{"menuItems":[{"label":"Where can I get a COVID test in Canada?","anchorName":"#where"},{"label":"Types of COVID tests","anchorName":"#types"},{"label":"How much does a COVID test cost?","anchorName":"#cost"},{"label":"COVID self-testing kits in Canada","anchorName":"#self"},{"label":"Where to buy COVID home testing kits in Canada","anchorName":"#where-to-buy-covid-home-testing-kits-in-canada"},{"label":"Examples of COVID self-testing kits in Canada","anchorName":"#examples-of-covid-self-testing-kits-in-canada"},{"label":"Frequently asked questions","anchorName":"#faq"}]}
The information on this page is current as of March 10, 2022. Visit the Government of Canada website for the latest updates on COVID testing requirements, vaccinations, travel restrictions and more.
There are several different forms of COVID testing that you can get in Canada for a number of different reasons.
Find out more about the 3 main types of COVID tests available and decide which one might make the most sense for your personal situation. You can also learn more about when you might need a COVID test for travel to and from Canada.
- 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
- 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
You can get a COVID-19 test at a number of different places in Canada. These include provincial COVID-19 test sites, private labs, doctor’s offices and pharmacies. You may also be able to test for COVID-19 at work or school if your institution has proper authorization to administer rapid COVID-19 tests.
The place you choose to use to test for COVID-19 will depend on factors such as what type of test you want, how quickly you need the results and how long you’re willing to wait for an appointment. You may also choose to administer a test at home with a self-testing kit.
At a glance: Examples of where to get a COVID test in Canada
Where can I get tested?
How it works
Sample provider
Type of test used
Time to process results
COVID-19 test sites
You get swabbed on site and your samples are sent off to a lab for COVID-19 testing.
Pop-up sites operated by your province
Molecular or nucleic acid-based testing (PCR tests)
1-2 days
Private labs
You get swabbed or give blood on site and your samples are sent off to a lab for testing.
LifeLabs, Dynacare or Switch Health
Nucleic acid-based testing (PCR tests) or serology-based testing
1-2 days
Doctor’s office or pharmacy
You get tested for COVID-19 at your doctor’s office or pharmacy and they will give you the results within the hour.
Shoppers Drug Mart COVID-19 testing or at your local doctor’s office
Antigen-based testing (rapid COVID-19 test)
Usually under an hour
Rapid COVID-19 test sites for school or work
You get tested for COVID-19 at businesses, schools and organizations that have been authorized to administer tests.
Authorized schools or workplaces that have requested rapid testing supplies
Antigen-based testing (rapid COVID-19 test)
Usually under an hour
Self-administered test
You test yourself at home without the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Self-testing kits can be purchased online or through a drug store
Antigen-based testing (rapid COVID-19 test)
Varies
Types of COVID tests
There are 3 main types of COVID tests that you can use to determine the current or past presence of COVID-19 (also known as SARS-CoV-2). These include the following:
Nucleic acid-based testing (PCR tests)
Molecular or nucleic acid-based tests (also known as PCR tests) are the most accurate way to test for COVID-19 and are usually carried out by specialized laboratories.
How it works. It detects the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material (RNA) in respiratory samples to determine if COVID-19 is present.
What it tests. It tests for a current COVID-19 infection (usually within 1-2 days).
How samples are collected. Samples are collected through a nose, throat or oral swab.
How long it takes. It usually takes 1-2 days to process the results.
Antigen-based testing (rapid tests)
Antigen tests are rapid COVID tests that produce quick results when you test for COVID-19 at doctor’s offices, pharmacies or in workplace/academic settings.
How it works. Samples are placed in an extraction buffer or reagent and tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific virus proteins (also called antigens).
What it tests. It tests for a current COVID-19 infection (usually within 15 minutes).
How samples are collected. Samples are collected through a nose, throat or oral swab.
How long it takes. It usually takes 15 minutes to an hour to process the results.
How much does a COVID test cost?
The cost to test for COVID-19 will usually vary based on why you need the test done.
Tests for people with COVID symptoms are free. These tests are performed to see if you need to self-isolate, and they are typically carried out at a doctor’s office, private lab or COVID-19 test site set up by your province.
Tests for close contact with a COVID-19 case are free. These tests are for people who have been in close contact with COVID-19 cases. They aim to identify asymptomatic COVID-19 cases before the infection can spread. They are often carried out at doctor’s offices, private labs or COVID-19 test sites.
Tests for employees or students are free. These tests are usually administered by large institutions to help identify cases quickly to limit spread. Your institution will notify you if regular testing is a condition of being present at your workplace or campus.
COVID-19 tests for travel cost $40 to $200 on average. These tests are usually administered by private labs or pharmacies (for example, Shoppers Drug Mart COVID-19 testing). You can also self-administer a COVID-19 test for international travel though your results may not be admissible without validation from a medical professional.
COVID self-testing kits in Canada
COVID-19 self-testing kits are usually antigen-based testing kits that can be used at home. With most providers, you simply purchase a kit and set an appointment with a health specialist to collect your sample. You then send the sample to the company so that it can be processed.
You may also be able to test for COVID-19 at home if you’re able to process your samples yourself. However, these tests may give false positive or negative results, which means the results are often not eligible if you need them for travel purposes.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
There are several different forms of COVID-19 tests you can order to do at home. Below are some examples of popular tests and retailers that sell them.
