Last Updated: January 5, 2026
Ottawa’s walk-in clinics offer same-day medical care without needing a family doctor or appointment. With dozens of clinics across the city, finding one near you with reasonable wait times has never been easier—thanks to real-time tracking tools like Medimap and online booking systems that let you secure your spot from home.
Whether you’re dealing with a minor illness, need a prescription refill, or require non-emergency medical attention, walk-in clinics provide a faster alternative to overwhelmed hospital emergency departments where waits often exceed three hours. This guide covers every major walk-in clinic network in Ottawa, how to check wait times, and tips for getting seen quickly.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Use Medimap.ca to check real-time wait times at Ottawa walk-in clinics. Appletree operates the largest network with online booking. Most clinics are open 7 days a week and accept Ontario health cards. Early mornings and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Best Days to Visit | Tuesday - Thursday |
| ⏰ Shortest Wait Times | Before 9 AM or after 7 PM |
| 💰 Cost | Free with OHIP, fees for uninsured vary |
| 🚗 Most Locations | Appletree Medical (15+ locations) |
How to Find Walk-In Clinics with Short Wait Times
Medimap shows real-time wait times for Ottawa walk-in clinics so you can choose wisely.
Using Medimap
Medimap.ca is the most reliable tool for finding Ottawa walk-in clinics with current wait times.
How it works:
- Visit medimap.ca or download the app
- Enter “Ottawa” or your neighbourhood
- View participating clinics with live wait estimates
- Some clinics allow online check-in through Medimap
Benefits:
- Real-time wait updates from participating clinics
- See which clinics accept new patients
- Filter by services offered
- Save time by checking-in remotely
Using Appletree Online Booking
Appletree Medical Group clinics offer their own online booking system:
- Visit appletreemedicalgroup.com
- Select your preferred location
- Choose available appointment time
- Receive confirmation and skip the waiting room queue
Major Walk-In Clinic Networks
Appletree Medical operates the largest walk-in clinic network across Ottawa.
Appletree Medical Group
Appletree is Ottawa’s largest walk-in clinic network with over 15 locations across the city. Most are open 7 days a week with extended hours.
| Location | Address | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Innes Road | 2611 Innes Rd | 8 AM - 8 PM |
| St. Laurent | 1910 St. Laurent Blvd | 8 AM - 8 PM |
| Coventry Road | 363 Coventry Rd | 8 AM - 6 PM |
| Bank Street | 1729 Bank St | 9 AM - 5 PM |
| Orléans | 95 Bongard Ave | 8 AM - 8 PM |
| Kanata | 300 March Rd | 8 AM - 8 PM |
| Westgate | 1309 Carling Ave | 8 AM - 8 PM |
| Gloucester | 1980 Ogilvie Rd | 9 AM - 5 PM |
Services offered:
- General medical consultations
- Prescription renewals
- Minor injury treatment
- Medical notes and forms
- Referrals to specialists
- Some locations offer X-ray and lab services
Website: appletreemedicalgroup.com
MCI Medical
MCI operates several clinics focused on comprehensive walk-in care:
| Location | Address | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MCI Rideau | 75 Rideau St | Downtown core |
| MCI Blair | 100 Constellation Cr | Near Blair Station |
| MCI Baseline | 1975 Baseline Rd | South Ottawa |
Other Walk-In Clinic Networks
| Clinic | Locations | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carling Broadview | 1095 Carling Ave | Family and walk-in |
| OOH Kanata | 700 March Rd | Urgent care focus |
| Alexandra Park Family | 470 Bank St | Centretown |
Walk-In Clinics by Neighbourhood
Walk-in clinics are spread across Ottawa’s neighbourhoods for convenient access.
Downtown and Centretown
- Alexandra Park Family Health Team: 470 Bank St
- MCI Rideau: 75 Rideau St
- Centretown CHC: 420 Cooper St (sliding scale fees, no health card required)
Orléans and East Ottawa
- Appletree Orléans: 95 Bongard Ave
- Appletree Innes: 2611 Innes Rd
- Family Care Clinic: 255 Centrum Blvd
Kanata and West Ottawa
- Appletree Kanata: 300 March Rd
- OOH Kanata: 700 March Rd
- Hazeldean Medical: 300 Hazeldean Rd
Barrhaven and South Ottawa
- Appletree Barrhaven: Strandherd Dr location
- MCI Baseline: 1975 Baseline Rd
- Parkwood Hills Clinic: Various services
Gloucester and Alta Vista
- Appletree Gloucester: 1980 Ogilvie Rd
- Appletree St. Laurent: 1910 St. Laurent Blvd
- Alta Vista Family Health Team: Walk-in hours limited
What to Bring to a Walk-In Clinic
Before heading to a walk-in clinic, prepare these items:
Required:
- Ontario Health Card (OHIP)
- Photo ID (if health card lacks photo)
Helpful to bring:
- List of current medications (names and dosages)
- List of allergies
- Brief notes about your symptoms
- Previous test results if relevant
- Name of family doctor (if you have one)
For uninsured patients: Many clinics accept patients without OHIP but charge fees ranging from $50-$150 depending on services. Community Health Centres offer services regardless of insurance status.
