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Tofino General Hospital is a small rural community hospital operated by Island Health, located at 261 Neill St in Tofino, BC, serving the remote West Coast of Vancouver Island. The 24/7 emergency department features 5 ER stretchers and a physician on-call at all times, providing essential emergency care for residents of Tofino, surrounding First Nations communities, and the many visitors who travel to this region each year. As a community-level facility rather than a trauma or regional referral centre, patients requiring specialized surgery, ICU care, or complex interventions are typically stabilized and transferred to larger hospitals in Nanaimo or Victoria.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Chest pain and heart attack assessment, Stroke evaluation and emergency response, Major injury and trauma stabilization, Mental health crisis care, Head injury assessment, Overdose and poisoning treatment, Pregnancy complications and emergency obstetrics, Sexual assault care, Dialysis patient emergency care, Medical imaging (X-ray walk-in available), Laboratory services, Telehealth (video-based specialist access), Rehabilitation services (by appointment, Mon–Fri), 10 acute inpatient beds.
This is a small rural ER with a waiting room that seats only four or five people — arrive prepared for a limited space environment, especially during peak summer tourist season when the facility faces its highest demand.
For non-emergency concerns, ask staff whether a same-day or urgent care clinic in the region may be more appropriate; the ER prioritizes life-threatening and serious conditions.
Telehealth is available at this hospital, meaning you may be connected by video to specialists located elsewhere on Vancouver Island or beyond — this is normal and part of how rural care works here.
If you are visiting Tofino as a tourist, carry your provincial health card or out-of-province insurance information with you at all times, as the nearest larger hospital is a significant drive away.
Call ahead at 250-725-4010 to confirm availability of specific services or amenities before visiting, as this is a very small facility and on-site resources are limited compared to urban hospitals.
What to Bring
BC Services Card or provincial health card (out-of-province visitors bring insurance details)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, including dosages
List of known allergies
Emergency contact name and phone number
Any relevant medical records or recent test results
Cash or card for any incidental needs (confirm ATM availability by calling ahead)
Warm clothing or a layer — rural BC hospital waiting areas can be cool
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tofino General Hospital a trauma centre?
No. Tofino General Hospital is a small rural community hospital, not a trauma centre or regional referral facility. It can stabilize serious and life-threatening emergencies, but patients requiring advanced surgery, intensive care, or specialist intervention are typically transferred to hospitals in Nanaimo or Victoria.
Does Tofino General Hospital have a maternity ward?
No, the hospital does not have a full maternity ward. Emergency obstetrics services are available for complications, but planned deliveries and prenatal care requiring inpatient maternity services are not offered at this facility. If you are pregnant and experiencing an emergency, go to the ER immediately.
Can I get an X-ray at Tofino General Hospital without a referral?
Yes. X-ray services are available by walk-in. However, all other diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests require a requisition from a physician or nurse practitioner.
How many ER beds does Tofino General Hospital have?
The emergency department has 5 stretchers, and the hospital has 10 acute medical inpatient beds. The waiting room seats approximately four to five people, reflecting the small scale of this rural facility. A physician is on-call at all times.
Does Tofino General Hospital serve First Nations communities in the area?
Yes. The hospital serves approximately 1,800 First Nations residents from surrounding communities including Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ, Hesquiaht, and Ahousaht First Nations, in addition to the broader Tofino and regional population.
What should I do if I need specialized care that Tofino General Hospital cannot provide?
The hospital will stabilize your condition and arrange a transfer to an appropriate facility, typically in Nanaimo or Victoria. Telehealth services are also available on-site to connect you by video with specialists elsewhere on Vancouver Island, which can support care decisions without requiring an immediate transfer.