6 Alternatives to Rexall Pharmacy: Where to Fill Your Next Prescription

If you’ve ever been frustrated by long waits or limited hours at Rexall, you’re definitely not alone. Sometimes you want more locations. Or a pharmacy app that doesn’t feel like it’s stuck in the early 2000s. Maybe you just want someone to actually answer your prescription questions the first time you ask.

There are plenty of alternatives out there—and they’re not just copy-paste versions of each other, either. Some focus on tech, some have massive networks across Canada, and some deliver extra perks like loyalty points, grocery shopping, or solid virtual care. Whether you refill regularly or just pop in for the odd prescription, it helps to know what these different pharmacies actually bring to the table.

I’ll walk you through six stand-out alternatives, lay out the best perks, and flag any downsides, so next time you need to fill a prescription, you’ll know exactly where to go.

• Pharmasave
• Shoppers Drug Mart
• Walmart Pharmacy
• Costco Pharmacy
• Guardian and I.D.A.
• Loblaws Pharmacy
• Summary Table

Pharmasave

If you want a pharmacy network that feels like it’s everywhere, Pharmasave really does deliver. They’ve got over 750 locations across Canada, so whether you live in a big city or a small town, chances are you’ll find a Pharmasave near you. That’s a huge plus if you’re tired of driving across town just to refill a prescription.

What sets Pharmasave apart isn’t just the number of stores—it’s how well they’ve blended the in-store experience with modern tech. Their eCare@Pharmasave app isn’t just a place to see your prescriptions; it lets you manage refills, get refill reminders, and even book virtual consultations with a pharmacist. If you’re traveling or just busy, you can handle pretty much everything right from your phone.

On top of the usual medication pickups, Pharmasave stores often offer a bunch of handy services: flu shots, medication reviews, diabetes advice, and even minor ailment care. You don’t always get the same services at every location, though, since some Pharmasave stores are independently owned. This can make the customer service super-personal in some places, but in others, you might notice some things are missing or different from store to store.

Pros

• Over 750 stores makes it easy to find nearby locations—especially in smaller communities.
• eCare@Pharmasave app covers prescription refills, reminders, and virtual consults, which can save you time.
• Stores offer extra services like flu shots, medication reviews, and chronic condition support.
• One of the largest independently owned pharmacy groups in Canada—personalized care isn’t just a buzzword.

Cons

• Service selection and store hours can vary a lot between locations.
• Some stores may feel more old-school if they haven’t upgraded tech or decor.
• Less focus on specialized care compared to niche clinics or big pharmacy chains.

If you’re looking for a reliable Rexall Pharmacy alternative with solid coverage and a good app, Pharmasave is one of the top contenders in Canada. The experience can swing a bit depending on your local store, but the tech and reach stand out.

Shoppers Drug Mart

If you’re looking for a bigger network than Rexall Pharmacy, Shoppers Drug Mart is pretty much king in Canada. With over 1,300 locations, including some open 24 hours, it’s rare not to find one close by. Besides prescriptions, they pack in everything from snacks to skincare, making it easy to grab what you need in one stop.

Shoppers doesn’t just win on numbers. Their PC Optimum loyalty program makes your everyday purchases count for something—prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, even your late-night chocolate run. Those points actually add up fast and are easy to redeem for discounts on future shopping trips. And if you’re juggling several prescriptions or have a busy household, their online services like prescription auto-refills and reminders help you keep track without the headache.

The Shoppers Drug Mart app is more than just digital flyers. You can manage prescriptions, order refills, check medication info, and even book flu shots or minor health consults right from your phone. Perfect when you don’t want to wait in line or play phone tag for an appointment.

Shoppers also stepped up virtual care by partnering with Maple, offering quick access to healthcare professionals for minor illnesses, prescription renewals, and even mental health support. While you’ll pay for most telehealth services, it’s convenient if heading to the doctor isn’t in the cards.

Pros

• Huge network of locations across most cities and towns
• PC Optimum loyalty program for serious savings
• 24-hour and late-night locations in many areas
• Seamless digital experience—refills, reminders, and booking online
• Access to virtual healthcare via Maple

Cons

• Wait times can be long, especially during busy hours
• Telehealth services may have extra fees
• Not all in-store pharmacy locations have the same hours or services

Fun fact: Back in 2023, an industry report showed Shoppers Drug Mart grabbing more than 30% of the Canadian pharmacy market share. If you want a pharmacy with muscle—plus digital perks and rewards—this one’s tough to beat.

