The information on this page is current as of March 11, 2022. Visit the Government of Canada website for the latest updates on COVID testing requirements, vaccinations, travel restrictions and more.
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Alberta in June 2023
Find out where you can buy or book RAT and PCR COVID-19 tests in Alberta.
Omicron is the latest strain of the COVID-19 virus to hit Alberta. With daily case numbers rising, what are your options if you need to get tested?
1. Rapid antigen tests in Alberta
If you need your results as quickly as possible, a rapid antigen test (RAT) is your best option. These kits can be used at home without a medical professional and do not require you to send the test to a lab. Results typically take 10-15 minutes.
The downside of rapid antigen tests are twofold: they are less accurate than a PCR test and cannot be used for travel unless administered or observed by a medical professional within 1 day prior to entering or exiting the country.
Where to buy COVID home testing kits in Canada
- PPE Supply Canada - In Stock
- PPE Online - In Stock
- Go Test Rapide - In Stock
- Rapid Test & Trace
- The Canadian Shield
BTNX Rapid Response Covid-19 Antigen Test Kit
IN STOCK
- 20% off at checkout
- Delivery: 1-5 business days
- Same-day shipping on all orders placed by 4PM EST
- Antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved
FlowFlex Rapid Antigen Test
IN STOCK
- 20% off at checkout
- Delivery: 1-5 business days
- Free Shipping over $99
- Same-day shipping on all orders placed by 4PM EST
- Non-invasive rapid antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved
Boson Rapid COVID 19 Antigen Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 3-7 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved
Roche SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 3-7 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15 minutes
- Health Canada approved
BTNX Rapid Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15 minutes
- Health Canada approved
Boson Rapid SARS CoV-2 Antigen Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved
Artron Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved
SD Biosensor Rapid Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15-30 minutes
- Health Canada approved
Antigen At-Home Tele-Test Service
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
- Antigen test
- Administered by health professional via video call
- Results within 1 hour
- Approved for travel to some countries
How it works
If you’re going to a clinic, you’ll take a swab sample under the supervision of a professional or the professional will take it for you. Once the swab is taken, the results can appear in as little as 15 minutes.
If you’re taking an at-home rapid antigen test, you’ll collect your own swab sample from your tonsils, nostrils or both (whichever the instructions specify). Some providers may require that you swab your nose or throat under the supervision of a professional via Zoom or some other video chat service. You’ll be instructed on how to test your sample. Results appear in 10-15 mins. Compare home testing kits below.
Read our guide on rapid antigen tests
Rapid antigen test Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer
Albertans can get free COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits for at-home use pending availability. Rapid test kits can be picked up at select pharmacies in Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton and select Alberta Health Services (AHS) clinics in other communities.
- There is a limit of one kit per person/health care number within a 14-day period
- Rapid tests can be used by people aged 14 and older and children aged 2 to 13 if performed by an adult
- These rapid test kits cannot be used for the Restrictions Exemption Program
Click here to find a Covid test in Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton
2. PCR tests in Alberta
A PCR test can also be referred to as a “molecular test”. It’s an accurate and reliable way to diagnose Covid-19. Anyone who needs a test under the Alberta provincial testing guidelines can get one at no cost. You’ll need to complete an online self-assessment first before booking an appointment online.
You can get a PCR test at a doctor’s office, pharmacy, private blood test clinic, pop-up test site, or at home under the virtual supervision of a medical professional. It involves taking a swab from the tonsils, nostrils or both. The swab is then sent to a lab for analysis where it will isolate the RNA (a single-stranded molecule that’s taken from DNA) and mix it with other ingredients to detect the presence of Covid-19. Results from a PCR test usually take 2-5 days to process.
Click here to book a PCR test in Alberta
PCR tests for travel in Alberta
PCR tests are currently required by the government of Canada to travel internationally. Your test must be taken no more than 72 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time from Canada and you will need to show the airline your negative result prior to check-in. PCR tests for travel are not publicly funded and typically cost anywhere from $100 to around $200. Here is a list of companies offering fee-based travel testing in Alberta:
As of February 28, 2022, rapid antigen tests are acceptable for travel if taken under the supervision of a medical professional within 1 day of entering or exiting Canada.
