However healthy, you have to pay a visit to the doctor’s every now and then, if nothing else for a yearly check-up. The best walk-in clinics in Canada have a range of insurance houses they work with, and unlike a family doctor or a family practice, they have a wider range of services that they can provide you with, as well as more doctors and longer work hours. And while a family doctor knows you well, a walk-in clinic is simply a necessity, especially if you’ve moved to the area recently or if you are a newcomer to Canada. 

In fact, the best walk-in clinics have a range of services suited to almost everyone – and this should be the factor that you choose them. If you are a diabetic, seek a clinic that has nutritionists and endocrinologists on board. If you want to have frequent STD testing, seek a clinic that can provide you with this. Of course, you will also need good insurance, which is accepted by these clinics. Instead of choosing the clinic that is the closest to their home, some people even prefer to check which insurances are accepted in the clinic first, then choose insurance, and then start going to the doctor. 

All in all, Canada has a well-developed capitalism-based society. That means that there are many clinics out there, and it is up to you to choose the best one there is. Many offer services in the primary and secondary levels of medicine, while only bigger hospitals offer services in the tertiary sector. If you are coming from abroad, the primary level is like a family doctor or a physician, while the secondary includes all the specialists in their respective fields, for more advanced diagnosis. The tertiary level is surgeons and their assisting staff, who are involved in treating the most serious of conditions. 

Contents Show

List of Top Walk-In Clinics

As finding the best possible clinic can be difficult, it is up to you to ensure that you know what you are looking for. The total list of clinics working in Ottawa and Toronto is very long, so we went through medical clinics in these two cities and looked at reviews, the services they offer, and their work times – to ensure we can present to you the best walk-in clinics working in the area. So, here are the 10 best walk-in clinics working in Ottawa and Toronto. 

Bank Medical Centre – Ottawa

The Bank Medical Centre in Ottawa offers a range of services in family medicine, pediatric services, internal medicine, and preventative diseases. Their medical services also include cardiology, cosmetic medicine, and more. You may need to make an appointment online, and please check if the clinic is accepting new patients, as they do tend to get busy. 

  • Services: Family Medicine, Pediatric Services, Internal Medicine, Respirology, Cardiology, Circumcision, Cosmetic Medicine, Adolescent Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
  • Phone: +1 613-521-2391
  • Address: 1935 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 8A2
  • Email: info@bankmedicalcentre.com
  • Website: http://www.bankmedicalcentre.com/
  • Work Hours: MON – FRI 8 AM – 6 PM and SAT 9 AM – 5 PM

Bay College Medical and Lockwood Diagnostic – Toronto 

The Bay College Medical and Lockwood Diagnostic Clinic in Toronto offers services in family practice, dental care, and physiotherapy. They also offer non-invasive screening and cardiology. On site, there is also a pharmacy, so that those seeking medical attention can finish it all in one go. 

  • Services: Family practice, optometric center, dental, physiotherapy, audiology, hearing aids, X-ray, Ultrasound Lab, nuclear cardiologists, pharmacy
  • Phone: +1 416-929-1900
  • Address: 790 Bay St. #108, Toronto, ON M5G 1N8
  • Email: info@lockwoodclinic.com
  • Website: http://lockwoodclinic.com/
  • Work Hours: MON-THU 8 AM-8 PM, FRI 8 AM-5 PM, SAT 9 AM-3 PM

Priya Medical Centre – Ottawa

Priya Medical Centre is a smaller center with limited services and new patient capacities. For this reason, it is best to check by phone before heading their way. When it comes to their services, immunization, TB testing, and refills are available. Drivers may also get OHIP here. 

  • Services: immunization, TB testing, PAP test, prescription refills, medical OHIP
  • Phone: +1 613-226-2100
  • Address: Inside Gabriel Drugs Pharmacy, 117 Centrepointe Dr. Unit 108 A, Nepean, ON K2G 5X3
  • Email: Not Available, available upon call
  • Website: http://priyamedicalcentre.com/
  • Work Hours: MON-FRI 9 AM-12 PM

Infinity Health Centre – Toronto

Infinity Health Centre is one of the largest clinics in Toronto. The clinic provides a vast array of medical clinic services, including family medicine, massage therapy, acupuncture, travel medicine (perfect for immigrants), and sports medicine. 

