Best Beer-Buying Options In Canada

Canada has a variety of options for purchasing beer, with regulations varying across provinces and territories. In Ontario, beer can be bought at The Beer Store, a government-run entity, or at LCBO outlets and their private agency stores in rural communities. British Columbia and Manitoba have mixed systems, with sales through government and private outlets, and some beer sales at rural grocery stores. Alberta has a fully private system, resulting in a highly competitive market with a wide range of beer options. Quebec is unique, allowing beer sales in grocery and corner stores. Beer delivery services are also available in certain cities, and Walmart has recently started selling beer in select stores across Canada.

Beer in Walmart Canada

Beer lovers in Canada can now find their favourite alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at select Walmart stores in the country. Walmart Canada offers a wide range of beers, including domestic and imported options, as well as ciders and craft beers.

Domestic and Imported Beers

Walmart Canada's beer aisles feature some of the best and most popular beer brands, such as Molson Canadian, Molson Coors, Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois, and Budweiser. These brands offer a variety of lagers, ales, and speciality beers that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Ciders and Craft Beers

In addition to the well-known domestic and imported beers, Walmart Canada also stocks ciders and craft beers. While specific brands are not mentioned, customers can expect to find a range of craft beers from local and independent breweries. Ciders, made from fermented apple juice, offer a refreshing alternative to traditional beers, and are often favoured by those who prefer a sweeter, fruit-based drink.

Non-Alcoholic Beers

For those who want to enjoy the taste of beer without the alcohol content, Walmart Canada offers a selection of non-alcoholic options. These include brands such as Heineken 0.0, Molson Coors Edge, Budweiser Zero, and Beck's Non-Alcoholic Beer. These beers provide the same flavour and refreshment as their alcoholic counterparts, but without the intoxicating effects, making them ideal for those who are driving, pregnant, or simply prefer to avoid alcohol.

Beer Purchase Hours and Restrictions

It is important to note that beer purchases at Walmart Canada are subject to certain restrictions. Beer can only be purchased during specified hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 am until closing, and on Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm. Additionally, customers under 30 years of age must provide valid identification, and all beer returns must be unopened and accompanied by the original receipt from the same Walmart store.

Beer in grocery stores

In Canada, the sale of beer and liquor is generally restricted to specialised stores, such as "The Beer Store" and "The Liquor Store" (or LCBO) in Ontario. However, there are some provinces that allow the sale of beer in grocery stores.

Quebec is an exception to the rule, as it allows beer and wine sales in grocery stores and small convenience stores, similar to the US. In Quebec, beer has long been available at dépanneurs (corner stores) until 11 pm, and it is the only province where individual cans and bottles are sold at these locations.

In 2015, Ontario announced that beer would be sold in 450 grocery stores province-wide, marking a significant change after decades of debate. This move aimed to make buying beer more accessible for those of legal drinking age.

British Columbia has a mixed system for alcohol sales, with government-owned outlets, private outlets, and some beer sales in rural grocery stores. Alberta, on the other hand, has a fully private approach to alcohol sales, resulting in a highly competitive beer market with a wide variety of options.

Manitoba has a similar system to British Columbia, with most alcohol sold through stores run by the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corp. Additionally, some rural communities are served by private outlets, and there are plans to introduce beer sales in a limited number of grocery stores.

While most provinces have strict regulations on beer sales, some are more liberal, like Quebec and Manitoba, allowing for greater accessibility in grocery and convenience stores. These variations in provincial regulations create a diverse landscape for beer sales across Canada.

Beer in convenience stores

In Canada, beer and liquor are typically sold through specialised stores, such as "The Beer Store" and "The Liquor Store" (or LCBO, Liquor Control Board of Ontario). However, there are some provinces that offer more flexibility in terms of beer sales, including convenience stores.

Quebec

Quebec has traditionally had a more liberal approach to beer and liquor sales. Beer is available at dépanneurs (corner stores) until 11 pm, and it is the only province where individual cans and bottles are sold at these locations. Beer is also sold at provincially-owned liquor store outlets, privately-owned agency stores, and local breweries.

