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.
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
Parking
Vehicle access to the hospital campus is via the main entrance/exit off 2nd Avenue. On-site parking is available at the main entrance and in an adjacent parking lot, with a mix of structured and surface stalls. Parking fees have not been confirmed publicly — verify current rates directly with the hospital upon arrival.
Getting There
The hospital is served by BC Transit Campbell River Transit System routes 1, 2, 7, and 8, with a dedicated 'Campbell River Hospital' bus stop approximately 71 metres (about a 1-minute walk) from the facility. The Island Link Bus also connects Campbell River to other Vancouver Island communities including Nanaimo. Taxi services are available from several local private companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Emergency Department entrance at Campbell River & District Hospital?
The ER entrance is located on Birch Street near Evergreen Road — this is separate from the main hospital entrance, which is on 2nd Avenue. If you are arriving by vehicle in an emergency, head to the Birch Street side of the building.
What communities does the Campbell River & District Hospital Emergency Department serve?
The hospital serves as the primary regional acute care facility for a broad catchment area including Campbell River, Gold River, Tahsis, Alert Bay, Cortes Island, Port Alice, Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Sointula, Kyuquot, and surrounding areas — a regional population of approximately 36,000.
Does the hospital have an ICU or surgical capabilities for serious emergencies?
Yes. The facility includes a 6-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a Telemetry unit, and 4 operating rooms with full surgical services, making it well-equipped to manage serious and complex emergencies on the north Vancouver Island region.
Is there free parking at Campbell River & District Hospital?
On-site parking is available off the main 2nd Avenue entrance and in an adjacent lot. Specific parking fees are not publicly confirmed — it is recommended to verify current rates with hospital staff when you arrive.
Is the Campbell River hospital a teaching facility?
Yes. The hospital includes UBC training labs and a resident lounge, reflecting its affiliation with UBC's Faculty of Medicine as a training and teaching site.
Can I reach the hospital by public transit in Campbell River?
Yes. BC Transit Campbell River routes 1, 2, 7, and 8 all serve the hospital, and there is a dedicated 'Campbell River Hospital' bus stop about a 1-minute walk from the facility. The Island Link Bus also connects Campbell River to communities further south on Vancouver Island.
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.
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 41 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.
Something wrong on this page?
Incorrect hours, wrong address, or outdated information? Let us know.