How to Call Canada from the UK? Dialing Steps, Cost, & Tips

When dialing a Canadian phone number from the UK, it's important to understand the right Canadian phone number format, which includes the UK exit code, Canada country code, area code, and local phone number.

1. IAC or Exit Code: To place an international call from the UK, you need to dial the UK international access code (IAC), which is 00. Alternatively, you can simply use the “+” symbol instead of 00 to make it easier to dial Canada internationally.
2. Country Code: After the exit code, dial Canada’s country code, which is 1. This code, also known as the Canadian STD code, is part of the North American Numbering Plan and directs your call to Canada from the UK.

3. Area Code: Canada has a 3-digit area code to represent specific regions, cities, or provinces.
   
   Here are some popular Canadian provinces and their area codes:

   Province / Territory	Area Code(s)
   Alberta	403, 780, 368, 587, 825
   British Columbia	604, 250, 236, 672, 778, 257
   Manitoba	204, 431, 584
   New Brunswick	506
   Newfoundland and Labrador	709
   Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island	902, 782
   Ontario	226, 249, 289, 343, 365, 416, 437, 519, 548, 613, 647, 683, 705, 742, 753, 807, 905, 934, 943
   Quebec	263, 354, 367, 418, 428, 438, 450, 468, 473, 514, 579, 581, 819, 873
   Saskatchewan	306, 474, 639
   Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut	867

4. Subscriber Number: A Canadian phone number consists of a 7-digit subscriber number. The first 3 digits are the exchange code, which identifies the local area or service provider, and the last 4 digits are the subscriber's unique phone number.

To dial a Canadian number from the United Kingdom, enter the UK exit code (00 or + sign), Canada's country code (1), the area code, followed by the intended recipient's number.

If you want to reach a Canadian landline or mobile number from the UK, dial the UK’s exit code, Canada’s country code, the area code, and the recipient’s number.

• Step 1: Dial 00 (the UK exit code) or use the “+” symbol.
• Step 2: Dial 1, the country code for Canada.
• Step 3: Enter the three-digit area code for the Canadian city or region.
• Step 4: Dial the seven-digit local number to complete the call.

Example 1: When you dial from the UK to connect with someone who has a Canadian landline number, enter 00 1 416 555 7890 or +1 416 555 7890.

Where:

• 00 - UK exit code
• 1 - Canada country code
• 416 - Area code for Toronto
• 5557890 - Landline subscriber number

Example 2: To reach a mobile user in Vancouver, dial 00 1 604 123 4567 or +1 604 123 4567.

Where:

• 00 - UK exit code
• 1 - Canada country code
• 604 - Area code for Vancouver
• 123 4567 - Mobile subscriber number

Canada follows the same phone numbering format as the United States phone number format, which means both landline and mobile numbers share the same 10-digit structure. This makes dialing simple, as there’s no distinction between mobile and landline numbers.

To make a call to a Canadian toll-free number from the UK, dial the UK exit code, followed by Canada’s country code, and the recipient's toll-free number.

• Step 1: Dial 00 (the UK exit code) or use the "+" symbol.
• Step 2: Dial 1, the country code for Canada.
• Step 3: Enter the toll-free prefix, followed by the remaining digits of the toll-free number.

Example: To call the Canadian toll-free number from the UK, dial 00 1 800 123 4567 or +1 800 123 4567.

Where:

• 00 - UK exit code
• 1 - Canada country code
• 800 - Toll-free prefix
• 123 4567 - Toll-free subscriber number

Toll-free numbers in Canada start with prefixes like 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, or 888. However, these numbers are toll-free only within Canada. Calls made from the UK may not connect, and if they do, international charges may apply.

For business calls to Canada from the UK, the best time is between 2:00 PM and 10:00 PM UK time, which corresponds to 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM across most Canadian time zones. For personal calls, consider the recipient’s local time and schedule to avoid early morning or late-night calls.

Canada spans six primary time zones, from Newfoundland Time (UTC -3:30) to Pacific Time (UTC -8), while the UK operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST, GMT +1). The time difference can range from 4.5 to 8 hours, depending on the region.

Here’s a table showing the best times to call Canada from the UK, aligned with regular business hours for smoother communication.

On average, calling Canada from the United Kingdom costs around $0.2.37 (£3) to $5.66 (£4.42) per minute. However, this rate can vary depending on your carrier, the type of number you’re calling (landline or mobile), and your phone plan. Some providers also offer international calling packages to reduce costs.

Below are the average calling rates charged by major UK mobile carriers for calls to Canada:

You can use alternative methods such as virtual phone numbers, online calling apps, or calling cards to contact Canada from the UK. These options provide greater flexibility, convenience, and cost savings compared to traditional phone carriers.

A virtual number lets you make and receive calls over the internet using a local Canadian number, at a lower rate than standard carriers. Many providers, such as Calilio, RingCentral, and Nextiva, offer flat-rate or subscription-based plans, providing consistent pricing and reliable call quality. This is one of the most cost-effective and professional options for frequent business or personal communication.

Social media apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram allow you to make voice and video calls using an internet connection. This means that as long as you have Wi-Fi or mobile data, calls to Canada are free, with no international charges. However, both you and the recipient must be on the same app.

Calling cards are an affordable way to make calls to Canada, especially if you prefer using a landline or payphone. These cards allow you to purchase credit in advance, which can then be used to make low-cost international calls. You only need to dial an access number, enter a PIN, and then the Canadian number you want to reach.

Calling Canada from the UK is straightforward once you know the correct dialing format. As Canada follows the North American Numbering Plan, both landline and mobile numbers use the same structure, ensuring a simple and seamless calling process.

Besides the dialing process, you also need to be mindful of international calls. While traditional carriers can be expensive, cheaper options like virtual numbers, calling cards, and social apps exist. However, calling cards often have hidden fees or expiry dates, and social apps require both parties to use the same platform. A more convenient and reliable solution is to use a virtual number, which offers lower rates and greater flexibility for international communication.