Calling level...

[whiteguy]

My understanding is if your radar identified then its only required if ATC requests it. Coming out of Fort Nelson, for example, it is required but something like Edmonton to Calgary it would not be required.

Correct??

[DanWEC]

As far as I know, (Maybe it's just been my practice.) you always inform when you reach your planned or assigned altitude. Certainly during an initial call or when changing freqs.
I don't think it's actually a legality to do so though, more just good practice to verify your mode C altitude reporting is working.
ATC can always ask you to verify altitude, and often after giving a clearance or instruction, ATC will request you inform them when level anyways.

[ahramin]

You do not have to report reaching your cleared altitude in any airspace unless instructed to do so by ATC.

The CARs do not have any requirement for altitude reports.

ICAO standard phraseology dictates that on initial contact to any ATC facility you state your altitude or flight level, and cleared level if climbing or descending.

Metro Radar, Big Jet 345, passing 2300 feet climbing to 6000 feet,

In non-surveillance airspace ATC will usually require you to report reaching your new altitude.

[Lurch]

From the AIM

RAC 8.4 Altitude Reports

Although the CARs do not specifically direct pilots to report altitude information to ATC, pilots, if not operating in radar airspace (i.e. radar-identified by ATC), should report reaching the altitude to which the flight has been initially cleared. When climbing or descending en route, pilots should report when leaving a previously-assigned altitude and when reaching the assigned altitude.

On initial contact with ATC, or when changing from one ATC frequency to another, when operating in radar or non-radar airspace, pilots of IFR and CVFR flights should state the assigned cruising altitude and, when applicable, the altitude through which the aircraft is climbing or descending.

In order for ATC to use Mode C altitude information for separation purposes, the aircraft Mode C altitude readout must be verified. The Mode C altitude is considered valid if the readout value does not differ from the aircraft reported altitude by more than 200 ft. The readout is considered invalid if the difference is 300 ft or more. Therefore, it is expected that pilot altitude reports, especially during climbs and descents, will be made to the nearest 100-ft increment.

Example:

EDMONTON CENTRE AIR CANADA 801 HEAVY, LEAVING 8 300 FEET, CLIMBING TO FLIGHT LEVEL 350.

If the phrase “report reaching”, “report leaving” or “report passing” is used by ATC, the pilot shall comply (CAR 602.31—Compliance with Air Traffic Control Instructions and Clearances).