Hamilton ER Wait Times

5 emergency departments · ON · Live as of 11:50 a.m. EDT

Shortest wait in Hamilton right now

Avg 1h 39m · Longest 4h 32m

In an emergency, call 911.

Compare all 5 Hamilton ER wait times

ERstat lists all 5 Hamilton emergency departments side by side, sorted from the shortest wait to the longest, using data from individual hospital websites. Right now the difference between the shortest and longest ER wait in Hamilton is 4h 1m — Hamilton Health Sciences - Mcmaster at 31m versus Juravinski Hospital at 4h 32m.

Each hospital page also shows the typical quietest time to visit based on historical patterns, plus a 12-hour wait forecast, so you can plan a non-urgent trip around the busiest hours.

Hamilton Health Sciences - Mcmaster

24/7 · 1200 Main St W

31m

St. Joseph's Healthcare - Charlton Campus

24/7 · 50 Charlton Ave E

1h 2m

St. Joseph's King Campus

Limited hours · 2757 King Street E

1h 3m

Hamilton General Hospital

24/7 · 237 Barton Street East

1h 5m

Juravinski Hospital

24/7 · 711 Concession Street

4h 32m

Hamilton ER Wait Forecast

Predicted average ER wait across Hamilton over the next 12 hours, based on ERstat’s model. Use it to time a non-urgent visit for a quieter window.

Hamilton ER Forecast — Next 12 Hours

1h39
3pm
1h30
4pm
1h21
5pm
1h10
6pm
1h1
7pm
0h53
8pm
0h48
9pm
0h46
10pm
0h48
11pm
0h51
12am
0h54
1am
0h59
2am

Projected from typical wait patterns across Hamilton ERs and the current average wait.

Best Time to Visit an ER in Hamilton

Based on historical wait patterns across Hamilton emergency departments, here is when they tend to be quietest and busiest. Waits are typically longest in the early morning and shortest around midday.

Shortest wait Saturdays 6pm avg ~1h 15m
Longest wait Tuesdays 11am avg ~3h 18m

Nearby ERs Outside Hamilton

Queensway Health Centre

Toronto · 48 km away

0m

Peel Memorial Centre

Brampton · 50 km away

40m

Georgetown Hospital

Georgetown · 45 km away

49m

Halton Healthcare - Milton District Hospital

Milton · 30 km away

52m

Brantford General Hospital

Brantford · 37 km away

1h 10m

Emergency Rooms in Hamilton

Hamilton has 5 emergency departments — 4 open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 1 with limited operating hours. 5 of 5 currently have live wait time data.

Wait time data for Hamilton is sourced from individual hospital websites and updates as frequently as every 15–30 minutes. ERstat displays the estimated time from triage registration to being seen by a physician.

All emergency departments in Hamilton use the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to prioritize patients. Patients with more serious conditions are always seen first, regardless of arrival time or displayed wait. A shorter posted wait does not guarantee a shorter visit — it depends on the severity of your condition relative to other patients in the department.

Tips for Visiting an ER in Hamilton

Check wait times on this page before leaving. ERstat updates every 5 minutes and shows all Hamilton ERs sorted from shortest to longest wait. Each hospital page includes a 12-hour forecast chart and a “Best Time to Visit” pattern based on historical data.

If your condition is not life-threatening, consider whether a walk-in clinic, urgent care centre, or pharmacist could help instead. Ontario pharmacists can assess and prescribe for many common conditions with no appointment needed. See what your pharmacist can treat →

Not sure if you need the ER? Call 811 to speak with a registered nurse. Free, confidential, available 24/7.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency — chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, or loss of consciousness — call 911 immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shortest ER wait time in Hamilton right now?
The shortest ER wait time in Hamilton right now is at Hamilton Health Sciences - Mcmaster with an estimated wait of 31m. Wait times update every 15 minutes on ERstat.
How many emergency departments are in Hamilton?
Hamilton has 5 emergency departments, 4 of which operate 24/7. 5 currently have live wait time data available on ERstat.
How can I check ER wait times in Hamilton?
ERstat tracks live ER wait times for all Hamilton hospitals using data from individual hospital websites. Visit erstat.ca or check this page for current wait times, sorted from shortest to longest. Each hospital page includes a 12-hour forecast and a best time to visit pattern based on historical data.
What is the average ER wait time in Hamilton?
Right now the shortest ER wait in Hamilton is 31m at Hamilton Health Sciences - Mcmaster, and the longest is 4h 32m. The average across Hamilton's reporting emergency departments is about 1h 39m, but waits vary widely — checking the live board and choosing the shortest can save hours. The average shifts through the day; overnight tends to run longer than midday.
Should I go to the ER with the shortest wait time?
Not necessarily. All Canadian emergency departments use triage — patients with more serious conditions are seen first regardless of arrival time. A hospital with a longer posted wait may still see you faster if your condition is urgent. For non-emergencies, consider a walk-in clinic, urgent care, or pharmacist visit instead.
Where does ERstat get Hamilton ER wait time data?
ERstat sources Hamilton wait time data from individual hospital websites. Data updates as frequently as every 15–30 minutes.
What if all Hamilton ERs have long wait times?
ERstat shows nearby emergency departments outside Hamilton with current wait times and driving distance. You can also call 811 to speak with a registered nurse who can help you decide where to go. For non-emergency conditions, a pharmacist or walk-in clinic may be able to help with no wait.

Not an emergency? 16 walk-in clinics in Hamilton — hours & walk-in status

View all Ontario ER wait times

How does Ontario grade on ER data transparency?

Urgent Care in Ontario

Urgent care treats the broken wrists, infections and stitches an emergency department would make you wait behind more serious cases for. Ontario publishes its urgent care waits, and they are not comparable to an ER wait.

More Cities in Ontario

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Not sure you need the ER? · What your pharmacist can treat

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