Dawson Creek and District Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this location. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays (after the overnight rush but before the afternoon peak) tends to see shorter ER wait times at regional hospitals. For non-urgent concerns, consider calling 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) first to speak with a registered nurse and determine the most appropriate level of care.

Busier times: No historical wait time data is available for this location. Emergency departments across Canada are typically busiest on weekday evenings, weekends, and holidays. If your condition is not life-threatening, avoiding these peak periods when possible may reduce your wait time.

About Dawson Creek and District Hospital

Dawson Creek and District Hospital, operated by Northern Health at 11100 13 St, provides 24/7 emergency care to residents of Dawson Creek, Pouce Coupe, Tumbler Ridge, and the surrounding Northeast BC region. The emergency department handles approximately 18,000 visits per year and is supported by a full suite of acute care services including intensive care, surgical services, maternity care, and medical imaging. As the primary hospital serving a regional population of roughly 26,000, this facility is the appropriate destination for urgent and life-threatening medical needs in the area.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, High Acuity Unit, Intensive Care, Acute Inpatient Care, Surgical Services, Maternity and Newborn Care (Labour, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum), Medical Imaging / Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory Services, Cancer Care and Chemotherapy, Acute Psychiatry and Mental Health Services, IV Therapy, Convalescent and Rehabilitation Care, Visiting Specialist Clinics, Pharmacy Services, Academic and Teaching Programs.

Amenities

• Pharmacy services on site
• Wheelchair accessible facility
• Free on-site parking
• Non-denominational spiritual room (confirmed in new facility opening 2027)
• For cafeteria, ATM, and guest WiFi availability, contact the hospital directly at 250-782-8501

Other Care Options

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

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

• Dawson Creek and District Hospital is the primary emergency facility for a large regional area in Northeast BC — for life-threatening emergencies, call 911 rather than driving yourself.
• The ER sees approximately 18,000 visits per year; checking real-time wait times before heading in for non-urgent concerns can help you plan your visit.
• Visiting specialist clinics are available at this hospital, so if your concern is non-urgent, ask your family doctor about a referral rather than using the ER.
• A $590 million replacement hospital is under construction nearby and targeted to open in 2027 — signage and parking layouts may change as the transition approaches.
• If you require transit, use the BC Transit trip planner at bctransit.com to find current routes and schedules serving the hospital area in Dawson Creek.

What to Bring

• BC Services Card or provincial health card
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
• Personal health number (PHN)
• Method of payment for any applicable fees (e.g., parking, non-covered items)
• Warm clothing or a blanket, as waiting areas can be cool
• A book, phone charger, or other entertainment in case of a wait

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.