  • Services: Walk-In clinic, osteopathy, family medicine, custom orthotics, physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, psychotherapy, travel medicine, sports medicine
  • Phone: 1 416-504-0628
  • Address: 39 Lower Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 3A6
  • Email: info@infinityhealthcentre.com
  • Website: https://infinityhealthcentre.com/
  • Work Hours: MON-FRI 8 AM-8 PM, SAT-SUN 10 AM-3 PM

Appletree Medical Centre – Ottawa and Toronto

Appletree Medical Centre has many locations in both Ottawa in Toronto, so you may want to check which is the closest to you. When it comes to the services they include, they include same-day medical care, virtual care, acupuncture, internal medicine, and many more. You may want to check which Appletree medical center in your vicinity accepts new patients, as they do get busy. 

  • Services: same-day medical care, virtual care, acupuncture, dermatology, gynecology, internal medicine, wellness services, workplace health, endocrinology, general surgery, obstetrics, hematology, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, sports medicine, urology, vascular surgery 
  • Phone: +1 647-722-2370
  • Address: 225 Preston St
  • Email: Contact Form
  • Website: https://appletreemedicalgroup.com/
  • Work Hours: MON-FRI 8 AM-8 PM, SAT-SUN 10 AM-6 PM

Emkiro – Toronto 

Emkiro offers a range of services related to massage therapy, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, and manual muscle release. It also provides services in more ‘western’ fields of medicine. They have limited work hours and capacities, so it is best to call in and see if they accept new patients. 

  • Services: Chiropractic health, physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, custom orthotics, chiropody foot care, psychotherapy, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, dietitian and nutrition services, motor vehicle accident injuries, active release techniques, manual muscle release therapy, compression socks & stockings
  • Phone: +1 416-977-7474
  • Address: 70 University Avenue #120 Main Floor, Toronto, ON M5J 2M4
  • Email: info@emkiro.ca
  • Website: https://emkiro.ca/
  • Work Hours: MON-THU 8 AM-7 PM, FRI 8 AM-6 PM

GSH Medical Clinic – Toronto 

The GSH Medical Clinic offers a smaller array of services than some other clinics on the list. Most notably, they can refill your prescriptions, provide STD testing, treat injuries, and deal with acute and minor illnesses. For anything more serious, they can send you to specialists in other clinics. 

  • Services: Acute and Minor Illnesses, injuries, sexual health, STD testing, prescription renewals, travel advice, specialist referral 
  • Phone: +1 416-599-6000
  • Address: 901 King St W #105, Toronto, ON M5V 3H5
  • Email: eastliberty@gshmedical.ca
  • Website: http://www.gshmedical.ca/
  • Work Hours: MON-WED 8 AM-8 PM, THU-FRI 8 AM-6 PM, SAT 10 AM-4 PM

Michael’s Health Centre – Toronto 

St. Michael’s Health Centre is the walk-in clinic with most medical services on our list. The walk-in medical services, family doctors, medical expertise in specialized fields, urgent care, tertiary medical services and insurance from multiple healthcare providers are all at your disposal here. For the best experience, you should still book an appointment. 

  • Services: ACE Unit, Allergy and Immunology Clinic, antimicrobial stewardship program, apheresis clinic, arrhythmia clinic, atrial fibrillation clinic, audiology, auto-inflammatory clinic, the bariatric center of Excellence, bleeding disorders, pregnancy clinic, bronchiectasis clinic, cardiac and vascular surgery inpatient unit, cardiac intensive care unit, cardiac prevention clinic, cardiometabolic prevention, cardiovascular intensive care unit, advanced therapeutic endoscopy, breast care, cystic fibrosis clinic, dermatology clinic, dental services, colposcopy clinic, diabetes clinic, pregnancy management, emergency services, eye clinic, endocrine clonic, fracture clinic, general medicine, neurology, respirology, geriatric emergency, glaucoma, hematology, and many more. 
  • Phone: +1 416-867-7426
  • Address: 61 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5C 2T2
  • Email: hello@stmichaelsfoundation.com
  • Website: https://unityhealth.to/locations/st-michaels-hospital/
  • Work Hours: MON-FRI 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Walkley Medical Centre – Ottawa

