Plan the Right Ottawa Hospital Visit
The Ottawa Hospital can mean the Civic Campus, General Campus, Riverside Campus, Cancer Centre, Rehabilitation Centre, a clinic module, or another satellite service. A patient who checks only the hospital name can easily choose the wrong entrance.
This guide explains address, phone, appointment routes, emergency access, parking, visitor rules, MyChart, health records, accessibility, interpreter help, and practical local tips in simple steps.
Fast Answer: Address, Phone and Appointment Route
The Ottawa Hospital has three main campuses: Civic Campus at 1053 Carling Avenue, General Campus at 501 Smyth Road, and Riverside Campus at 1967 Riverside Drive. The Civic and General campuses have 24/7 Emergency Departments. Riverside does not have an Emergency Department.
For appointments, first check your clinic letter or MyChart. If your paperwork has a clinic phone number, extension, module, floor, or entrance, use that before calling a main campus switchboard.
Civic Campus
1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9
Main phone: 613-798-5555
General Campus
501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6
Main phone: 613-737-8899
Riverside Campus
1967 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON K1H 7W9
Main phone: 613-738-8400
Step 1: Do Not Search Only “The Ottawa Hospital”
Your appointment letter may mention a campus, building, module, floor, clinic, treatment area, or nearby medical building. Match those details before travelling.
| Campus or site | Address | Use this when | Official action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civic Campus | 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9 | Your appointment, procedure, unit, or emergency instructions say Civic. | Open official Civic map |
| General Campus | 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6 | Your letter says General, Smyth Road, General Campus, or a General Campus clinic. | Open official General map |
| Riverside Campus | 1967 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON K1H 7W9 | Your appointment is an outpatient clinic or service at Riverside. Do not use Riverside for emergency care. | Open official Riverside map |
| Cancer Centre | 503 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 7C4 | Your cancer-care visit specifically names the Cancer Centre or a related treatment area. | Search cancer-care services |
| Rehabilitation Centre | Check your appointment letter for exact building and entrance. | Your referral or appointment mentions rehabilitation, outpatient rehab, inpatient rehab, or physiatry. | Open rehabilitation information |
Phone Numbers by Task
A single hospital phone number is not always the best answer. Use this routing guide so you call the correct place the first time.
What Are You Trying to Do Today?
Pick the closest task and use the linked official page. This avoids wasted calls and wrong-campus trips.
I need an appointment
Start with your referring provider, appointment letter, MyChart, or clinic page. Many hospital clinics require a referral.
Follow appointment stepsI need directions
Check campus, entrance, floor, module, parking lot, and map before leaving.
Open official directionsI need emergency care
Use Civic or General Emergency. Riverside does not have an Emergency Department.
Read emergency sectionI need parking info
Check lot names, rates, passes, pay stations, accessible parking, and parking support.
Open official parking pageI need MyChart
Use MyChart for appointments, finalized results, notes, summaries, and some letters.
Open MyChart guideI need records
Use Health Records for formal copies, image requests, correction forms, and release consent.
Request health recordsHow to Get, Confirm, Reschedule, or Cancel an Appointment
The Ottawa Hospital does not work like one simple online booking page for every clinic. The right path depends on specialty, referral rules, clinic instructions, and whether you are already booked.
New specialist appointment
Ask which clinic, specialist, campus, and referral method they used.
Find the clinic page and check whether it accepts patient calls or only provider referrals.
If you are unsure, ask your referring office to confirm the referral was sent and where.
Some clinics call patients; some send written appointment details; some details may appear in MyChart.
Some appointments require blood work, imaging, medication lists, forms, fasting, or a support person.
Already booked
Confirm date, time, campus, building, floor, module, room, entrance, and preparation instructions.
If your letter includes a clinic phone number or extension, call that before calling the campus main line.
Do not assume every visit requires travel.
Use the method shown by your clinic so another patient can use the appointment time.
If traffic or parking delays you, call the clinic number shown on your instructions.
Emergency Department: Civic and General Only
The Ottawa Hospital lists Emergency Departments at the Civic and General campuses. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Riverside Campus does not have an Emergency Department.
Civic Emergency
Use the Civic Campus when emergency instructions, ambulance routing, or your location makes Civic the correct emergency site.
Address: 1053 Carling Avenue.
General Emergency
Use the General Campus when emergency instructions, ambulance routing, or your location makes General the correct emergency site.
Address: 501 Smyth Road.
No Riverside ER
Do not drive to Riverside for emergency department care. Riverside is not the emergency entrance.
Before You Leave Home: 10-Minute Checklist
This is the practical checklist most patients need before travelling to The Ottawa Hospital.
Confirm your visit details
- Campus name: Civic, General, Riverside, Cancer Centre, Rehabilitation Centre, or another site.
- Exact address, building, module, floor, entrance, and room number.
- Appointment time and recommended arrival time.
- Whether registration, lab work, imaging, or check-in is needed before the appointment.
- Whether your visit is in-person, phone, or video.