Quick facts: COVID testing and vaccination requirements in Canada
This table was last updated on March 17, 2022. Visit the Government of Canada website for the latest rules on COVID travel, testing and vaccinations.
Question
Answer
Do I need a COVID test to enter Canada?
Both unvaccinated and fully vaccinated travellers must take a molecular (PCR) COVID test within 72 hours of entering Canada or a rapid antigen test within 1 day of entering Canada.
Starting April 1, fully vaccinated travelers do not need a pre-entry test.
Do I need a COVID test to leave Canada?
Negative COVID test results are not acceptable. Proof of vaccination is required. Destination countries may require COVID tests for entry.
What types of COVID tests can I take for international travel?
Molecular tests (PCR, NAT, NAAT, RT-LAMP)
Rapid antigen tests administered or observed by a pharmacy, laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth service (take-home tests without professional supervision are not approved)
Yes. A number of retailers sell molecular (PCR) and rapid antigen COVID tests that can be taken from home. Note that PCR tests and rapid antigen tests for international travel may need to be administered under the remote (virtual) supervision of a medical professional.
Do children need to take COVID tests to travel?
Children under 5 years old do not need to take a COVID test (pre-entry, arrival or Day-8).
Those who are 5+ years of age (on the day they travel) must follow COVID testing rules for travellers.
What if I can't supply COVID-19 test results at the airport?
Canadian citizens or permanent residents. You won't be denied entry, but you may face a fine, criminal charges or other penalties. If you have COVID symptoms, you have to quarantine.
Others. You won't be allowed to enter Canada.
Do I have to quarantine after entering Canada?
Fully vaccinated travellers do not need to quarantine. Your eligibility for exemption will be determined at the border based on information you provide. A Day-8 test is not required.
All others must quarantine for 14 days. A test will be provided for incoming travellers to take on day 8 of quarantine.
Do I need to be vaccinated to travel?
Yes. Canadian authorities require proof of vaccination to board flights and trains for both domestic and international travel. Note that destination countries may have different rules for inbound travellers.
Covifenz (Medicago) plant based virus-like particle
How do I submit my COVID testing and vaccination info for travel?
All travellers must use the free ArriveCAN app to submit contact info, travel details, vaccination status, test results and quarantine plans to the Canadian authorities.
Molecular testing (also known as PCR test or nucleic acid-based testing) is the most accurate form of testing since it produces fewer false negatives than antigen-based tests. This is why most governments restrict the use of antigen tests to identify COVID-19, especially if you’re getting a COVID-19 test for international travel.
You’ll usually need to self-isolate as soon as your positive result comes back, even if you don’t have symptoms. You’ll be required to self-isolate for the time specified by your provincial health authority (usually 10-14 days), and you may need to get tested again during this time period.
You can only test for a past COVID-19 infection with an antibody test. This lets you know if you’ve ever had COVID-19 before and may have a natural immunity built up. You can use this information to assess your risk if you’re going in for a medical procedure or looking to donate plasma to patients with severe cases of COVID-19.
No, you’ll need to pay for a COVID-19 test for travel. You can only get free COVID-19 testing if you have symptoms or were in close contact with a person who has COVID-19. You can usually pay to get testing with a local private lab or a pharmacy such as Shoppers Drug Mart COVID-19 testing.
{"menuItems":[{"label":"Where can I get a COVID test in Canada?","anchorName":"#where"},{"label":"Types of COVID tests","anchorName":"#types"},{"label":"How much does a COVID test cost?","anchorName":"#cost"},{"label":"COVID self-testing kits in Canada","anchorName":"#self"},{"label":"Where to buy COVID home testing kits in Canada","anchorName":"#where-to-buy-covid-home-testing-kits-in-canada"},{"label":"Examples of COVID self-testing kits in Canada","anchorName":"#examples-of-covid-self-testing-kits-in-canada"},{"label":"Frequently asked questions","anchorName":"#faq"}]}
Here are the key COVID-19 vaccine stocks to watch. Learn more about the major players and find out how to invest.
{"menuItems":[{"label":"Where can I get a COVID test in Canada?","anchorName":"#where"},{"label":"Types of COVID tests","anchorName":"#types"},{"label":"How much does a COVID test cost?","anchorName":"#cost"},{"label":"COVID self-testing kits in Canada","anchorName":"#self"},{"label":"Where to buy COVID home testing kits in Canada","anchorName":"#where-to-buy-covid-home-testing-kits-in-canada"},{"label":"Examples of COVID self-testing kits in Canada","anchorName":"#examples-of-covid-self-testing-kits-in-canada"},{"label":"Frequently asked questions","anchorName":"#faq"}]}
Where to buy face masks online during COVID-19. Learn about types of face masks, how to make your own face masks from home, how to properly wear masks and more.
Claire Horwood is a writer at Finder, specializing in credit cards, loans and other financial products. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from the University of Victoria, and an Associate’s Degree in Science from Camosun College. Much of Claire’s coursework has focused on writing and statistics, with a healthy dose of social and cultural analysis mixed in for good measure. In her spare time, Claire enjoys rock climbing, travelling and drinking inordinate amounts of coffee.
Here are the online stores where you can buy COVID-19 home test kits in Canada.
Feedback
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Advertiser Disclosure
finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which finder.com receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. finder.com compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
