The Pavillon L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, located at 11 Côte du Palais in the heart of Old Québec, is a 24/7 emergency department within one of Canada's most historic and distinguished university teaching hospitals. As part of CHU de Québec-Université Laval — the largest university hospital centre in Québec — it provides a high level of specialized care with particular expertise in oncology, nephrology, and cardiac conditions, serving a regional population of nearly two million across eastern Québec and northwestern New Brunswick. Patients requiring referral-level treatment for cancer, kidney disease, cochlear implant assessments, or complex cardiac conditions will find nationally recognized specialists at this facility.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department (15 beds), Oncology and Radiation Oncology, Nephrology and Renal Disease Treatment, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Cardiology, Cochlear Implant Program (Quebec provincial program), Medical and Surgical Services, Obstetrical Services, Pediatric Services, Psychiatric Services, Oncology Research (CRCEO).
Amenities
Adjacent wellness retreat and museum at Le Monastère des Augustines
Clinical and Evaluative Research Centre in Oncology (CRCEO) on site
Visitors advised to contact the hospital or visit chudequebec.ca for cafeteria, pharmacy, ATM, Wi-Fi, and chapel details
Plan your parking before you arrive — street parking in Old Québec is scarce; the underground lot at 1 rue de l'Arsenal is your best nearby option.
This is a specialized referral-level teaching hospital; if you are being treated for cancer, kidney disease, or cochlear implant needs, you are at the right facility.
The hospital is housed in a heritage building dating back to the 17th century — allow extra time for navigation within the facility, especially if you have mobility considerations.
If your condition is not life-threatening, consider calling 811 (Info-Santé) first to determine whether the ER or an alternative care setting is most appropriate.
Affiliated with Université Laval, this hospital sees medical students and residents; expect a teaching environment where multiple care providers may be involved in your assessment.
What to Bring
Provincial health insurance card (RAMQ card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Referral documents or specialist letters if applicable
Contact information for your family doctor or specialist
Payment method for parking
Phone charger or portable battery
Snacks, water, and warm clothing for potential wait times
Parking
Street parking in Old Québec is very limited due to the historic urban environment. An underground parking facility is available nearby at 1 rue de l'Arsenal. Visitors are strongly advised to use dedicated hospital or nearby municipal parking rather than searching for street parking. For current rates and availability, consult chudequebec.ca.
Getting There
The hospital is accessible via the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC), which operates multiple bus routes through Old Québec. The Côte du Palais address is within walking distance of the Old Québec city core. For current route numbers and schedules serving this location, visit rtcquebec.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec emergency department open all night?
Yes. The emergency department at Pavillon L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.
What makes Hôtel-Dieu de Québec different from other Québec City hospitals?
Hôtel-Dieu de Québec is one of the most specialized hospitals in the region, with recognized expertise in oncology, radiation oncology, nephrology, and cardiology. It also hosts the provincial Quebec Cochlear Implant Program and is a Université Laval teaching hospital — Canada's first hospital, founded in 1637, and a National Historic Site.
Where can I park when visiting the emergency department at Hôtel-Dieu de Québec?
Street parking in Old Québec is very limited. The closest recommended option is the underground parking facility at 1 rue de l'Arsenal. Check chudequebec.ca for current rates and any additional parking options.
Is Hôtel-Dieu de Québec part of a larger hospital network?
Yes. It is a pavilion within CHU de Québec-Université Laval, which is the largest university hospital centre in Québec and one of the three largest in Canada, comprising five teaching hospitals and several specialized institutions serving eastern Québec and northwestern New Brunswick.
Can I take public transit to the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec emergency department?
Yes. The RTC (Réseau de transport de la Capitale) serves the Old Québec area with several bus routes. The hospital at 11 Côte du Palais is centrally located within Old Québec. Visit rtcquebec.ca to find the most current routes and schedules.
Is Hôtel-Dieu de Québec a good choice for emergency cancer or kidney-related concerns?
Yes. This hospital is a leading referral centre for oncology, radiation oncology, and nephrology in eastern Québec. Patients with complex cancer or kidney-related emergencies are well-served here, and specialist teams are closely integrated with the emergency department.
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.
Something wrong on this page?
Incorrect hours, wrong address, or outdated information? Let us know.