Hamilton ER Wait Times

4 emergency departments · ON · Live as of 3:40 a.m. EDT

Shortest: Hamilton Health Sciences - Mcmaster at 1h 19m
Average: 2h 20m
Longest: 2h 52m

Compare all 4 Hamilton ER wait times

ERstat lists all 4 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 1h 33m — Hamilton Health Sciences - Mcmaster at 1h 19m versus Hamilton General Hospital at 2h 52m.

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

1h 19m

St. Joseph's Healthcare - Charlton Campus

24/7 · 50 Charlton Ave E

2h 27m

Juravinski Hospital

24/7 · 711 Concession Street

2h 41m

Hamilton General Hospital

24/7 · 237 Barton Street East

2h 52m
1h 19m wait. See a doctor online instead? Often under an hour. Cold, UTI, rash, prescriptions and more. See a doctor online

In an emergency, call 911. Independent service, not affiliated with this hospital. Free nurse advice: 811.

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

2h20
7am
2h27
8am
2h32
9am
2h39
10am
2h44
11am
3h3
12pm
3h11
1pm
3h16
2pm
3h17
3pm
3h11
4pm
2h54
5pm
2h23
6pm

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 Mondays 5pm avg ~1h 15m
Longest wait Tuesdays 11am avg ~3h 26m

Nearby ERs Outside Hamilton

Trillium Health Partners - Mississauga Hospital

Mississauga · 41 km away

1h 54m

Halton Healthcare - Milton District Hospital

Milton · 29 km away

2h 2m

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital

Grimsby · 27 km away

3h

Georgetown Hospital

Georgetown · 45 km away

3h 23m

Halton Healthcare Services - Oakville

Oakville · 24 km away

4h 11m

Emergency Rooms in Hamilton

Hamilton has 4 emergency departments — 4 open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 4 of 4 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 1h 19m. Wait times update every 15 minutes on ERstat.
How many emergency departments are in Hamilton?
Hamilton has 4 emergency departments, 4 of which operate 24/7. 4 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?
The current average ER wait time across Hamilton emergency departments is approximately 2h 20m. This is a real-time average and changes throughout the day. Overnight waits tend to be longer than midday due to reduced staffing.
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? 17 walk-in clinics in Hamilton — hours & walk-in status

View all Ontario ER wait times

How does Ontario grade on ER data transparency?

More Cities in Ontario

Work at an ER? Report your wait times — free, takes 30 seconds.

Hospital administrator? Manage your ER listing on ERstat.

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

Hospital wait times across Canada →