Whether you’re calling a friend in Toronto, a client in Vancouver, or a hotel in Montreal, dialing Canada from the U.S. is easier than you might think. In fact, calling Canada is similar to making a domestic long-distance call, thanks to the shared telephone system between both countries. Still, it helps to understand the structure of Canadian phone numbers and how to dial them correctly.
A Brief History of Canada’s Phone Number System
Canada shares the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) with the United States and several Caribbean nations. This system was introduced in the 1940s to simplify long-distance dialing across North America. Before that, telephone operators manually connected calls.
With the NANP, each country or region receives its own unique three-digit area code, followed by a seven-digit local number. Because Canada is part of this system, calling from the U.S. doesn’t require an international dialing prefix like 011. That makes it as straightforward as calling a different state.
Canada Phone Number Format
All Canadian phone numbers follow this structure:
+1 – AAA – XXX – XXXX
- +1 is the country code (shared with the U.S.)
- AAA is the three-digit area code
- XXX – XXXX is the seven-digit local phone number
So, for example, a number in Vancouver might look like: +1 604 555 1234
Common Canadian Area Codes
Here are some of the most commonly used area codes across Canada:
| Province/Territory | Major Cities | Common Area Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Toronto, Ottawa | 416, 613, 647, 437 |
| British Columbia | Vancouver, Victoria | 604, 778, 250 |
| Quebec | Montreal, Quebec City | 514, 418, 438, 581 |
| Alberta | Calgary, Edmonton | 403, 780, 587 |
| Manitoba | Winnipeg | 204, 431 |
| Saskatchewan | Regina, Saskatoon | 306, 639 |
| Nova Scotia & PEI | Halifax, Charlottetown | 902, 782 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | St. John’s | 709 |
| Northwest Territories | Yellowknife | 867 |
Note: Some regions use overlay area codes, meaning multiple codes serve the same geographic area.
How to Call Canada from the US
Good news—you don’t need any special international code to call Canada from the United States. Just follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Dialing Format
- Dial 1 (The country code for both the U.S. and Canada)
- Enter the Canadian area code (3 digits)
- Dial the local phone number (7 digits)
Example:
To call a number in Toronto (416 area code):
1 – 416 – 555 – 7890
That’s it. No international prefixes, no complicated codes.
Pro Tip: Use VoIP or Calling Apps
If you’re looking to save on long-distance fees, apps like Dingtone let you call Canadian numbers using Wi-Fi or mobile data instead of your carrier’s voice network. With these apps, you can:
- Call Canadian numbers without roaming charges
- Avoid high international rates from carriers
- Call from your mobile device, even if you’re traveling abroad
It’s a great option for travelers, businesses, or anyone needing reliable international calling without breaking the bank.
Quick Reminders
- Make sure you have the correct area code for the location you’re calling.
- Double-check the local number—Canadian numbers are always 10 digits long (not counting the country code).
- If the number starts with +1, that’s Canada (same as the U.S.).
- You don’t need to dial “011” like you do when calling Europe or Asia from the U.S.
Summary
Calling Canada from the U.S. is as easy as dialing a regular long-distance number. Just remember:
- Use the 1 + area code + phone number format
- Know the correct Canadian area code
- Use calling apps for more flexibility and potential savings
Whether it’s business or catching up with family, connecting across the border is just a few digits away.