Services Offered at Walk-In Clinics
Walk-in clinics provide a range of medical services for non-emergency health concerns.
Common Services
Walk-in clinics can typically handle:
| Service | Typical Wait | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cold/flu symptoms | 30-90 min | Most common visit type |
| Prescription renewals | 20-60 min | Bring medication bottles |
| Minor injuries | 30-90 min | Cuts, sprains, minor burns |
| Skin conditions | 30-90 min | Rashes, infections |
| Urinary tract infections | 30-60 min | Same-day antibiotics |
| Ear/throat infections | 30-60 min | Common in children |
| Medical forms | 20-60 min | May have additional fees |
What Walk-In Clinics Cannot Do
Go to an emergency department or call 911 for:
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
- Severe bleeding or deep cuts
- Broken bones with visible deformity
- High fever with confusion
- Allergic reactions with throat swelling
- Mental health emergencies (see our mental health crisis resources guide)
Tips for Shorter Wait Times
Best Times to Visit
| Time | Wait Expectation |
|---|---|
| 8-9 AM | Shortest waits |
| 11 AM - 2 PM | Peak times, longer waits |
| After 7 PM | Moderate waits |
| Weekends | Generally busier |
Day of Week Strategy
- Monday: Often busiest (post-weekend ailments)
- Tuesday-Thursday: Best days for shorter waits
- Friday: Moderate to busy
- Saturday/Sunday: Busy, especially mornings
Other Tips
- Book online where available—Appletree and some Medimap clinics let you reserve spots
- Arrive early before doors open for first appointments
- Check Medimap before leaving home to compare wait times
- Consider location—suburban clinics often have shorter waits than downtown locations
- Avoid peak illness seasons for routine matters—cold and flu season (November-February) increases waits significantly
Urgent Care vs Walk-In Clinics
Urgent Care Centres
Urgent care centres handle more complex issues than standard walk-in clinics but less severe than ER cases:
| Feature | Walk-In Clinic | Urgent Care |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | Usually 8 AM - 8 PM | Extended, some 24/7 |
| Services | Basic care | More comprehensive |
| X-ray/Lab | Some locations | Usually available |
| Complex injuries | Limited | Yes |
| Typical wait | 30-90 min | 60-120 min |
OOH (Ontario Urgent Care) Kanata at 700 March Road offers urgent care services with extended capabilities.
When to Choose Each
Walk-In Clinic:
- Cold, flu, minor infections
- Prescription refills
- Minor cuts requiring simple care
- Skin conditions
- Medical forms
Urgent Care:
- Sprains and possible fractures
- Deep cuts needing stitches
- Moderate allergic reactions
- Persistent high fever
- Moderate abdominal pain
Emergency Room:
- Chest pain, stroke symptoms
- Severe injuries
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe allergic reactions
Community Health Centres
Community Health Centres provide free care regardless of health card status.
Ottawa’s Community Health Centres (CHCs) provide free or low-cost care regardless of immigration status or insurance:
| CHC | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Carlington CHC | 900 Merivale Rd | 613-722-4000 |
| Centretown CHC | 420 Cooper St | 613-233-4443 |
| Sandy Hill CHC | 221 Nelson St | 613-789-1500 |
| Somerset West CHC | 55 Eccles St | 613-238-8210 |
| South East Ottawa CHC | 1355 Bank St | 613-737-5115 |
| Pinecrest-Queensway CHC | 1365 Richmond Rd | 613-820-4922 |
CHC Benefits:
- No health card required
- Free services (including mental health)
- Interpretation services
- Sliding scale fees where applicable
- Social services and referrals
Virtual Care Options
Many Ottawa residents can access virtual walk-in care:
Telehealth Ontario
Phone: 1-866-797-0000 (24/7) Free health advice from registered nurses. They can recommend whether you need in-person care.