- Clinic number for cancellation, late arrival, or preparation questions.
Bring these items
- Ontario health card or other coverage information.
- Government photo ID if requested.
- Appointment letter, referral, requisition, or procedure instructions.
- Medication list, allergies, pharmacy name, and recent changes.
- Glasses, hearing aids, mobility aids, charger, and assistive devices.
- Caregiver, interpreter, accessibility, or transportation notes if arranged.
Parking, Drop-Off, Passes, and Payment Tips
Parking depends on campus. Rates and garage conditions can change, so use the official parking page before travelling.
| Parking task | What to know | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Civic Campus | Official parking page lists P-1 covered, P-2 surface, P-7 across from Emergency, and meters. | Carling and Ruskin area traffic can be slow. Add time for parking and walking. |
| General Campus | Official page lists the Critical Care Wing lot, covered garage near the main entrance, Lot 14 near Rehabilitation Centre, and meters. | If your visit is near the Cancer Centre or Rehabilitation Centre, check the exact building before parking. |
| Riverside Campus | Official page lists Lot A near the hospital entrance, Lot B near the 1919 Riverside Drive medical building, and meters. | Riverside clinic visits may be in the hospital or medical building. Confirm before parking. |
| Short-term rates | Listed examples include $4.50 for 15-30 minutes, $8.50 for 30 minutes to 1 hour, $13 for 1-1.5 hours, and $16 daily maximum. | Rates can change. Pay attention to posted rates and the official parking page. |
| Parking passes | Official page lists day, 7-day, 5-day non-consecutive, 10-day non-consecutive, and 30-day non-consecutive passes. | Use passes for repeated visits or long family stays. Buy at pay stations, not from unofficial sellers. |
| Lost parking ticket | Official guidance says go to a pay machine, choose the Lost Ticket option, and proceed with payment. | Do not block the exit gate. Resolve the issue inside at the pay machine first. |
| Accessible parking | Patient and visitor parking lots and meters have accessible parking spaces, with the same rates as other spaces. | Check the campus map for accessible entrances, elevators, and the closest lot. |
Visitor, Caregiver, Masking, and Item Rules
The Ottawa Hospital’s visitor guidance focuses on patient needs, family presence, infection prevention, and unit-specific safety. Always check with the unit or care team if the patient is on precautions or an outbreak unit.
Visitors and family
There are no single fixed visiting hours for every patient. Patients, families, and care teams decide what works best for the patient and unit.
Masks
Masks may be optional in many areas but required in Emergency waiting rooms, outbreak or high-alert units, symptomatic visits, or patient rooms with precautions.
Essential Care Partner
An Essential Care Partner is different from a social visitor and may support safety, decision-making, emotional needs, meals, mobility, or communication.
Hand hygiene
Use handwashing stations at entrances and follow unit instructions before entering patient areas.
Mylar balloons only
The hospital allows Mylar balloons only because it works to provide a latex-safe environment.
Scent-free reminder
Avoid perfume, aftershave, and scented products when visiting because scents can affect patients, staff, and visitors.
MyChart, Health Records, Test Results, and Fees
Use MyChart first for available appointment details and results. Use Health Records when you need formal copies, medical images, corrections, proof of birth/time of birth, or records not visible in MyChart.
MyChart can help with
- Upcoming appointment details and reminders.
- Pre-check-in where available.
- Finalized test results.
- After-visit summaries.
- Most doctor notes and requested letters.
- Questionnaires, medication updates, allergies, insurance info, and some billing tools.
Support: 613-798-5555 ext. 77219 or mychart@toh.ca
Open official MyChart guideHealth Records can help with
- Formal copies of medical records.
- Medical images and documents not shown in MyChart.
- Correction request for a health record.
- Proof of birth or time of birth forms.
- Release of information to another provider, lawyer, insurer, or institution.
- Understanding administrative record-copy fees.
Health Records: 613-737-8800 or releaseofinfo@toh.ca
Open official record request pageAccessibility, Interpretation, Service Animals, and Language Help
Ask as early as possible if you need accessible formats, interpreter help, service animal guidance, personal amplifiers, mobility support, or a caregiver present.
Accessible entrances and elevators
Campus maps show accessible entrances and elevators. Main entrances have automatic door openers.
Open accessibility pageInterpreter services
The hospital offers sign language interpretation, including ASL and LSQ, and cultural language interpretation services at no cost to patients.
Open interpretation servicesService animals
Service animals can accompany people with disabilities in public areas, though some areas may have health and safety restrictions.
Check accessibility guidancePatient Relations: When Something Goes Wrong
Start with your nurse, physician, or clinical manager when possible. If the issue still needs attention, contact Patient Relations.
Use Patient Relations for
- Non-urgent complaints or compliments.
- Unresolved patient or family concerns.
- Questions about patient experience.
- Feedback about French language services.
- Accessibility communication support requests.
