Is having a 416 area code in Toronto a flex?

Of Toronto's four area codes (or the eight numerical codes serving phone numbers in the broader Golden Horseshoe region), the original '416' area code introduced in 1947 has become a treasured badge held by longtime locals.

Since that initial code was rolled out almost eight decades ago, Toronto has introduced three additional area codes. The 647 prefix was introduced in 2001, followed by 437 in 2013, and, most recently, the 942 area code in April, 2025.

Along with the outer Golden Horseshoe area codes (905, 289, 365, and 742), there are eight area codes available in and around Toronto. But old-timers still cling to those 416 numbers like their lives depend on it, and there are some pretty understandable cultural reasons behind this.

Area codes are deeply ingrained in the local culture, referenced in the city's "6ix" moniker, along with locally-produced music like Maestro Fresh Wes' 1998 track "416/905" (I am dating myself here) and more recent hits like Loud Luxury's "Body."

blogTO took to the Toronto streets to ask locals if they consider it a flex to have a 416 number in 2026, and here's what people said!

@blogto Is it a flex to have a 416 number? 📱👀 🎙️ @emm.ohara ♬ original sound - blogTO

Are you still holding onto your old 416 number? Let us know in the comments.