Alberta Children's Hospital

Best Times to Visit

About Alberta Children's Hospital

Alberta Children's Hospital (ACH) in Calgary, Alberta operates a 24/7 pediatric emergency department serving infants, children, and youth under 18, handling over 80,000 patient visits per year. As an accredited Level I pediatric trauma centre, ACH is the primary emergency and trauma referral centre for southern Alberta, eastern British Columbia, and western Saskatchewan, as well as parts of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. Families with seriously ill or injured children in the Calgary region and beyond should come here for the full spectrum of pediatric emergency, critical care, and surgical subspecialty services.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Pediatric Emergency Department, Level I Pediatric Trauma Centre (Trauma Association of Canada accredited), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – 14 beds, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) – 15 beds, Resuscitation suites and procedure rooms, Mental health assessment and treatment for children and adolescents, Pediatric neurosciences (provincial leader), Bone marrow transplantation (provincial expert centre), Congenital cataracts surgery (world leader), Pediatric vision clinic (largest in Western Canada), Traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, Respiratory therapy services, Child life specialist services, Social work services, Pediatric medical and surgical subspecialty consultations, Dedicated minor injuries and urgent care area.

Amenities

• Good Earth Café – main floor near main entrance
• Mountain View Café – freshly prepared food and beverages for patients, visitors, and staff
• Vending machines – main level near ER entrance (beverages, snacks, frozen foods)
• 24-hour Royal Bank ATM – near Mountain View Café and in covered parkade hallway
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the hospital – connect to 'healthspot' network
• Emily's Window Gift Shop – toys, gifts, and accessories operated by volunteers
• Family & Community Resource Centre (FCRC) – 2nd floor, open 24/7; includes health library, public computers, and children's books
• The Sacred Space (chapel/spiritual care room) – 2nd floor
• Public showers – available 24/7 in staff washroom areas on every floor behind main elevator bank
• Ronald McDonald House Southern Alberta – family accommodation referrals available through FCRC

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 98 walk-in clinics in Calgary →

Pharmacists in Alberta can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• ACH treats only patients under 18 — adults accompanying children should plan to remain as support, as the ER is exclusively pediatric.
• For minor injuries or less urgent concerns, ask at triage about the dedicated minor injuries and urgent care area, which may have shorter wait times than the main ED.
• Use the AHS parking app before you arrive to simplify payment and avoid returning to a meter during a stressful visit.
• The Family & Community Resource Centre on the 2nd floor is open 24/7 and can connect families with Ronald McDonald House Southern Alberta if an extended stay is anticipated.
• ACH is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Calgary — residents and medical students may be involved in your child's care under physician supervision, which is standard practice and supports world-class training.
• If traveling from outside Calgary (southern Alberta, eastern BC, or western Saskatchewan), ACH is the designated pediatric trauma and tertiary referral centre for your region — contact your local hospital for transfer coordination if needed.

What to Bring

• Alberta Health Care (AHCIP) card or provincial health insurance card
• Photo ID for the parent or guardian
• List of current medications, dosages, and any known allergies
• Immunization records if relevant to the child's condition
• Comfort items for your child (favourite toy, blanket, or soother)
• Snacks and water for caregivers, as wait times can vary
• Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or specialist contact information
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for extended waits

Frequently Asked Questions

About ER Wait Times

Emergency departments use triage. Patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.

Wait times are estimates based on Alberta health data. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.