Canada is home to some of the world’s most advanced children’s hospitals — offering exceptional pediatric care, groundbreaking research, and compassionate support for families. Whether it’s neonatal care, heart surgery, or childhood cancer treatment, these hospitals have earned global recognition for excellence.
In this 2025 guide to the Top 10 Children’s Hospitals in Canada, we’ll explore the leading institutions that provide life-saving care and innovative treatments for children from across the world, including many from the US seeking specialized care.
1. The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) – Toronto, Ontario
Often ranked as Canada’s #1 children’s hospital, SickKids is world-renowned for its advanced pediatric care and research. From oncology and cardiology to genetics and neurosurgery, SickKids provides comprehensive care for children of all ages.
- Specialties: Cancer, cardiac surgery, rare genetic diseases
- Why it’s special: Home to groundbreaking pediatric research and global innovation in children’s health
📍 Location: Toronto, Ontario
🌐 Website: www.sickkids.ca
2. BC Children’s Hospital – Vancouver, British Columbia
BC Children’s Hospital serves as the leading pediatric center for the entire province of British Columbia. It provides top-quality care for children from birth to 18 years, with over 1,000 medical professionals dedicated to pediatric excellence.
- Specialties: Neurosurgery, orthopedics, and emergency pediatric care
- Why it’s special: Canada’s only hospital devoted exclusively to children
📍 Location: Vancouver, BC
🌐 Website: www.bcchildrens.ca
3. Montreal Children’s Hospital – Montreal, Quebec
A vital part of the McGill University Health Centre, the Montreal Children’s Hospital has been serving families since 1904. Known for compassionate, bilingual care (English and French), it’s one of the most trusted pediatric institutions in Eastern Canada.
- Specialties: Cardiology, trauma, and neonatal intensive care
- Why it’s special: Offers culturally inclusive and bilingual services
📍 Location: Montreal, QC
🌐 Website: www.thechildren.com
4. Alberta Children’s Hospital – Calgary, Alberta
Alberta Children’s Hospital is a bright, family-focused facility designed with input from children, families, and caregivers. It’s known for child-friendly care and modern facilities that make hospital visits less stressful for young patients.
- Specialties: Pediatric surgery, oncology, and child mental health
- Why it’s special: Designed entirely with kids’ comfort and family involvement in mind
📍 Location: Calgary, AB
🌐 Website: www.albertahealthservices.ca
5. CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) – Ottawa, Ontario
CHEO stands out for its combination of pediatric care, research, and innovation. It serves children and youth across Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, and Nunavut. CHEO is also a global leader in digital health for pediatric patients.
- Specialties: Telemedicine, genetics, and emergency care
- Why it’s special: Focuses on technology-driven care for remote regions
📍 Location: Ottawa, Ontario
🌐 Website: www.cheo.on.ca
6. Stollery Children’s Hospital – Edmonton, Alberta
Located within the University of Alberta Hospital, Stollery is known for cutting-edge pediatric heart and organ transplant programs. It’s one of the busiest children’s hospitals in Canada and serves families from across Western Canada.
- Specialties: Cardiology, transplants, and complex surgeries
- Why it’s special: High success rates in pediatric heart surgery and critical care
📍 Location: Edmonton, Alberta
🌐 Website: www.stollerykids.com
7. IWK Health Centre – Halifax, Nova Scotia
IWK Health Centre serves the Atlantic provinces and provides world-class healthcare to women, children, and families. It combines clinical excellence with advanced medical research, focusing on family-centered care.
- Specialties: Maternal and child health, oncology, and rehabilitation
- Why it’s special: Strong focus on women’s and children’s healthcare integration
📍 Location: Halifax, NS
🌐 Website: www.iwk.nshealth.ca
8. McMaster Children’s Hospital – Hamilton, Ontario
As part of Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster Children’s Hospital is known for its innovative medical education and research, training future pediatric specialists while delivering exceptional care.
- Specialties: Autism spectrum disorder, orthopedics, and pediatric mental health
- Why it’s special: Leader in pediatric research and family-centered care
📍 Location: Hamilton, Ontario
🌐 Website: www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca
9. Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre – St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Janeway Hospital is the only pediatric hospital in Newfoundland and Labrador. It provides top-tier services and rehabilitation programs, ensuring children across the province receive quality care close to home.
- Specialties: Rehabilitation, child development, and emergency medicine
- Why it’s special: Focused on community-based care for Atlantic families
📍 Location: St. John’s, NL
🌐 Website: www.easternhealth.ca
10. Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
One of Canada’s newest children’s hospitals, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital offers advanced facilities with state-of-the-art technology. It provides specialized care for kids and expectant mothers throughout Saskatchewan.
- Specialties: Neonatology, pediatric surgery, and intensive care
- Why it’s special: Modern infrastructure and family-centered medical suites
📍 Location: Saskatoon, SK
🌐 Website: www.jimpattisonchildrens.ca
Why US Families Consider Canadian Children’s Hospitals
Many American families choose to travel to Canada for pediatric care due to:
- Lower treatment costs compared to the US
- Access to world-class specialists
- Collaborative medical research programs
- Family-centered, holistic treatment approaches
Canada’s healthcare system emphasizes compassion, accessibility, and innovation—qualities that make these hospitals stand out worldwide.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to pediatric care, the Top 10 Children’s Hospitals in Canada are truly world-class. From SickKids in Toronto to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatchewan, each institution is dedicated to giving every child the best chance at a healthy future.
Whether you’re a Canadian resident or an international visitor, these hospitals offer hope, healing, and humanity—values that define the heart of pediatric medicine.