Vancouver

Phone Codes

There are four telephone area codes for the province of British Columbia. Dialing in B.C. requires 10-digit phone numbers, so ensure you include the correct area code in front of the local number you are dialing.

604, 778, 250, 236

The 604 area code has been around for decades and most Vancouver numbers will start with this. The 778 code was introduced in 2001 and 236 was brought in as an area code in 2013. Both 778 and 236 are used throughout B.C. The urbanized area north of Metro Vancouver to Whistler uses only the 604 area code. The 250 area code is only found outside of Metro Vancouver.

Local vs. Long Distance

Almost all phone numbers in the Greater Vancouver area are local calls. A recorded message will play if you have dialed a long distance number and will provide redialing instructions. Phone calls to Whistler are long distance, but most businesses in the resort community have either toll-free or local-call numbers. Victoria is long distance from Vancouver (and vice versa.)

Long-Distance Direct Dial

If you're calling long-distance from within Canada and the United States, direct dialing is: 1+ (area code) + (phone number), e.g. 1.604.555.1212. 

If you're calling from outside North America, you can dial directly to B.C. numbers. Simply use the international access code 00 if you're calling from most countries in Europe and 0011 if you're calling from Australia. Then dial our country code 1, the area code and the number.

Directories

You can find the phone numbers of most residents and businesses (as well as see a map of their location) in Metro Vancouver and British Columbia by using the following sites: