Area code 819 serves a large region of western and northern Quebec, Canada, including cities such as Sherbrooke, Gatineau, Trois-Rivières, and Rouyn-Noranda. The area spans from urban centers along the Ottawa River to rural and remote communities across Quebec’s north. Gatineau, just across from Ottawa, plays a major role in federal government operations and houses many civil service employees. Sherbrooke, the largest city in the Eastern Townships, is a university city known for Bishop’s University and Université de Sherbrooke, both contributing to local innovation and healthcare. The region also includes national parks, ski resorts, and lakes, making it a destination for outdoor recreation. Industries range from forestry and mining in the northern reaches to education, health, and tourism in the south. The 819 code, introduced in 1957, was overlaid by 873 in 2012 to support growing demand. It continues to be a vital communication zone bridging rural Quebec and the government-heavy National Capital Region.