Walmart Pharmacy

Walmart Pharmacy is a no-brainer if you’re already one of those folks who does most of their shopping under the big blue roof. With pharmacies in over 400 Walmart stores across Canada, it’s super easy to grab your meds and a few groceries in a single trip. These locations offer full prescription services, vaccines, and lots of over-the-counter stuff you’d expect.

One perk that sets Walmart Pharmacy apart is its price transparency. You can see the prices for a ton of prescriptions online, so you can compare before you go. In a 2023 mystery shop, Walmart was named one of the most affordable for common generic prescriptions in Canada. Plus, if you want to save more, they even have the $4 prescription list for a bunch of basic meds (think antibiotics, statins, and blood pressure meds).

Their digital side isn’t flashy, but it works. You can refill prescriptions and set reminders through the Walmart app or website—and the refill process is simple to follow, even for folks who aren’t tech-savvy. If you’re into online shopping, you can also add pharmacy products and health essentials right to your cart.

Pros

• Widespread availability—over 400 stores across Canada
• Low prescription prices and price transparency online
• Offers many low-cost generics ($4 list for select medications)
• Easy digital refills and notifications through Walmart app
• Convenient—pick up groceries while grabbing prescriptions

Cons

• Pharmacist consultations can feel rushed when the store is busy
• Doesn’t offer highly specialized services (like compounding or travel clinics at most locations)
• Pharmacy hours may not match the full store hours

Walmart Pharmacy works best for people who want convenience, value, and basic services in one stop. For rare prescriptions or complex needs, you might need to look elsewhere. But if routine refills and low prices are your top priorities, this one covers a lot of ground.

Costco Pharmacy

If you already have a Costco membership for the bulk snacks, then you’re probably walking right past one of the best-hidden pharmacy gems in Canada. Costco Pharmacy isn’t just about snagging cheap vitamins and cough drops—its prescription prices tend to be lower than what you’ll find at most big-name drug stores, sometimes by a lot. People often report saving anywhere from 10% to 40% on regular medications compared to places like Rexall Pharmacy or Shoppers.

You don’t actually have to be a Costco member to use the pharmacy counter. Sounds wild, right? The pharmacy is open to anyone, but you’ll need a membership if you want to shop anywhere else in the store. When it comes to filling prescriptions, just walk in and tell them you’re here for the pharmacy—no card flash needed.

They’ve rolled out online prescription management, so you can handle most refills and even transfer scripts from your phone or computer. The mobile site or app isn’t as flashy as some other big pharmacy apps, but it gets the basics done. Their text and phone reminders mean you’ll never forget a refill.

One important fact: they’re a favorite among folks who pay out of pocket or have high deductibles, because of just how low their prices run. They don’t do a lot of advertising about this, so it’s easy to miss if you just stick to one pharmacy out of habit.

Pros

• Prescription prices can be much lower than at most chain pharmacies.
• No Costco membership required to use pharmacy services.
• Online prescription refills and easy medication transfer.
• Strong reputation for accuracy and solid customer service.
• Immunizations and some travel vaccines available.

Cons

• Convenient only if you live near a Costco location.
• Pharmacy hours are usually shorter than chain drug stores (few locations open evenings or Sundays).
• Wait times can spike during peak shopping hours.
• Doesn’t accept all insurance plans, so double-check before filling a script.

Just remember: if you mostly shop for prescriptions and want the best deals, it’s hard to beat what Costco Pharmacy offers.

Guardian and I.D.A.

When you're tired of the big pharmacy chains and want a place where people remember your name, Guardian and I.D.A. pharmacies stand out. These aren't huge, cookie-cutter stores—think of them as local, no-nonsense shops that have been part of Canadian communities for decades. The main thing that sets them apart? They're independently owned, but still have solid backing from McKesson Canada, so you get both local vibe and national buying power.

