INSTITUT DE CARDIOLOGIE DE MONTRÉAL

Best Times to Visit

About INSTITUT DE CARDIOLOGIE DE MONTRÉAL

The Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal (Montreal Heart Institute) at 5000 Rue Bélanger is Canada's first and premier cardiac-specialty hospital, founded in 1954 and affiliated with the Université de Montréal. Its Emergency Department operates 24/7 and is staffed by a multidisciplinary team including emergency physicians, cardiologists, nurses, and allied health professionals, providing ultraspecialized care for cardiovascular emergencies. Patients presenting with non-cardiac conditions should be aware that this facility treats cardiovascular diseases exclusively and will be directed to a general hospital for other emergencies.

Services & Specialties

Cardiac Emergency Department (24/7), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Cardiothoracic Surgery, Clinical Cardiology, Echocardiology, ECG and Cardiac Monitoring, Tilt Table and Exercise Pulmonary Testing, Medical Imaging and Radiology (24/7 for emergency and inpatients), Cardiac Rehabilitation, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Respiratory Therapy, Physiotherapy, Social Work Services, Teaching and Clinical Research.

Amenities

• Cafeteria on the first floor of the Paul P. David Pavilion (open 5:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.–3:00 a.m.), offering full meals, sandwich bar, hot vegetarian bar, and salad bar
• Gift shop offering medical-themed books, educational materials, souvenirs, and essentials
• Fully accessible restrooms throughout the facility
• Individual private patient rooms in the Emergency Department
• Parking payment kiosks at levels P1 and P2

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

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Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• This is a cardiac-specialty hospital only — if your emergency is not cardiovascular in nature (e.g., trauma, stroke, mental health crisis, pediatric), proceed directly to a nearby general hospital emergency department.
• If you are experiencing chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or other cardiac symptoms, this is the right facility — it is Canada's leading cardiac centre and is equipped to handle all cardiovascular emergencies.
• Validate your parking ticket with hospital staff or security to receive a preferential parking rate; failure to do so results in a flat $30 charge.
• The expanded emergency department features individual private rooms rather than curtained bays, offering greater privacy and comfort during your visit.
• Services are available in both French and English — you may request care in either official language.
• If arriving by STM bus, routes 136, 141, 188, 811, and 95 all stop within a 1-minute walk of the main entrance on Rue Bélanger.

What to Bring

• Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
• Québec health insurance card (carte d'assurance maladie / RAMQ card)
• List of all current medications, including dosages
• List of known allergies (medications and other)
• Any relevant medical records, recent ECGs, or cardiology reports
• Provincial or private insurance information if applicable
• Phone charger and entertainment for potential wait times
• A support person or trusted contact's phone number

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.