Making Calls to Canada from the US: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you’re reaching out to a business partner in Toronto, checking in with family in Vancouver, or supporting customers in Montreal, understanding the proper dialing sequence ensures your call connects seamlessly — every time.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Canada from the US: from dialing instructions and area codes to cost-saving tips and modern alternatives like VoIP calling.. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to dial, what to expect in terms of cost, and how to make your calls crystal clear and reliable.

Understanding the basics of calling Canada from the US

When it comes to international calling, Canada is the exception to the rule. Although calls to Canada are technically “international,” they don’t require the same complex dialing sequence as calls to countries like the UK or Australia.

That’s because the United States and Canada share the same North American Numbering Plan (NANP) — a unified telephone system that covers 25 regions across North America. This means both countries use the same country code (+1) and a 10-digit phone number format, making cross-border dialing remarkably simple.

Why calling Canada is easier than other international calls

When you call Canada from the US, your number format looks exactly like a standard domestic call:

 1 + [area code] + [local number]

You don’t need to dial an international access code like 011, because the US and Canada are treated as part of one integrated dialing region. For most carriers, calls to Canada are handled through long-distance connections, not full international routes — which often means lower costs and faster connections.

For example, to call a number in Toronto, Ontario, such as (416) 555-0199, simply dial 1-416-555-0199 from your US phone.

When you might need different dialing instructions

While most calls are straightforward, a few factors can affect how you dial or what you pay:

• Mobile vs. landline: Some mobile carriers treat calls to Canada as international and charge per minute, while others include them in North American plans.
• VoIP calls: If you’re using a VoIP service, you’ll use the same +1 country code, but the call will be routed over the internet instead of a cellular network — usually at a fraction of the cost.
• Business vs. personal calls: For business users, recording or routing calls through a CRM is essential for visibility and follow-up. Leading VoIP platforms make this effortless with built-in analytics and call tracking.

Step-by-step dialing instructions

Because the United States and Canada share the NANP, dialing a Canadian number is almost identical to dialing long-distance within the US. However, there are a few key steps to ensure your call connects smoothly — especially if you’re calling from a business line, VoIP platform, or mobile device.

Step 1 – start with the country code +1

Even though Canada and the US share the same country code, it’s good practice to include +1 when saving or dialing numbers.

• On a landline, you can dial 1 directly.
• On a mobile device or VoIP app, use +1 (the plus sign replaces the international access code).

For example: If you’re calling from a mobile phone, dial +1 [area code] [local number]

Step 2 – add the area code

Next, enter the three-digit Canadian area code, which identifies the province or city.

• Major cities like Toronto (416) or Vancouver (604) are instantly recognizable, but smaller regions have unique codes as well.
• Area codes can overlap, so be sure to verify the correct one if you’re calling a business or new contact.

Here’s a list of some of the most common Canadian area codes by province:

Step 3 – finish with the local number

The final seven digits make up the local phone number. Combined with the area code, this creates a 10-digit number — the same length as any US phone number.

To call a Toronto number (416) 555-0199, you’d dial:

• Landline: 1 416 555 0199
• Mobile or VoIP: +1 416 555 0199

Step 4 – confirm your carrier’s long-distance access

While the dialing format is simple, costs can differ. Some carriers automatically include Canada in their North American calling plans, while others charge per minute for international long-distance.

Check that your plan supports outbound calls to Canada — and if you use Voiso, your calls will be automatically routed over the internet, keeping costs consistent and transparent.

Calling options: landline, mobile, VoIP, and apps

One of the biggest advantages of calling Canada from the US is flexibility. You can connect through a traditional landline, a mobile phone, or an internet-based VoIP service — each with its own pros, costs, and best use cases.

Here’s what you should know before you choose the right method for your next call north of the border.

Landline calls to Canada

Using a landline is the most straightforward method — just dial 1 + area code + local number, and your call will connect like any long-distance call within the US.

Pros:

• Consistent call quality
• No need for apps or internet connection
• Reliable for business or office environments

Cons:

• Typically charged at long-distance rates
• Limited mobility (you’re tied to one location)

Many US-based phone providers include discounted rates for Canada in their North American calling packages, but always confirm before calling, as per-minute costs can still apply.

Calling from a mobile phone

Calling Canada from your cell phone is just as easy — dial 1 + area code + number. Most mobile carriers (like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) support cross-border calls by default, though costs can vary.

Tips for mobile calls:

• Check if your plan includes free or discounted Canada calls — many unlimited plans now do.
• Be cautious of roaming charges if you’re physically in Canada using a US SIM card.
• Consider enabling Wi-Fi calling when possible to avoid long-distance fees.
• Save Canadian numbers in international format (+1) in your contacts. This ensures calls connect correctly even if you travel outside the US.

