Campbell River and District Regional Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. In general, mid-morning to early afternoon on weekdays tends to be less busy than evenings, weekends, or holidays. If your condition is not life-threatening, visiting during off-peak hours may result in shorter waits.

Busier times: Emergency departments across Canada typically see higher volumes on Friday and Saturday evenings, holiday weekends, and during peak cold and flu season (November through March). Without specific historical data for this location, these general patterns are the best available guidance.

About Campbell River and District Regional Hospital

The North Island Hospital Campbell River & District, located at 375 2nd Ave in Campbell River, BC, is a modern 95-bed acute care facility serving a broad regional catchment that includes communities such as Gold River, Port Hardy, Cortes Island, and Tahsis — a population of nearly 36,000. The Emergency Department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is supported by an ICU, surgical suites, telemetry, diagnostic imaging, and maternity services, making it the primary emergency resource for the northern Vancouver Island region. Note that the ER entrance is located off Birch Street near Evergreen Road, separate from the main hospital entrance on 2nd Avenue.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit (ICU, 6 beds), Surgical Services (4 operating rooms), Diagnostic Imaging / Medical Imaging, Maternity & Obstetrics (Perinatal Unit), Telemetry Unit, Cardiopulmonary Diagnostic Services, Endoscopy Services, Paediatric Care, Outpatient Laboratory, Cancer Care, Rehabilitation Services (Occupational & Physiotherapy), Ambulatory Care, Social Work, Indigenous Health Services, Minor Day Procedures.

Amenities

• Free WiFi (network: IslandHealthGuestWiFi)
• On-site café
• Campbell River Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop
• Medical Laboratory (on-site)
• Medical Imaging (on-site)
• UBC teaching and training facilities

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

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

Tips Before You Go

• Use the correct entrance: the Emergency Department entrance is on Birch Street near Evergreen Road — not the main hospital entrance on 2nd Avenue. First-time visitors often confuse the two.
• If you are travelling from a remote community such as Gold River, Tahsis, or Cortes Island, call ahead if possible and ensure you have arranged appropriate transport, as this is the primary regional emergency facility.
• Connect to free WiFi using the 'IslandHealthGuestWiFi' network while you wait — useful for keeping family informed or checking in remotely.
• Bus routes 1, 2, 7, and 8 stop directly at the hospital — a practical option if you are not in a life-threatening emergency and do not have a vehicle.
• As with any ER, weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be less congested than evenings and weekends — if your condition is non-urgent, timing your visit can reduce wait times.

What to Bring

• BC Services Card or provincial health insurance card (CareCard)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, including dosages
• List of known allergies
• Any relevant medical records or specialist letters
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for extended waits
• Comfortable clothing and a light sweater or jacket
• Cash or debit/credit card for parking or incidental costs

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.