For adults or for less critical pediatric concerns, other emergency departments and urgent care centres in the Greater Vancouver area may offer shorter wait times and more convenient access.
BC Children's Hospital Emergency Department in Vancouver, BC is the province's only dedicated pediatric emergency facility, serving children and youth from birth to age 16 for acute illness, chronic conditions, trauma, surgical emergencies, and mental health crises. As a Level 1 Trauma Centre and tertiary care facility, it accepts patients from across British Columbia and the Yukon, handling approximately 49,000 emergency visits per year. No referral is required, and the department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the Teck Acute Care Centre.
Services & Specialties
Pediatric emergency care (birth to age 16)Level 1 Trauma CentreMedical and surgical emergency carePediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)Oncology and hematologyMental health and psychiatric emergency careDevelopmental support servicesMedical imaging and procedural suitesInpatient and outpatient pediatric careTransplant servicesGenetics clinicHIV centreRehabilitation servicesInjury prevention programs
Amenities
Multiple retail food outlets on campus for patients, families, and visitors
Patient-specific food services separate from visitor options
Food courier services (Skip the Dishes, Uber Eats) permitted
On-site pharmacy for drug consultation and dispensing
Gift shop operated by the Auxiliary to BC Children's Hospital (Entrance 11 lobby)
Navigation volunteers in green vests at the hospital information desk
Wheelchair rentals available in various pediatric sizes
Free C&W Shuttle to/from King Edward Canada Line Station
Accessible washrooms throughout the facility
Braille and high-contrast signage across campus
Central Porter Services for patient transport within the hospital
Parking & Transit
Pay parking is available on-site 24 hours a day on a first-come, first-served basis at $3.50/hour or $14.25/day. Parking meters accept coins and credit cards only — debit cards and pay-by-phone apps are not accepted. Free valet parking (regular parking rates still apply) is offered at Entrance 55 near the Emergency Department, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding statutory holidays. Parents or caregivers of children admitted overnight as inpatients may qualify for a BC Government parking exemption; financial hardship parking permits may also be available. Accessible parking stalls are available, and all campus sidewalks are equipped with letdowns for wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility aids.
The closest SkyTrain station is King Edward Station on the Canada Line, approximately a 14-minute walk (973 m) from the hospital. A free C&W Shuttle runs between King Edward Station and the Oak Street Campus. TransLink Bus #17 (Oak/Downtown) stops at Southbound Oak Street at Devonshire Crescent, and buses #15 and #25 also serve the area. HandyDART is available for those unable to use conventional transit. Bike racks are available at each main hospital entrance.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
BC Children's Hospital is the only pediatric emergency department of its kind in BC, so it serves all levels of urgency. For less critical concerns, mid-morning on weekdays tends to be calmer than evenings and weekends. However, if your child's condition is serious, go immediately regardless of time — the department is open 24/7 and triages patients by severity.
🔴 Busier times
Evening hours and weekends typically see higher volumes at pediatric emergency departments. If your child's situation is non-urgent, consider whether a visit to a local walk-in clinic or telehealth service might be more appropriate first, as this hospital primarily serves children requiring emergency or specialist pediatric care from across BC and Yukon.
Tips Before You Go
Enter via Entrance 55 off West 28th Avenue — this is the dedicated Emergency Department entrance in the Teck Acute Care Centre, and the clearest route from the parking area.
Bring coins or a credit card for parking meters; debit cards and pay-by-phone apps are not accepted at campus meters.
The free C&W Shuttle connects Canada Line King Edward Station to the hospital campus, making transit a practical option if driving to Vancouver is difficult.
If your child is being admitted overnight, ask staff about the BC Government parking exemption for inpatient caregivers — it can save significant daily parking costs.
Families travelling from outside Metro Vancouver should ask about the BC Family Residence Program, which may provide accommodation assistance in the Vancouver and Richmond areas through Variety.
What to Bring
BC Services Card or provincial health card for your child
Government-issued ID for the parent or guardian
List of current medications, dosages, and known allergies
Any relevant medical records, specialist letters, or recent test results
Your child's immunization record if available
Comfort items for your child (favourite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal)
Snacks, water, and entertainment for potentially long wait times
A list of emergency contacts and your child's regular family doctor's information
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages does BC Children's Hospital Emergency Department treat?
The Emergency Department accepts patients from birth until their 17th birthday. In some cases, patients already followed by a specialist team at BC Children's may continue to receive care beyond that age — confirm with your specialist.
Do I need a referral to go to BC Children's Hospital Emergency Department?
No referral is required. Any parent or caregiver can bring a child directly to the Emergency Department at any time, day or night. The department is open 24/7 with no appointment needed.
Where exactly is the Emergency Department entrance?
The Emergency Department is located in the Teck Acute Care Centre at Entrance 55, accessible off West 28th Avenue between Heather Street and Oak Street in Vancouver. Look for signage directing you to Entrance 55.
Does BC Children's Hospital treat mental health emergencies for children?
Yes. The Emergency Department provides care for mental health and psychiatric emergencies in children and youth, in addition to medical, surgical, and trauma cases.
Can families from outside Vancouver access BC Children's Hospital?
Yes. BC Children's Hospital serves children from across British Columbia and the Yukon. Families travelling from outside Metro Vancouver may be eligible for travel and accommodation assistance through the BC Family Residence Program, coordinated through Variety.
Is free parking available at BC Children's Hospital?
On-site parking is pay parking at $3.50/hour or $14.25/day, in effect 24 hours a day. Parents or caregivers of children admitted overnight as inpatients may qualify for a BC Government parking exemption. Financial hardship permits may also be available for those who do not qualify for the exemption. Valet service at Entrance 55 is free of charge but regular parking rates still apply.
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 British Columbia health data using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.