Hospital for Sick Children

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No specific historical wait-time data is available for this location. Generally, paediatric emergency departments in major urban centres tend to be quieter in the early morning hours (roughly 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.) on weekdays. If your child's condition is non-urgent, consider calling your family paediatrician or using SickKids Virtual Urgent Care first.

Busier times: Paediatric ERs in Toronto typically see higher volumes on weekday evenings after daytime clinics close, weekend afternoons, and during cold and flu season (fall and winter). If possible, avoid arriving in the late afternoon or early evening during peak illness seasons. Always go immediately if your child's condition is serious — do not delay emergency care based on wait time estimates.

About Hospital for Sick Children

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Emergency Department at 555 University Avenue in Toronto, Ontario is Canada's leading pediatric emergency and trauma centre, serving children and youth under 18 years of age around the clock. As Ontario's accredited lead Level 1 paediatric trauma hospital and the tertiary referral centre for the Greater Toronto Area, SickKids handles everything from common childhood illnesses to the most complex, life-threatening injuries and conditions. Consistently ranked among the world's top pediatric hospitals, SickKids is the right destination for any child or youth requiring urgent or emergency-level medical care in Toronto.

Services & Specialties

Paediatric emergency care for children and youth under 18, Level 1 paediatric trauma centre — accredited lead trauma hospital for Ontario, Tertiary-care referral centre for the Greater Toronto Area, Paediatric intensive care (PICU), Neonatal intensive care (NICU), Paediatric surgery including multi-organ transplantation, In-utero cardiac surgery capability, Bone marrow transplantation, Separation of conjoined twins (pioneered at SickKids), Speciality and subspecialty paediatric consultations, Trauma program with injury prevention and education mandate, Virtual Urgent Care for eligible GTA and surrounding region patients (non-emergency).

Amenities

• Free Wi-Fi for patients, families, and guests throughout the hospital
• 24-hour vending machine in the Atrium serving hot and cold food
• Water and ice machines near nursing stations
• Food retailers on-site (hours vary — confirm with hospital)
• RMHC Toronto Family Room (4th Floor Atrium) — open 24/7 for NICU, PICU, and select families
• Marnie's Lounge — drop-in therapeutic activity space open seven days a week
• Child Life Specialists offering toys, tablets, VR goggles, autism sensory cart, and DVD players
• Therapeutic clown program for patients and families
• Sacred Spaces: Meditation & Contemplation Room, Muslim Prayer Room, and Chapel — all open 24/7
• Accessibility services compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 104 walk-in clinics in Toronto →

Pharmacists in Ontario can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• SickKids serves only children and youth under 18 — adults experiencing emergencies should go to a nearby adult hospital such as Toronto General or Toronto Western.
• Triage is based on medical urgency, not arrival order. The sickest children are seen first, so wait times can vary significantly depending on your child's condition and the department's current volume.
• Use the Elizabeth Street entrance or parking garage if arriving outside of weekday business hours — the University Avenue entrance is only open Monday–Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• If your child's situation is non-emergency and you are in the GTA or surrounding region (including Dufferin, South Simcoe, Northumberland, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton), consider SickKids Virtual Urgent Care before making the trip downtown.
• SickKids is a teaching hospital — expect medical trainees (residents, medical students, nursing students) to be involved in your child's care under full supervision of the responsible clinician.
• Pack snacks, entertainment, and comfort items for your child; waits can be long, especially if a specialist is required. Child Life staff can also provide tablets, games, and sensory supports during the wait.

What to Bring

• Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card or other provincial health card
• Government-issued photo ID for the parent or guardian
• List of current medications, dosages, and any known allergies
• Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or specialist contacts
• Health card or insurance information for children from outside Ontario
• Comfort items for your child: favourite toy, blanket, or soother
• Snacks and drinks for caregivers (food retailers have limited hours)
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits

Frequently Asked Questions

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. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.