Vancouver ER Wait Times

6 emergency departments · BC · Updated every 15 minutes

Shortest: BC Children's Hospital at 27m
Average: 1h 6m
Longest: 2h 1m

BC Children's Hospital

24/7 · 4480 Oak St., Entrance 55, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4

27m

Providence Health Care - Mount Saint Joseph Hospital

24/7 · 3080 Prince Edward St

43m

St. Paul's Hospital

24/7 · 1081 Burrard St

48m

Vancouver General Hospital

24/7 · 899 W 12 Ave

1h 31m

Ubc Hospital

24/7 · 2211 Wesbrook Mall

2h 1m

Bc Women's Hospital and Health Centre

24/7 · 4500 Oak Street

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Nearby ERs Outside Vancouver

Richmond Hospital

Richmond · 10 km away

1h 30m

Eagle Ridge Hospital

Port Moody · 23 km away

2h 9m

Delta Hospital

Delta · 20 km away

2h 20m

Surrey Memorial Hospital

Surrey · 24 km away

2h 29m

Lions Gate Hospital

North Vancouver · 9 km away

3h 9m

Emergency Rooms in Vancouver

Vancouver has 6 emergency departments — 6 open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 5 of 6 currently have live wait time data.

Wait time data for Vancouver is sourced from EdWaitTimes.ca and updates as frequently as every 15 minutes. ERstat displays the estimated time from triage registration to being seen by a physician.

All emergency departments in Vancouver use the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to prioritize patients. Patients with more serious conditions are always seen first, regardless of arrival time or displayed wait. A shorter posted wait does not guarantee a shorter visit — it depends on the severity of your condition relative to other patients in the department.

Tips for Visiting an ER in Vancouver

Check wait times on this page before leaving. ERstat updates every 5 minutes and shows all Vancouver ERs sorted from shortest to longest wait. Each hospital page includes a 12-hour forecast chart and a “Best Time to Visit” pattern based on historical data.

If your condition is not life-threatening, consider whether a walk-in clinic, urgent care centre, or pharmacist could help instead. British Columbia pharmacists can assess and prescribe for many common conditions with no appointment needed. See what your pharmacist can treat →

Not sure if you need the ER? Call 811 to speak with a registered nurse. Free, confidential, available 24/7.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency — chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, or loss of consciousness — call 911 immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shortest ER wait time in Vancouver right now?
The shortest ER wait time in Vancouver right now is at BC Children's Hospital with an estimated wait of 27m. Wait times update every 15 minutes on ERstat.
How many emergency departments are in Vancouver?
Vancouver has 6 emergency departments, 6 of which operate 24/7. 5 currently have live wait time data available on ERstat.
How can I check ER wait times in Vancouver?
ERstat tracks live ER wait times for all Vancouver hospitals using data from EdWaitTimes.ca. Visit erstat.ca or check this page for current wait times, sorted from shortest to longest. Each hospital page includes a 12-hour forecast and a best time to visit pattern.
What is the average ER wait time in Vancouver?
The current average ER wait time across Vancouver emergency departments is approximately 1h 6m. This is a real-time average and changes throughout the day. Overnight waits tend to be longer than midday due to reduced staffing.
Should I go to the ER with the shortest wait time?
Not necessarily. All Canadian emergency departments use triage — patients with more serious conditions are seen first regardless of arrival time. A hospital with a longer posted wait may still see you faster if your condition is urgent. For non-emergencies, consider a walk-in clinic, urgent care, or pharmacist visit instead.
Where does ERstat get Vancouver ER wait time data?
ERstat sources Vancouver wait time data from EdWaitTimes.ca. Data updates as frequently as every 15 minutes.
What if all Vancouver ERs have long wait times?
ERstat shows nearby emergency departments outside Vancouver with current wait times and driving distance. You can also call 811 to speak with a registered nurse who can help you decide where to go. For non-emergency conditions, a pharmacist or walk-in clinic may be able to help with no wait.

View all British Columbia ER wait times

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Not sure you need the ER? · What your pharmacist can treat

Hospital wait times across Canada →