Where can I get a COVID-19 test prior to entering Canada

December 22, 2021 10:35 PM

In the reverse situation of my previous question, I need to get a COVID-19 test before traveling from Seattle, WA to Canada, but I'm having trouble finding a solution that fits my date constraints.

I plan to travel from Seattle, WA to Canada on Monday, January 3rd, so I'll need a molecular test (no rapid tests, nor anything I could do myself) with the sample collected no more than 72 hours before I cross the border.

I've done this before, and typically have no problem using the testing facilities of my regular health care provider. However, this time that won't work for a few reasons:

1. I'll be in Gold Bar, WA from Thursday, Dec 30th–Sunday January 2nd, returning to Seattle Sunday morning.
2. I can't find a testing site in the Seattle area that's open on Sundays.
3. I can't find a testing site near Gold Bar, WA that would be open on Friday the 31st or Saturday, January 1st.

Any suggestions for how I can manage this that won't require me to delay my entry into Canada?

posted by Cogito to Health & Fitness (7 answers total)

This Solv location on Rainier, in Seattle, has Sunday testing hours available. You may have to call them to confirm, but that's what the schedule says.
posted by spinifex23 at 12:22 AM on December 23, 2021

We have always used Walgreens -- their IDNow test counts as molecular and is approved for entering Canada, and in my experience, results have always come within two hours, so depending on your travel time on Monday, you might be able to get a test that morning.
posted by cider at 4:34 AM on December 23, 2021 [1 favorite]

XpresCheck at SEA itself seems to have plenty of availability that day (and the day of).
posted by praemunire at 7:25 AM on December 23, 2021

Response by poster: Thanks for all the responses!

This Solv location on Rainier, in Seattle, has Sunday testing hours available

I looked into that one and while I think it might work, it's pretty pricey ($250). I ended up booking an RT-PCR (results in < 1 hour) through Discovery Health for a similar price, but at a location more convenient for me. Still, if I can find a cheaper option, I might cancel that.

We have always used Walgreens -- their IDNow test counts as molecular and is approved for entering Canada, and in my experience, results have always come within two hours

Oh, that's great to know! Unfortunately the closest Walgreens with ID NOW doesn't let me book that far in advance, but I'll check back and see if it's an option in the coming days.

XpresCheck at SEA itself seems to have plenty of availability that day (and the day of).

That's another good one to know about, though if I can avoid a trip to SeaTac, I think I'd prefer that. Partially because of the hassle of getting there and partially because I think I'd prefer to avoid airports if I can.
posted by Cogito at 8:14 AM on December 23, 2021 [1 favorite]

The UW Medicine sites in Shoreline and by University Village are both open on Sundays, as is the one in Lake Sammamish State Park. For the love of all that's good, make an appointment if you're going to go to one of them. The tests are free, and are suitable for travel to Canada.
posted by The corpse in the library at 2:21 PM on December 23, 2021 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks for the pointer, The corpse in the library! Unfortunately it looks like an appointment can't be book that far out, but I'll check back
posted by Cogito at 11:51 AM on December 24, 2021 [1 favorite]

For anyone who stumbles on this: the UW Medicine’s lab is overwhelmed, and currently the testing sites are seeing only sick people and people with known exposures.
posted by The corpse in the library at 6:05 PM on January 5, 2022