The Walkley Medical Centre in Ottawa offers a variety of medical services. It is one of the better in-medical clinics in the area. It offers services in reproductive health, diabetes, travel and sexual health and many more. You may need to call in and check their availability and whether they accept new patients or not. 

  • Services: Respiratory conditions, immunization, neurology, dermatology, cardiovascular health, travel health, sexual assault, dietitian, mental health, pediatrics, musculoskeletal conditions, women’s health, men’s health, senior’s health, diabetes, gastrointestinal conditions 
  • Phone: +1 613-526-5200
  • Address: 1852 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 7Z8
  • Email: walkleymedical@hotmail.com
  • Website: https://www.walkleymedicalcentre.com/
  • Work Hours: MON- THU 8:30 AM-7:30 PM, FRI 8:30 AM-3 PM, SAT 8:30 AM-12 PM

Yonge Elmwood Medical Clinic – Toronto

Yonge Elmwood Medical Clinic is a smaller, family-style clinic in Toronto. They offer limited services to their patients but are a great way to expand the medical services you have access to. They have no emergency rooms and provide PAP testing and non-surgical cosmetic interventions such as Botox, hyaluronic acid, etc. 

  • Services: non-emergency medical services, PAP testing, cosmetic clinic
  • Phone: +1 647-846-3777
  • Address: 5025 Yonge St #201, North York, ON M2N 5P2
  • Email: yelmwood@gmail.com
  • Website: http://www.yelmwood.com/
  • Work Hours: MON-FRI 10 AM-4:30 PM, WED 10 AM-6:30, SAT-SUN – 10 AM-1:30 PM 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Walk-In Clinic

Of course, even with this list, you may still need to consider each of them (and some more) to come to the conclusion of which walk-in clinic is the best for you. When you are about to choose the clinic you will be going to, it is important to understand the reasons why you seek medical attention and some other factors, which we will discuss below. When it comes to the in-medical clinics, there are many in both Toronto and Ottawa and which one is the best depends on your choice. Here are factors to consider when choosing a walk-in clinic: 

  • The location of the clinic and how accessible it is – if you have issues with mobility, you may also want to consider accessibility to the clinic itself
  • The services offered by the clinic – should match your needs for health care and urgent care, if this is what your health condition is like 
  • The clinic hours and wait times – the shorter the wait time the better, but at the same time, the longer the work hours the better
  • Quality of care provided – a clinic should have all the best possible equipment and have good online reviews – always check these out and check out their team of doctors and non-medical staff 
  • Insurance and payment options – as these will dictate how much you have to pay and how straining this will be on your wallet – this way, you can ensure that you get to postpone payments, pay in installments, etc. 

Location and Accessibility

The location and accessibility are very important when looking for the best walk-in clinics. A good clinic should be relatively close to where you live, as driving the entire length of the city you live in for simple medical treatments could be too strenuous. walk-in medical clinics are present in every neighbourhood in most Canadian cities, so it is only a question of seeking one. A good alternative is looking for a family doctor, and avoiding emergency rooms unless you are in a state of an emergency. 

When it comes to accessibility, this is an important factor for those who have issues with mobility. A good walk-in clinic should be on the ground level or should have accessible entrances and elevators taking you to the necessary floor. When it comes to the care that they provide, always try to match their list of services provided as closely as you can with your medical needs. 

Services Offered

Many clinics in Toronto and Ottawa offer multiple services. The thing is that every clinic is trying hard to offer as many services as possible to attract as many patients as possible. When it comes to the walk-in clinic that you would choose, it is important to understand that these clinics offer the services that you need. 

