in mind that most call failures are due to network issues, incorrect dialing format, and lack of an international calling plan.
• Time Zone: Consider the time zone differences between Canada and your location. To avoid missed connections or inconvenience, it’s important to determine the best time to call Canada based on both parties’ working hours and availability.

To successfully connect with individuals or businesses in Canada, you must follow the correct dialing format: the exit code of your country, Canada’s country code, the area code, and then the seven-digit subscriber number.

Even with the correct format, many callers still face connection issues or high international charges. By using a VoIP service provider like Calilio, you can make international calls to Canada at affordable rates while avoiding common connection failures.