Northern Lights Regional Health Centre is Fort McMurray's primary acute care hospital, serving the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo — a vast 66,300 square kilometre region encompassing Fort McMurray and nine rural communities including Fort Chipewyan, Anzac, and Conklin. Operating as part of Alberta Health Services since its founding in 1966, the centre offers a full-service 24/7 emergency department staffed by physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists. With approximately 102 beds and a broad range of specialty services, it is the definitive destination for emergency and urgent care needs across the Wood Buffalo region.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, General Surgery, Maternity Services, Mental Health Services, Laboratory Services, Diagnostic Imaging (X-ray), Rehabilitation Services, Ambulatory Care, Home Care, Speech-Language Pathology, Community Health Services, Fort McMurray Community Cancer Centre, Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART), Respiratory Therapy, Pharmacy Services, Inpatient Medicine.
Emergency doors are locked after midnight as a safety measure — if you arrive late at night, approach the door and staff will assist you in gaining entry.
Patients are triaged using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), meaning those with the most critical conditions are treated first. Come prepared to wait if your condition is non-life-threatening.
The Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) is available through referral at the emergency department at no cost — participation is entirely voluntary and available to patients of all genders.
Download the free AHS Parking app before your visit to make parking payment faster and easier when you arrive at the hospital.
If you are travelling from one of the rural communities in the Wood Buffalo region such as Fort Chipewyan or Conklin, call ahead at 780-791-6161 to understand your options, including whether ambulance or air transport coordination may be needed.
What to Bring
Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
List of current medications, doses, and prescribing physicians
Any relevant medical records, test results, or imaging if available
Provincial health coverage information or private insurance details
Payment method for parking (or pre-download the AHS Parking app)
Comfortable clothing and a warm layer, as wait areas can be cool
A phone charger or portable battery, especially if a long wait is possible
Parking
Northern Lights Regional Health Centre offers on-site parking with payment available through the free AHS Parking app, downloadable from the App Store and Google Play. Parking citations and permits can also be paid online. A parking map is available at albertahealthservices.ca/parking. Rates are subject to change — contact the facility at 780-791-6161 for current rate information. Wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances are available at the facility.
Getting There
The hospital is centrally located in downtown Fort McMurray at 7 Hospital Street, making it accessible within the urban core. For current bus routes and schedules serving Hospital Street, consult Wood Buffalo Transit directly, as specific route numbers were not confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What area does Northern Lights Regional Health Centre serve?
Northern Lights Regional Health Centre is the primary hospital for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB), a 66,300 square kilometre region. It serves Fort McMurray as well as nine surrounding rural communities including Anzac, Conklin, Fort Chipewyan, and Fort McKay.
Are the emergency doors open all night at Northern Lights Regional Health Centre?
The emergency department is open 24/7, but the emergency entrance doors are locked after 12:00 AM as a safety precaution to help staff monitor the flow of visitors and patients. Emergency patients can still access care at any hour — approach the door and staff will assist you.
Does Northern Lights Regional Health Centre have a pharmacy on-site?
Yes, a pharmacy is located on-site at 7 Hospital Street, Fort McMurray. For hours and specific services, call the hospital at 780-791-6161.
Is domestic violence support available through the emergency department?
Yes. The Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) provides specialized, confidential support to patients of all genders who have experienced domestic violence. DART is accessible through a referral at the emergency department, participation is voluntary, and there is no cost to the patient.
How does Northern Lights Regional Health Centre decide who gets seen first in the ER?
The emergency department uses the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to assess all incoming patients and prioritize care. The most critically ill or injured patients are always seen first, regardless of arrival order. Patients with less urgent conditions should be prepared for longer wait times.
Is there a cancer centre at Northern Lights Regional Health Centre?
Yes, the Fort McMurray Community Cancer Centre is housed within Northern Lights Regional Health Centre at 7 Hospital Street. This allows residents of Wood Buffalo to access cancer care locally without travelling to larger centres.
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.
We check our own accuracy. Forecasting two hours ahead, the ERstat estimate was typically off by 33 minutes against what hospitals themselves later posted, compared with 42 minutes for the hospital's own current figure, and was the closer of the two 58% of the time. See the full scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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