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Finding a Family Doctor in Canada

A family doctor is your long-term, first point of contact for health care. In many parts of Canada finding one takes time, so start early and use the tools below while you wait.

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In this guide

Doctor, nurse practitioner or clinic?

Primary care in Canada is provided by family doctors and nurse practitioners, and in some places by team-based care. In Alberta, for example, Primary Care Networks bring together doctors, nurses, mental health therapists, social workers and dietitians [3]. Any of these can be your regular provider for check-ups, prescriptions, referrals and ongoing conditions.

How to find one, step by step

  1. Step 1: Get your health card first

    Most registries ask for your health card information, so apply for coverage before anything else. See Applying for Your Health Card.

  2. Step 2: Register on your province's list

    Provincial registries help match you with a provider who is accepting new patients. Sign up as soon as you're eligible and keep your contact details up to date.

  3. Step 3: Ask local newcomer organizations

    Settlement agencies and community health centres may know which clinics welcome newcomers, and some may offer services in your language.

  4. Step 4: Ask clinics directly

    Phone clinics near you and ask whether they're accepting patients or keep a wait list.

  5. Step 5: Use walk-in and phone services in the meantime

    You don't have to go without care while you wait. See the options below.

Registries by province

Where to register for a family doctor or nurse practitioner
ProvinceServiceHow it works
OntarioHealth Care ConnectRegister online or call 811, which is available 24 hours a day. You need a valid Ontario health card number. Registration doesn't guarantee immediate placement [1].
British ColumbiaHealth Connect RegistryRegister online with your Personal Health Number, home address, email and phone number. Call 8-1-1 to register in languages other than English, with translation in over 130 languages [2].
AlbertaAlberta Find a ProviderSearch for a clinic, family doctor or nurse practitioner taking patients in your area, or share your information so the service contacts you [3].
QuebecGuichet d'accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF)You need a valid health insurance card. Register online through the GAMF or the Québec Health Booklet, or by phone through your territory's waiting list. Keep your phone numbers and email updated, or your request may be suspended [4].
ManitobaFamily Doctor FinderRegister online or by phone, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Staff help match you with a home clinic [5].
Nova ScotiaNeed a Family Practice RegistryRegister online, or by phone at 811, Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Phone registration is required if you are new to Nova Scotia and don't have a Nova Scotia health card [6].
New BrunswickPatient Connect NBRegister on the Patient Connect NB website or call Telecare 811. NB Health Link is intended to replace it, and once you are registered with NB Health Link you no longer need Patient Connect NB [7].
Prince Edward IslandFind a Family Doctor or Nurse PractitionerUse the provincial service to register.

For Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador and the territories, search for “find a family doctor” on the official government website, or call your province's health line.

Getting care while you wait

  • Walk-in clinics treat minor, non-urgent problems. Bring your health card.
  • Pharmacists can answer medication questions. Ask what they can help with in your province.
  • Your province's health line gives free nurse advice in many provinces. In British Columbia, 8-1-1 nursing services are available 24 hours a day [8]. In Nova Scotia you can call 8-1-1 to talk to a registered nurse around the clock [9].
  • Virtual care. Some clinics and provinces offer visits by phone or video, so ask what's available where you live.
  • The emergency room is for emergencies. Call 911 if someone's life is at risk.

Sources

Numbered references such as [1] in the guide match this list. We last reviewed this guide against these sources on . Official pages change, so open the source before you act. See our editorial standards for how we choose and check sources.

  1. Government of Ontario

    Find a family doctor or nurse practitioner (Health Care Connect) (opens in a new tab)

    ontario.ca

  2. HealthLink BC

    Health Connect Registry (opens in a new tab)

    healthlinkbc.ca

  3. Alberta Find a Provider

    Find a clinic, family doctor or nurse practitioner (opens in a new tab)

    albertafindaprovider.ca

  4. Government of Québec

    Québec Family Doctor Finder (GAMF) (opens in a new tab)

    quebec.ca

  5. Government of Manitoba

    Family Doctor Finder (opens in a new tab)

    gov.mb.ca

  6. Nova Scotia Health

    Need a Family Practice Registry (opens in a new tab)

    nshealth.ca

  7. Government of New Brunswick

    Patient Connect NB: frequently asked questions (opens in a new tab)

    www2.gnb.ca

  8. HealthLink BC

    HealthLink BC 8-1-1 services (opens in a new tab)

    healthlinkbc.ca

  9. Government of Nova Scotia

    811 Nova Scotia health line (opens in a new tab)

    811.novascotia.ca

Navak provides general information only. It is not legal, immigration, financial or tax advice.

Next guideApplying for Your Health Card, Province by ProvinceHow to apply for provincial health coverage, what you'll need, and where waiting periods apply, with a link to each province's official page.

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