For example, if you are generally a healthy individual, clinics that treat minor injuries, colds and other acute conditions may be the best. However, if you have chronic conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, you may want to seek clinics with nutritionists, diabetes treatments, those that can refill your prescriptions (such as insulin) or you may need a clinic with a cardiologist. Again, it cannot be stressed how important it is that the clinic provides the services in both the primary and the secondary level of medical protection that you actually need and will use. 

Clinic Hours and Wait Times

Finding 24/7 clinics in both Toronto and Ottawa is not so easy. Most walk-in clinics only work for a set number of hours in a day, so walk-in medical clinics are places where you do not go for urgent care. For this reason, walk-in patients may need walk-in appointments, and in all the clinics we have listed, you can do that over the phone, email, or a contact form. When it comes to the medical care of minor injuries, you can mostly show up, but you will have to wait. 

Quality of Care

Never forget that the quality of care is really important as well. Every walk-in clinic has online reviews that you can check out and make a list of all the pros and cons of visiting that particular clinic. When it comes to the walk-in clinic appointment and wait time, it is best to always seek this information in the comments themselves. 

On the other hand, some clinics may work with extended hours, which is a big plus when it comes to the quality of care that they provide. And as many clinics in Canada have held multiple locations, being able to do blood tests and more in the same building can also be a big plus. Being able to have the prescriptions filled at the same location is a big plus as well, and offering more services than basic primary care is something to pay attention to as well. 

Compassionate care, available doctors, a wide range of services offered, and being able to get emergency allergy shots from your doctor is a big plus. Of course, when seeking into these details, you should not be simply looking at the cases of sore throat that the doctors handled, but you should rather be looking for reviews of doctors doing complex blood work, knowing which specialist to send you to and how open they are to preventative care, including your diet and lifestyle choices. It is easy to keep someone on medication, but keeping someone healthy is a whole different thing. 

Insurance and Payment Options

When it comes to the insurance and payment options, there is a lot to think about. If you are employed in Canada, check out the healthcare services that your employer is paying for. See what their coverage is and what walk-in clinics in your city accept these. This will also be a determining factor when choosing the best healthcare providers in your area. Being able to pay in installments is also a big thing and being able to postpone some payments could be a plus, but make sure that you get a good idea of how much this will cost. 

Take a Look at Do I Go to A Walk-In Clinic, Urgent Care, Emergency Room?:

Finding the Best Walk-In Clinics in Ottawa and Toronto

So, the above factors are all that you should be able to consider when choosing the best walk-in clinic for yourself. Now, the clinics are as different as it gets, and although one may provide a set of services that suit you, others may not. The thing is that the healthcare in Canada may be organized differently from what your country has – many countries have universal, fully standardized healthcare, while in Canada, the situation is a bit different – there are multiple providers of healthcare and many private clinics that all compete as to who will provide the best possible service to their clients. 

Ottawa Walk-In Clinics

There are dozens of walk-in clinics in Ottawa. When it comes to these, here is an expanded list for you to check out – make sure they are close to your place, that they are accessible and provide the services that you need: 

  • Bank Medical Centre 
  • Southbank Medical Centre
  • Priya Medical Centre
  • Good Doctors Ottawa
  • Walkley Medical Centre
  • Appletree Medical Centre

Toronto Walk-In Clinics

The same goes for Toronto – with many walk-in clinics in the city, it is important to see which provide walk-in appointments, in-house pharmacy, a short wait time, virtual appointment options, virtual consultations, and the range of services that you need: 

  • Bay College Medical and Lockwood Diagnostic
  • Emkiro
  • Etobicoke walk-in
  • GSH Medical Clinic
  • Infinity Health Centre
  • St. Michael’s Health Centre
  • Town Care Clinic
  • Yonge Elmwood Medical Clinic

Tips for a Smooth Clinic Visit

Of course, you should not simply show up, even to a walk-in clinic. In fact, there are some things that you should do to prepare for a good and productive visit to your doctor. Great clinics have good doctors, but even these can only work with the information you give them. Pay attention that the long wait times should be used to go over your symptoms and that you will need to spend some time thinking about the symptoms you have and the services that you would like to get even before you head to the clinic. 

