Prince Rupert Regional Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait data is available for this facility yet. Generally, emergency departments tend to be less busy in the early morning hours (6 AM–9 AM) on weekdays. If your condition is not life-threatening, consider calling 811 (BC HealthLink) first for guidance on the most appropriate level of care.

Busier times: No historical wait data is available for this facility. Emergency departments across Canada are typically busiest on Monday mornings, weekday evenings between 6 PM and 10 PM, and weekend afternoons. If your situation allows flexibility, early weekday mornings generally see shorter wait times.

About Prince Rupert Regional Hospital

Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, located at 1305 Summit Avenue and operated by Northern Health, is the primary healthcare facility for more than 30,000 residents along BC's North Coast, including Prince Rupert, Port Edward, Haida Gwaii, and surrounding Tsimshian and First Nations communities. The emergency department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, handling approximately 16,000 visits per year — about 43 patients daily — and is equipped to manage everything from urgent medical conditions to trauma cases. With a recently completed, state-of-the-art emergency department expansion featuring upgraded triage and trauma areas, this is the region's first point of contact for critical and serious medical emergencies.

Services & Specialties

24/7 emergency care, Trauma and triage services, Intensive care (high acuity beds), Surgical procedures, Medical imaging — CT scans, X-rays, mammography, echocardiograms, Laboratory diagnostics, Inpatient acute care, Maternity services, Mental health counselling, Cancer treatment, Chronic disease management, Rehabilitation services, Visiting specialist clinics — pediatrics, radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, Convalescent care.

Amenities

• Wheelchair-accessible facilities throughout
• New patient registration area and main lobby
• On-site parking

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

• Prince Rupert Regional Hospital is the only full-service emergency department on BC's North Coast — for anything life-threatening, go directly to the ER or call 911.
• The emergency department has recently been expanded and modernized, featuring improved patient flow, privacy, and separate triage and trauma areas.
• If you are travelling from Haida Gwaii or a remote coastal community, call ahead at 250-624-2171 to alert staff, especially for time-sensitive conditions.
• The hospital's Visiting Specialist Clinic offers access to pediatrics, cardiology, OB/GYN, and radiology — ask your ER physician or family doctor for a referral if needed after your visit.
• The emergency department was designed with cultural safety in mind for Indigenous patients — Northern Health worked with the local Tsimshian First Nation to make the space welcoming.

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 or specialist letters
• Extended health insurance information if applicable
• Phone charger or portable battery
• Warm clothing or a blanket — hospital waiting areas can be cool
• Snacks and water for yourself or a support person accompanying you

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.