Quieter times: If possible, early morning on weekdays (before 10 a.m.) tends to be less busy at most Canadian ERs. Mid-morning to early afternoon on weekdays is generally a moderate period. Always call 911 or go immediately in a true emergency regardless of time.
Busier times: Evening hours between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. are typically the busiest at Canadian emergency departments, as patients arrive after work or after family physicians' offices close. Weekends can also see higher volumes throughout the day.
The North Bay General Hospital McLaren Site is a legacy facility in North Bay, Ontario, whose emergency services have been consolidated into the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) at 50 College Drive — the current destination for emergency care in the region. The NBRHC emergency department is equipped with 32 treatment stretchers and serves over 57,000 patients per year, providing full acute care services to North Bay and the broader Nipissing District. Residents seeking emergency care in North Bay should proceed to 50 College Drive, where a comprehensive 24/7 emergency department and full diagnostic suite are available.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, CT Scanning, MRI, X-Ray, Ultrasound, Laboratory Services, ECG and EEG Testing, Echocardiography, Nuclear Medicine, Mammography, Bone Mineral Density Testing, Ontario Breast Screening Program, Diabetes Education Centre, Ambulatory Care Centre, On-site Pharmacy, Mental Health and Psychiatry Services, Nipissing Detoxification and Substance Abuse Program.
Amenities
Tim Hortons food kiosk near Main Lobby (Level 200)
Cafeteria on Level 100 with Tim Hortons, daily hot lunches, grilled comfort foods, and grab-and-go items
Gift Shop operated by Friends of NBRHC (Main East Lobby, Level 200) — gifts, toiletries, reading material, flowers
North Bay Regional Pharmacy — on-site pharmacy open to patients and visitors
No-smoking campus (including electronic cigarettes and personal vehicles)
Emergency services for North Bay are now located at the North Bay Regional Health Centre at 50 College Drive — not at 720 McLaren St, which is no longer an active hospital site.
Call 705-474-8600 before visiting if you have questions about services, wait times, or directions to the current NBRHC campus.
For non-life-threatening concerns, consider whether the Ambulatory Care Centre or a walk-in clinic may be appropriate — the NBRHC ambulatory care centre serves over 63,000 visits per year.
The NBRHC campus is located off Highway 17, making it accessible from across the Nipissing District. Plan your route in advance, especially in winter conditions.
The NBRHC has a strict no-smoking policy across all hospital property, including parking lots and personal vehicles, enforced under municipal by-law.
What to Bring
Provincial health card (Ontario OHIP card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, doses, and allergies
Any relevant medical records or referral documents
Emergency contact names and phone numbers
Payment method for parking
Snacks and water for potential wait times
A book, phone charger, or other entertainment for the waiting room
Parking
Parking is available on site at the North Bay Regional Health Centre campus at 50 College Drive. For current parking details, rates, and accessibility options, contact the hospital directly at 705-474-8600.
Getting There
Ontario Northland provides a transit stop at the main entrance of the North Bay Regional Health Centre at 50 College Drive. For transit routes to the area, contact North Bay Transit at 705-474-0626.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the hospital at 720 McLaren St in North Bay still open?
No. The former North Bay General Hospital McLaren Site at 720 McLaren St is no longer an active acute care hospital. Emergency and hospital services for North Bay are now provided at the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC), located at 50 College Drive. The McLaren Street building was decommissioned when the NBRHC opened in 2010.
Where should I go for emergency care in North Bay, Ontario?
You should go to the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) at 50 College Drive, North Bay, ON. Their emergency department is open 24/7 and equipped with 32 treatment stretchers serving over 57,000 patients per year. You can reach the hospital by phone at 705-474-8600.
What diagnostic services are available at North Bay's hospital emergency department?
The NBRHC offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic services including CT scanning, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, echocardiography, nuclear medicine, laboratory services, ECG and EEG testing, mammography, and bone mineral density testing — all available to support emergency and inpatient care.
Does North Bay Regional Health Centre have mental health emergency services?
Yes. The NBRHC is notably the first facility in Canada to co-locate an acute care hospital with a specialized mental health centre. The Regional Mental Health Centre on the same campus has 113 beds, and mental health and psychiatry services are integrated into the facility's care model.
Is there a pharmacy at the North Bay hospital?
Yes. The North Bay Regional Pharmacy is located on the NBRHC campus at 50 College Drive and is available to patients and visitors, making it convenient to fill prescriptions following an emergency or outpatient visit.
How do I get to North Bay Regional Health Centre by public transit?
Ontario Northland provides a transit stop directly at the main entrance of the NBRHC at 50 College Drive. For specific route information and schedules, contact North Bay Transit at 705-474-0626.
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.
This hospital does not publish a live wait, so the figure above comes from our model rather than from its own feed. We publish how that model performs where it can be checked, at the hospitals that do publish. See the accuracy scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Something wrong on this page?
Incorrect hours, wrong address, or outdated information? Let us know.