519 Area Code: London, ON | Location & Time Zone

The 519 area code serves southwestern Ontario, with London as its primary city. Established in 1953, the 519 area code covers one of Canada’s most diverse and economically important regions, spanning from the shores of Lake Huron to the outskirts of the Greater Toronto Area. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about calling, locating, and understanding the 519 area code region.

What is the 519 Area Code?

The 519 area code is a telephone area code serving southwestern Ontario, Canada, with London, Ontario as its largest city. Originally established in 1953 as one of the original 86 area codes in the North American Numbering Plan, 519 has served the region for over 70 years. The area code covers a vast geographic region including major cities like Windsor, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Waterloo, Stratford, Sarnia, Chatham, and numerous smaller communities across southwestern Ontario.

Due to population growth and increased demand for telephone numbers, the 519 area code is overlaid with two additional area codes: 226 (introduced in 2006) and 548 (introduced in 2019). This means all three area codes serve the same geographic region, and callers must use 10-digit dialing for all local calls within southwestern Ontario.

519 Area Code Location & Coverage

Cities and Regions Covered

The 519 area code covers an extensive portion of southwestern Ontario, serving a population of approximately 2.5 million people across multiple counties and regions. Major cities and communities within the 519 area code include:

Major Cities: London (Ontario’s 11th largest city with over 420,000 residents), Windsor (bordering Detroit, Michigan), Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo (forming the tri-city technology hub known as Waterloo Region), Guelph (known for its university and agricultural research), Stratford (famous for its Shakespeare Festival), Sarnia (a major petrochemical center), and Chatham-Kent.

Counties and Regions: The 519 area code encompasses Middlesex County, Essex County, Waterloo Region, Wellington County, Perth County, Huron County, Bruce County, Grey County, Oxford County, Elgin County, Lambton County, Brant County, and portions of surrounding areas. This diverse region includes agricultural communities, industrial centers, technology hubs, and tourist destinations.

Geographic Coverage Map

The 519 area code region stretches approximately 250 kilometers from east to west and 200 kilometers from north to south. It borders Lake Huron to the northwest, Lake Erie to the south, and the U.S.-Canada border (across from Michigan) to the southwest. The eastern boundary approaches the Greater Toronto Area, while the northern boundary extends toward Georgian Bay. This strategic location makes southwestern Ontario a crucial corridor for trade, transportation, and economic activity between Canada and the United States.

Time Zone Information

The entire 519 area code region observes Eastern Time, which is the same time zone used by Toronto, Ottawa, New York City, and most of eastern North America. Daylight Saving Time begins on the second Sunday in March (clocks move forward one hour) and ends on the first Sunday in November (clocks move back one hour). When scheduling calls or meetings with the 519 area code, remember that it shares the same time zone as Ontario’s capital, Toronto, making coordination straightforward for most Canadian business purposes.

519 Area Code Details

History of 519 Area Code

When Was 519 Created?

The 519 area code was established in 1953 as part of the original implementation of area codes across Canada and the United States. When the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was created in 1947, Ontario was initially served by just two area codes: 416 for Toronto and surrounding areas, and 613 for eastern Ontario. As southwestern Ontario’s population grew rapidly in the post-war boom, the need for additional telephone capacity became urgent.

In 1953, the 519 area code was created by splitting from the 416 area code to serve all of southwestern Ontario. This split reflected the region’s economic importance, particularly the automotive industry in Windsor, the manufacturing sector in London and Kitchener-Waterloo, and the agricultural economy throughout the region. For over 50 years, 519 remained the sole area code serving southwestern Ontario, becoming deeply associated with the region’s identity.

Area Code Changes and Overlays

By the early 2000s, the proliferation of mobile phones, fax machines, pagers, and internet dial-up services created a shortage of available telephone numbers within the 519 area code. Rather than splitting the region into separate area codes, which would have disrupted businesses and required many phone number changes, telecommunications regulators chose to implement an overlay system.

In 2006, the 226 area code was introduced as an overlay to 519, serving the exact same geographic region. This meant new phone numbers could be assigned with either 519 or 226, while existing 519 numbers remained unchanged. The introduction of 226 required all residents and businesses to adopt 10-digit dialing for local calls, a significant change from the traditional 7-digit local dialing.

By 2019, even the combined capacity of 519 and 226 was nearing exhaustion due to continued population growth and the increasing number of devices requiring unique phone numbers. The 548 area code was added as a second overlay, further extending the available number pool while maintaining the same geographic coverage. Today, all three area codes (519, 226, and 548) serve southwestern Ontario interchangeably.

How to Call 519 Area Code

Dialing Within the Area Code

Since the introduction of overlay area codes, all calls within southwestern Ontario require 10-digit dialing, even for local calls. To call any number within the 519, 226, or 548 area codes, you must dial the full 10-digit number including the area code. The format is: 519-XXX-XXXX (where X represents the seven-digit local phone number). This applies whether you’re calling a neighbor on your street or a business in another city within the region. Simply dialing seven digits will not complete the call.

Dialing From Other Area Codes

When calling a 519 area code number from elsewhere in Canada or the United States, dial 1-519-XXX-XXXX. The “1” is the long-distance prefix required for calls outside your local calling area. This format applies whether you’re calling from Toronto (416/647), Ottawa (613), Vancouver (604/778), or anywhere in the United States. Note that long-distance charges may apply depending on your phone plan, though many modern plans include Canada-wide or North America-wide calling at no extra cost.

