A Canadian number is +1 followed by ten digits, the first three being the area code. From abroad you can get one through a Canadian mobile plan, an internet calling app, a free public inbox or a temporary number. Which one fits depends on whether you need to keep the number or only receive one code.
What a Canadian number looks like
Canada belongs to the North American Numbering Plan, which the ITU gave the country code 1. Twenty countries share it, the United States among them. Every number has ten digits: a three-digit area code, then seven digits for the line.
| Area codes | |
|---|---|
| Ontario | 226, 249, 289, 343, 365, 382, 416, 437, 519, 548, 613, 647, 683, 705, 742, 753, 807, 905, 942 |
| Québec | 263, 273, 343, 354, 367, 418, 438, 450, 468, 514, 579, 581, 613, 753, 819, 873 |
| British Columbia | 236, 250, 257, 604, 672, 778 |
| Alberta | 368, 403, 568, 587, 780, 825 |
| Manitoba | 204, 431, 584 |
| Saskatchewan | 306, 474, 639 |
| Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island | 782, 851, 902 |
| New Brunswick | 428, 506 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 709, 879 |
| Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut | 867 |
From the Canadian Numbering Administrator's exchange area listing, October 2026. Several codes can cover the same area (an overlay), which is why Toronto alone has four.
Your options from abroad
| You keep the number | Good for sign-up codes | |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile plan from a Canadian carrier (SIM or eSIM) | Yes, while the plan runs | Yes, it is a real mobile line |
| Number from an internet calling app | Yes, while you subscribe | Often not: Steam and Microsoft, for example, refuse VoIP numbers |
| Free public receive-SMS website | No, it is shared with everyone | Rarely: others can read the code, and big apps block these numbers |
| Temporary number for one code | No, it serves one code within ten minutes | Yes, and if no code arrives you get your money back |
Public inboxes have their own problems; free SMS numbers explains why they fail for verification.
US or Canadian number: does it matter?
To a phone, a number from Toronto and one from Texas look alike: +1 and ten digits. Only the area code tells them apart.
- It matters when a service works only in Canada, or expects your number to match the country of your account.
- It usually does not for global apps, which mainly care that the number can receive their text.
- If a Canadian number keeps failing, a US number may be offered by more services.
Getting a code on a Canadian number
- Choose the service first Canadian numbers are offered per service, and the list changes daily. Pick the app you are signing up for, then Canada.
- Look at the success rate The app shows it per country before you pay. If Canada's is low for your service, another +1 option may serve you better.
- Enter the number with +1 Copy it from the app exactly as shown, including the area code.
- Wait for the text The code appears in the app. Nothing after about two minutes? Switch to another Canadian number at no extra cost.
See which services currently have Canadian numbers on the Canada page.
Common questions
How do I get a Canadian phone number from outside Canada?
For a number you keep, sign up for a plan with a Canadian carrier or an internet calling app. For a single verification code, a temporary Canadian number is enough.
Can I get a free Canadian phone number?
Free public inboxes show Canadian numbers, but everyone can read the codes, and most large apps reject those numbers. Calling apps that hand out free numbers are often refused as VoIP.
Is a Canadian number the same as a US number?
Both use the country code +1 and ten digits. The area code shows which country, and which region, the number belongs to.
Can I keep a temporary Canadian number?
No. It is for one code within ten minutes and is closed afterwards. A later code needs a new number.