Quick answer
British Columbia has 5 active geographic area codes covering Vancouver, Victoria. The most-recognized codes are 604, 250, 778, serving Vancouver and the Metro Vancouver / Lower Mainland region.
- Total codes
- 5
- Top metro
- Vancouver
- Time zone
- PT
- Largest code
- 236 (Vancouver)
Area codes in British Columbia
British Columbia is served by 5 active geographic area codes in the North American Numbering Plan. These codes were assigned between 1947 and 2019 as population and call demand grew across the province.
| Code | Primary City | Region | Established | Overlay Codes | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 236 | Vancouver | Metro Vancouver / Lower Mainland | 2013 | 604, 250, 778, 672 | 2,600,000 |
| 250 | Victoria | British Columbia (outside Metro Vancouver) | 1996 | 778, 236, 672 | 1,500,000 |
| 604 | Vancouver | Metro Vancouver / Lower Mainland | 1947 | 778, 236, 672 | 2,600,000 |
| 672 | Vancouver | Metro Vancouver / Lower Mainland | 2019 | 604, 250, 778, 236 | 2,600,000 |
| 778 | Vancouver | Metro Vancouver / Lower Mainland | 2001 | 604, 250, 236, 672 | 2,600,000 |
Time zones in British Columbia
All area codes in British Columbia fall in the PT time zone.
- PT — area codes: 236, 250, 604, 672, 778
Top metros and their area codes
Below are the primary cities in British Columbia and the area codes that serve each metro. Cities with multiple codes share geography due to overlay assignments added as demand grew.
Why get a local British Columbia number?
A British Columbia area code number gives your business three core advantages:
- Local trust signal. Customers in British Columbia recognize local area codes as their own. A familiar caller ID builds immediate credibility for service businesses, sales teams, and patient communication.
- Higher answer rate. Calls from a local area code are answered far more often than toll-free or out-of-area numbers — industry data puts the lift at 20–40%. That difference matters most for outbound sales, appointment confirmations, and service callbacks.
- Targeted marketing. Advertising a local British Columbia number on print, radio, digital, and outdoor channels converts better than a national 800 number for audiences who prefer doing business locally.
How to get a British Columbia area code number with DialPhone
Setting up a British Columbia business number takes under 10 minutes:
- Sign up for a DialPhone plan. Choose any plan starting at $24/user/month. Free 14-day trial, no credit card required.
- Search available British Columbia numbers. Filter the DialPhone number inventory by state, area code, city, or number pattern.
- Choose your number and configure. Assign your new British Columbia number to a user or team, configure call routing, voicemail, AI receptionist, and business SMS.
- Port your existing number (optional). Already have a British Columbia number? Free number porting completes in 2 to 5 business days with zero service interruption.