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Provinces
Browse Canadian provinces and territories. Click on a province to see its area codes.
Canada, the second-largest country in the world by area, is divided into ten provinces and three territories, each with its own geographical, cultural, and demographic characteristics. This administrative division directly influences the allocation of telephone area codes across the country. Understanding Canada's provincial structure is essential to grasp the logic behind the distribution of area codes.
Canadian provinces vary significantly in terms of population and area. Ontario and Quebec, the most populous provinces, naturally require more area codes to meet the demand for telephone services. Conversely, territories like Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, despite their vast geographical extent, often share a single area code due to their low population density.
Each province also has its own telecommunications characteristics, influenced by factors such as urbanization, topography, and infrastructure development history. These factors have a direct impact on how area codes are assigned and managed in each region. Our comprehensive database allows you to explore area codes province by province, offering a unique perspective on Canada's telephone geography.
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Alberta
Area Codes: 6
British Columbia
Area Codes: 5
Manitoba
Area Codes: 3
New Brunswick
Area Codes: 2
Newfoundland and Labrador
Area Codes: 2
Nova Scotia
Area Codes: 0
Northwest Territories
Area Codes: 0
Nunavut
Area Codes: 0
Ontario
Area Codes: 18
Prince Edward Island
Area Codes: 2
Quebec
Area Codes: 11
Saskatchewan
Area Codes: 2
Yukon
Area Codes: 0
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Canadian Provinces and Their Area Codes
The system of area codes in Canada is closely tied to the country's provincial structure. Each province has a unique history regarding the allocation and evolution of its area codes, reflecting its demographic and economic development over time.
Ontario and Quebec: The Population Centers
Ontario, with Toronto as its economic hub, was one of the first provinces to face area code exhaustion. The 416 code, assigned to Toronto in 1947, became insufficient in the face of the region's rapid growth. This led to the introduction of the 647 code in 2001, followed by 437 in 2013. Similarly, the Ottawa region saw the addition of the 343 code to complement the historic 613.
In Quebec, Montreal experienced a similar evolution with the original 514 code, complemented by 438 in 2006. The Quebec City region, initially served by 418, welcomed the 581 code in 2008. These additions reflect not only population growth but also the increase in the number of connected devices per capita.
The Western Provinces: Growth and Expansion
British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba each received a unique area code during the initial establishment of the North American Numbering Plan. However, the rapid growth of cities like Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton necessitated the addition of new codes over the years.
British Columbia, for example, went from the single 604 code to a system that also includes the 250, 778, 236, and 672 codes. This multiplication reflects not only Vancouver's growth but also the development of urban centers like Victoria and Kelowna.
The Atlantic Provinces and Territories
The Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) initially shared the 902 code. Newfoundland and Labrador later received its own code, 709, after joining Confederation in 1949. More recently, the 782 code was added to complement 902 in the other Maritime provinces.
The Northern territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut) share the 867 code, introduced in 1997. This unique allocation for a vast geographical area reflects the low population density of these regions.
Our detailed database allows you to explore the specificities of each province and territory, offering information on area codes, major cities served, and the history of telecommunications in each region. Whether you're planning a trip across Canada, managing a communication network, or simply curious about Canadian telephone geography, our resource provides you with the information you need.