THE OTTAWA HOSPITAL/L'HÔPITAL D'OTTAWA - GENERAL CAMPUS

Ottawa, ON · Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

Open 24/7

This emergency department is open around the clock.

Current ER Wait
Unknown Unknown
🏥 24/7 Emergency
📍 Ottawa

Last updated: recently · View all Ontario hospitals →

Nearby Alternatives

Ottawa is served by multiple hospital campuses, including other sites within The Ottawa Hospital network, which may offer alternative emergency or urgent care options depending on your location and needs.

Ross Memorial Hospital

Lindsay · 270 km away

8h 1m

Lakeridge Health - Bowmanville

Bowmanville · 292 km away

1h 30m

Lakeridge Health - Oshawa

Oshawa · 304 km away

2h 22m

About THE OTTAWA HOSPITAL/L'HÔPITAL D'OTTAWA - GENERAL CAMPUS

The Ottawa Hospital General Campus, located at 501 Smyth Rd in Ottawa, Ontario, operates a 24/7 emergency department staffed by physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals equipped to treat life-threatening injuries and severe illness. As a major academic health centre affiliated with the University of Ottawa and serving over 1.2 million people across Eastern Ontario, the General Campus offers one of the most comprehensive levels of acute care in the region. Patients requiring specialized care in areas such as oncology, ophthalmology, rehabilitation, cardiothoracic surgery, or intensive care will find advanced specialist services available on this campus.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Cancer Program (Regional Cancer Centre hub) University of Ottawa Eye Institute Rehabilitation Centre Cardiothoracic Surgery Cardiology Endocrinology ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) Dermatology Allergy & Immunology Anesthesiology Audiology Clinical Pharmacy Laboratory Services Medical Imaging Kidney Research Centre Emergency Medical Services

Amenities

Parking & Transit

Paid parking is available on-site with accessible spaces in all patient and visitor lots. Use your entry ticket to pay at indoor pay machines near main entrances, or pay at the exit gate by credit or debit card. The campus uses a Pay-by-Licence Plate system with tap-and-go payment and the Flowbird mobile parking app. Multi-campus parking passes with in-and-out privileges are available and are transferable between patients and family members. All parking revenues are directed toward medical equipment and patient care improvements.

OC Transpo Stop 7234 is located on Ring Road at the General Campus, approximately a 3-minute walk from the Emergency Department entrance. Nearby stops include Ring Road / TOH General Campus, Smyth / Lynda, and Smyth / Roger Guindon, served by routes 5, 45, 609, and 645. Para Transpo and accessible low-floor buses are also available for passengers with mobility needs.

Best Times to Visit

🟢 Quieter times

No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. In general, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be less busy than weekend afternoons or evenings. If your condition is not immediately life-threatening, visiting during off-peak hours may reduce your wait time.

🔴 Busier times

Emergency departments across Canada are typically busiest on Monday mornings, weekend afternoons and evenings, and during holidays. Evenings between 6 p.m. and midnight often see higher volumes as patients arrive after work or after trying other care options. If you have a non-urgent condition, consider whether a walk-in clinic or virtual care service might be appropriate.

Tips Before You Go

What to Bring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the address of The Ottawa Hospital General Campus Emergency Department?
The Emergency Department is located at 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6. The main campus phone number is 613-798-5555.
Is The Ottawa Hospital General Campus ER open overnight and on holidays?
Yes. The Emergency Department at the General Campus operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and statutory holidays. The Tim Hortons in the Critical Care Wing lobby is also open 24/7 for visitors and family members.
What specialist services are available at the General Campus?
The General Campus is home to a wide range of specialists, including cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, endocrinologists, ENT specialists, dermatologists, allergists, anesthesiologists, and audiologists. It also hosts the University of Ottawa Eye Institute, the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Program, the Rehabilitation Centre, and the Kidney Research Centre.
How do I pay for parking at The Ottawa Hospital General Campus?
Parking is paid by licence plate. You can pay at indoor pay machines near the main entrances using your entry ticket, or pay at the exit gate with a credit or debit card. The Flowbird mobile app also supports tap-and-go and mobile payment. Multi-campus passes with in-and-out privileges are available for frequent visitors.
Are interpretation or accessibility services available at the General Campus ER?
Yes. Free spoken language and sign language (ASL and LSQ) interpretation services are available to all patients and visitors. Personal amplifiers (Pocket Talkers) are also available on request. The campus features accessible parking, entrances, washrooms, wheelchairs, and elevators throughout.
Is The Ottawa Hospital General Campus a teaching hospital?
Yes. The Ottawa Hospital is affiliated with the University of Ottawa and is one of Canada's largest academic health centres. It has a distinguished history of medical firsts, including Canada's first artificial heart implantation in 1986 and the first unrelated-donor bone marrow transplant in 1988.

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.

↗ Open Live Map