The long Easter weekend is beginning, and with it a question that thousands of Quebecers ask themselves every year: Where can I see a doctor if I need one during the holidays? With public services running at a crawl and emergency rooms overflowing, navigating the healthcare system during a holiday can quickly become stressful. Here's what you need to know to stay well taken care of this year.
What is closed (or reduced hours) during the Easter holiday in Quebec
Easter weekend generally covers Good Friday (April 3), Easter Sunday (April 5), and Easter Monday (April 6). During this period, several services experience significant disruptions:
- Public medical clinics and family medicine groups The majority reduce their hours or close completely on holidays. Regular appointments are often canceled or postponed.
- CLSC: Local community service centers generally maintain minimal daycare, but wait times can be significant and services offered limited.
- Pharmacies: Some close or reduce their hours, depending on the chains and regions. Pharmacies in shopping malls are often closed on Easter Monday.
- Public laboratories and collection centers: Most suspend their regular activities during the holidays.
- RAMQ Administrative Services: No service available on public holidays.
Predictable outcome: Emergency rooms see an increase in visits during holidays, often for situations that could have been treated at a clinic without delay and without exposing patients to long waits.
Clinique Omicron: Open during Easter holiday
Unlike much of the public network, Clinique Omicron remains open during the Easter holiday at its service points in Quebec. Whether your need is urgent or for follow-up, several options are available without prior appointment and without a waiting list.
Walk-in medical consultations
Our doctors see patients directly at our service points in Quebec. No need to have a designated family doctor: Clinique Omicron accepts new patients, whether covered by the RAMQ or on a private basis. For an infection, a minor injury, a prescription renewal, or any other medical concern, you can come in and receive prompt care.
24/7 Teleconsultation
If you are unable to travel or prefer to consult from home, our telemedicine service is available at all times, including holidays. The consultation takes place via video with a doctor and can result in an electronic prescription sent directly to the pharmacy of your choice. This is particularly useful for families with young children, people with reduced mobility, or those who live far from a service point.
Medical samples and analyses
For patients who require biological monitoring or blood work as part of an ongoing treatment, our collection services are available during the holidays. Hours may vary by service location in Quebec; we recommend confirming availability by phone before visiting.
Home Care — UVO
For patients who cannot come to the clinic — whether it is an elderly person, a patient recovering from surgery, or a situation that requires home intervention — our partner UVO Home Care provides professional interventions directly at your home. This service avoids unnecessary travel and reduces the need for emergency room visits for needs that can be treated outside of a hospital setting.
No family doctor? No problem.
One of the most common barriers to medical consultation in Quebec is the absence of a family doctor. Hundreds of thousands of Quebecers are currently on the waiting list for the family doctor access point (GAMF). During public holidays, this reality is felt even more acutely.
Clinique Omicron operates without a waiting list or the requirement for prior regular follow-up. You can consult for a specific situation, obtain a prescription, get a health check-up, or simply ask questions of a qualified healthcare professional — without prior registration or being a regular client.
Consultations are billed according to RAMQ rules for covered services. For non-covered services, a transparent fee schedule is available on our website.
When to go to the emergency room despite everything
It's important to remember: some situations always require immediate hospital care, regardless of the day of the year. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you observe:
- Chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or heart palpitations
- Stroke symptoms: paralysis of one side of the face or body, speech difficulty, sudden confusion
- Severe injury, major hemorrhage, or open fracture
- Loss of consciousness or seizures
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Suicidal thoughts or acute psychiatric crisis
For urgent mental health situations, the line Info-Social 811 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to make an appointment or consult online
To schedule your in-person consultation or start a teleconsultation during the Easter break, two simple options are available:
- Online cliniqueomicron.ca/appointments
- By phone: 514 606-3350
For more information on our rates and services covered by the RAMQ, consult our pricing page.
Our service points in Quebec welcome you so that holidays mean rest, not worry about an unmet health need.
Omicron Clinic
Need to consult a doctor?
Treatment within 24-48 hours. In-clinic or telemedicine, anywhere in Quebec.
Insurance receipts. 7j/7. No family doctor required.
