Protect Yourself From COVID-19: Finding Rapid Antigen Tests in the GTA

With the recent surge in Omicron COVID-19 cases and the re-opening of Ontario schools, rapid antigen tests are an important tool in curbing the spread of the virus. However, tests have been hard to find and access. This article will provide specific locations that you can get access to rapid antigen tests.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT VISIT ANY PHARMACY IF YOU HAVE TESTED POSITIVE OR

EXPERIENCE ANY SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19. THE BEST OPTION IS TO SELF-ISOLATE.

NOTE: Some links within this article may not work due the frequency that these websites

update. Also keep in mind that these tests are available as of January 2022 and can be

subjected to change.

Shoppers Drug Mart

Along with COVID-19 vaccination, Shoppers Drug Mart offers rapid antigen testing for

asymptomatic individuals. The test is done in-store with a pharmacist and is not a take home test kit. Each screening costs $40 and is only available at select locations. There are no walk-

ins and appointments can be booked online.

To learn more about Shoppers Drug Mart’s COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Screening please visit

their website: https://www1.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/health-and-pharmacy/covid-19/testing/antigen-screening

Rexall

Rexall pharmacies are now offering rapid antigen testing for asymptomatic individuals at select locations. Like Shoppers Drug Mart, the test is done in-store with a pharmacist and is not a take home test kit. Each screening costs $30. There are no walk-ins and appointments can be booked online.

To learn more about Rexall’s COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Screening please visit their website:

https://www.rexall.ca/covid-19/testing

Costco

Select Costco locations are offering rapid antigen testing for asymptomatic individuals that

plan to travel. As a result, travel documents are required and it is the traveller’s responsibility

to assure that their destination will accept a negative rapid test. The test is $16.99 and appointments must be made on the Costco website.

To learn more about Costco’s COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Screening please visit their website:

https://www.costcopharmacy.ca

Walmart

Walmart is now offering rapid antigen testing for asymptomatic individuals at select locations. The tests are done in-store with a pharmacist and is not a take home test kit. Appointments must be made online or by phone. Each screening costs $19.97.

To learn more about Walmart’s COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Screening please visit their website:

https://www.walmart.ca/cp/shop/asymptomatic-covid-testing/6000203002155

Real Canadian Superstore

Along with COVID-19 vaccination, Real Canadian Superstore offers rapid antigen testing for

asymptomatic individuals. The test is done in-store with a pharmacist and is not a take home

test kit. Each screening costs $40 and is only available at select locations. There are no walk-

ins and appointments can be booked online.

To learn more about Real Canadian Superstore’s COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Screening please

visit their website: https://covid19.realcanadiansuperstore.ca/en/testing

No Frills

Along with COVID-19 vaccination, No Frills offers rapid antigen testing for asymptomatic

individuals. The test is done in-store with a pharmacist and is not a take home test kit. Each

screening costs $40 and is only available at select locations. There are no walk-ins and

appointments can be booked online.

To learn more about No Frills’s COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Screening please visit their website:

https://covid19.nofrills.ca/en/testing

Conclusion

Unfortunately, all of the options mentioned are fee-based testing. As Ontario waits for

government-funded tests, it is helpful to have alternative options at select pharmacies. To

conclude, here is a summary of the options mentioned above.

Testing Location, Requirements, Cost & How To Book An Appointment

Shoppers Drug Mart

• Must be asymptomatic

• Appointment required

• $40

Online: https://www1.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/health-and-pharmacy/covid-19/ testing/antigen-screening

Rexall

• Must be asymptomatic

• Appointment required

• $30

Online: https://www.rexall.ca/covid-19/testing

Costco

• Must be asymptomatic

• Travel documents required

• Appointment required

• $16.99

Online: https://www.costcopharmacy.ca

Walmart

• Must be asymptomatic

• Appointment required

• $19.97

Online: https://www.walmart.ca/cp/shop/asymptomatic-covid testing/6000203002155

Real Canadian Superstore

• Must be asymptomatic

• Appointment required

• $40

Online: https://covid19.realcanadiansuperstore.ca/en/testing

No Frills

• Must be asymptomatic

• Appointment required

• $40

Online: https://covid19.nofrills.ca/en/testing