Ever been frustrated by long lines or limited options at your usual pharmacy? Tons of Canadians are looking for a better, faster, or more affordable way to get their medications. Sure, Rexall is popular, but it’s not the only player in town—or online. Whether you're after an online pharmacy that ships right to your door or a place with a wider variety of health products, it’s smart to know what else is out there.
This is your no-nonsense guide to five real alternatives to Rexall Pharmacy. We’ll break down what stands out about each one, the pros and cons, and even toss in some practical tips to make your pharmacy run smoother. Ready to find your new go-to pharmacy? Check out these options—some of them might surprise you.
- CanadaDrugsDirect.com
- Shoppers Drug Mart
- Well.ca
- Pharmasave
- London Drugs
- Which Pharmacy Wins? (Comparison Table)
CanadaDrugsDirect.com
If you’re done with waiting in line at local stores and want your meds delivered to your doorstep, CanadaDrugsDirect.com steps up. This site has become especially popular with people who value convenience and want fair pricing on a wide range of prescriptions—and even regular over-the-counter stuff.
CanadaDrugsDirect.com is a fully online pharmacy. You just upload your prescription, make your order, and then chill until your package arrives. What catches many people’s attention is their price-checking: you often find meds here for less than at big brick-and-mortar chains. For regulars on maintenance drugs—think cholesterol pills or blood pressure meds—the savings can really add up over a year.
Another big plus is their wide selection. They stock not just the usual prescription stuff, but a whole bunch of over-the-counter meds, too. So one order can take care of sore throats, pain relief, and your regular Rx.
It’s not all sunshine, though. If you like talking with a pharmacist face-to-face or want immediate answers, you might feel a bit left out. While their customer support team is quick on email and phone, there’s no in-person option. And, since it all ships from their distribution centers, there’s always a small chance of shipping delays, especially if weather or mail strikes hit.
For the comparison shoppers out there, here’s a quick look at how CanadaDrugsDirect stacks up with Rexall Pharmacy:
| Feature | CanadaDrugsDirect.com | Rexall Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Locations | No | Yes, nationwide |
| Prescription Upload | Online | In person or online |
| OTC Medications | Wide selection | Wide selection |
| Direct Pharmacist Access | No in-person | Yes |
| Shipping | Yes, nationwide | Store pickup or some home delivery areas |
This online-only model is perfect for people in remote areas, busy folks who’d rather shop in sweatpants, and anyone who’s keeping a close eye on pharmacy prices. Just double-check the delivery times if you need medications urgently—sometimes it takes a little longer than picking up in-store.
Pros
- Reliable service you can use from home
- Equitable pricing—often cheaper than traditional stores
- Wide range of prescription and over-the-counter drugs
Cons
- No option for in-person pharmacist consulting
- Shipping delays can sometimes happen, depending on location
- No physical stores if you like in-store shopping
Shoppers Drug Mart
If you live in Canada, you’ve definitely seen a Shoppers Drug Mart—they’re just about everywhere. With more than 1,300 stores scattered across every province and territory, it’s probably the most recognizable name after Rexall. Shoppers isn’t just about prescriptions, though. You can grab snacks, makeup, household stuff, and even electronics—all under one roof.
When it comes to prescription drugs and over-the-counter meds, Shoppers stands out because of its long hours (many locations stay open late and a few operate 24/7). They also have an app and online services where you can refill prescriptions, set medication reminders, and get health info with just a few clicks.
Perks matter, too. Their PC Optimum points program lets you collect points not just on meds, but almost everything in the store. Stack up enough points and you’ll save money on future purchases—a win for anyone who shops there often.
