11 Responses to "PCR testing options in Ontario (best prices, locations, turnaround times)"

   Li on October 7th, 2021


thank you!!! perfect timing! was just looking for one


   Amy on October 9th, 2021


Thanks Chris! Gonna get antigen at Costco!


   Lyndsey on October 26th, 2021


I have been using your website for years! Do you know does the PCR test back home to Canada has to be from the city you depart from? For example, I might get tested in Mexico City but departing back from Purto Vallarta ???


   Chris_Myden on October 26th, 2021


Thanks Lydnsey - No, it shouldn't matter. In Puerto Vallarta they'll just be checking to make sure it's the right test type, and that the test was performed no more than 72 hours ago.


   Mélissa Munroe on November 1st, 2021


Hi Chris, The pcr tests are $40 at shoppers Drugmart. Or is that test not suitable for international travel?


   Chris_Myden on November 1st, 2021


Hi Mélissa, the $40 test at Shoppers Drugmart is an antigen test, which is a different kind of test. (It's the same one that's $20 at Walmart, and $17 at Costco). Some countries accept the antigen test for entry, such as the U.S. (everywhere in the U.S. but Hawaii)

The PCR tests at Shoppers are $150 in Ontario.


   Michael Denyszyn on November 1st, 2021


Hi Chris, is Shoppers the only Ontario-based PCR test accepted in Hawaii at the moment?


   Carey on November 1st, 2021


Hi...I just came back from Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. All the resorts there have onsite testing and a PCR will run you from $90-$180 USD per person. Results come back in less than 24hrs. The resort I was at was charging $150 but I booked a lab to come to me and do the test privately at a cost of $100 including the mobile service fee. You can also go into town and get them done on nearly every street for $70-$80 but you have to add in the transportation cost. I was told by a staff member at the resort that you have to be careful with the places that do mobile service as some will take your money and not give you a result. That same staff member told me the lab I had coming was completely reputable as they used to provide testing to many resorts before the local hospital took it over. I had no issue what so ever. The lab tech was very careful, did a great job with the test as well as staying in communication with me over a 3 day period.


   John Boland on November 2nd, 2021


Rexall Pharmacy ( the closest one to me is in Empress Walk Plaza) is charging
$ 80 for a PCR test. You need to book an appointment ( no walk ins) .
Same test at Shoppers Drug Mart is $ 160


   Soviak on November 4th, 2021


John is right, Rexall Pharmacy is charging $80 for PCR test for travellers. It guarantees results in 24-48 hrs (a bit long) but my friend got it in 24. Closest to me is the one in Cloverdale Mall in Etobicoke.


   Chris_Myden on November 4th, 2021


Thanks everyone, added Rexall to the list. Looks to be available at locations in Toronto, Waterloo, Kitchener, Hamilton, London, and more. I would say it's the most competitive prevalent PCR test price out there anywhere in Canada. That's competitive with the better prices in Europe.

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