International Dialing

To call a 519 area code number from outside North America, you’ll need to dial the international access code for your country (often 00 or 011), followed by Canada’s country code (1), and then the 10-digit phone number. The complete format is: +1-519-XXX-XXXX or 011-1-519-XXX-XXXX (from most countries). For example, calling from the United Kingdom, you would dial 00-1-519-XXX-XXXX. International calling rates will apply, which can be expensive unless you’re using a VoIP service, international calling plan, or app-based service like WhatsApp or Skype.

Nearby Area Codes

The 519 area code’s location in southwestern Ontario places it strategically between Canada’s largest urban center (Toronto) and the United States border. Windsor, the southernmost city in the 519 region, directly borders Detroit, Michigan, making it a crucial international crossing point. For current time information across different zones, visit Current Local Times Around the World to compare time zones when scheduling calls across regions.

Population & Demographics

The 519 area code region serves approximately 2.5 million residents across southwestern Ontario, making it one of Canada’s most populous area code regions. London, the largest city with over 420,000 people, serves as the region’s economic and cultural hub, home to Western University, major hospitals, and diverse industries. Windsor, with approximately 230,000 residents, functions as Canada’s southernmost city and a critical international border crossing, with the automotive industry playing a central role in its economy.

The Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo region (often called the “Tri-Cities” or “Waterloo Region”) has a combined population exceeding 575,000 and is recognized as one of Canada’s leading technology hubs, sometimes called “Silicon Valley North.” The area is home to the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and numerous tech companies including BlackBerry’s headquarters and Google’s Canadian engineering headquarters.

Demographically, the 519 region is characterized by diversity. Windsor and London have significant immigrant populations, with substantial communities from India, China, the Middle East, and various European countries. The region’s economy is varied: advanced manufacturing and automotive production (particularly in Windsor and southwestern communities), technology and innovation (Waterloo Region), agriculture and food processing (throughout rural areas), education and healthcare (London, Guelph, Waterloo), and tourism (Stratford’s theatre festival, Blue Mountain ski resort area, and Lake Huron beaches).

The region’s median household income varies by community, with the Waterloo Region and Guelph typically showing higher incomes due to the technology sector, while manufacturing-dependent areas like Windsor face economic challenges from industry shifts. Overall, southwestern Ontario represents a dynamic economic region that balances traditional manufacturing, cutting-edge technology, world-class agriculture, and vibrant cultural institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 519 a Canadian or American area code?

The 519 area code is a Canadian area code serving southwestern Ontario. While Canada and the United States share the North American Numbering Plan (meaning both countries use the +1 country code), 519 specifically covers Canadian territory including London, Windsor, Kitchener-Waterloo, and surrounding communities.

Why do I need to dial 10 digits for local calls in the 519 area code?

Ten-digit dialing became mandatory in the 519 region when overlay area codes (226 in 2006 and 548 in 2019) were introduced. Since multiple area codes now serve the same geographic area, the phone system needs all 10 digits to properly route calls. This change was necessary to create more available phone numbers without splitting the region into separate area codes.

What’s the difference between 519, 226, and 548 area codes?

There is no geographic difference—all three area codes serve the exact same region of southwestern Ontario. The 519 area code was the original (established 1953), while 226 (added 2006) and 548 (added 2019) were introduced as overlays to provide additional phone number capacity. When getting a new phone number in southwestern Ontario, you might receive any of these three area codes.

What time zone is the 519 area code in?

The 519 area code is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), observing Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) in winter and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) in summer. This is the same time zone as Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, New York City, and most of eastern North America. You can track multiple time zones using our Timer Tools for accurate scheduling.

Can I keep my 519 phone number if I move within Ontario?

In most cases, yes, you can keep your 519 number if you move within the 519/226/548 service area. However, if you move outside southwestern Ontario to a different area code region (like Toronto’s 416 or Ottawa’s 613), you may need to change your number or use number porting services depending on your carrier’s policies and technical capabilities.

Are calls between 519 and 226 or 548 considered local calls?

Yes, calls between 519, 226, and 548 numbers within southwestern Ontario are local calls since these are overlay area codes serving the same geographic region. However, always verify with your phone service provider, as calling plan specifics can vary. Most modern plans include unlimited local calling within your area code region.

What major cities are in the 519 area code?

Major cities in the 519 area code include London (the largest), Windsor, Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo, Guelph, Stratford, Sarnia, Chatham-Kent, Woodstock, St. Thomas, Owen Sound, Leamington, Listowel, Hanover, and numerous smaller communities across southwestern Ontario.

Is the 519 area code running out of numbers?

With the addition of the 548 overlay in 2019, the 519 area code region currently has sufficient numbering capacity. However, telecommunications authorities continue to monitor usage. If additional capacity is needed in the future, another overlay area code could be introduced rather than splitting the region, which would maintain existing phone numbers while adding new capacity.

Conclusion

The 519 area code represents more than just a telephone prefix—it’s an integral part of southwestern Ontario’s identity, connecting communities from the shores of Lake Huron to the international border with the United States. Established in 1953 and now serving over 2.5 million residents across cities like London, Windsor, and Kitchener-Waterloo, the 519 area code has adapted to changing times through the addition of overlay codes 226 and 548. Whether you’re calling for business in the region’s thriving technology sector, connecting with family in one of southwestern Ontario’s vibrant communities, or conducting international trade through Windsor’s border crossings, understanding the 519 area code ensures smooth communication. For more information about time zones, scheduling, and global calling, explore our comprehensive Blog Guides Section for practical telecommunications resources.