Canmore General Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: Emergency departments should be visited whenever urgent or life-threatening care is needed, regardless of time. For non-emergency concerns, weekday mornings and early afternoons outside of holidays or peak tourist periods tend to see lower volumes at community hospitals like Canmore General.

Busier times: Canmore experiences significant tourist surges during summer hiking season (July–August) and winter ski season (December–March). Long weekends and major holidays in Alberta can bring heightened ER volumes. If your condition is not urgent, try to avoid these peak periods when possible.

About Canmore General Hospital

Canmore General Hospital operates a 24/7 emergency department at 1100 Hospital Place, serving residents and visitors in Canmore and the broader Bow Valley region. The ER handles major trauma, cardiac events, injuries, and general medical concerns, using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to prioritize care. The department recently underwent a significant renovation to improve patient flow and privacy, and the hospital serves as a regional referral centre for surgical services with a STARS helipad for critical transfers to Calgary.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Surgical services (regional referral centre), Obstetrical and acute care, Diagnostic imaging and X-ray, Laboratory services, Mental health services, Rehabilitation services, Long-term care, Clinical nutrition and specialty clinics, Bow Valley Community Cancer Centre, Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART), STARS emergency evacuation helipad.

Amenities

• Cafeteria (Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Sat–Sun 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.)
• Catering services
• Vending machines
• Wheelchair accessibility and elevator
• Onsite free parking

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 1 walk-in clinics in Canmore →

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

Tips Before You Go

• Canmore is a major tourist destination — expect higher ER volumes on long weekends, holidays, and peak ski or hiking seasons, particularly from visitors unfamiliar with the area.
• If your situation is non-life-threatening and you can safely travel, consider calling ahead or checking wait times; the hospital primarily refers serious cases to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary.
• The DART program at the ER provides confidential support for individuals experiencing domestic violence — you do not need to be in active crisis to request a referral.
• Free Roam Transit buses can get you close to the hospital if you don't have a vehicle — Routes 5C and 5T run year-round at no cost within Canmore.
• If you are visiting the Bow Valley and require ongoing prescriptions or specialty care, bring documentation of your medical history and medication list, as the hospital serves a large transient visitor population.

What to Bring

• Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
• Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card or out-of-province health card
• List of current medications and dosages
• Any relevant medical history, including allergies
• Insurance information if you are a visitor or tourist
• Payment method for any applicable fees (e.g., out-of-province patients)
• Comfortable clothing, as waits can occur
• Phone charger or book to pass time during triage and assessment

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.