Hôpital de l'Archipel in Cap-aux-Meules is the sole acute care hospital serving the approximately 13,000 residents and seasonal visitors of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Classified as a General and Specialized Care Hospital (CHSGS) and operating as an hôpital de proximité, its emergency department runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with 6 functional stretcher bays staffed by specialist physicians and specialized nurse practitioners. As the only hospital on this remote island territory, it provides essential emergency, hospital, and community health services, while complex cases requiring advanced trauma, cardiac, or neurosurgical care are transferred to mainland Quebec.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, General and specialized hospital care (CHSGS), Laboratory services (fasting, non-fasting, anticoagulation monitoring), Walk-in GMF (Groupe de médecine de famille) clinic, CLSC community health services, Long-term care (CHSLD), Rehabilitation and intellectual disability services (CRDITSA), Designated sexual assault care centre, Specialist physician consultations, Specialized nurse practitioner care.
Amenities
CISSS des Îles administrative centre on-site (hours: Mon–Fri 8h–16h, closed 12h–13h)
Contact hospital directly at (418) 986-2121 to confirm cafeteria, pharmacy, ATM, and Wi-Fi availability
This is the only hospital on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine — for life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately so staff can coordinate care and arrange medical evacuation to the mainland if needed.
If your health concern is non-urgent, consider the walk-in GMF clinic located on-site: Mon & Thu 8h–11h30 and 13h–16h, Tue 8h–11h30 and 15h–18h, Wed 8h–11h30 and 16h30–19h30, Fri 8h–11h30.
For fasting blood work, arrive at the laboratory between 7h and 9h on weekdays; non-fasting patients are seen 9h–11h, and anticoagulation follow-ups from 11h15–12h.
Visitors and tourists should be aware that highly specialized procedures (advanced cardiac intervention, neurosurgery, pediatric intensive care) are not available on the islands and require transfer to mainland Quebec — travel with sufficient medication supplies and relevant medical records.
The CISSS des Îles administrative offices are housed in this building; for non-emergency administrative inquiries, visit during business hours (Mon–Fri 8h–16h) rather than through the ER.
What to Bring
Valid provincial health card (RAMQ card for Quebec residents)
Government-issued photo ID
List of all current medications and dosages
Any relevant medical records, test results, or imaging
Contact information for your family doctor or specialist
Method of payment for any applicable fees
Warm clothing or a blanket — waiting areas can be cool
Snacks, water, and entertainment for potentially long waits
Parking
On-site surface parking is typical for this community hospital in Cap-aux-Meules. Contact the hospital directly at (418) 986-2121 for specific parking details, accessibility features, and any associated costs.
Getting There
Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine is a remote island archipelago with no formal public transit network. Access to the hospital is primarily by personal vehicle or taxi. The islands are reachable by air via Îles-de-la-Madeleine Airport (approximately 10 km away) or by ferry from Souris, Prince Edward Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hôpital de l'Archipel the only hospital on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine?
Yes. Hôpital de l'Archipel in Cap-aux-Meules is the sole acute care hospital on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine archipelago, serving all permanent residents and visitors. It is part of the CISSS des Îles, which oversees all health and social services across the island territory.
What happens if I need specialized care that isn't available on the islands?
For conditions requiring advanced trauma care, cardiac intervention, neurosurgery, or pediatric intensive care, patients are medically evacuated or transferred to hospitals on mainland Quebec. The hospital team coordinates these transfers as needed.
Does the hospital have a walk-in clinic separate from the emergency room?
Yes. A walk-in GMF (Groupe de médecine de famille) clinic operates on-site for non-emergency concerns. Hours are Monday and Thursday 8h–11h30 and 13h–16h, Tuesday 8h–11h30 and 15h–18h, Wednesday 8h–11h30 and 16h30–19h30, and Friday 8h–11h30.
What laboratory services are available and when?
The on-site laboratory serves fasting and diabetic patients from 7h–9h, non-fasting patients from 9h–11h, and anticoagulation follow-up patients from 11h15–12h, Monday through Friday.
Is Hôpital de l'Archipel equipped to handle sexual assault cases?
Yes. The hospital is a designated centre offering specialized services for victims of sexual assault, with trained staff available to provide appropriate care and support.
How do I get to the hospital if I am visiting the islands by ferry or plane?
The hospital is located at 430 Chemin Principal in Cap-aux-Meules. There is no public transit on the islands, so visitors arriving by ferry (from Souris, PEI) or by air (Îles-de-la-Madeleine Airport, about 10 km away) should arrange a personal vehicle or taxi to reach the hospital.
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.
We check our own accuracy. Forecasting two hours ahead, the ERstat estimate was typically off by 33 minutes against what hospitals themselves later posted, compared with 41 minutes for the hospital's own current figure, and was the closer of the two 58% of the time. See the full scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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