Contact details
Phone: 613-798-5555 ext. 13377
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mail: Department of Patient Relations, Civic Campus, Box 133, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9
Open Patient Relations pageCommon Mistakes to Avoid
Using only the hospital name
Search the exact campus address, not just “The Ottawa Hospital.”
Driving to Riverside for emergency care
Riverside does not have an Emergency Department.
Calling the wrong campus
Use your clinic letter or MyChart visit first when a direct number is listed.
Arriving exactly on time
Parking, registration, elevators, modules, and walking can take extra time.
Forgetting instructions
Bring referral, requisition, medication list, health card, and procedure prep instructions.
Ignoring visitor rules
Use scent-free products, follow mask rules, and ask the unit before bringing food or children.
Map: Civic Campus Main Address
This map points to Civic Campus at 1053 Carling Avenue. If your appointment says General, Riverside, Cancer Centre, Rehabilitation Centre, 1919 Riverside, or another location, use your appointment address first.
Official Links for Patients and Visitors
Use these official pages before travelling, calling, parking, visiting, requesting records, or managing appointment details.
Official The Ottawa Hospital website Official directions, campus locations, OC Transpo info, bicycle storage, and downloadable maps Official departments, programs, clinics, and services directory Official medical staff directory Official Emergency Department page Official parking rates, lots, passes, lost-ticket steps, and parking contact Official visiting, masking, item delivery, balloon, and scent-free guidance Official Essential Care Partner information Official MyChart guide Official health-record request page Official accessibility page Official interpretation services page Official Patient Relations pageRelated Canada Hospital Guides
These guides may help if your referral, transfer, or records mention another Ontario hospital.
Toronto General Hospital
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Open Toronto General guideCredit Valley Hospital
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Open Credit Valley guideMarkham Stouffville Hospital
Useful for York Region hospital contacts, appointments, emergency, parking, and visitor planning.
Open Markham Stouffville guideIndependent Guide Notice
CanadaHospitals.org is an independent hospital navigation guide. It does not provide diagnosis, treatment, triage, referral approval, appointment booking, emergency care, or official The Ottawa Hospital services. Always verify urgent, medical, appointment, parking, visitor, and records details directly with The Ottawa Hospital or your care team.
The Ottawa Hospital FAQs
What is the main address of The Ottawa Hospital?
The Ottawa Hospital has three main campuses. Civic Campus is at 1053 Carling Avenue, General Campus is at 501 Smyth Road, and Riverside Campus is at 1967 Riverside Drive in Ottawa. Always use the exact address on your appointment letter.
What is the phone number for The Ottawa Hospital?
The Civic Campus main line is 613-798-5555, the General Campus main line is 613-737-8899, and the Riverside Campus main line is 613-738-8400. If you have a clinic letter, use the direct clinic number first.
How do I book an appointment at The Ottawa Hospital?
Many specialty appointments require a referral from a doctor or nurse practitioner. Start with your referring provider, then check the official clinic page, appointment letter, or MyChart for instructions.
Can I walk into The Ottawa Hospital for a specialist appointment?
Usually no. Many specialty clinics are referral-based and do not operate as walk-in clinics. Emergency care is separate and should be used for urgent or life-threatening symptoms.
Which Ottawa Hospital campuses have emergency departments?
The Civic and General campuses have Emergency Departments open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Riverside Campus does not have an Emergency Department.
Where should I park at The Ottawa Hospital?
Parking depends on the campus. Civic, General, and Riverside each have different lots or meters. Use the official parking page for current rates, passes, accessible parking, and payment steps.
What should I bring to an Ottawa Hospital appointment?
Bring your health card or coverage information, appointment letter, referral or requisition, medication list, allergy list, photo ID if requested, assistive devices, and any clinic-specific preparation instructions.
Does The Ottawa Hospital use MyChart?
Yes. MyChart can show appointment details, reminders, pre-check-in where available, finalized test results, after-visit summaries, most doctor notes, and selected health information.
How do I request health records from The Ottawa Hospital?
Use MyChart first for faster access to available records. For formal copies, contact Health Records at 613-737-8800 or releaseofinfo@toh.ca and follow the official request process.
Are visitors allowed at The Ottawa Hospital?
Visitors are allowed under the hospital’s family presence policy, but patient needs, care-team guidance, infection precautions, outbreak status, and unit rules can affect the visit. Check the official visiting page before going.
Does The Ottawa Hospital offer interpreter services?
Yes. The hospital offers sign language interpretation, including ASL and LSQ, and cultural language interpretation services at no cost to patients. Request this as early as possible.
Is CanadaHospitals.org the official website of The Ottawa Hospital?
No. CanadaHospitals.org is an independent guide. Use The Ottawa Hospital’s official website, your appointment letter, MyChart, or your care team for official medical and appointment instructions.
Last reviewed: August 23, 2026. Official The Ottawa Hospital pages were checked for campus addresses, emergency department status, directions, parking, visiting rules, MyChart, health records, accessibility, interpretation services, and Patient Relations. Verify time-sensitive details before travelling.