705 Area Code: North Bay, ON | Location & Time Zone

The 705 area code serves a vast region across northeastern and central Ontario, Canada, covering major cities including North Bay, Sudbury, Barrie, Sault Ste. Marie, and Timmins. This comprehensive guide provides essential information about the 705 area code location, time zone details, and calling procedures for this expansive Canadian telephone region.

What is the 705 Area Code?

The 705 area code is a telephone area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that serves northeastern and central Ontario, Canada. Established in 1957, this area code covers some of Ontario’s most prominent cities including Sudbury, North Bay, Barrie, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Peterborough, and Orillia. The region encompasses approximately 343 cities and towns across a geographically diverse area known for its natural resources, mining industry, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

As one of Canada’s original area codes, 705 was created by splitting portions from area codes 613 and 519 to serve the growing population in northern Ontario. Today, it operates alongside two overlay codes – 249 (introduced in 2011) and 683 (added in 2022) – requiring ten-digit dialing for all calls within the region.

705 Area Code Location & Coverage

Cities and Regions Covered

The 705 area code spans an extensive territory across northeastern and central Ontario, serving both urban centers and rural communities. Major cities include Sudbury (the largest city in the region and a global leader in nickel mining), North Bay (a key transportation hub), Barrie (a growing southern Ontario city), Sault Ste. Marie (an important border city), Timmins (a historic mining center), Peterborough (known for its cultural attractions), and Orillia (a popular tourism destination).

Other significant communities within the 705 area code include Bracebridge, Collingwood, Midland, Huntsville, Haliburton, Hearst, Lindsay, and Temiskaming Shores. The region also encompasses numerous smaller towns, rural areas, and First Nations communities throughout this vast northern Ontario territory.

Geographic Coverage Map

The 705 area code coverage extends southward to Simcoe County near Barrie, northward toward Hudson Bay, eastward to the border of Renfrew County (excluding the Ottawa metropolitan area), and westward to the Algoma District bordering the 807 area code. This irregular-shaped territory blends densely populated southern zones with sparsely inhabited northern expanses dominated by forests, lakes, and wilderness areas.

Time Zone Information

705 Area Code Details

History of 705 Area Code

When Was 705 Created?

Area code 705 was established in 1957 as the 104th area code put into service under the North American Numbering Plan. It was one of ten area codes introduced that year to accommodate the growing telephone infrastructure across North America. The creation of 705 was necessary due to rapid population growth and increasing demand for telephone services in northeastern and central Ontario.

Originally, the 705 area code was formed by splitting portions from existing area codes 613 and 519, which had previously served much larger territories across Ontario. This split allowed for more efficient call routing and provided additional telephone number capacity for the expanding communities in northern Ontario.

Area Code Changes and Overlays

In 1962, area code 807 was introduced to serve northwestern Ontario, reducing the geographic territory of the 705 area code and improving call routing efficiency. As mobile devices became widespread and business telecommunications needs grew, the demand for telephone numbers in the 705 region increased significantly.

To address potential number exhaustion, area code 249 was activated as a distributed overlay on March 19, 2011. This overlay system allows new telephone number assignments to use either 705 or 249 while preserving existing numbers. More recently, area code 683 was added as a second overlay on June 18, 2022, providing additional numbering resources for the growing region.

How to Call 705 Area Code

Dialing Within the Area Code

Since the implementation of overlay area codes in 2011, all calls within the 705/249/683 region require ten-digit dialing. Local calls must be dialed as 705-XXX-XXXX, 249-XXX-XXXX, or 683-XXX-XXXX, depending on the specific number being called. The “1” prefix is not required for local calls within the same area code region.

Dialing From Other Area Codes

When calling a 705 area code number from other Canadian provinces or area codes, dial 1-705-XXX-XXXX. This long-distance format applies to calls from anywhere else in Canada or the United States. Long-distance charges may apply depending on your calling plan and service provider.

International Dialing

For international calls to the 705 area code from outside North America, use the format +1-705-XXX-XXXX. The “+1” represents the North American country code, followed by the area code and seven-digit local number. Check with your international service provider for specific rates and dialing procedures.

Nearby Area Codes

Population & Demographics

The 705 area code region serves approximately 780,000 residents across its vast territory, making it one of Canada’s most geographically expansive telephone regions. The area encompasses both urban centers and rural communities, with Sudbury being the largest city at approximately 166,000 residents in the greater metropolitan area.

The regional economy is diverse, supported primarily by mining operations (particularly nickel, gold, and zinc), forestry, tourism, manufacturing, and public services. Sudbury serves as a global leader in nickel mining and is home to prestigious institutions like Laurentian University and the world-renowned SNOLAB underground research facility. The region’s abundant natural resources, including thousands of lakes and vast forested areas, make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation and eco-tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 705 a Canadian or US area code?

The 705 area code serves Ontario, Canada. It is one of Canada’s original area codes established under the North American Numbering Plan and covers northeastern and central Ontario regions.

What major cities are in the 705 area code?

Major cities include Sudbury, North Bay, Barrie, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Peterborough, Orillia, Bracebridge, and Collingwood, among others throughout northeastern and central Ontario.

Do I need to dial 10 digits for local calls in 705?

Yes, ten-digit dialing is required for all calls within the 705/249/683 region since the implementation of overlay area codes in 2011.

What time zone is the 705 area code in?

The 705 area code operates in the Eastern Time Zone, observing Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during daylight saving periods.

When was the 705 area code created?

Area code 705 was established in 1957 as a split from portions of area codes 613 and 519 to serve the growing population in northeastern Ontario.

Conclusion

The 705 area code represents a vital telecommunications region serving northeastern and central Ontario’s diverse communities. From the mining hub of Sudbury to the scenic beauty of North Bay and the growing southern Ontario city of Barrie, this area code connects residents and businesses across one of Canada’s most geographically expansive telephone regions. Whether you’re conducting business, staying in touch with family, or exploring this beautiful part of Ontario, understanding the 705 area code helps ensure smooth communication throughout this remarkable region. For accurate time information and additional telecommunications resources, visit Current Local Times Around the World, explore our Timer Tools, or browse our comprehensive Blog Guides Section for more helpful information.