Finding a family doctor or walk-in clinic in Vancouver is hard, the system is unfortunately broken. I did the work for you though, and called a bunch of doctors, to hopefully help you find the help you need.
Finding a doctor or walk-in clinic in Vancouver
The most accurate, up to date list I have found is here. It’s constantly changing so you should regularly check if there are doctors with open spots. You can find out if they do walk-ins and are accepting new patients, or have a waitlist:
Find a Doctor BC Town/City Search
Finding a GP (General Practitioner) in Vancouver
It takes a lot of time to get a Family Doctor (GP) in Vancouver. You generally will always have to do walk-ins. I recommend just trying a few different walk-ins that you can go to regularly. Once in there, you can ask if they can be your family doctor.
Register for the waitlist for GP or NP
This was recommended to me from the hospital as the best way to sign up for a GP or a Nurse Practitioner (NP):
Health Connect Registry | HealthLink BC
Nurse Practitioners and Family Doctors accepting new patients
Vancouver Medical Clinic
I called this doctor and they are accepting new patients, you have to fill out their form on their website here:
Total Life Care Medical
I called here and they currently have a waitlist for 3 locations for nurse practitioners (March 2025).
They have open waitlist spots for their:
- Granville location
- Marine Drive location
- Surrey location
What you have to do:
- Register on their website with Quipo
- Go into the Marine Drive location to get a form to fill out and apply
- They will review it, and message you once you are accepted
Sign up with Quipo (the popup) here:
Walk-in Clinics in Vancouver
These are ones I have recently reached out to (March, 2025) that are allowing walk-in. I recommend calling them first to check if the doctor is there and they are allowing walk-in.
Wave Clinic
This is my doctor, they allow walk-in appointments, you have to call them first but they usually answer right away. I have been happy with them. After a while of walking in, they became my GP.
If you have serious mental health concerns, I do not recommend them for that.
Alberni Medical Clinic
This one I saw was accepting walk-ins, you can either show up, or it might be better to call or email in advance.
Commercial Drive Medical Clinic
For walk-in, you can show up at 8:45am, they will give you a time to come back later.
They are empathetic and nice, but they did mess up a test I got, so just make sure you know exactly what you need.
Coal Harbour Medical Clinic
You can sometimes find appointments soon on their website or by giving them a call. For me, they were busy the next two days so said to come at 8am for walk-in. I have friends that have been here.
Psst… If you have recommended walk-in clinics and want to help the community let me know! Email me jaycee@movingtovancouver.ca
Online GP - Maple
I get Maple through work, but I highly recommend it! It is an online chat where you can get specialist referrals and prescriptions that can even be delivered. I have used it, and it’s much easier than going into a GP. If you need a prescription refilled, or something the doctor doesn’t need to physically test or look at, then go with Maple.
It is $79.99 per month.
Note: I have no affiliation with Maple, I just really like the service.
Finding specialist doctors in Vancouver
Unlike Germany, for example, you can’t just contact a specialist and go see them. You have to go through the GP first, and get a referral, then wait around, which is usually a minimum of 9 months for a specialist. And they usually choose the specialist for you, unlike Germany. It’s not ideal, Europe’s health system is better, just so you’re prepared.
Emergencies
Serious emergencies - Call 911
- Call 911, this is the emergency line if you need assistance from paramedics, firefighters or police.
Mental health emergencies
- For mental health emergencies the best place to go is AAC at VG
Emergency rooms
- For all other emergencies, you can find locations and check the current wait times here:
Next Steps
Find a psychiatrist in Vancouver:
Find a Psychiatrist in Vancouver – Urgent & Ongoing Mental Health Care (2025)Find a therapist in Vancouver:
Finding a therapist in VancouverGet bloodwork done in Vancouver:
Lab tests in Vancouver - LifeLabs