Families in the Ottawa region who require emergency care for adults may consider The Ottawa Hospital campuses or other regional facilities, as CHEO exclusively serves children and youth.
The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Emergency Department in Ottawa is a tertiary-level pediatric emergency centre serving children and youth from Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, parts of Northern Ontario, and Nunavut. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the ED is staffed by over 27 pediatric emergency medicine specialists and treats more than 70,000 patients annually across specialized zones including trauma and resuscitation, acute care, ambulatory care, mental health, and procedure rooms. Families seeking emergency care for infants, children, and adolescents — including complex medical conditions, mental health crises, and trauma — should come directly to CHEO.
Services & Specialties
Pediatric emergency medicineTrauma and resuscitationMental health and psychiatric crisis careNeonatal emergency careAcute pediatric illness and injuryAmbulatory and fast-track emergency carePoint-of-care ultrasoundPediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)Addiction and adolescent healthChronic disease exacerbation managementSurgical servicesRehabilitationPalliative careGeneticsAutism supportRemote consultation and regional outreach
Amenities
Cafeteria
Pharmacy
Gift shop
Guest Wi-Fi
ATM / cash machines
Prayer room
Family Resource Library
Social Work and Mental Health Intake Office
Payphones
Family lounges
Nearby accommodations
Parking & Transit
Parking is available on-site at CHEO's Ring Road parking garage. Accessible parking spots near the main entrance require no payment for valid accessible parking permit holders. Six electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are located on level one of the parking garage. Automated pay stations and gates are equipped with call buttons connecting to the CHEO Security office (613-737-2227), located on the second floor near the Emergency Department. All parking revenue supports CHEO's medical equipment, clinical programs, and care environments. For current rates, visit cheo.on.ca or contact Security.
CHEO at 401 Smyth Road is accessible by public transit via OC Transpo. Route 45 connects CHEO directly to Hurdman Station, which links to the O-Train Confederation Line (Line 1) for access to Ottawa's broader rapid transit network. Additional OC Transpo routes serve Smyth Road. Visit octranspo.com or use the OC Transpo app for current schedules.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
No historical wait time data is currently available for CHEO's Emergency Department. In general, pediatric emergency departments tend to be less busy in the early morning hours (between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.) on weekdays. For non-urgent concerns, checking real-time wait times before leaving home can help you plan your visit.
🔴 Busier times
Evenings, weekends, and holidays typically see higher volumes at pediatric emergency departments across Canada. After-school hours (3 p.m. to 8 p.m.) are often among the busiest periods. If your child's condition allows, arriving earlier in the day on a weekday may mean shorter waits.
Tips Before You Go
CHEO is the designated pediatric tertiary care centre for the region — if your child has a serious or complex medical emergency, this is the right place to come rather than an adult hospital.
If your child's condition is not life-threatening, consider calling your family doctor or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) before heading to the ED, as many concerns can be managed without an emergency visit.
CHEO's campus is bilingual — all services are available in both English and French, so families can communicate in their preferred language.
Bring your child's health card (OHIP), any current medications in their original packaging, and a list of known allergies to help the care team assess your child quickly.
Parking at CHEO can fill up during peak hours; the Ring Road parking garage is the most convenient option, and accessible permit holders park free in designated spots near the main entrance.
If you are travelling from outside Ottawa — such as Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, Northern Ontario, or Nunavut — CHEO specialists may be able to provide remote consultation to your local hospital before transfer.
What to Bring
Ontario health card (OHIP card) or provincial/territorial health coverage documentation
List of current medications with dosages
List of known allergies (medications, food, environmental)
Previous medical records or specialist letters relevant to the current concern
Immunization records if visiting for a fever or infection concern
Comfort items for your child such as a favourite toy, blanket, or pacifier
Snacks and drinks for accompanying family members, as waits can be lengthy
Phone charger or portable battery pack to stay connected during your visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CHEO's Emergency Department only treat children?
Yes. CHEO is dedicated exclusively to children and youth. The Emergency Department at 401 Smyth Road in Ottawa serves infants, children, and adolescents, and all physicians and staff are specialized in pediatric care. Adults requiring emergency care should visit an adult emergency department such as The Ottawa Hospital.
What regions does CHEO serve?
CHEO is the tertiary care pediatric referral centre for Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, parts of Northern Ontario, and Nunavut. Families travel from across this large catchment area to receive specialized care that may not be available at their local hospital.
Does CHEO have specialists available in the Emergency Department around the clock?
CHEO's Emergency Department is staffed 24/7 by a team that includes over 27 pediatric emergency medicine specialists, many of whom hold Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) certification in Pediatric Emergency Medicine, alongside physicians trained in pediatrics, family medicine, and emergency medicine.
Can CHEO treat mental health emergencies for children and youth?
Yes. CHEO's Emergency Department includes a dedicated mental health zone and treats children and youth experiencing psychiatric crises, mental health emergencies, and addiction concerns. CHEO also has an on-site Social Work and Mental Health Intake Office to support families.
Is CHEO accessible by public transit from downtown Ottawa?
Yes. OC Transpo Route 45 connects CHEO at 401 Smyth Road to Hurdman Station, which is a stop on the O-Train Confederation Line (Line 1). From Hurdman, passengers can reach downtown Ottawa and other parts of the city. Check octranspo.com for current schedules.
Are services at CHEO available in French?
Yes. CHEO operates as a fully bilingual hospital, providing all services in both English and French. Families in the Ottawa-Gatineau region and from francophone communities across Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec can receive care in their preferred official language.
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 Ontario 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.