Virtual Walk-In Apps
Several apps connect you with Ontario doctors virtually:
- Maple: On-demand virtual visits (fees apply, some insurance covers)
- Telus Health MyCare: Virtual appointments
- Appletree Virtual: Available for some conditions
Virtual care works best for:
- Prescription renewals (contraceptives, maintenance medications)
- Cold/flu symptom assessment
- Skin condition consultations (with photos)
- Medical advice on whether to seek in-person care
FAQ
Q: What is the best walk-in clinic in Ottawa?
The best clinic depends on your location and needs. Appletree Medical operates the largest network with 15+ locations offering consistent service and online booking. Check Medimap.ca for real-time wait times to find which clinic has the shortest current wait near you.
Q: How do I check walk-in clinic wait times in Ottawa?
Use Medimap.ca or the Medimap app to see real-time wait times at participating Ottawa walk-in clinics. Some clinics also post wait times on their own websites. Appletree locations show availability through their online booking system at appletreemedicalgroup.com.
Q: Can I go to a walk-in clinic without a health card in Ottawa?
Yes, but you’ll likely pay out-of-pocket. Fees range from $50-$150 depending on services. Community Health Centres across Ottawa provide free care regardless of health card status. Carlington CHC (613-722-4000) and Centretown CHC (613-233-4443) are good options.
Q: Are Ottawa walk-in clinics open on weekends?
Yes, most Appletree and major walk-in clinics are open 7 days a week. Weekend hours are typically 9 AM to 5 PM or 10 AM to 4 PM, though some locations maintain full 8 AM to 8 PM hours. Check specific clinic websites or Medimap for current hours.
Q: How long is the wait at Ottawa walk-in clinics?
Wait times vary from 20 minutes to 2+ hours depending on the clinic, time of day, and season. Use Medimap.ca for real-time estimates. Best strategies: visit before 9 AM, mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday), or use online booking to secure an appointment slot.
Q: What can a walk-in clinic prescribe?
Walk-in clinic doctors can prescribe most medications including antibiotics, pain relief, contraceptives, and maintenance medications. Some controlled substances may require your regular doctor. Bring your current medication list for accurate prescribing and to avoid drug interactions.
Q: Do Ottawa walk-in clinics do blood tests?
Some clinics have on-site blood work through LifeLabs or Dynacare partnerships. Others will give you a requisition form to take to a nearby lab. Appletree locations at St. Laurent and Innes Road offer more comprehensive lab services. Call ahead to confirm.
Q: Can walk-in clinics give specialist referrals?
Yes, walk-in clinic doctors can provide referrals to specialists. However, wait times for specialist appointments can be lengthy. Having a family doctor who can follow up and advocate for urgent referrals is generally more effective for ongoing health issues.
Q: What is the difference between urgent care and walk-in clinic?
Walk-in clinics handle basic medical needs like colds, infections, and prescription renewals. Urgent care centres like OOH Kanata can handle more complex issues including X-rays, stitches, and moderate injuries. Emergency rooms are for life-threatening situations only.
Q: Are there walk-in clinics in Kanata?
Yes, Kanata has several options including Appletree Medical at 300 March Road (8 AM - 8 PM), OOH Kanata Urgent Care at 700 March Road, and Hazeldean Medical Clinic. Check Medimap for current wait times before heading out.
Q: Can I get a doctor’s note from a walk-in clinic?
Yes, walk-in clinics provide sick notes and medical documentation. There may be a fee ($20-$40) for non-OHIP-covered paperwork. Bring information about what the note needs to include and allow extra time for the doctor to complete it.
Q: Do Ottawa walk-in clinics treat children?
Most walk-in clinics see patients of all ages including children. For serious pediatric concerns, CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) has specialized emergency services. Walk-in clinics can handle routine childhood illnesses like ear infections, fevers, and rashes.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s walk-in clinic system provides accessible healthcare for everyone, whether you have a family doctor or not. By using tools like Medimap and online booking systems, you can dramatically reduce wait times and get the care you need quickly.
For routine health concerns, walk-in clinics are far more efficient than emergency rooms, which should be reserved for true emergencies. If you’re new to Ottawa, uninsured, or simply between family doctors, Community Health Centres offer a welcoming alternative with no health card requirements.
Keep this guide bookmarked for the next time you or a family member needs same-day medical attention. And if you’re looking for ongoing care, ask walk-in clinic staff about their rostering programs—many clinics can become your regular healthcare home.
Sources: Medimap.ca, Appletree Medical Group, Ottawa Public Health, Ontario Ministry of Health
For more Ottawa health resources, check our mental health crisis resources guide or browse Ottawa local news for the latest community updates.
