About AreaTrace

AreaTrace is a free, independent reference for Canadian telephone area codes. Our goal is simple: when an unfamiliar number with a Canadian prefix shows up on your phone, you should be able to find — in one click — what region the number is associated with, what time zone applies, and which carriers operate in that numbering plan area.

What we cover

We catalogue every numbering plan area (NPA) assigned to Canada under the North American Numbering Plan. That includes the original 1947 assignments (902, 514, 416), every overlay added since, and the shared northern code (867) that covers all three federal territories. For each code we list the geographic service region, the cities served, the IANA time zone, the overlay relationships, and a list of major Canadian carriers that operate retail service in the area.

What we don't do

AreaTrace is not a reverse phone lookup. We do not identify the owner of any specific phone number, we do not collect or sell personal data, and we do not maintain a database of subscriber names or addresses. The information we publish is at the NPA level — the area code as a whole — not the individual subscriber level.

We also do not track or block calls. If you are receiving unwanted calls, your best resources are the CRTC's National Do Not Call List, your carrier's call-blocking features, and the call-screening tools built into modern smartphones.

Where our data comes from

Our area code, time zone, and overlay information is compiled from public records published by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), the Canadian Numbering Administrator (CNA), and CRTC numbering bulletins. City and population data is drawn from the most recent Statistics Canada census. Carrier presence is based on publicly disclosed CO code allocations and carrier service areas.

We update the catalogue as new overlays are announced. If you find anything that looks out of date, please let us know via the contact page.

How we are funded

AreaTrace is supported by display advertising. We do not accept paid placement of carriers, and the carrier lists shown for each NPA are based on public information, not commercial relationships. We do not sell user data and we do not run third-party tracking beyond what our advertising partners require for ad delivery.