Your pharmacist can assess and prescribe for 26+ common conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies, shingles, contraception. No appointment needed.
About Invermere and District Hospital/Columbia Valley
Invermere and District Hospital is a Level 1 community hospital operated by Interior Health, providing 24-hour emergency care to residents and visitors across the Columbia Valley — from Briscoe to Canal Flats, including Radium Hot Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs. The emergency department features 12 treatment bays and a dedicated ambulance entrance, handling approximately 10,000 visits per year. As the only acute care facility in this large rural region, it serves a resident population of around 9,600 that can surge to 40,000 during busy summer and winter recreation seasons, making it a critical resource for both locals and tourists.
Services & Specialties
24-hour emergency care, Acute care, Maternity and intrapartum care, Antepartum and maternal fetal medicine, General medicine, Diagnostic services, Intensive care, Convalescent care, General rehabilitation, Community respiratory therapy, IV therapy and outpatient antibiotic therapy, Ear, nose and throat (ENT) services, Holter monitor, BC Early Hearing Program, Healthy From The Start program, Specialty outpatient clinics, Community care clinic, Hospital dietitian services.
Amenities
Wheelchair accessible facility
Dinners at Home Program (orders picked up on-site; payment by cash, credit, or cheque at front administration desk)
Visiting hours: 11:00–20:00 daily
Maternity visiting hours: 14:00–20:00 daily
Translation services available in 130+ languages via HealthLink BC (8-1-1)
Maximum 2 visitors per patient at one time (Interior Health policy)
If you are visiting the Columbia Valley for skiing, hiking, or hot springs and require emergency care, Invermere and District Hospital is your closest 24/7 emergency facility — save the address (850 10th Avenue) before your trip.
The Columbia Valley population can surge dramatically during summer and winter recreation seasons. Expect higher ER volumes during long weekends, holiday periods, and peak ski season.
For non-emergency health questions, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse 24/7 before deciding to visit the ER.
Complex or critical cases may be transferred to a larger regional facility. If you have a pre-existing serious condition, consider notifying ER staff promptly so care coordination can begin early if needed.
Parking is free on-site, so arriving by private vehicle is the most reliable option. Allow extra time for parking and check-in during peak tourist periods in July, August, and the winter ski season.
What to Bring
BC Services Card or provincial health card (or out-of-province health card if applicable)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, including dosages
List of known allergies
Any relevant medical records or test results
Insurance information if you are a visitor from outside Canada
Phone charger and entertainment for potential wait times
Snacks and water for accompanying family members
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Invermere and District Hospital's emergency department open 24 hours?
Yes. The emergency department at Invermere and District Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays.
What areas does the Invermere ER serve?
The emergency department serves the entire Columbia Valley, covering communities from Briscoe and Invermere to Canal Flats, Fairmont Hot Springs, and Radium Hot Springs. It is the primary acute care facility for this large rural region.
Is parking free at Invermere and District Hospital?
Yes, on-site parking at 850 10th Avenue is free of charge. The hospital is listed as wheelchair accessible; contact the hospital to confirm accessible parking locations.
Can Invermere Hospital handle serious emergencies, or will I be transferred?
Invermere and District Hospital provides 24-hour emergency care, diagnostic services, and intensive care as a Level 1 community hospital. However, complex cases such as major trauma, cardiac surgery, or stroke may require transfer to a larger regional facility. ER staff will assess and coordinate care accordingly.
Does Invermere and District Hospital offer maternity services?
Yes. The hospital provides maternity services including antepartum care, intrapartum care, and access to maternal fetal medicine. Maternity visiting hours are 14:00–20:00 daily.
What if I need an interpreter at the Invermere ER?
Translation services in over 130 languages are available through HealthLink BC (8-1-1). Notify ER staff of your language needs upon arrival and they can help arrange support.