Pros
- Massive network—stores everywhere
- Longer hours (lots open late, some 24/7)
- One-stop shop for groceries, beauty, health, and more
- User-friendly app plus online prescription management
- Earn PC Optimum rewards on almost everything
Cons
- Sometimes higher prices than smaller pharmacies
- Busy locations might mean longer wait times
- Personalized service can be hit-or-miss
- Not all meds are always in stock, depending on the branch
Here’s a quick look at how Shoppers Drug Mart stacks up in some key areas:
| Feature | Shoppers Drug Mart |
|---|---|
| Store Locations | 1,300+ across Canada |
| Hours | Varies – many open late, some 24/7 |
| Reward Program | PC Optimum |
| Prescription Refills | Online, in-app, in-store |
| Extra Services | Beauty, groceries, household |
If you want convenience and the option to pick up way more than just your prescription meds, Shoppers is tough to beat. Keep an eye on weekly flyers; you can score some real deals, especially if you combine them with PC Optimum points events.
Well.ca
If you want more than just prescriptions, Well.ca is worth a look. This Canadian online pharmacy really focuses on health and wellness, stocking not only regular prescription drugs but also vitamins, natural products, beauty items, and even stuff for babies and pets. Unlike Rexall Pharmacy, Well.ca operates entirely online, so you shop from your couch and skip the store visit. It's especially good for anyone who likes browsing a wide range of health products without bouncing from site to site.
What's cool about Well.ca is how easy they make online ordering. The website's search is simple, filters help you find what you need, and reviews from other customers make picking products less of a guessing game. Orders over $35 ship free almost everywhere in Canada, and most folks get their stuff within a week. If you care about eco-friendly products or want hard-to-find brands, Well.ca usually has them in stock. They even offer a regular email newsletter with special deals and health tips—nothing pushy, just useful info.
Just so you get a clearer idea, here's how Well.ca stacks up in a few quick numbers:
| Product Categories | Number Available |
|---|---|
| Over-the-counter (OTC) meds | 200+ |
| Health & Wellness | 1,200+ |
| Natural & Organic | 800+ |
| Baby & Family | 500+ |
Pros
- Wide selection of health and wellness products—not just prescriptions
- User-friendly website with reviews and filters
- Free shipping over $35 and regular deals
- Carries products for allergies, special diets, and eco-conscious shoppers
Cons
- No in-person pharmacy support or walk-in service
- Prescription service relies on mail-order, so expect shipping time
- Some items can be pricier than local store chains, depending on the brand
If you’re looking for more than the basics—or you just don’t want to leave home—Well.ca is a strong Rexall alternative that fits a modern, digital lifestyle.
Pharmasave
Pharmasave is one of those names that’s pretty much everywhere if you live in Canada. With over 850 locations across nine provinces, it’s hard to miss their red logo in smaller towns as well as bigger cities. A big draw here is the personal, community-based approach—they're often locally owned and really get to know regular customers. If you want somewhere to actually talk to your pharmacist and ask questions, Pharmasave usually hits the mark.
Pharmasave isn’t just about prescriptions. They stock plenty of over-the-counter meds, health and wellness products, and even stuff like greeting cards or little gifts. They also run a bunch of health programs—think medication reviews, flu shots, diabetes management, and travel health advice. On top of that, they’ve been rolling out online prescription refills and home delivery in many places, making them a lot more flexible than your old-school corner drugstore.
Pros
- Strong community vibe with personal service at most locations
- Wide coverage across Canada—chances are, there's one close by
- Offers in-person services like medication reviews and immunizations
- Online prescription refills and delivery available in many regions
- Some locations provide extra services, like blood pressure checks or advice clinics
Cons
- Product selection can vary a lot between locations
- Online offerings aren’t as streamlined as specialized online pharmacies
- Hours may depend on franchise owners, so not always 24/7
If you value that mix of personal service and convenience, Pharmasave is hard to beat. For folks in rural areas or smaller towns, it’s often the nearest full-service pharmacy. According to data from 2023, nearly 90% of Canadians live within 10 km of a Pharmasave location—which makes it one of the most accessible Rexall alternatives around.
| Key Feature | Pharmasave |
|---|---|
| Number of Locations | 850+ |
| Pharmacy Services | Medication reviews, immunizations, chronic disease management |
| Online Refills | Available (varies by location) |
| Delivery | Offered in many areas |
Looking to chat with a real pharmacist, refill from your phone, or just avoid that long Rexall lineup? Pharmasave covers all the Rexall alternatives basics, blending old-school service with new-school tech.
