This study involves sixty current smokers hospitalized at the UOHI for CHD. Consenting smokers will be randomly assigned to receive varenicline for 12 weeks or transdermal NRT for 12 weeks. Participants will also complete a two-page questionnaire inquiring about smoking history and previous attempts to quit, level of nicotine dependence, symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and self-efficacy with respect to quitting smoking. All participants will receive identical in-hospital counseling, self-help materials and follow-up support. The nurse specialists will also contact the participants by phone 3, 14, 30 and 50 days post-hospital discharge to check the patient's smoking status, assess the risk of relapse, and identify any adverse events that have occurred. The study will follow up with participants at 12 and 26 weeks post randomization asking about their smoking status (biochemically confirmed with a carbon monoxide monitor), adherence to prescribed medication, self-efficacy with respect to quitting smoking, nicotine withdrawal and smoking cessation resources used post-discharge.