Many Canadians are looking for a family doctor but can’t find one. Long waitlists and provider shortages make getting the care you need difficult. This blog will guide you through how to find a family doctor in Canada, what to do if you can’t find one, and how virtual care from Your Doctors Online can help.
Why are Family Doctors Important
Did you know?
- Nearly 6.5 million Canadians are without a family doctor as of 2025.
- Nova Scotia and Quebec have some of the longest waitlists, with over 25% of residents actively searching for care.
- Ontario has over 2 million residents enrolled in Health Care Connect.
Source: Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), 2025.
Why is it so hard to find a family doctor in Canada?
Family doctors, also known as family physicians, are the first-line providers of non-emergency medical needs for people of all ages. Due to their broad healthcare service, family doctors are in high demand. As of 2024, over 6.5 million Canadians don’t have a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner. This means more than one in five people are affected by the doctor shortage in Canada.
There are multiple reasons for the healthcare crisis, including a growing population, more prevalence of chronic illnesses, and a lack of health access in rural regions. Many providers are retiring while the average family doctor is already managing between 1,000 and 2,000 patients.
What happens if you don’t have a family doctor?
Family doctors provide primary care services, including physical check-ups, referrals, prescriptions, and treatment of long-term health conditions. Without a family doctor, it’s harder to manage chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and COPD. You may miss timely prescription renewals, preventive checkups, regular screenings, or specialist referrals when needed. In some cases, people end up going to walk-in clinics or emergency rooms for non-urgent issues, which isn’t ideal.
How to Find a Family Doctor in Your Province
In Canada, each province offers tools and waitlists to help you connect with a doctor. Whether you’re from Toronto, Calgary, Saskatoon, or any other city in Canada, click on the official registry link of your province in the given table and find an available family doctor near you.
| Province/Territory | Official Registry / Link | Average Wait Time | Tip for Residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Health Care Connect | 3–12 months, longer in rural/northern areas. | Patients with chronic or urgent conditions are prioritized. Keep your info up to date to avoid delays. |
| British Columbia (BC) | Health Connect Registry | 6–18 months, depending on region. | Rural residents face the longest waits. Check clinics weekly for new openings. |
| Alberta | Alberta Find a Doctor | 3–9 months, shorter in major cities. | Search neighbouring areas if local spots are full. |
| Quebec | GAMF Registration | 12–24 months, among the longest waits in Canada. | Update your address immediately if you move to prevent losing your spot. |
| Nova Scotia | Need a Family Practice Registry | Some small communities have rotating providers who check schedules regularly. | Rural residents should also explore nurse practitioner clinics. |
| New Brunswick | Patient Connect NB | 6–15 months, depending on community size. | 6–18 months, highest demand in the Halifax area. |
| Manitoba | Family Doctor Finder | 3–10 months, higher in northern areas. | Answer calls promptly to secure your match. |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Find a Doctor NL | 6–12 months, longer in rural regions. | Consider virtual care or nurse practitioners as interim options. |
| Prince Edward Island (PEI) | PEI Patient Registry | 3–9 months, depending on island region. | Keep your info updated to stay active on the waitlist. |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Health Authority | 4–10 months, rural areas often longer. | Call multiple clinics frequently — spots open on a rolling basis. |
| Yukon | Yukon Find a Doctor | 2–6 months | Ask about walk-in or rotating clinics while waiting. |
| Northwest Territories (NWT) | NWT Health Services | 3–8 months, varies by community. | Some small communities have rotating providers — check schedules regularly. |
| Nunavut | Nunavut Health Services | 3–9 months, travel delays common. | Virtual care is essential for urgent needs in remote areas. |
Resources for finding a family doctor
Finding a family doctor can be overwhelming due to the shortage of providers and limited access.
Specialists
Ask your specialists if they know any doctors accepting patients.
Friends and family
Ask friends or family if they know of any doctors accepting patients.
Walk-in clinics
Inquire at walk-in clinics if they can take you as a new patient
Health Care Connect
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) offers a program called Health Care Connect. This program helps individuals without a regular family healthcare provider find physicians and nurse practitioners in their community who are accepting new patients. For more information or to register, please call 1-800-445-1822 or visit the MOHLTC website.
Health811
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) offers a 24/7, free and secure service that helps individuals locate health services and information, and provides access to health advice from a registered nurse. You can call 811 for health advice or information. Additionally, the Health811 website provides an online search tool for health services and a live chat option with an advisor.
Your local hospital
Hospitals can often provide contact information for physicians who are accepting new patients.
Community Health Centres
If you have a local community health centre available in your area, it may be accepting new patients. These centers offer primary health care and prevention programs, delivered by physicians and other health professionals. Most centers serve only residents within their community. If you’re in Ontario, you can find a list of Ontario’s community health centers on the MOHLTC website.
Physician Register
While CPSO’s Physician Register does not list what physicians are accepting new patients, you can use this registry to find the contact information for physicians across Ontario. Go to the Physician Register and find a doctor near you. Contact the doctor and ask if they are accepting new patients.
How long will it take to find a family doctor accepting new patients?
It depends on where you live. Some clinics process new patient applications in 2 to 6 weeks. In other cases, people stay on waitlists for months or longer. However, if you choose our virtual walk-in clinic, you can consult a licensed doctor at Your Doctors Online for chronic medication refills, lab requisitions, mental health counselling, pregnancy consultation, fertility health advice, and more.
Your Doctors Online is the best alternative while you wait for a family doctor
While waiting for a match through provincial programs, or even if you cannot find a family doctor through provincial registry platforms, there are still other ways to find primary care options.
Our healthcare provider teams consist of physicians who are qualified in internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, and general medicine. While we currently do not assign long-term family doctors, we offer fast, secure access to licensed Canadian doctors for everyday health concerns. Whether you need a refill, a doctor’s note, or medical advice, we are here to help with your healthcare needs. Our doctors are available 24/7, weekdays, weekends, and holidays. There is no need to book appointments or book a slot in advance.
Tip: Virtual care is ideal for prescription refills, sick notes, and urgent issues while you’re on a waitlist.
Things to consider before choosing the right healthcare
Ask yourself:
- Do I need long-term care for a chronic condition?
- Do I need a referral to a specialist?
- Is this a one-time issue, like a pink eye or a sore throat?
- Do I want to avoid clinic wait times?
- Can I connect with a doctor online?
If you answered yes to any of these, virtual care may be the right fit.
Final thoughts
Finding one in your area often takes a lot of time, especially since family doctors are fully booked. We understand that your health doesn’t have to wait. If you’re waiting for a family doctor or need quick medical advice, try virtual care with Your Doctors Online to get the help you need today. You can register as a new patient without an appointment.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. All care is provided at the discretion of the treating provider.
