Residents in the Sea-to-Sky region who need additional or specialized care may be referred to facilities in North Vancouver or Vancouver, which offer a broader range of acute and tertiary services through Vancouver Coastal Health.
Squamish General Hospital is a 20-bed acute care facility operated by Vancouver Coastal Health, serving more than 270,000 residents across the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Powell River, and BC's Central Coast. The Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing care for patients of all ages — including children and youth — for major accidents, injuries, and potentially life-threatening conditions. As the primary acute care hospital for the Squamish region, it offers a broad range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical, diagnostic, and community health services.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department (all ages, including pediatric)Day surgery — general, orthopedic, dental, ENT, urology, plastics, obstetrics & gynecology, and endoscopyLaboratory services — blood collection, inpatient and outpatient testingDiagnostic imaging — X-ray/radiology, fluoroscopy, and ultrasoundAcute care pharmacy — inpatient and outpatientSexual assault medical care (24-hour, confidential, age 14+)Outpatient Ketamine Intervention Program for treatment-resistant depressionNutrition outpatient counselling and group education classesIndigenous patient navigator servicesOnline lab appointment booking (labonlinebooking.ca)
Amenities
Retail food services near the main entrance (north side) — open to staff and visitors
Healthier food vending machines available 24/7
Squamish General Hospital Auxiliary Society Gift Shop (Monday–Friday, volunteer-run)
Comfortable gathering spaces for spiritual and cultural healing practices
Free Wi-Fi likely available (standard at most VCH facilities — inquire on-site if needed)
Parking & Transit
Parking at Squamish General Hospital is free — a rare convenience compared to many other hospitals in BC. Accessibility parking is located at the front of the building, with additional designated spaces for short-term visits, expectant parents, and seniors. Electric vehicle charging stations are available for patients, visitors, staff, and medical staff. Patients who can walk or use a wheelchair can be dropped off directly outside the ED doors; those with limited mobility can be brought in through the Emergency Department entrance.
Squamish General Hospital is accessible by public transit via BC Transit's Squamish Transit system. Specific route numbers or stop details for the hospital were not confirmed — check BC Transit's trip planner or Google Maps for current route information before your visit.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
No historical wait time data is available for this location yet. As a general rule, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be among the quieter periods at smaller community ERs. Arriving earlier in the day often results in shorter waits compared to evenings.
🔴 Busier times
No historical wait data is available for this location. Emergency departments across BC typically see higher volumes on evenings, weekends, and holidays. If your situation is non-urgent, avoiding Friday evenings through Sunday evenings may reduce your wait time.
Tips Before You Go
Bring your BC Services Card (CareCard) or photo ID and a current list of all medications — this speeds up registration significantly.
For lab work, use the online booking system at labonlinebooking.ca to reserve a slot in advance; any remaining daily appointments are available to walk-ins.
Parking is free at Squamish General Hospital — no need to bring change or worry about a meter during your visit.
If you've experienced a sexual assault, the hospital provides free, confidential medical care 24 hours a day for anyone age 14 and older, including forensic examination options for assaults within the last seven days.
If your condition is not life-threatening and you are travelling from the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, check current wait times before leaving home to better plan your visit.
What to Bring
BC Services Card (CareCard) or provincial health card
Government-issued photo ID (driver's licence, passport, etc.)
Complete list of current medications, including dosages
List of known allergies (medications, foods, environmental)
Personal health history or any relevant medical records
A trusted friend or family member if possible, especially for longer waits
Snacks and water for extended wait times (vending machines also available 24/7)
Phone charger or portable battery pack for long visits
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Squamish General Hospital have a 24/7 emergency department?
Yes. The Emergency Department at Squamish General Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. It serves patients of all ages, including children and youth under 18.
Is parking free at Squamish General Hospital?
Yes — parking is free at Squamish General Hospital, which is uncommon for hospital facilities in BC. Accessibility parking, expectant parents' parking, senior parking, and EV charging stations are all available on site.
Does Squamish General Hospital provide care for sexual assault survivors?
Yes. The hospital provides free, confidential, 24-hour medical care for anyone age 14 and older who has experienced a sexual assault. Services include immediate physical care, testing and treatment for STIs and pregnancy, and the option of a forensic examination for assaults that occurred within the last seven days.
What surgical services are available at Squamish General Hospital?
Squamish General Hospital performs day surgeries only — no inpatient or overnight surgeries. Procedures are carried out by local and visiting surgeons across specialties including general surgery, orthopedics, dental, ear/nose/throat, urology, plastics, obstetrics and gynecology, and endoscopy.
Can I book a lab appointment at Squamish General Hospital online?
Yes. You can book lab appointments in advance at labonlinebooking.ca. Any remaining daily appointment slots are also open to walk-in patients. Most standard tests, including most blood work, can be processed at the hospital's on-site lab.
Who operates Squamish General Hospital and what area does it serve?
Squamish General Hospital is operated by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH). It serves over 270,000 residents across Squamish, the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, the North Shore, the Sunshine Coast, Powell River, and BC's Central Coast, including Bella Bella and Bella Coola.
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.