Using VoIP services 

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services use the internet instead of traditional phone networks to make calls — often at a fraction of the cost of landline or mobile rates.

With platforms like Voiso, Zoom, or Google Voice, you can call any Canadian number directly from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Advantages of Voiso and VoIP calling:

• Low-cost or free calls to Canada and other countries
• Superior call clarity with a strong Wi-Fi or broadband connection
• CRM and contact center integration, ideal for business users
• Multi-device support, so you can call from anywhere

Voiso goes further with AI-driven speech analytics, call recording, and real-time reporting — giving businesses complete visibility and performance insights for every international call.

Calling apps and free alternatives

If you’re calling friends or family, messaging apps with voice or video calling features can be a convenient, zero-cost alternative.

Popular options include:

• WhatsApp: Free app-to-app calls via Wi-Fi or data
• Facebook Messenger: Easy for personal use, with video chat support
• Viber: Offers low-cost calls to non-users as well
• FaceTime / Google Meet: Excellent for one-on-one video calls between Apple or Google users 

These apps are great for casual calls but may lack the professional reliability, compliance, and audio quality required for business use.

Tips for clear and reliable calls

Whether you’re calling across the border for business or personal reasons, these simple tips will help ensure high-quality, consistent connections every time.

Ensure a stable connection 

• Use a strong Wi-Fi or broadband connection when calling over VoIP.
• If calling on mobile, move to an area with strong signal reception before dialing.
• Close unnecessary background apps that may use data or bandwidth.

Use VoIP for higher call quality 

• Internet-based services deliver HD audio quality and greater reliability compared to traditional phone lines.
• Perfect for cross-border business calls, team meetings, and customer support.
• Avoids international routing delays and dropped connections.

Check the time zone before you call

• Most of Canada spans four time zones — Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern.
• Example: When it’s 3 PM in New York (ET), it’s 12 PM in Vancouver (PT).
• For professional calls, schedule during Canadian business hours (9 AM–5 PM local time) to ensure availability and professionalism.

Know how toll-free numbers work across borders

• US toll-free numbers (e.g., 1-800) may not always be reachable from Canada.
• Similarly, Canadian toll-free numbers might not work from the US without specific carrier support.
• When in doubt, use a standard local number or a VoIP line to guarantee connection.

Avoid high charges when traveling

• Disable data roaming if you’re physically in Canada using a US carrier.
• Use Wi-Fi calling to route calls over the internet instead.
• If you travel frequently, consider a North America roaming plan for predictable costs.

Test your setup before important calls

• Make a quick test call to check microphone, speakers, and internet stability.
• Use headphones or a dedicated microphone for clearer sound.
• In Voiso, you can run real-time call diagnostics before and during calls to ensure consistent audio quality.

FAQs

What is the international access code for the US when calling Canada?

Technically, you don’t need an international access code when calling Canada from the US. Both countries are part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), so you simply dial:

1 + area code + local number.

If you’re calling from a mobile device or VoIP app, you can use the +1 prefix instead of “1.”

Do I need to dial +1 when calling Canada from the US?

It’s recommended, especially when using a mobile phone or VoIP service. While US-based landlines recognize the “1” automatically, +1 ensures compatibility across devices and international systems. Saving your contacts in +1 format also prevents connection issues if you travel abroad.

Can I call Canadian toll-free numbers from the US for free?

In some cases, yes — but not always. Many Canadian toll-free numbers (like 1-800 or 1-888) are reachable from the US, but it depends on the service provider’s routing setup. Some toll-free numbers are restricted to calls made within Canada only.

If the toll-free number doesn’t connect, try using the company’s local line or call via Voiso for reliable international routing.

What’s the cheapest way to call Canada from the US?

The most cost-effective option is to use a VoIP platform like Voiso, which connects calls over the internet instead of a traditional phone network.

• App-to-app calls: Often free.
• VoIP-to-landline/mobile: Typically a few cents per minute.

This approach eliminates long-distance and roaming fees while maintaining high call quality.

Are there any restrictions when calling certain Canadian numbers?

There are no major restrictions, but some premium-rate or toll-free numbers may not be reachable from the US.

Additionally, your carrier may block international long-distance calls by default — you’ll need to enable international dialing in your account settings if calls aren’t going through.

How do I find the correct Canadian area code for a number?

You can easily find area codes by:

• Checking the contact’s website or email signature
• Searching the city or province on Google (e.g., “Toronto area code”)
• Using Voiso’s smart dialing tools, which automatically detect and apply the correct regional code

Can I use WhatsApp or FaceTime to call Canada without extra charges?

Yes. Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Messenger use your internet connection (Wi-Fi or data) rather than carrier minutes, so calls are free as long as both parties have the app.

For professional-grade reliability, Voiso offers the same internet-based connectivity but with enterprise features like analytics, call recording, and CRM integration.