British Columbia area codes
| Area codes | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 604 | Vancouver and the Lower Mainland | Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Abbotsford. |
| 778 | Province-wide overlay | Added in 2001 across both 604 and 250. |
| 236 | Province-wide overlay | Added in 2013 for the whole province. |
| 250 | Victoria, Vancouver Island, Interior and north | Everywhere in BC outside the Lower Mainland. |
| 672 | Province-wide overlay | A later overlay covering the whole province. |
How British Columbia’s area codes are organised
British Columbia has two original geographic codes: 604 for Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, and 250 for the rest of the province, including Victoria, the Okanagan and northern BC. The overlays 778, 236 and 672 are not tied to a single city, so a number with one of them can be anywhere in the province.
This matters when you build test data. If your system tries to guess a customer’s city from the area code, it will be right for 604 and 250 more often than for the overlays.
Dialling in BC
Because the whole province uses overlays, ten-digit dialling is required for local calls. Numbers are commonly written as 604-555-0123 or (604) 555-0123 on websites and business cards, and as +16045550123 in databases.
Using BC numbers in testing
Use the generator above to produce numbers with one area code or a random BC code. Ask for a specific code, such as 604, when you want a Vancouver-style number, and choose the format your system expects. The default test mode uses the reserved fictional 555-0100 to 555-0199 range so the numbers cannot reach a real subscriber.
Frequently asked questions
What are the area codes in British Columbia?
British Columbia uses 604, 778, 236, 250 and 672.
Which area code is Vancouver?
Vancouver and the Lower Mainland use 604, and the overlays 778, 236 and 672 are also in use there.
Which area code is Victoria?
Victoria and Vancouver Island use 250, with the overlays 778, 236 and 672 also in use.
Do I need ten-digit dialling in British Columbia?
Yes. Overlays cover the whole province, so local calls need the area code.