Mother sits in a bright pediatric waiting room. I've navigated Ontario's pediatric referral system myself, and yes, you'll typically need a referral from your family doctor , walk-in clinic physician, or midwife to see a pediatrician. However, I've found exceptions exist in major cities like Toronto and Ottawa where some pediatricians accept direct bookings without referrals. Virtual care platforms and certain pediatric clinics also offer self-referral options for specific