Canada, the second-largest country in the world, shares a strong bond with its neighbor, the United States. Whether it's keeping in touch with friends, family, or business contacts, staying connected across borders is essential. In this guide, we’ll provide you with an easy-to-follow process for calling Canada from the USA, ensuring that you can maintain those important relationships without any hassle. 

Here’s a fun fact for you: did you know that Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined? With that in mind, let’s dive headfirst into the basics of international calling and learn how to reach our Canadian neighbors from Edmonton to Ottawa and everywhere in between. 

Understanding the Basics of International Calling

Before you start dialing a Canadian number, it's crucial to understand the fundamentals of international calling. Making a call from one country to another involves several codes that ensure your call reaches the right destination.

What Are International Dialing Codes?

First, let's discuss international dialing codes, also known as exit codes or international direct dialing (IDD) codes. These codes signal to the telephone system that you're placing a call outside of your current country. Each country has its unique exit code, and for the United States, it's "011."

What Are Country Codes?

Country codes are assigned to every nation and some territories, serving as a prefix to the phone number you're dialing. These codes identify the specific country you're trying to reach. 

In the case of Canada, the country code is "1," which is the same as the US, making it easier to remember. Both countries (along with most of the Caribbean) are part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). This means that they share the same country code. While Mexico is a part of North America, it’s not a part of the NANP and has a country code of “52” instead.

What Are Area Codes?

Area codes are used to identify specific regions or cities within a country. Canadian area codes are three-digit numbers that precede the local phone number. For example, Toronto has area codes 416 and 647, while Vancouver uses 604 and 778. It's essential to have the correct area code to ensure your call is directed to the right place.

What Are Local Numbers?

Finally, dial the local phone number. Canadian phone numbers, like those in the US, follow a standard format of a three-digit area code followed by a seven-digit local number (e.g., (XXX) YYY-ZZZZ). The area code and local number combined make up a unique ten-digit phone number whether you’re calling a cell phone or a landline phone.

Step-by-Step Guide to Call Canada from the US

Now that you're familiar with the basics of international calling, let's go through the step-by-step process of calling Canada from the US:

Step 1: Dial the Exit Code for the US (011)

The exit code signals the phone system that you're placing a call outside of the United States.

Step 2: Dial Canada’s Country Code (1)

The country code identifies the specific country you're trying to reach, which is Canada in this case.

Step 3: Dial the Canadian Area Code

Canadian area codes are three-digit numbers that identify specific regions or cities within the country. Here is a list of the most common Canadian area codes:

• 204 - Manitoba
• 226 - Ontario (Southwestern)
• 236 - British Columbia
• 249 - Ontario (Northeastern and Central)
• 250 - British Columbia (except Greater Vancouver)
• 289 - Ontario (Greater Toronto Area)
• 306 - Saskatchewan
• 343 - Ontario (Eastern)
• 365 - Ontario (Greater Toronto Area)
• 367 - Quebec (Eastern)
• 403 - Alberta (Southern)
• 416 - Toronto, Ontario
• 418 - Quebec (Eastern)
• 438 - Montreal, Quebec
• 450 - Quebec (Greater Montreal Area)
• 514 - Montreal, Quebec
• 519 - Ontario (Southwestern)
• 579 - Quebec (Greater Montreal Area)
• 587 - Alberta
• 604 - Vancouver, British Columbia
• 613 - Ontario (Eastern)
• 639 - Saskatchewan
• 647 - Toronto, Ontario
• 705 - Ontario (Northeastern and Central)
• 709 - Newfoundland and Labrador
• 778 - Vancouver, British Columbia
• 780 - Alberta (Northern)
• 782 - Nova Scotia
• 807 - Ontario (Northwestern)
• 819 - Quebec (Western)
• 873 - Quebec (Eastern)
• 902 - Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
• 905 - Ontario (Greater Toronto Area)
  

Step 4: Dial the Local Phone Number

Remember to follow the standard format of Canadian phone numbers: (XXX) YYY-ZZZZ.