London Drugs
If you live in Western Canada, you’ve probably passed by a London Drugs location more than a few times. What started out as a pharmacy in Vancouver back in 1945 has exploded into a chain with over 80 stores, covering not just prescriptions but everything from electronics to groceries. It's a one-stop shop, and the convenience factor alone puts it near the top of the Rexall alternatives list.
One of the things people love about London Drugs is how you can handle your prescription drugs and grab other essentials at the same time. It’s not unusual to see someone picking up their blood pressure meds, a new printer cable, and some frozen dinners all in one trip. Let’s be real—who doesn’t want to trim down the number of places you have to visit?
“London Drugs continues to deliver community-focused healthcare and a unique retail mix that’s tough to beat.” — Retail Council of Canada
They take healthcare seriously too. London Drugs has programs for flu shots, travel vaccines, and even a medication review service. Their pharmacists are available for walk-in consultations without needing an appointment. And with the London Drugs Pharmacy App, you can manage refills or set up reminders directly from your phone—a small win for anyone with a busy day.
Let’s talk about some perks and drawbacks.
Pros
- Wide range of pharmacy and non-pharmacy products all under one roof
- Personalized pharmacy services, including medication reviews and vaccine clinics
- Online refills and mobile app for prescription management
- Strong presence in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba
- In-store electronics and photo services—pretty unique for a pharmacy
Cons
- Not available outside Western Canada
- No shipping option for prescription drugs—must pick up in-store
- Sometimes outmatched by bigger chains like Shoppers on pharmacy-only rebates or extended hours
- The website can feel cluttered if you're just looking for meds
For folks who want variety in one stop and don’t mind doing things in person, London Drugs is worth a look. If you live on the prairies or out west, you’ll notice they’re pretty much everywhere. But if you’re in Ontario or the East Coast, you’ll have to skip over this option and check out other Rexall alternatives that are nationwide or online.
| Service | London Drugs |
|---|---|
| Number of Locations | 80+ |
| Mobile Prescription Management | Yes |
| Vaccination Services | Yes (in-store) |
| Online Pharmacy Shipping | No |
Which Pharmacy Wins? (Comparison Table)
When you’re deciding where to get your meds, it’s easy to stick to habits and go back to the same place out of convenience. But if you look closer, each Rexall alternative really has its own vibe, perks, and pain points. Some are heavy hitters online, while others crush it with in-person service and product variety. It all comes down to your priorities—do you care more about the lowest prices, having support right at the counter, or the ease of home delivery?
Here’s a straight-talking comparison table to help you put these five Rexall alternatives side by side. Odds are, one will stand out for your needs:
| Pharmacy | Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CanadaDrugsDirect.com | Online Only | Prescription refills from home, price-conscious shoppers | Reliable service, good prices, broad range of meds | No walk-in, can face shipping delays |
| Shoppers Drug Mart | Brick-and-mortar & Online | Those who want a physical store and loyalty programs | Big selection, lots of locations, points system | Prices aren’t always the lowest |
| Well.ca | Online Only | Snagging wellness/beauty along with basic health needs | Wide catalogue, user-friendly site | No physical support, some items ship slow |
| Pharmasave | Brick-and-mortar & Online | Personal, community-focused help | Friendly staff, local feel, custom services | Location availability varies, not always open late |
| London Drugs | Brick-and-mortar & Online | Mixing health services with tech/products | Broad product range, in-store clinics | Mostly in western Canada, can get busy |
If you don’t care about face-to-face service, CanadaDrugsDirect.com is tough to beat for price and selection—if you can wait for shipping. If points programs and a ton of product choice are higher on your wish list, Shoppers Drug Mart is everywhere and reliably stocked. For those who value a community vibe and really getting to know their pharmacist, Pharmasave is a solid pick. Everyone’s got their own angle, so make sure your choice lines up with what’ll actually make your life easier.