What to Bring

Walk-ins generally need to bring recent medical paperwork. You will also need to think about your general well-being and all the past medical services that you have used, conditions that you have had, and the diseases that you have had. The best walk-in experience is given to those who come to the doctor’s prepared. Here are some questions that you may want to ask yourself, to make sure you are prepared for the visit: 

  1. Do you have insurance and what type of insurance do you have? 
  2. What symptoms are you experiencing? 
  3. Are you going to the doctor with a new condition or simply to have the prescription renewed? 
  4. What are the symptoms like? Are they always present or do they come and go? 
  5. Did you visit any other doctors prior to this one? 
  6. Did you visit any clinics in the past few months/years? 
  7. What is your anamnesis like? Do you have a family history of medical conditions that may be important? These include diabetes, heart conditions, hypertension, hypersensitivity to some foods or medicine, cancer history, medical conditions, injuries, surgeries, etc. you may have had even as a child – all of these can be important
  8. Were you previously on therapy for that same thing? 
  9. Are you changing your doctor? 
  10. Did you have any recent blood work done? How about urine analysis? Bring the results with you
  11. Also, bring any prescriptions that you may have, and make sure to label each saying how many pills you take a day, how often and what for – revise these, this is very important as current therapies can influence your blood work and make good service not as easily accessible to you. 

On top of this, many medications should not be combined, and knowing which is your doctor’s job, they will need a lot of information on you. Unlike family doctors, doctors even in the best walk-in clinic cannot read minds, so it is important that you show up ready 

Preparing for the Visit

Preparing for the visit may be as simple as taking a shower in some cases, but in others, it may mean bringing your documents with you and revising all the important documents and symptoms. When it comes to the preparation itself, you are likely to overdo it, so consult your doctor before the visit and see what the best preparation is. 

For example, many women feel more comfortable if they shave before visiting their gynecologist, although this is a personal preference. However, if you are visiting a clinic for wart treatments, shaving can promote the spread of warts and make new ones come back after the treatments are finished. Likewise, many patients overdo their medication before the visit, and their blood work may not be as it always is – giving a doctor a false image of your health. 

So, preparing for the visit may be as simple as taking a shower that morning. It may also mean being more mindful of the general medical care you receive and the specifics of the screening to be done – X-rays for example, demand that patients wear no metals on them, but if you have a metal place somewhere in your body, your doctor should see the medical documents outlining the placement of the metal plate and the reasons it was put in in the first place. 

While some may help keep the bone in place while it is healing, others may substitute for a missing bone (such as a cranial bone) in which case not all medical procedures may be appropriate for you, and some medical devices, such as those measuring your blood oxygen levels may not even work well on you. Always communicate with your doctor, as they need to know all the details of your health before treating you. 

FAQs

Do You Have to Pay for Walk-in Clinics in Canada?

You do not have to pay for your visit to a walk-in clinic in Canada if you have a valid health card. However, you may have to pay if you are going to visit a doctor in another province or territory. Likewise, if you are a foreign national, please purchase a health insurance package, as getting sick or injured while traveling in Canada can be very costly. 

Can You Go To Any Walk-in Clinic in Canada?

Yes, you can visit any walk-in clinic in Canada when you like. Please be aware that universal health insurance will cover the costs, although in some places, other territories or provinces, you may have to pay a participation fee or another fee for the processing. When it comes to the walk-in clinics and how to choose the best one, you will have to choose a walk-in clinic close to your place to ensure timely service. 

Final Considerations

walk-in patients in Canada are covered by universal healthcare insurance. However, this does not mean that you should not be aware of the clinics closest to your home. As there are dozens of health clinics in Toronto and Ottawa, a great clinic may be in your block. Always be aware of what clinics provide what services and make sure you do not walk astray – patients need timely care, and knowing where to go will result in a better service – which is all that our guide is about.