With these steps in mind, you'll be able to successfully call your Canadian contacts without any complications.

Tips for Making Affordable Calls to Canada

The majority of major US carriers (including T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon) offer international calling plans or add-ons. The problem is that they can be a very expensive addition to your monthly bill. By following these tips, you can maintain connections with Canadian contacts without breaking the bank: 

• Research the per-minute rates and fees from various carriers, calling cards, and online platforms to find the most affordable option for your needs.
• Choose a calling plan that suits your needs, such as unlimited calling or bundled minutes for frequent calls or pay-as-you-go plans and calling cards for occasional calls.
• Keep track of the minutes you spend on international calls to prevent going over your plan's limits, which could result in additional fees.
• Monitor your usage to avoid unexpected charges, and be aware of roaming charges when calling from a mobile phone outside the US.
• Utilize Wi-Fi for online calling platforms to save on data costs instead of using mobile data to avoid consuming your data allowance or incurring extra charges.

Alternative Calling Methods

Both mobile numbers and landline numbers allow us to make phone calls, including long-distance calls, with ease. However, traditional methods will usually come with high international rates. 

While the price may be worth it for some, there are a few alternative ways to call Canada that might save you some money. These options can also be more convenient for you, depending on your specific needs and circumstances:

Online Calling Platforms

Popular VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber allow you to make international calls using a broadband internet connection instead of a regular phone line. While the service can be quite an incredible feature in most cases, it does come with a few drawbacks: 

The Pros:

• Often free or low-cost for calls between app users
• Convenient as long as both parties have the app installed
• Can be used on smartphones, tablets, or computers

The Cons:

• Requires a stable internet connection
• Call quality may vary depending on the connection
• May not work for calling landlines or non-app users

Prepaid International Calling Cards

Calling cards work by providing a set amount of calling credit for international calls. Here are a few tips for choosing a reliable calling card:

• Research and compare different cards based on their calling rates, fees, and expiration dates
• Read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or online forums
• Only make your purchase from a reputable retailer or online source

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Despite your best efforts, you may occasionally encounter issues when calling Canada from the US. Here are some common problems and potential solutions:

Poor Call Quality or Dropped Calls

Possible Causes:

• Weak or unstable internet connection (for online calling platforms)
• Network congestion or interference
• Geographic distance and signal strength

Possible Solutions:

• Ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection if using an online platform
• Try calling at a different time to avoid peak hours. (This can be tricky if trying to work around certain time zones when making business calls.)
• If the issue persists, consider contacting your service provider for assistance

Incorrect Dialing Procedure

Review the correct steps to call Canada from the US:

1. Dial the US exit code (011)
2. Dial Canada's country code (1)
3. Dial the Canadian area code
4. Dial the local phone number
5. Ensure you have the correct area code and local phone number for the person you're trying to reach

Unable To Connect to the Desired Number

Possible Reasons:

• Incorrect or outdated phone number
• The recipient's phone may be switched off or out of service
• Network issues or outages

Possible Solutions:

• Double-check the phone number and try calling again
• Reach out to the recipient through alternative methods (e.g., email, messaging apps) to confirm their number
• If you suspect network issues, contact your service provider for information and support

The Takeaway 

In conclusion, staying connected with your Canadian friends, family, and colleagues is important for a happy life, and understanding the proper dialing procedure and alternative calling methods can make the process seamless and affordable. By following the tips and troubleshooting advice in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to maintain those vital connections across the border.

While there’s no denying that Burner is a fantastic and cost-effective tool for protecting your identity and privacy, it's important to note that it cannot be used to call Canada at this time. However, you can still take advantage of Burner's features for other purposes, such as managing your US-based contacts and calls. 

Keep an eye on Burner's updates and developments, and be sure to explore the various calling options available to stay in touch with your Canadian connections.

SOURCES

Buying and Using Phone Cards | Consumer.gov

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) | Federal Communications Commission

International Calling Codes | Country Code Search

Water sources: lakes | Canada.ca

Largest Countries in the World 2023 | World Population Review