British Columbia

British Columbia operates a mixed system for alcohol sales, including government-owned outlets, private outlets, and some alcohol sales at rural grocery stores. Beer can also be purchased at breweries, bars, and restaurants offering off-sale products. Additionally, a new set of laws allows for beer sales at farmers' markets.

Alberta

Alberta privatised its alcohol sales in 1993 and is the only province in Canada with a fully private system. Off-sale beer is available at bars and restaurants. This privatisation has resulted in a highly competitive beer market, with about 2,300 different beers available at any given time.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has a mixed system, with beer sold at government-run outlets and privately-owned franchises in rural areas. The province has been considering increased privatisation, with a few fully private stores recently opening in Regina and Saskatoon.

Manitoba

Manitoba has a mixed system similar to British Columbia, with most alcohol sold through stores run by the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corp. Off-sale beer is available at privately-owned stores attached to hotels, and some rural communities are served by private outlets. Additionally, a limited number of grocery stores in the province will soon carry beer.

Ontario

Ontario has a more complex approach to beer sales, with beer primarily sold at "The Beer Store" and government-owned LCBO outlets. There are also privately-owned agency stores in rural communities. In recent years, the province has allowed beer sales in select grocery stores, making it more convenient for residents to purchase beer alongside their groceries.

Beer in The Beer Store

In Canada, beer and liquor are sold through specialised stores. In Ontario, there are two outlets set up to buy alcohol from: The Beer Store and The Liquor Store (LCBO). The Beer Store is operated by a trio of foreign-owned breweries and has been criticised for having a monopoly on beer sales in the province.

The Beer Store has an app and a website where customers can browse a wide selection of 1,000+ brands, save their favourite orders, and check weekly sales. The app also allows customers to pre-order their favourite beer for same-day in-store pickup or at-home delivery. The Beer Store also has drive-thru locations in Ontario.

The Beer Store delivers beer to various cities, and its website provides information to help customers choose the products they are looking for. The Beer Store also has holiday hours and opens select locations on Boxing Day.

Beer in liquor stores

Canada's approach to selling beer differs from that of the US, where beer can be purchased almost anywhere. In Canada, beer and liquor are sold through specialised stores, except in Quebec, where beer and wine can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores.

In Ontario, there are two main outlets for buying alcohol: 'The Beer Store' and the 'Liquor Store' or LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario). The Beer Store is operated by a trio of foreign-owned breweries and has been criticised for its monopoly on beer sales in the province. The LCBO is government-owned and also has private agency stores in rural communities.

Other provinces have different systems for selling beer:

• British Columbia has a mixed system with government and private outlets, and beer sales at rural grocery stores and farmers' markets.
• Alberta privatised its alcohol sales in 1993 and has an entirely private system.
• Saskatchewan has a mixed system with government-run outlets and privately-owned franchises in rural areas.
• Manitoba has a system similar to British Columbia, with most alcohol sold through stores run by the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corp, and private stores attached to hotels.
• Quebec has a more liberal approach, with beer available at corner stores until 11 pm and the only province where individual cans and bottles are sold at these locations.
• Nova Scotia sells beer at government-owned NSLC stores and agency stores in rural areas, with some craft beers available at private specialty wine stores.
• Prince Edward Island sells beer at locations owned by the P.E.I. Liquor Control Commission, privately-owned agency stores, and craft breweries.
• Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province in Eastern Canada where locally brewed beer is available at corner stores and gas stations, as well as government-owned liquor stores and craft breweries.
• The Northwest Territories have seven liquor stores run by the NWT Liquor Commission, and some communities where off-sale beer is available from restaurants.
• The Yukon Liquor Corporation runs six stores, and some restaurants and bars offer off-sale beer.
• Iqaluit stopped selling alcohol in the 1970s, but residents can order beer and alcohol from warehouses for delivery.

Additionally, Walmart has recently started selling beer at select stores across Canada.

Frequently asked questions