CSSS DE CHICOUTIMI

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be less busy at most Canadian ERs. If your condition is not life-threatening, consider visiting during off-peak hours.

Busier times: No historical data is available to confirm peak hours at this specific location. As a general guideline, Monday mornings, Friday evenings, weekends, and holidays typically see higher ER volumes at regional hospitals. If your situation allows flexibility, avoid these windows.

About CSSS DE CHICOUTIMI

The emergency department at Hôpital de Chicoutimi (CSSS de Chicoutimi), located at 305 Rue Saint-Vallier in Chicoutimi, serves as a major regional referral centre for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, drawing patients from across the broader area including Lac-Saint-Jean. As part of the CIUSSS du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and a designated Centre affilié universitaire régional affiliated with both the Université de Sherbrooke and the Université de Montréal, this is a full-service teaching hospital equipped to handle a wide range of emergency and complex care needs. Patients requiring urgent or serious medical attention in the Chicoutimi and greater Saguenay area should consider this hospital their primary emergency resource.

Services & Specialties

24/7 emergency care, Inpatient hospital services, Outpatient clinics, Regional referral and specialist services, Teaching hospital with resident and medical student coverage, Bilingual care (French and English), Pastoral care services, CLSC-affiliated community health services.

Amenities

• Cafeteria
• ATM (automatic bank machine)
• Post office
• La Marinière boutique
• Pastoral care services
• Heated bus terminal connection

Other Care Options

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Pharmacists in Quebec 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

• Hôpital de Chicoutimi is a regional referral centre — if your condition is serious or complex, this is the appropriate facility for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.
• Services are available in both French and English, so do not hesitate to request care in your preferred language.
• Reserve parking spaces near the hospital entrances are designated for patients and visitors — look for marked patient/visitor spots rather than the employee parking structure.
• As a teaching hospital, residents and medical students are continuously present alongside attending physicians, which can mean thorough assessments but also slightly longer processes.
• Call (418) 541-1000 before visiting for non-emergency questions about services, directions, or to confirm specialty availability.

What to Bring

• Provincial health insurance card (Carte d'assurance maladie / RAMQ card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, imaging, or test results
• Private insurance information if applicable
• Phone charger and entertainment for potential wait times
• Comfortable clothing and a light jacket (ER waiting areas can be cool)
• Snacks and water for accompanying family members or a longer stay

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 Quebec health data. Actual wait times may vary.

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