Canada Phone Number Format: A Step-by-Step Guide

Senior Writer: Supriya Bajaj

Published : June 21, 2023

Canada phone number format or North American numbering plan is simple, but its many nuances may confuse you while making business calls to Canada. A clear understanding of the Canada number format is essential to successfully direct your calls, close deals, and connect with Canadian teammates or stakeholders. Done right, it can be highly fruitful given that 44% of remote sales professionals reveal that phone calls are the most effective way to sell remotely.

Not just that, callers need to learn about their country’s exit code, country and area codes in Canada, the best time to make calls to Canada from the US, UK, Australia, or India, and the reasons calls to Canada may fail.

This blog expands on all that and elaborates on Canada phone number format. We also mention a coveted method for bringing down international call costs towards the end of the blog.

So, let’s delve deeper by answering a simple question of how to call Canada and get started!

How To Call Canada?

Every country is assigned a different country code and multiple area codes you must enter before entering the local telephone numbers. You must also enter the correct exit code to make the call. Knowing the calling procedure and correct Canada mobile numbers or phone number is essential if you have Canadian business partners.

Expert Advice

"Understanding the correct Canadian phone number format is essential to expand your business to Canada or connecting with teammates and stakeholders. But even more important is to leverage a Canadian phone number. It’ll instantly differentiate your business from the crowd and establish a credible image. Trustworthy providers like CallHippo can help you with that."

Calling Canada From A Landline

Here is a step-by-step guide to calling Canada from a landline.

Step 1: Dial the international access code

To indicate to your carriers that you’re going to make international calls and not local calls, you need to dial the international access code specific to your country. For instance, this prefix or exit code for the US and Canada is 011. This code varies depending on your location and is typically denoted by a “+” symbol when dialing via mobile phones.

Step 2: Enter the country code for Canada

The exit code is followed by Canada’s country code. The country code for Canada is “1.” After dialing the international access code, enter the country’s international code “1” to specify that you are calling Canada.

Step 3: Enter the Canada area code

Canada is divided into various regions, each with its area code. Before dialing the phone number, ensure you have the correct area code for the specific region you are calling. Canada has three-digit area code, such as “416” for Toronto or “780” for Edmonton.

Step 4: Dial the local phone number

After entering the international access code, the country code, and the appropriate area code, dial the digits of the local phone number you wish to reach in Canada via landline.

What Are The Area Codes In Canada?

Canada has 40 geographic area codes and two non-geographic area codes due to its vast area. So, while 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. Here is a detailed table with all the area codes for Canada’s provinces and main cities.

Download Canada Area Code

Apart from the area codes mentioned above, 600 is used to avail non-geographic services in Canada. Mostly, this number is used for machine-to-machine connections. 622 and 623 are expansion codes for 600, and another number, 644, is reserved for future use.

Canadian Major Cities Phone Number Example

Now that we understand how to place calls to Canada and the correct number format let’s look at the numbers of major Canadian cities to see the concept in action.

Canada mobile number example

Here are examples of phone numbers from some major cities (like Toronto phone number example) in Canada. This is how your dialpad will look when you call from a mobile.

Note: ‘+’ is the international access code when dialing from mobile, and ‘1’ is the Canada country code number.

Reasons Why Your Call To Canada Did Not Connect?

Expanding your business to the Canadian provinces might seem exciting, but your telephone marketing and customer service efforts may be thwarted for many reasons.

Let’s look at all the reasons preventing your calls from connecting to Canada.

1. Incorrect country code or dialing format

One of the most common reasons for call failure while calling Canadian numbers is entering an incorrect country code or dialing format. When calling Canadian mobile number or landline numbers, it is essential to include the country code, which is “1.” Ensure that you have entered the correct code and followed the proper dialing format, including the area code and local number.

2. Network connectivity issues

Another factor that can affect your call’s success is network connectivity. Poor signal strength, network congestion, or technical difficulties with your service provider or the recipient’s network can disrupt the call. Check your network connection or try calling from a different location to avoid network-related issues.

3. International calling restrictions

Certain countries or phone plans may have restrictions on international calls. Check with your service provider that your plan includes international calling to Canada. Additionally, the recipient’s phone plan may have limitations or blocking features that prevent incoming international calls.

