BC Children's Hospital

Best Times to Visit

About BC Children's Hospital

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 Centre, Medical and surgical emergency care, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Oncology and hematology, Mental health and psychiatric emergency care, Developmental support services, Medical imaging and procedural suites, Inpatient and outpatient pediatric care, Transplant services, Genetics clinic, HIV centre, Rehabilitation services, Injury 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

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 23 walk-in clinics in Vancouver →

Pharmacists in British Columbia 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

• 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

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. Actual wait times may vary.

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