SMS destination

Canada

Dialing code +1 · North America. Everything you need to send compliant SMS to Canada with the Bird SMS API.

Policy last updated July 15, 2026

What you can send

SMS

Two-way messaging

Supported

Sender types

Every way you can originate a message to this country, with how each is cleared for use and how long that takes. Listed best route first.

Sender	Activation	Setup time	Notes
Short code	Short-code provisioning	Varies	Supports two-way replies.
Toll-free number	Toll-free verification	Varies	Supports two-way replies.
Long code (phone number)	Instant activation	Same day	Supports two-way replies.

Rules & regulations

What local regulators expect before you send, as the destination's own policy record states it.

ConsentOpt-in required

Template approvalRequired

Quiet hoursApply

What this market refuses

It is not allowed to send messages that promote gambling, betting and/or adult content as well as shortened URLs that mask or redirect to a URL. All messages of this nature can be considered spam and/or unsolicited and may be filtered. This is out of our control.

Traffic that has been delivered successfully, does not necessarily imply compliance with industry guidelines and regulations. Due to a lack of insight from the local operators we are unable to provide further, proactive details on additional filtering that may take place.

One API

How sending works

You send to every destination through the same endpoint and the same keys. Bird picks a compliant route for the country, applies opt-out handling on every message, and reports delivery from carrier receipts. The country-specific part is which sender you register. The API call does not change.

Sending to Canada, answered

What senders ask before their first message to Canada.

Do I need to register a sender before sending SMS to Canada?

Only for a short code and a toll-free number. A long code can send without registration. A toll-free number goes through toll-free verification, a process of its own. Short codes are assigned by Bird rather than bought, and only reach numbers inside the country.

Can I use an alphanumeric sender ID in Canada?

No. Bird offers a short code, a toll-free number, or a long code here instead.

Can I receive replies from Canada?

Yes, if you send from a short code, a toll-free number, or a long code. Replies are delivered to you as signed webhooks.

Are there quiet hours for SMS in Canada?

Yes. Local rules limit the hours in which you can send.

Do I need consent before messaging someone in Canada?

Yes. Under Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation, express or implied consent is required. Every message must offer a way to opt out.

What other channels can Bird reach Canada on?

WhatsApp and Voice, from the same account and API.

The rest of the SMS platform

One API, one set of keys. Explore the other capabilities.

Sender-ID registrationPre-register alphanumeric and dedicated senders where countries require it.Routing190+ countries, 240 direct-to-carrier links, and automatic failover.NumbersLong codes, short codes, toll-free, and alphanumeric sender IDs.SendingThe send API: segments, Unicode safety, batch, and idempotency.Two-wayInbound SMS and conversational replies as HMAC-signed webhooks.All destinationsCoverage, sender types, and rules for every country Bird reaches.

Put it into practice.

Continue with the documentation, guides and examples for this topic. Resources are in English.

Implementation guideSMS overview Explore the capabilitySMS destinations

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Start sending to Canada

Create a workspace, register a sender, and send your first message from the same API you will scale on.

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