4. Time zone differences

Time zone differences can also impact your call. Ensure you call at an appropriate time when the recipient is likely available and awake. Always consider the time difference between your location and the Canadian region you are dialing.

5. Call routing or technical glitches

Sometimes, calls experience routing or technical glitches along the way. These issues can occur within the telephone network infrastructure or during the call’s transmission. Contact your service provider to investigate any underlying technical issues if you consistently encounter call failures.

6. Invalid or inactive phone number

Double-check that you have entered the correct phone number for the recipient in Canada. An invalid or inactive phone number will result in call failure. If you are unsure about the number, try reaching out through alternative means to confirm the contact information.

7. International calling charges

Lastly, it’s essential to consider any potential charges associated with international calls. Review your phone plan to ensure you have sufficient credit or the necessary international calling add-ons to make calls to Canada. Without the appropriate calling credits, your call may not go through.

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 the US, the UK, Australia, and India. 

1. From the US

The best time to call Canada from US and reach your teammates or stakeholders is between 9.00 AM and 4:00 PM. This would end up being between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM in Canada.

Download Best Time To Call From USA

2. From the UK

A sure shot way to call Canada and reach your teammates or stakeholders is between 3.00 PM and 5:00 PM in the UK. This would end up being between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM in Canada.

The UK observes daylight saving time, aka British Summer Time (BST). During this period, the time difference between the UK and Canada may vary by one hour. Make sure to adjust the calling times accordingly.

Download Best Time To Call From UK

3. From Australia

The ideal time to call Canada and reach your teammates or stakeholders is between 7.00 AM and 9:00 AM in Sydney, Australia. This would end up being between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM in Toronto, Canada.

Download Best Time To Call From Australia

4. From India

The best time to call Canada and reach your teammates or stakeholders is between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM in India. This would end up being between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM in Canada.

Download Best Time To Call From India

How To Get A Canada Phone Number From CallHippo?

Getting a Canadian phone number from a trusted provider like CallHippo will help you establish a strong local presence and significantly reduce your calling costs.
CallHippo, a virtual service provider, offers Canada phone numbers to connect callers to Canadian provinces. Follow the steps below to easily get a +1 Canadian virtual phone number.

Step 1: Setup CallHippo in your organization. It takes less than three minutes and offers fixed pricing depending on the number of users, which helps you save money. 

Step 2: Choose the Canadian province and the area code from where you want your phone calls to originate.

Step 3: Now, CallHippo generates multiple Canadian numbers for you to choose from.

Step 4: Select any number of your choice. 

Step 6: Pick a CallHippo pricing plan according to your budget.

Step 7: Now, you are ready to make calls.

Wrapping Up

Mastering the Canada Phone Number Format (North American Numbering Plan) with Country Code is essential for seamless communication. By entering the correct country code (+1) and area code, plus knowing the correct time to call Canada, businesses can establish a strong presence and effortlessly connect with Canadian customers. Additionally, getting a Canadian phone number from a trusted provider like CallHippo can boost the credibility of your business manifold, profiting you tremendously in the long run.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to call a Canadian number?

The charges for calling Canadian phone numbers depend on the service carriers. Mostly, the price ranges between $0.05 to $1.5 per call. The cost also depends on your provider’s pricing plans. 

2. How can I call Canada for free?

You can use internet calling apps on your cell phones, like WhatsApp, to make free calls to Canadian phone numbers. However, it still incurs internet charges. The Canada country code for WhatsApp is also +1. (Learn more about WhatsApp Business)

3. How many digits are in the Canadian phone number?

Canadian phone numbers have 11 digits, including a 3-digit Canadian area code.

4. Is Canada country code 001 or 011?

The country code for Canada is 1. But 00 and 011 are the most common exit codes or international access codes. So, if your country’s exit code is 00, you’ll have to start the Canadian number with 001 (exit code followed by Canadian country code).

5. Does Canada use +1 for a phone number?

Yes, Canada uses +1 for phone numbers when dialing from cell phones

Updated : March 12, 2025

Supriya Bajaj

Supriya Bajaj is a senior content developer with immense experience in the VoIP telephony domain. With a deep knowledge of VoIP systems and emerging technologies in the field, she provides insightful and targeted content. Known for simplifying complex topics and her thought-leadership articles, Supriya delivers actionable content for both technical and non-technical audiences.

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