587 Area Code: Edmonton, AB | Location & Time Zone

The 587 area code serves Edmonton, Alberta, and surrounding regions across northern and central Alberta, Canada. Introduced in 1999 as an overlay to the existing 780 area code, 587 covers major cities including Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, and Red Deer. This comprehensive guide provides current information about the 587 area code location, time zone details, and everything you need to know about calling this region.

What is the 587 Area Code?

The 587 area code is a Canadian telephone area code that serves northern and central Alberta, with Edmonton as its primary metropolitan area. Established in 1999, it functions as an overlay area code to 780, meaning both area codes serve the same geographic region. This overlay system was implemented to address the growing demand for telephone numbers in Alberta’s rapidly expanding population centers.

The 587 area code covers approximately 661,848 square kilometers of Alberta, making it one of Canada’s largest area code regions by geographic coverage. It serves over 1.4 million residents across numerous cities, towns, and rural communities throughout northern Alberta.

587 Area Code Location & Coverage

Cities and Regions Covered

The 587 area code serves numerous communities across northern and central Alberta. Major cities include Edmonton (the provincial capital), Fort McMurray (known for oil sands operations), Grande Prairie (agricultural and energy hub), Red Deer (central Alberta’s largest city), and Lloydminster (straddling the Alberta-Saskatchewan border). Other significant communities include Camrose, Wetaskiwin, Leduc, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Beaumont, Morinville, Stony Plain, and dozens of smaller towns and rural areas.

The coverage area extends from the Northwest Territories border in the north to just south of Red Deer, and from the British Columbia border in the west to the Saskatchewan border in the east. This vast region encompasses Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, the Edmonton Capital Region, the Peace River Country, and the Wood Buffalo region.

Geographic Coverage Map

The 587 area code coverage area spans from approximately 52°N to 60°N latitude and 110°W to 120°W longitude. The region includes the Canadian boreal forest, parkland, and portions of the Canadian Prairies. Major geographical features within the 587 coverage area include the North Saskatchewan River, Athabasca River, Peace River, and numerous lakes including Lake Athabasca and Lesser Slave Lake.

Time Zone Information

The 587 area code operates in the Mountain Time Zone, which observes Mountain Standard Time (MST) during winter months and Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) during summer months. Daylight Saving Time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November, aligning with most of North America’s DST schedule.

587 Area Code Details

The 587 area code is administered by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and follows the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). As an overlay area code, 587 shares the same geographic boundaries as 780, requiring 10-digit dialing for all local calls within the region.

History of 587 Area Code

When Was 587 Created?

The 587 area code was officially introduced on May 18, 1999, to address the increasing demand for telephone numbers in northern Alberta. The rapid population growth in Edmonton and surrounding areas, combined with the expansion of cellular phone services and internet dial-up connections, created a shortage of available phone numbers in the existing 780 area code.

Rather than splitting the 780 area code geographically, telecommunications authorities chose to implement an overlay system. This approach allowed existing 780 phone number holders to keep their numbers while providing additional numbering resources through the new 587 area code.

Area Code Changes and Overlays

Prior to the 587 overlay, northern Alberta was served exclusively by the 780 area code, which was created in 1999 when Alberta’s original 403 area code was split. The 403 area code, established in 1947, originally served all of Alberta before being divided to better manage the province’s growing telecommunications needs.

The implementation of 587 as an overlay marked Alberta’s first use of this numbering solution. The overlay system eliminated the need for customers to change their existing phone numbers while providing sufficient numbering resources to meet future demand. This approach has proven successful, with no additional overlays required in the region since 587’s introduction.

How to Call 587 Area Code

Dialing Within the Area Code

When making local calls within the 587/780 area code region, you must dial all 10 digits: the three-digit area code followed by the seven-digit phone number. The format is 587-XXX-XXXX or 780-XXX-XXXX. This mandatory 10-digit dialing applies to all local calls, regardless of whether you’re calling from a 587 number to another 587 number or between 587 and 780 numbers.

Dialing From Other Area Codes

When calling a 587 number from anywhere else in Canada or the United States, dial 1 followed by the complete 10-digit number. The format is 1-587-XXX-XXXX. The “1” is the country code for both Canada and the United States within the North American Numbering Plan.

International Dialing

For international calls to 587 numbers, dial your country’s international access code (often 00 or 011), followed by Canada’s country code (1), then the 10-digit phone number. The complete format is typically +1-587-XXX-XXXX. Check with your international service provider for specific dialing instructions and rates.

Nearby Area Codes

The 587 area code borders several other Canadian area codes across provincial boundaries. To the south, Calgary and southern Alberta use area codes 403 and 825. Saskatchewan’s area codes 306 and 639 serve regions to the east, while British Columbia’s 250 area code covers northern BC communities to the west.

Population & Demographics

The 587 area code region serves approximately 1.4 million residents, with the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area accounting for over 1.1 million people. This makes it Canada’s fifth-largest metropolitan area and Alberta’s second-largest urban center after Calgary.

The region has experienced steady population growth, driven by Alberta’s energy sector, diversified economy, and quality of life. Major economic drivers include oil and gas extraction, oil sands development, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Edmonton serves as the provincial capital and a major educational center, home to the University of Alberta and numerous other post-secondary institutions.

The area code region is ethnically diverse, with significant Indigenous populations, established European communities, and growing populations from Asia, Africa, and other global regions. This diversity reflects Alberta’s role as a destination for both interprovincial and international migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in Edmonton?

Yes, you must dial all 10 digits (area code + phone number) for all local calls within the 587/780 area code region. This has been required since the 587 overlay was implemented in 1999.

Can I choose between 587 and 780 for a new phone number?

New phone number assignments depend on availability from your service provider. Both 587 and 780 numbers may be available, but assignment is typically based on what numbers are currently in the provider’s inventory.

What time zone does the 587 area code follow?

The 587 area code operates in Mountain Time, observing Mountain Standard Time (MST) in winter and Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) in summer when Daylight Saving Time is in effect.

Is 587 the same as 780 in terms of coverage area?

Yes, 587 and 780 are overlay area codes that serve exactly the same geographic region in northern Alberta. Both area codes can be assigned to phone numbers anywhere within the coverage area.

How do I know if a number is toll-free when calling 587?

Standard 587 calls follow your phone plan’s long-distance policies. Toll-free numbers use specific prefixes like 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833, regardless of the area code you’re calling from.

Conclusion

The 587 area code serves as a vital telecommunications identifier for Edmonton, Alberta, and the broader northern Alberta region. As an overlay to 780, it provides essential numbering resources while maintaining the same geographic coverage area. Understanding the 587 area code’s location in the Mountain Time Zone, its history as Canada’s overlay area code implementation, and proper dialing procedures helps ensure seamless communication with this dynamic Canadian region. Whether you’re calling for business, personal, or tourism purposes, this guide provides the essential information needed to connect with Alberta’s capital region and northern communities. For current time information and additional resources, visit Current Local Times Around the World, explore our Timer Tools, or browse our comprehensive Blog Guides Section for more telecommunications and time zone guidance.