How to find a pharmacy near your place of residence?

Having a pharmacy nearby allows you to quickly buy medicine, get vaccinated, or consult a pharmacist. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you find the nearest and most convenient service point in just a few minutes, whether it is open 24 hours a day or specializes in a particular area.

1. Use the official “pharmacy search” from the Alberta College of Pharmacy

1. Go to the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) website and open the Look Up a Pharmacy / Pharmacist online tool — it contains all licensed pharmacies in the province.
2. In the search field, enter:

• your address or postal code;
• the required parameters (24 h, vaccination, delivery, etc.).

3. The system will display a list and map with the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each location. The data is regularly updated by the regulator itself, so the service is the most accurate.

2. Alberta Blue Cross medication and vaccine availability map

When it is important to know where a specific drug or vaccine is available, use the Alberta Blue Cross interactive map “Pharmacy Inventory Map.”

• Enter your postal code — the service will filter pharmacies by radius and show if the product is available.
• Filters allow you to quickly find COVID, flu, or children's vaccines, popular antibiotics, and more.

3. Check large chains through apps or websites

Tip: Select “Open Now” in the filters to see only pharmacies that are open at the time of your search.

4. Call Health Link 811

If you don't have internet access or need nighttime advice, dial 811. A nurse will:

1. Quickly finds the nearest pharmacy on duty.
2. Connects you to an interpreter in over 240 languages, if needed.
3. Tells you if you can buy the medicine you need without a prescription.

5. Check local 24/7 options

• In 2025, there are at least two locations open 24 hours a day: Shoppers Drug Mart at 3012 17 Ave SE and several branches in AHS hospitals.
• Most other pharmacies are open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; hours may vary on holidays, so call ahead.

6. Use a PDF pharmacy directory

An alphabetical list of over 300 Calgary locations with addresses and phone numbers is available in the Alberta Pharmacists' Association's public registry (ENVIRx Store List file). Download it to your phone for an offline version that's handy when you're on the go.

7. Request delivery if you are unable to visit the pharmacy

Most chains (Shoppers, Calgary Co-op, Mednow/PocketPills online services) will deliver prescriptions to your home free of charge within the city, and small independent pharmacies will do so for $3–5.

8. Checklist before your visit

1. Make sure you have the original prescription or an electronic referral.
2. Bring your AHCIP card or private insurance card — this will speed up processing and help avoid upfront payments.
3. Check the hours of operation and availability of parking/public transit.
4. If you are looking for a rare medication, call ahead: the pharmacist can reserve it for you before you arrive.

9. Additional resources

• 211 Alberta — enter “pharmacy” + your area, and the service will show you licensed locations and pills-on-demand.
• Google Maps / Apple Maps — a quick way to see reviews and plan your route by public transportation.
• AHS Find Healthcare app — combines clinic, lab, and pharmacy search in one app.

Conclusion

To find the nearest and most convenient pharmacy in Calgary:

1. Start with the ACP search or the Alberta Blue Cross interactive map — this will give you up-to-date information on licensing, hours, and availability of the medication you need.
2. Check large chains through their websites/apps; for nighttime needs, look for several 24-hour Shoppers Drug Mart locations.
3. If in doubt, call 811 — the operator will advise you on the best option in your area.

By following these steps, you will always have a reliable source of medication, vaccinations, and pharmaceutical advice at your fingertips in any area of Calgary.