Toronto Western Hospital

TorontoCanada 43° N · 79° W

Toronto Western Hospital (TWH), located at 399 Bathurst Street in the vibrant heart of downtown Toronto, stands as a beacon of medical innovation, community…

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Toronto Western Hospital
Four nurses and patient singing Christmas carols at Toronto Western Hospital, 1955
Black and white photo from 1955 of four nurses at Toronto Western Hospital gathered around a patient with flashlights decorated as candles, singing Christmas carols with song books.
Newborn baby in incubator held by nurse at Toronto Western Hospital
Miss Haxby holding a newborn baby inside an incubator at Toronto Western Hospital in Toronto, Ontario
Early 20th century view of Toronto Western Hospital at Bathurst and Dundas Streets in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Historic photograph of Toronto Western Hospital located at Bathurst and Dundas Streets in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, circa 1905

Toronto Western Hospital

Toronto Western Hospital (TWH) is at 399 Bathurst Street in downtown Toronto. It serves communities including the South Annex, Chinatown, Little Italy, and Queen Street West, and is affiliated with the University Health Network (UHN) and the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine. The hospital is home to the Krembil Brain Institute, the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, and the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, with work in neuroscience, musculoskeletal health, and ophthalmology. (UHN Directions; Critical Care Toronto)

TWH is consistently ranked among Canada’s top hospitals and is recognized internationally for research, innovation, and patient care (UHN Foundation).

History and community

Founded in 1895 to serve Toronto’s growing west end, TWH began as a 30-bed facility. Its mission emphasized accessibility, inclusivity, and care for the city’s diverse communities. Its history is closely connected with the Kensington Market area (UHN Directions; University Health Network - Toronto Western Hospital History).

TWH merged with Toronto General Hospital in 1986. In 1999, it joined UHN along with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, becoming part of a multi-hospital network and a teaching hospital linked to the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine (Wikipedia: University Health Network).

The hospital provides culturally sensitive care and multilingual services. Its community work includes collaboration with local organizations such as the IMPACT Unit, which focuses on outreach and support for vulnerable populations (UHN IMPACT Unit). TWH also supports local businesses, provides mental health and addiction services, and works with community agencies on social equity. Volunteer programs and fundraising initiatives support patient care and the community.

The hospital shares updates and holds meetings about community concerns related to construction and expansion (City of Toronto Report on Hospital Expansion; UHN Surgical Tower FAQ).

A patient and surgical tower is under construction and is anticipated to open in 2028. The facility is planned to include artificial intelligence and robotics technologies (UHN Foundation).

What to see

Toronto Western Hospital Monument

The Toronto Western Hospital Monument at the hospital’s main site commemorates more than a century of healthcare innovation and community service. It honors the hospital’s achievements in neurosurgery, musculoskeletal health, and patient care, and represents its place within UHN.

The monument has detailed sculptures and plaques chronicling hospital milestones. The surrounding Healing Garden and terraces provide places to spend time and take photographs. Photography is encouraged. Public restrooms are inside the hospital near the monument.

Commemorative events, health awareness days, and educational workshops are held at the site throughout the year. The hospital also occasionally hosts public health events and educational tours; check the UHN events calendar for details.

Art and library

Art in the Atrium features noon-hour live performances and art exhibits (Artists' Health Centre). The Paul B. Helliwell Patient & Family Library is in the 1st floor West Wing. It is open Monday–Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Friday until 4:00 pm.

Visiting information

Hours, admission, and tours

Standard hospital visiting hours are 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, though hours may vary by department, especially in critical care areas. Confirm current policies with the destination unit and check the UHN Visiting Information page before visiting.

There is no admission fee to enter the hospital or visit the monument, and tickets are not required. The monument’s stated hours are 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Guided monument tours are available on weekends at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM; advance booking is recommended through the UHN website.

Location, transport, parking, and accessibility

The hospital is at 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON. It is accessible by TTC streetcar, bus, and subway; the Bathurst streetcar and nearby subway stations provide access. Main entrances are on Bathurst and Nassau Streets, with information desks at key entry points. Check the TTC website for transit details.

Hospital-operated parking lots and nearby public garages are available, but parking can be limited and lots may fill quickly, particularly during busy times. Current parking information is on the Amenities page.

TWH is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and services for visitors with disabilities. The monument is also wheelchair accessible, with access from public transit and signage throughout the area. Contact visitor services ahead of a visit to arrange specific accommodations.

Amenities and visitor services

  • Food court 1st floor Atrium, Monday–Friday 8:00 am–6:00 pm; weekends 8:00 am–4:00 pm.
  • Coffee shops and vending machines Main floor near Admitting.
  • Pharmacy Shoppers Drug Mart in the Atrium, offering pharmacy services, newspapers, and postage.
  • ATMs Onsite.
  • Wi-Fi Free, with no password required.
  • Phones Pay phones and taxi phones at the Nassau Street entrance.
  • Security Staffed 24/7, with a security office on the 1st floor. Lost and found is managed through security.
  • Visitor spaces Gardens, public spaces, information desks, and multilingual signage are available.

Tips

Confirm visiting hours with the unit you plan to visit, and check current health and masking policies (Unity Health Visitor Information). Public transit may be convenient when parking is limited; if driving, allow time for parking. For monument visits, public transit or ride-sharing is suggested because parking is limited. Bring your own device for connectivity, and secure valuables or use hospital lockers where available.

Nearby places

Chinatown, Little Italy, and Queen Street West are within walking distance. These neighborhoods offer dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. Kensington Market is a lively shopping and food area minutes away, while the University of Toronto’s historic campus buildings are nearby. Queen Street West is also known for arts and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the hospital visiting hours?
    They are typically 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, but may vary by unit. Check the UHN website for current information.

  • Is there an admission fee or are tickets required?
    No. Hospital and monument admission is free, and tickets are not required.

  • How can I get there by public transit?
    The Bathurst streetcar and nearby subway stations provide access. Check the TTC website for details.

  • Is the hospital accessible?
    Yes. TWH is fully accessible, and the monument is wheelchair accessible.

  • What attractions are nearby?
    Chinatown, Little Italy, Queen Street West, Kensington Market, and the University of Toronto are nearby.

  • Are monument tours available?
    Yes. Weekend tours are listed at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM; advance booking is recommended.

  • Can visitors take photographs at the monument?
    Yes, photography is encouraged.

  • Are restrooms available near the monument?
    Yes. Public restrooms are inside the hospital near the monument.