If you’ve received a call from an unfamiliar number starting with 468, you are looking at a location in Canada. The 468 area code is located in the province of Quebec, Canada, and serves the large central and western region previously covered by the 819 and 873 area codes.
This comprehensive guide, written by a telecommunications expert, will provide you with all the essential details about the 468 area code, including the specific cities it covers, the mandatory dialing rules for the region, and essential advice on unsolicited calls.
Where is Area Code 468 Located?
Area code 468 is one of the newest area codes introduced to the region of Quebec, Canada, in October 2022. It was created as an overlay for the existing area codes, 819 and 873, to ensure a continued supply of phone numbers in the rapidly growing region.
Key Facts About Area 468
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Central and Western Quebec, Canada |
| Overlay Complex | 468 shares coverage with 819 and 873 codes. |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) (UTC-5) |
| Country Code | +1 (Part of the North American Numbering Plan) |
| Dialing Rule | 10-digit dialing is mandatory across the entire area. |
Major Cities Covered by 468/819/873
Since 468 is an overlay code, it serves the exact same vast territory as the 819 and 873 codes. This region includes several major cities and metropolitan areas:
- Gatineau (Part of Canada’s National Capital Region, across the river from Ottawa, ON)
- Sherbrooke
- Trois-Rivières
- Drummondville
- Rouyn-Noranda
- Val-d’Or
Dialing Rules and Calling the 468 Area
Due to the presence of multiple area codes (819, 873, and 468) serving the same geographical territory, 10-digit dialing (Area Code + 7-digit number) is mandatory for all local calls within this region.
How to Dial a 468 Number
- From within the 468/819/873 region (Local Call): Dial the 10-digit number (e.g., 468-555-1234).
- From the rest of Canada/the US: Dial 1 + 468 + 7-digit local number (e.g., 1-468-555-1234).
Scam and Spam Risk from Area Code 468
As a Canadian area code that is part of the +1 country code, numbers from the 468 area are generally considered safe. However, like any North American area code, there is a risk of spoofing.
- What is Spoofing? Scammers use technology to intentionally falsify the information transmitted to your Caller ID, making an international or non-local call appear to originate from a 468 This is often done to increase the chance that you will answer.
- Actionable Advice: Be cautious of any unsolicited call from a 468 number. If the caller claims to be from a government agency (like the CRA or police) or a major bank and demands immediate payment or personal information, hang up immediately. Legitimate organizations do not contact you this way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Area Code 468 the primary code for Gatineau?
The Gatineau area is served by all three area codes: 819, 873, and 468. The original code was 819, which was overlaid by 873, and then by 468. Any number assigned today in Gatineau or the surrounding Outaouais region may start with any of the three prefixes.
Does the 468 area code use Daylight Saving Time?
Yes. Since the 468 area code is located in the province of Quebec and falls within the Eastern Time Zone (ET), it observes Daylight Saving Time (DST). This means the region changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the winter to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) in the summer.
Are calls to 468 long-distance from the US?
Calls from the United States to the 468 area code are considered international calls since it is in Canada. However, because both countries share the +1 country code, many mobile and Voice over IP (VoIP) plans offer free or low-cost calling to Canada. Always verify your specific plan details to avoid potential long-distance charges.
Conclusion
The 468 area code is a relatively new but vital part of the telecommunications network serving central and western Quebec, Canada. It helps meet the growing demand for new phone numbers alongside the established 819 and 873 codes.
If you are calling the region, remember the mandatory 10-digit dialing rule. If you receive an unexpected call, let your carrier’s spam filters protect you, and never engage with a suspicious caller.
