Patients with non-urgent needs in the East Kootenay region may also be able to access care through community hospitals in Golden, Invermere, Fernie, or Creston, though these facilities may refer complex cases to EKRH.
East Kootenay Regional Hospital (EKRH) is the regional referral centre for the East Kootenay health service area, serving a population of over 79,000 residents across Cranbrook and surrounding communities including Golden, Invermere, Fernie, and Creston. The emergency department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides full trauma and emergency services alongside a broad range of inpatient specialties including surgery, obstetrics, intensive care, and oncology. Patients requiring advanced care beyond the capacity of the four community hospitals in the region are referred to EKRH, making it the highest level of acute care available in the East Kootenay.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency and Trauma ServicesGeneral Medicine and SurgeryIntensive Care Unit (ICU)Obstetrics and Maternity CarePediatric CareDiagnostic ImagingLevel 3 Regional Laboratory ServicesInternal MedicineOrthopedic SurgeryOphthalmologyOtolaryngology (ENT)UrologyPsychiatryRehabilitation ServicesOncology and ChemotherapyRenal (Kidney) ServicesClinical Pharmacy ServicesAir Medical Transport via On-Site Heliport
Amenities
On-site pharmacy (6 pharmacists and 9 technicians)
On-site heliport for air medical transport
Wheelchair accessible throughout
Patient and visitor parking on site
Dedicated oncology/renal parking lot with direct building access
Parking & Transit
On-site patient and visitor parking is available at East Kootenay Regional Hospital. A dedicated 12-stall patient parking lot with direct public access to the oncology and renal wing is available as part of the hospital's expanded facilities. The facility is wheelchair accessible throughout. Specific parking costs were not confirmed — contact the hospital at (250) 426-5281 for current details.
Several transit options serve East Kootenay Regional Hospital. Local Cranbrook Transit System buses stop near the hospital, with the nearest stop at 3 St S & 23 Av S, approximately a 3-minute walk away. The regional Health Connections service connects outlying communities to EKRH for medical appointments: the Kimberley–Cranbrook route runs Monday to Friday with multiple departures (approx. 40-minute ride); the Elkford–Cranbrook route runs Wednesdays and Fridays, arriving at EKRH at approximately 10:15 a.m.; the Golden–Cranbrook route runs Tuesdays and Thursdays, arriving around 11:15 a.m.; and the Creston–Cranbrook route runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. The one-way Health Connections fare is $2.50. Medical appointments have priority booking, but the service is open to all riders when space is available.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. In general, Canadian emergency departments tend to be less busy on weekday mornings (before noon) and mid-afternoon on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. As EKRH is a regional referral hub, volume can be unpredictable — arriving earlier in the day generally improves your chances of a shorter wait.
🔴 Busier times
No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. Emergency departments across Canada typically see their highest volumes on Monday mornings, Friday evenings, weekends, and during holidays. If your condition is not life-threatening, these periods are generally best avoided.
Tips Before You Go
EKRH is the regional hub for four surrounding community hospitals — if you are travelling from Golden, Invermere, Fernie, or Creston for specialist care, plan for at least a half-day trip and confirm your appointment details in advance.
If you rely on the Health Connections regional bus service, note that routes run only on specific days and have set departure times from EKRH — plan your return trip before you arrive so you are not stranded.
The hospital's visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily in most units. If you need to visit outside these hours, contact the specific unit directly at (250) 426-5281 to request access.
For non-emergency concerns, consider calling 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) before heading to the ER — a registered nurse can help you decide if an emergency visit is necessary and save you unnecessary wait time.
EKRH has a heliport on site and serves as a trauma referral centre — if you are arriving with a critically injured patient by private vehicle, follow signage to the emergency entrance and notify staff immediately upon arrival.
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, imaging, or referral letters
Extended health insurance information (if applicable)
Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
Snacks, water, and something to read or watch for wait times
A trusted family member or friend if you may need help communicating or making decisions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does East Kootenay Regional Hospital have a 24/7 emergency department?
Yes. The emergency department at EKRH in Cranbrook operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all statutory holidays.
What communities does East Kootenay Regional Hospital serve?
EKRH serves as the regional referral centre for the East Kootenay health service area, which includes Cranbrook and the surrounding communities served by four community hospitals in Golden, Invermere, Fernie, and Creston — a total population of more than 79,000 people.
Can I get to East Kootenay Regional Hospital by bus from Kimberley or other nearby towns?
Yes. The Health Connections regional transit service runs a Kimberley–Cranbrook route Monday to Friday with multiple departures (approximately 40 minutes each way). Routes also connect Elkford, Golden, and Creston to EKRH on specific days of the week. The one-way fare is $2.50. Local Cranbrook Transit buses also stop near the hospital, with the closest stop at 3 St S & 23 Av S — about a 3-minute walk.
Does EKRH offer oncology and renal (kidney) services?
Yes. EKRH provides chemotherapy and oncology services as well as renal care. A major expansion project is underway to relocate and grow both departments into a new two-storey building, with renal services on the first floor and expanded oncology on the second. A dedicated patient parking lot with direct access to this wing has been added.
Is East Kootenay Regional Hospital wheelchair accessible?
Yes. EKRH is noted as being fully wheelchair accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, it is recommended to contact the hospital in advance at (250) 426-5281.
What are the visiting hours at East Kootenay Regional Hospital?
General visiting hours are daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you need to visit outside these hours, contact the specific unit you are visiting for permission. You can reach the hospital main line at (250) 426-5281.
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.