Are cold sores and canker sores the same thing?

Nope! Cold sores and canker sores are different.

Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and look like small, open, painful sores or blisters in or around the mouth.

Canker sores are gray or white sores surrounded by a red inflamed area that occur only inside the mouth and throat. They are not caused by herpes.