What the hospital is
Scarborough General Hospital is located at 3050 Lawrence Avenue East in Toronto’s Scarborough district, within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It is an active medical facility and a community healthcare hub. Public access is primarily limited to communal spaces, including the main lobby, cafeteria and public art areas.
History
Established in 1956 as a 110-bed community facility, the hospital has grown into a major regional healthcare provider alongside Scarborough’s diverse population. Its development reflects the area’s demographic, social and cultural evolution.
Public art installations and commemorative plaques in the lobby and other public areas reflect the hospital’s history and the community’s multicultural identity.
The hospital hosts community events, including health fairs, multicultural festivals and public lectures. Its community initiatives focus on health education, disease prevention and community wellness.
Visiting information
Hours and patient visits
- Public areas 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
- Patient visitation 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Departmental policies or public health advisories may affect visitation times.
- Access Most clinical areas are restricted. Visitor guidelines may change in response to health advisories, so check the SHN Visitor Information page before visiting.
Admission and tours
No tickets are required to enter public spaces or visit patients. Guided tours are not routinely offered because the hospital is an active medical facility. Special tours may be available during open house events or health awareness weeks; check the SHN website or contact the public relations office.
Accessibility and services
The hospital has elevators, ramps and accessible washrooms. Interpretation services are available in over 30 languages. Visitors with particular needs are encouraged to contact the hospital ahead of time to arrange assistance.
Paid parking is available on site, with rates posted at entrances. The hospital is accessible by TTC bus routes and is close to Lawrence East subway station. Use the TTC Trip Planner to plan a trip.
Appointments for outpatient or specialized services can be booked through the patient portal or by phone.
Further information
- Scarborough Health Network history: SHN History and https://www.shn.ca/about-us/history/
- Visitor policies: https://www.shn.ca/patients-and-visitors/visitor-information/
- Demographic context: Toronto City Demographics and https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/data-research-maps/toronto-progress-portal/demographics/
- SHN Patients & Visitors: https://www.shn.ca/patients-visitors/
- SHN Strategic Plan: https://www.shn.ca/about-us/strategic-plan-2024-2029/
- “Love, Scarborough” Campaign: https://www.lovescarborough.ca/
- Toronto.com community health news: https://www.toronto.com/news/scarboroughs-hospital-network-looks-forward-to-years-of-new-facility-construction-analysis/article_d7f4d6ae-4c93-5128-8ced-6b66a857dc49.html
- Hospital history: Primidi.com
Tips
- Check the SHN Visitor Information page for current policies before your visit.
- Consider public transit to avoid parking limitations.
- The Audiala app offers guided audio tours and interactive content on Toronto’s historical sites.
- Follow Scarborough Health Network on social media for news about upcoming events and community initiatives.
Nearby places
Scarborough Centennial Monument
The Scarborough Centennial Monument is at Lawrence Avenue East and McCowan Road. It can be reached by TTC buses, nearby subway stations, or by car via Highway 401 and Don Valley Parkway. Ample parking and wheelchair access are available.
Erected in 1967 to commemorate Scarborough’s centennial, the monument combines Indigenous and modern design elements. Its artistic motifs reflect Scarborough’s landscape and cultural diversity; interpretive plaques provide historical context and highlight key events and figures. The monument sits in landscaped grounds with walking paths and seating.
The site is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, with free admission. For tour schedules, check the Scarborough Historical Society. Annual festivals and Canada Day celebrations are held there.
Other nearby attractions
- Scarborough Town Centre A shopping and entertainment hub approximately 3 km west of the hospital.
- Rouge National Urban Park Canada’s first national urban park, with opportunities for hiking and nature walks.
- Bluffer’s Park Scenic cliffs and Lake Ontario waterfront trails.
- Scarborough Historical Museum Interactive exhibits about the region’s past.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit the hospital for sightseeing?
Public spaces such as the lobby and cafeteria are open during regular hours, but most clinical areas are restricted.
Are guided tours available?
Not on a regular basis. Occasional tours may be offered during open house events, health awareness weeks or other special events.
How do I reach the hospital by public transit?
The hospital is accessible by TTC bus routes and is close to Lawrence East subway station. Use the TTC Trip Planner.
Is parking available?
Paid parking is available on site. Rates are posted at entrances.
Are interpretation services provided?
Yes. Interpretation services are available in over 30 languages.
How do I make an appointment?
Appointments for outpatient or specialized services can be booked through the patient portal or by phone.