Most Guardian and I.D.A. stores focus on personal service. You won’t see huge crowds or long lines. Instead, you’ll usually talk to the same pharmacists and staff every visit, which can make a big difference if you've got ongoing health needs or lots of questions about your meds. Their main bread-and-butter is pharmacy, so you’ll find all the basics—prescription fills, refills, medication reviews, blister packing, and even flu shots or some travel vaccines. Because each location is run by local owners, some spots will even go above and beyond, like offering free home delivery or special senior discounts, especially in smaller towns.

One thing to keep in mind, though: not every Guardian and I.D.A. store has the latest app or digital system for prescription refills. A few have online options, but most stick to good old phone calls or walk-ins. If you're looking for flashy tech features, you probably won’t find them here, but if you want genuine, personal service, these pharmacies are tough to beat.

Pros

• Personal touch—staff tends to know the regulars and remember details about your prescriptions
• Local ownership means flexible services, like extended hours or free home delivery, especially in smaller communities
• Wide coverage in rural and smaller urban areas where big chains may not be present
• Solid range of core services: medication reviews, blister packs, immunizations, and some health clinics

Cons

• Inconsistent digital services: some locations lack online prescription management and apps
• Store experience can vary a lot between locations—some are brand new, others feel a bit dated
• Smaller stores may have limited retail product selection compared to bigger chains

Interesting fact—according to McKesson, there are over 1,200 Guardian and I.D.A. locations in Canada, making them easy to find in places where Rexall Pharmacy and Shoppers Drug Mart have never set up shop. That local reach can be a game-changer if you move or travel a lot, especially outside big cities.

Loblaws Pharmacy

Most people think of big grocery hauls when they hear Loblaws, but these stores also have a pharmacy that goes way beyond basic prescription refills. You’ll find Loblaws Pharmacies inside many Loblaws-owned grocery chains—like Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore, and Atlantic Superstore—across Canada. Thanks to this, there’s a good chance there’s one nearby if you already shop at these stores.

The biggest draw? You can get your prescriptions sorted while you’re doing your weekly grocery run. Convenience-wise, it’s tough to beat. The Loblaw pharmacy staff handle usual services like flu shots, minor ailment consults, and medication reviews. Another perk: your medication pickup just lines up with your shopping schedule.

Loblaws also connects their Loyalty Program, PC Optimum, with pharmacy visits. So, every prescription or pharmacy item could help rack up points pretty fast (except on controlled meds, of course—got to follow those rules). Tech-wise, they offer online prescription refills and have web-based tools to check your medication history. But as of now, their digital experience isn’t as full-featured or smooth as some other big pharmacies out there.

You also get access to free or low-cost health clinics inside some Superstores—think flu shot clinics or pharmacy-led blood pressure screenings. These aren’t everywhere, but it’s handy when you spot one.

Pros

• Mixes pharmacy visits with grocery shopping—one-stop for everything
• PC Optimum points on pharmacy purchases (where allowed)
• Lots of locations across urban and suburban Canada
• Usual range of pharmacy services: vaccinations, medication reviews, minor ailment assessments
• Online prescription refill system and web tools

Cons

• Not as many private consult spaces—sometimes feels rushed if the store is busy
• App experience isn’t as user-friendly or full-featured as some competitors
• Health clinic extras aren't available at every location

If you want everything in one stop—and like racking up PC Optimum points—Loblaws Pharmacy is a solid alternative to Rexall Pharmacy. Just know it can get busy during grocery rush hours, so timing is everything.

Summary Table

Let’s lay it all out, side by side. Here’s a comparison to make picking your next pharmacy way less overwhelming. If you’re weighing Rexall Pharmacy alternatives, this chart covers physical locations, tech features, and stand-out services. You’ll see right away where each option shines—and where it might fall short for your needs.

No single pharmacy wins for everyone. If you’re shopping for cost, Walmart Pharmacy or Costco Pharmacy could save you cash, especially for routine prescriptions. If loyalty points matter, Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws Pharmacy keep racking up rewards with every swipe. And for more personalized service, independent networks like Pharmasave or Guardian/I.D.A. are tough to beat.

So next time you’re checking out Rexall Pharmacy alternatives, think about what you value most: lots of locations, good prices, techy features, or maybe just a friendly face who knows your name. Each option on this list is miles ahead of a generic chain if it matches what you actually want from a pharmacy.