How to book a PCR test before arriving at Calgary International Airport
If you are required to take a Covid-19 test upon arrival in Calgary, you can pre-register with Switch Health on their website. Once you arrive at the airport testing area, a Switch Health healthcare professional will administer the test.
Switch Health will deliver your test sample to its lab for processing. Test results are typically available within 72 hours. When your results are available, you will get a notification through your preferred communication method (i.e. text or email) to go to the Switch Health patient portal, ASMO, to view your results.
What you need to know about PCR tests
3. Can I get a free RAT or PCR Covid test in Alberta?
Anyone who needs a test under the Alberta provincial testing guidelines can get a rapid antigen home kit and PCR test at no cost. For PCR tests, this means:
- People with symptoms who may be eligible for monocolonal antibody treatment
- People with symptoms who are household contacts of a person who works in continuing care or acute care
- People with symptoms who are pregnant
- People with symptoms who live or work in isolated and remote First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities
- Returning international travelers who become symptomatic within 14 days after their return to Canada
Free rapid tests are subject to availability and on a first-come-first-served basis. You may also be able to get free rapid antigen COVID tests for your business or organization from the Government of Canada and some provincial/territorial governments.
Large businesses that qualify for free tests and have 200+ employees will be supplied by the federal government. Businesses that qualify and have 0-199 employees will be supplied by provincial/territorial governments. Registered charities, non-profit and Indigenous organizations will be supplied by the Red Cross.
To apply for free tests, visit the federal government’s website and be prepared to provide the following details:
- Name of your organization
- Point of contact for your organization
- Number of employees you employ in Canada
- Provinces and/or territories in which these employees work
Where to buy COVID home testing kits in Canada
1 - 2 of 2
- Health Canada COVID-19 rapid testing and screening in workplaces: Get free rapid tests, Last updated 24 Dec 2021
- Alberta Health Services Assessment & Testing, 2022
- Alberta Rapid Testing at Home, 2021
- Alberta Symptoms and Testing
- Alberta Health Services Travel Covid-19, 2022
- YYC Calgary International Airport COVID-19 Testing, 2022
- Switch Health Arrivals Testing, 2022
More on COVID testing
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Vancouver
Here’s where you can find and book a rapid antigen test, PCR test or buy a home testing kit in Vancouver, BC for Covid-19.
Read more…
Where to get a COVID-19 test in British Columbia
Here’s where you can find and book a PCR test, rapid antigen test, or buy a home testing kit in British Columbia for Covid-19.
Read more…
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Nova Scotia
Here’s where you can find and book a PCR test, rapid antigen test, or buy a home testing kit in Nova Scotia for Covid-19.
Read more…More guides on Finder
-
How to buy Sui (SUI) in Canada
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to buy Sui, lists some exchanges where you can get it and provides daily price data on (SUI).
-
How to buy Pepe (PEPE) in Canada
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to buy Pepe, lists some exchanges where you can get it and provides daily price data on (PEPE).
-
How to buy Arbitrum (ARB) in Canada
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to buy Arbitrum, lists some exchanges where you can get it and provides daily price data on (ARB).
-
How to buy SSV Network (SSV) in Canada
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to buy SSV Network, lists some exchanges where you can get it and provides daily price data on (SSV).
-
How to buy USDD (USDD) in Canada
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to buy USDD, lists some exchanges where you can get it and provides daily price data on (USDD).
-
How to buy Blur (BLUR) in Canada
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to buy Blur, lists some exchanges where you can get it and provides daily price data on (BLUR).
-
How to buy FLOKI Inu (FLOKI) in Canada
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to buy FLOKI Inu, lists some exchanges where you can get it and provides daily price data on (FLOKI).
-
How to buy Aptos (APT) in Canada
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to buy Aptos, lists some exchanges where you can get it and provides daily price data on (APT).
-
How to buy EthereumPoW (ETHW) in Canada
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to buy EthereumPoW, lists some exchanges where you can get it and provides daily price data on (ETHW).
-
How to buy Coinbase Wrapped Staked ETH (CBETH) in Canada
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to buy Coinbase Wrapped Staked ETH, lists some exchanges where you can get it and provides daily price data on (CBETH).