Pre-flight Covid test in Calgary

[jcourtney]

So it's looking more and more likely that we're going to need a rapid test before our flight to Orlando in the middle of July. We're flying out of Calgary on a Monday morning so we need the test on a Sunday. Does anyone have an recommendations for cheap and reliable places to get this done? We're from Regina so I don't know where to go that will offer a Sunday appointment. I know there are virtual options (and I'm not ruling those out) but for some reason I like the idea of going in person. Does anyone have any experience/recommendations?

 

[LisaDKG]

I really recommend a virtual rapid test by a group here in Calgary - WM Life Center - because you use your own rapid tests and it is the cheapest I have found: $25.00 for the first person and an additional $5.00 more per person. We have used them 6 times and never had an issue except that they have become increasingly popular so you need to book online in advance. You also have to pay in advance which gets a little trickier as we hopefully draw nearer to the US lifting their testing requirement. There’s no refunds if the testing policies change.

 

[LisaDKG]

We also have a Pharmasave close by that offers them in person for $19.00 per person and walking are welcome.

 

[jcourtney]

I really recommend a virtual rapid test by a group here in Calgary - WM Life Center - because you use your own rapid tests and it is the cheapest I have found: $25.00 for the first person and an additional $5.00 more per person. We have used them 6 times and never had an issue except that they have become increasingly popular so you need to book online in advance. You also have to pay in advance which gets a little trickier as we hopefully draw nearer to the US lifting their testing requirement. There’s no refunds if the testing policies change.

That's a good price!!

We also have a Pharmasave close by that offers them in person for $19.00 per person and walking are welcome.

Thanks! This is really helpful

 

[Sorcerer Jody]

I really recommend a virtual rapid test by a group here in Calgary - WM Life Center - because you use your own rapid tests and it is the cheapest I have found: $25.00 for the first person and an additional $5.00 more per person. We have used them 6 times and never had an issue except that they have become increasingly popular so you need to book online in advance. You also have to pay in advance which gets a little trickier as we hopefully draw nearer to the US lifting their testing requirement. There’s no refunds if the testing policies change.

Has anyone heard any talk of when the US might lift their testing requirement...?

 

[LisaDKG]

Has anyone heard any talk of when the US might lift their testing requirement...?

I keep scanning the papers every few days as we travel a lot. So crazy that Canada lifted their testing before the States!

 

[Pumpkin1172]

I believe Wafart and Costco both do testing in Calgary. Walfart is the cheapest at 19.95. You should be able to set up a test online to book your times.

 

[CanucksRock]

I believe Wafart and Costco both do testing in Calgary. Walfart is the cheapest at 19.95. You should be able to set up a test online to book your times.

Costco is $16.95 - if you can get an appt. I liked them better than Walmart (I only had to wait the 15 mins - at Walmart it was over 30 because the phatmacist was busy)

 

[ssmurphy28]

Has anyone heard any talk of when the US might lift their testing requirement...?

At this point it is seeming like they may wait until the end of Summer? I definitely wouldn't expect it until after July 4th...maybe Labor Day? We are traveling at the end of September so really hoping we don't have to worry about this!

 

[ronandannette]

I’ve travelled four times in 2022 and used WalMart every time. Lots of locations and half the price of Shoppers Drug Mart. Let us know where you’re staying and I’ll tell you which store will be the handiest to you.

 

[cdnSpinalTap]

I really recommend a virtual rapid test by a group here in Calgary - WM Life Center - because you use your own rapid tests and it is the cheapest I have found: $25.00 for the first person and an additional $5.00 more per person. We have used them 6 times and never had an issue except that they have become increasingly popular so you need to book online in advance. You also have to pay in advance which gets a little trickier as we hopefully draw nearer to the US lifting their testing requirement. There’s no refunds if the testing policies change.

This seems like an interesting option. On the website it says "Must have pre-purchased test on hand prior to the appointment scheduled date.". Can you use the free rapid tests from the government or do you have to buy different ones?

 

[jcourtney]

I’ve travelled four times in 2022 and used WalMart every time. Lots of locations and half the price of Shoppers Drug Mart. Let us know where you’re staying and I’ll tell you which store will be the handiest to you.

Thanks so much! We're staying at my in-laws in the SE in Midnapore. I know there's a Walmart near there but I think Costco is pretty far.

 

[ronandannette]

Thanks so much! We're staying at my in-laws in the SE in Midnapore. I know there's a Walmart near there but I think Costco is pretty far.

Use this weblink and look at booking either Calgary (C - Macleod Trail), Calgary (Deerfoot) or Calgary (S - Shawville). All three of these are very close to where you will be staying. Calgary Deerfoot is actually "my" pharmacy and I love them - they do a great job on everything.

PS: The calendar is not showing any of the July appointment spots yet so you will need to keep checking closer to the date.

 

[cdnSpinalTap]

This seems like an interesting option. On the website it says "Must have pre-purchased test on hand prior to the appointment scheduled date.". Can you use the free rapid tests from the government or do you have to buy different ones?

I did some research and sent them a question, and they confirmed - you can use the "green" Rapid Response tests that the Alberta Government distributes for free for the virtual test with Life Centre. This seems like a convenient and cheap option, might give it a go.

 

[jcourtney]

Use this weblink and look at booking either Calgary (C - Macleod Trail), Calgary (Deerfoot) or Calgary (S - Shawville). All three of these are very close to where you will be staying. Calgary Deerfoot is actually "my" pharmacy and I love them - they do a great job on everything.

PS: The calendar is not showing any of the July appointment spots yet so you will need to keep checking closer to the date.

thank you!

 

[LisaDKG]

This seems like an interesting option. On the website it says "Must have pre-purchased test on hand prior to the appointment scheduled date.". Can you use the free rapid tests from the government or do you have to buy different ones?

We have exclusively used the free ones (BNTX brand? Green box?) given out by pharmacies/government and they are definitely accepted!

 

[MichelleCanada]

I really recommend a virtual rapid test by a group here in Calgary - WM Life Center - because you use your own rapid tests and it is the cheapest I have found: $25.00 for the first person and an additional $5.00 more per person. We have used them 6 times and never had an issue except that they have become increasingly popular so you need to book online in advance. You also have to pay in advance which gets a little trickier as we hopefully draw nearer to the US lifting their testing requirement. There’s no refunds if the testing policies change.

Does anyone know if we can use this company for a pre-cruise test we need to do? We have booked them to go to Orlando but we have a few days at WDW before our cruise and we need one for that too.

 

[LisaDKG]

Does anyone know if we can use this company for a pre-cruise test we need to do? We have booked them to go to Orlando but we have a few days at WDW before our cruise and we need one for that too.

Since it’s all done virtually, it doesn’t matter where you are (here in Canada or in Orlando), as long as you have internet. On the online form I think it asks for your location and if it’s for travel purposes. I actually did a similar virtual rapid test with Switch Health before I started using WM Life Center and it was done in Hawaii. Just pay attention to the time change when noting your appointment time!