The QEII Halifax Infirmary Site in Halifax, Nova Scotia is home to the Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma Centre, a major adult emergency and trauma facility serving the Halifax Regional Municipality and beyond. As part of the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre — the largest and most comprehensive hospital in Atlantic Canada — this site offers specialized care including general surgery, cardiovascular surgery, vascular surgery, and orthopedic surgery. Adults requiring emergency care in Halifax should come here; pediatric patients are directed to the nearby IWK Health Centre.
Services & Specialties
Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma CentreGeneral surgeryCardiovascular surgeryVascular surgeryOrthopedic surgeryCardiology investigation and outpatient clinicsCardiovascular disease clinic (pre- and post-surgical consult)Blood collectionInpatient servicesOutpatient clinics
Amenities
Savory Cafeteria/Restaurant — open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Taxi access via Yellow Cab (902-420-0000) or hospital taxi phones
Bike parking at all entrances
Volunteer wayfinding assistance at the Summer Street main entrance
Parking & Transit
Free parking is available for patients and visitors at the Summer Street parkade (1797 Summer St). Validation tickets to exit gated lots without charge are available at information desks, registration kiosks, or from clinic staff. At the emergency department, security personnel will provide validation tickets. A curbside parking service is also available at no cost when the ED surface lot is full, provided in partnership with Indigo. Accessible parking is available in the parkade and at the main Summer Street entrance. Note: free parking does not apply to metered street parking surrounding the site.
Multiple Halifax Transit bus routes stop near the Halifax Infirmary, including routes 1, 7A, 9A, 9B, 90, 123, 182, and 185. The nearest stop is Summer St After Veterans Memorial Ln (stop 2304), approximately a 3-minute walk from the Summer Street entrance. A free QEII shuttle also runs between the Halifax Infirmary and the Victoria General site Monday to Friday every 20 minutes from 6:15 a.m. to 4:10 p.m., departing from the Summer Street entrance. Note: the shuttle is not wheelchair accessible.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
Emergency departments typically see lower patient volumes in the early morning hours between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. on weekdays. If your situation is urgent but not life-threatening, mid-morning on weekdays tends to be less busy than evenings or weekends. Always call 911 or go immediately for life-threatening emergencies regardless of time.
🔴 Busier times
Emergency departments in Halifax, like most urban hospitals, tend to be busiest on evenings (after 5 p.m.), weekends, and holidays when family doctors' offices are closed and patients seek care for non-emergency issues. Monday mornings can also see a surge as patients who delayed care over the weekend arrive. For minor issues, consider whether a walk-in clinic could serve your needs.
Tips Before You Go
Validation tickets for free parking are distributed by security staff at the emergency department entrance — ask when you arrive so you don't get charged when leaving.
If the ED surface lot is full, a free curbside parking service is available in partnership with Indigo — look for staff assistance near the emergency entrance.
The QEII treats adult patients only; if you are bringing a child, proceed to the IWK Health Centre instead.
For non-emergency travel between the Halifax Infirmary and Victoria General sites, take the free QEII shuttle, which departs from the Summer Street entrance every 20 minutes on weekdays.
Volunteers at the Summer Street main entrance can help with directions — don't hesitate to ask, as the hospital is large and multi-floor wayfinding can be complex.
What to Bring
Provincial health card (Nova Scotia MSI card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications and dosages
Any relevant medical history documents or referral letters
Contact information for your family doctor or specialist
Comfortable clothing and a light layer (waiting areas can be cool)
Phone charger or portable battery pack for longer waits
Snacks and water for accompanying family members during extended visits
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the QEII Halifax Infirmary treat children in the emergency department?
No. The QEII Halifax Infirmary emergency department serves adult patients only. Children and pediatric patients in the Halifax region should go to the IWK Health Centre, which is specifically equipped for pediatric emergency care.
Is parking free at the Halifax Infirmary emergency department?
Yes, parking is free for patients and visitors. Park at the Summer Street parkade (1797 Summer St) and ask security staff at the emergency department for a validation ticket to exit without charge. A free curbside parking service is also available when the ED surface lot is full.
What is the Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma Centre?
The Charles V. Keating Emergency and Trauma Centre is the name of the emergency department at the QEII Halifax Infirmary. It opened in 2009 as part of a $20.4-million expansion and serves as the primary adult emergency and trauma facility for the Halifax region.
How do I get to the Halifax Infirmary by bus?
Several Halifax Transit routes stop near the Halifax Infirmary, including routes 1, 7A, 9A, 9B, 90, 123, 182, and 185. The closest stop is Summer St After Veterans Memorial Ln (stop 2304), a short 3-minute walk from the Summer Street entrance.
Is there a pharmacy at the Halifax Infirmary?
Yes, there is a drugstore located on the 4th floor of the Halifax Infirmary Building. It is open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Is the QEII Halifax Infirmary a teaching hospital?
Yes. The Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre is a multi-campus teaching and research organization affiliated with the Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine. This affiliation means patients may interact with medical students, residents, and research staff as part of their care.
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 Nova Scotia 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.