Ontario ER Wait Times Are Rising: How to Find Care Faster

If it feels harder than ever to get timely care in Ontario, you're not imagining it. A new report released this week paints a stark picture of a hospital system under strain — and a separate national survey shows that nine in ten Canadians now believe the system needs to change. Here's what the latest numbers say, and more importantly, the practical steps you can take to get care faster today.

Ontario's ER wait times just hit a new high

A new report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), Failure, By Design: Ontario's deepening hospital funding crisis, reviewed three years of hospital financial data across the province. Its headline finding is sobering: in 2024–25, 9 in 10 patients who needed to be admitted to hospital waited up to 44 hours in the emergency department — a 52% increase in just five years.

The pressure isn't limited to big-city hospitals. In Cornwall, in Eastern Ontario, the wait for an initial physician assessment for 90% of ER patients climbed from 2.7 hours in 2020–21 to 5.5 hours in 2024–25 — a 104% jump. Report author Andrew Longhurst warns that rising operating costs (about 6% a year) are outpacing provincial funding increases (closer to 4%), leaving a gap that hospitals close by cutting beds and staff.

The real-world cost, Longhurst notes, is that people start "second-guessing whether they should go to the hospital" — and some leave without the care they need. That's the trap we want to help you avoid: long waits shouldn't mean no care. It should mean choosing the right door for your situation.

You're not alone: 9 in 10 Canadians want change

The frustration is now nearly universal. In the inaugural Canadian Health Perspective survey from Santis Health and Nanos Research (1,003 Canadians, May 2026):

91% say it's important for the health system to change now.
70% feel "worried" or "frustrated" about the current state of care.
Long waits are the #1 concern (26%) — cited most often in Ontario, the Prairies, Atlantic Canada, and B.C.
A shortage of family doctors (8%) and health-care staff (11%) round out the top worries.

There's also a clear openness to getting care in new ways: 69% of Canadians are open to routine care and prescriptions from pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, and 81% are open to virtual care and digital tools. That matters, because those options can often get you seen far faster than an emergency room.

How to get care faster in Ontario right now

You can't fix hospital funding on your own — but you can make smarter choices about where to go. Here's how to use CanClinics to find the fastest appropriate care.

1. Check live ER wait times before you leave home

Before sitting in a waiting room for hours, see current emergency department wait times near you. If one hospital is swamped and another nearby is moving faster, that single check can save you hours.

2. For non-emergencies, try a walk-in clinic or urgent care

Many issues — infections, minor injuries, rashes, UTIs, prescriptions — don't need an ER at all. Find walk-in clinics near you or urgent care centres and compare hours and availability. You can also browse by city, such as clinics in Toronto or clinics in Kingston.

3. Find a family doctor for ongoing care

A regular family doctor is still your best defence against ER trips. If you don't have one, search for a family doctor accepting new patients in your area. Having someone who knows your history means faster, better decisions when something comes up.

4. Use a pharmacist for minor ailments and refills

In Ontario, pharmacists can now assess and prescribe for many common conditions — and it's one of the fastest options available. CanClinics can point you toward help for prescription refills and everyday cold & flu care without a long wait.

5. Know when the ER is still the right call

Faster options are great for minor and routine issues — but some symptoms always warrant emergency care. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER for chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech), severe bleeding, a serious injury, or any sudden, severe symptom. When it's an emergency, don't wait.

Frequently asked questions

How long are ER wait times in Ontario right now?

It varies widely by hospital and time of day. The province-wide trend is up, but your local numbers may be very different — check live ED wait times on CanClinics before you go.

What's the difference between a walk-in clinic and urgent care?

Walk-in clinics handle everyday concerns (infections, prescriptions, minor issues) without an appointment. Urgent care centres handle more pressing problems — like sprains or moderate wounds — that aren't life-threatening. Compare both with our clinic search.

Can a pharmacist really treat me instead of a doctor?

For many minor ailments in Ontario — yes. Pharmacists can assess and prescribe for a growing list of common conditions, often same-day. It's a fast first stop before considering a clinic or ER.

How do I find a doctor accepting new patients near me?

Use the CanClinics search, filter by your city, and look for clinics flagged as accepting new patients. It's free and updated regularly.

The bottom line

Ontario's ER pressures are real, and the data confirms what patients have felt for years. But you have more options than the emergency room. Check wait times, lean on walk-in clinics, build a relationship with a family doctor, and use your pharmacist for the small stuff. Start your search on CanClinics and find faster care today.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

Sources: "Failure, By Design: Hospital wait times rise across Eastern Ontario," Cornwall Seaway News (June 4, 2026) · Santis Health & Nanos Research, "Canadian Health Perspective" survey (June 3, 2026)