June 9, 2025 · 3 min
Medical Clinic Open on Weekends in Montreal: Options for Visitors
*By Dre Aurélia Nha-Huyen Nguyen Gouez, family physician and medical director of French origin, based in Quebec since 2016.* You are visiting
By Dre Aurélia Nha-Huyen Nguyen Gouez, family physician and medical director of French origin, based in Quebec since 2016.
Are you visiting Montreal for the weekend and have fallen ill? A sudden fever, a urinary tract infection, an ear infection, or a sore throat can quickly ruin a trip. The problem: many clinics are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, and wait times at emergency rooms can last several hours. Fortunately, options exist to see a doctor quickly, even without a RAMQ card (Quebec health insurance).
Why is it difficult to get a consultation on the weekend?
In Quebec, the majority of clinics operate during the week. On weekends, access to a doctor becomes more complicated, especially for visitors:
• Few public clinics are open
• Available time slots are limited
• You often have to call very early to hope for a spot
• Without a RAMQ card, options are even more restricted
Emergency Rooms: To be avoided except in case of real emergency
Yes, hospitals are open 24/7. But unless it is a serious situation (chest pain, accident, loss of consciousness...), it is preferable to avoid the emergency room for a simple health problem:
• Wait times can exceed 6 to 12 hours
• Fees for non-residents without RAMQ are high and must be paid immediately
• Stress and fatigue can worsen your condition
Available options for visitors in Montreal
Fortunately, there are solutions tailored to travellers:
• Some private medicine clinics offer quick appointments, including weekends
• Virtual consultations allow you to see a doctor remotely, depending on the problem
• The home doctor in Montreal service, offered by Allodocteur.ca, is an ideal alternative
Why choose a home doctor in Montreal?
The home doctor in Montreal service is designed for visitors and families who cannot wait:
• Same-day availability often available, even on Saturday or Sunday
• Visit to your hotel or Airbnb, without having to travel
• Care for simple infections, fever, pain, colds, allergies, etc.
• Prescriptions or certificates provided directly
• Receipts provided for travel insurance
At Allodocteur.ca, our doctors are registered with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and offer professional and compassionate care in French or English.
What if I don't have insurance?
You can still have a consultation, but the costs will be your responsibility. Our rates are transparent and start at $279. If you have travel insurance, the consultation is generally reimbursed with our detailed receipt.
Conclusion
If you fall ill while travelling in Montreal over a weekend, do not automatically head to the emergency room. There are faster, more compassionate, and often less costly solutions. A home doctor in Montreal can come to see you on-site and provide quality care, even without a RAMQ card.