Upfirst

A Canadian answering service that works the way you do

Take messages

Capture every message from your callers—no more missed details or lost opportunities. We’ll deliver messages straight to your phone or email, so you stay in the loop.

Answer questions

Make sure your customers always get the right answers. Teach Upfirst about your services, hours, or FAQs and we’ll respond instantly—even after hours.

Illustration of an AI answering service in action, showing a smartphone screen with a caller and chat bubbles where the AI answers calls, books appointments, and collects caller information.

Book appointments

Let us handle your bookings. Share your online calendar or have us collect preferred times, and we’ll make sure appointments are set without the back-and-forth.

Transfer calls

Need to speak directly with a caller? We’ll transfer important calls to you or your team, ensuring every urgent inquiry reaches the right person fast.

See all features

Canadian virtual receptionist

How to set up your answering service in Canada

Get a friendly, bilingual receptionist who answers every call—day or night—all from a local Canadian number.

1. Add your information

Tell us about your business and how you’d like calls handled. You can set instructions for greeting callers, transferring calls, sending texts, or booking appointments—whatever your business needs.

Upfirst AI receptionist setup screen showing how a real estate agent can add info about showing availability and buyer/seller services.

2. Set the rules

Choose a local Canadian phone number with your preferred area code. For most regions, you can select a number instantly. In some cases, we may ask you to provide a proof of address or your business registration—our support team is here to help if you need it.

Call transfer rule setup for a real estate agent, showing how to forward tour requests or property inquiries to a mobile number.

3. Forward your calls

Once your number is ready, simply forward your existing calls or share your new number. Our AI-powered receptionist will answer every call 24/7 and send you instant summaries by text or email, so you never miss an opportunity.

AI receptionist greeting an incoming call for Lemon Tree Real Estate, demonstrating 24/7 answering service for realtors.

4. Never miss a call again

Whether it’s a new buyer, seller, or tenant calling, your AI answering service answers 24/7. You’ll get a detailed call summary by text and email so you can follow up fast.

Call summary and transcript of a real estate lead asking about a 3-bedroom home, showing how Upfirst captures buyer inquiries for real estate agents.

Get a Canadian phone number

What information is needed to get a virtual number in Canada?

Good news! There are no special documents required to get a virtual phone number in Canada. Local regulations make it quick and easy—just reach out to the Upfirst support team, and we can set up your Canadian number instantly. Once you have your virtual number, you can forward calls from your existing phone number so that your Upfirst AI receptionist can answer them for you.

key features

Get your Canadian number to unlock your AI receptionist

We offer affordable, advanced call answering features so your small business can impress every caller and never miss an important call.

24/7 live call answering

Stay connected around the clock. Answer every call and capture leads automatically even when you're busy or out of office.

Bilingual receptionist

Answer calls in English, French, and 90+ other languages. Make every customer feel welcome and expand your reach across Canada.

Lead capture

Collect lead details the moment they call. Qualify leads and tell us the right questions to ask callers.

Appointment scheduling

Let your realtor virtual receptionist set up showings and appointments. Send calendar links live on the call to interested clients.

Customized scripting

Shape every conversation whether the caller is a seller, buyer, landlords, or even tenants. Customize call handling how you want.

Call forwarding

Forward calls fast to the right person. Set up call routing rules and transfer callers when it matches your criteria.

Emergency dispatching

Handle urgent tenant calls without delay. Dispatch them to the appropriate on-call maintenance worker.

Detailed call summaries

Receive detailed summary of each call, allowing you to follow up effectively. Upfirst also captures a recording and the full transcript, just in case.

Canada answering service FAQs

Have a question that isn't answered here? Get in touch with our team.

How does my business benefit from your answering service?

With Upfirst, your calls are answered quickly and professionally—every time. This means better customer satisfaction, no missed business opportunities, and more time for you to focus on what matters most. Whether you need 24/7 coverage, bilingual support, or help handling seasonal call spikes, our service adapts to your needs and helps your business look more professional while cutting down on overhead.

How long does it take to get set up with a local Canada number?

It’s instant! No documents are required. Simply get in touch with the Upfirst support team, and we’ll get you a Canadian number right away—so you can start taking calls without delay.

Do you offer bilingual answering in English and French?

Absolutely. We know how important bilingual service is in Canada. Upfirst offers answering in both English and French at no extra charge, so you can serve your customers in the language they prefer.

Can your answering service integrate with my CRM or booking tools?

Yes! Upfirst connects with popular CRMs and calendar tools, making it easy to sync call details, appointments, and customer info. This helps keep your records up to date and your business running smoothly without manual data entry.

Canada virtual phone numbers with AI answering