The emergency department at Hôpital Laval (IUCPQ — Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec) in Sainte-Foy, QC, is a tertiary and quaternary care facility recognized as Canada's foremost centre for cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. Serving a catchment area of over three million people across eastern Quebec, this university-affiliated hospital delivers specialized and ultra-specialized emergency care with particular expertise in cardiology, pneumology, and obesity-related conditions. Patients requiring highly specialized cardiac, pulmonary, or metabolic care are best served here, while those with general unrelated emergencies may be redirected to other Quebec City area hospitals.
Services & Specialties
Specialized cardiac emergency care, Pulmonary (pneumologie) emergency care, Obesity and bariatric medicine, Cardiac transplantation program, Echocardiography (general and transvaginal), Electrocardiography (ECG), Minor surgery, Endoscopy and digestive endoscopy, Ultrasound imaging, Circulatory and cardiovascular imaging, Cardiac valve disease management, Metabolic cardiology, Palliative and end-of-life care, Home care coordination, Bariatric surgery (since 1981), Cardiac disease prevention (PPMC pavilion), Oncology liaison nursing, Bilingual services (French and English).
Amenities
Cafeteria 'L'Intermed' (1st floor, Mallet Pavilion) — open daily 6:45 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Vending machines available after cafeteria hours
National Bank ATM in corridor L1500, near La Coccinelle boutique
Convenience boutique 'La Coccinelle' (Ladybug)
Post office near main entrance of Central Pavilion — Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Chapel on site
Bedside TV and internet rental via HealthHub (connectemonlit.ca)
On-site Hôtellerie accommodation connected via 120-metre indoor tunnel
This ER specializes in cardiac, pulmonary, and obesity-related conditions — if your emergency is unrelated to these areas, consider calling 811 (Info-Santé) first to confirm this is the right facility for your needs.
If you are traveling from outside Quebec City, take advantage of the on-site Hôtellerie accommodation, which connects directly to the hospital via a 120-metre indoor tunnel — ideal for family members accompanying patients.
Arrive by RTC bus lines 13, 22, 801, or 807 to avoid parking costs; the nearest stops are only a 3-minute walk from the entrance.
The hospital offers bilingual services in both French and English — do not hesitate to request English-language care or documentation if needed.
If you need cash on site, a National Bank ATM is available in corridor L1500 near the La Coccinelle boutique, across from the digestive endoscopy unit.
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, recent test results, or specialist referral letters
Provincial drug insurance card or private insurance information
Comfortable clothing and a warm layer — hospital waiting areas can be cool
Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
Snacks and a water bottle for accompanying family members
Parking
Four paid parking lots are available on site for patients and visitors, with reserved spaces for clients with reduced mobility. Parking lot A is free for guests staying at the on-site Hôtellerie accommodation. Check the IUCPQ website for current parking rates before your visit.
Getting There
RTC (Réseau de transport de la capitale) bus lines 13, 22, 801, and 807 serve stops near Hôpital Laval. The nearest stops — Wolfe and N.-Carter — are approximately a 3-minute walk from the hospital entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hôpital Laval's emergency department treat all types of emergencies?
Hôpital Laval (IUCPQ) is a highly specialized tertiary and quaternary care centre focused on cardiac, pulmonary, and obesity-related conditions. While the emergency department is open 24/7, patients presenting with general emergencies unrelated to these specialties may be assessed and redirected to another Quebec City area hospital better suited to their needs.
What makes IUCPQ's emergency department different from other Quebec City ERs?
IUCPQ is recognized as Canada's most important tertiary care centre for cardiovascular disorders and is an internationally renowned leader in metabolic cardiology, cardiac valve diseases, and circulatory imaging. It is affiliated with Université Laval and serves a catchment area of over 3 million people across eastern Quebec, making it the destination of choice for complex cardiac and pulmonary emergencies in the region.
Is there a place to stay near Hôpital Laval for out-of-town patients and families?
Yes. An on-site Hôtellerie (accommodation) is connected directly to the hospital via a covered 120-metre indoor tunnel, making it especially convenient for patients and families traveling from outside Quebec City. Guests at the Hôtellerie also benefit from free parking in Lot A.
Are services available in English at Hôpital Laval?
Yes. Hôpital Laval (IUCPQ) offers services and communications in both French and English. Patients and families should feel comfortable requesting English-language care or documentation at any point during their visit.
How do I get to Hôpital Laval by public transit?
RTC (Réseau de transport de la capitale) bus lines 13, 22, 801, and 807 all have stops near the hospital. The closest stops — Wolfe and N.-Carter — are approximately a 3-minute walk from the facility at 2725, chemin Sainte-Foy in Sainte-Foy.
Does Hôpital Laval have on-site parking?
Yes, four parking lots are available for patients and visitors, with spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility. Parking is paid (except Lot A, which is free for Hôtellerie guests). Check the IUCPQ website for current parking rates and lot locations before your visit.
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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