Canadian Beer: Where To Buy And What To Know

Canada has a unique approach to selling beer, with specialised stores dedicated to beer and liquor sales. The Beer Store, with physical and online outlets, is a popular option for beer purchases in Canada. Provinces also have their own regulations, with some like British Columbia and Saskatchewan adopting a mixed system of government and private outlets, while others like Alberta have fully privatised beer sales. Quebec is an exception, allowing beer and wine sales in grocery and convenience stores. Online platforms like Total Wine & More and Tag Liquor Stores also offer Canadian beer for delivery, providing a convenient option for those looking to buy Canadian beer.

Online beer delivery services in Canada

There are several online beer delivery services in Canada, which offer a convenient way to get your favourite brews delivered right to your doorstep. Here's a list of some popular options:

The Beer Store

The Beer Store is a well-known online retailer in Canada, offering a wide range of beer brands for home delivery, in-store, and curbside pickup. They have over 1,000 brands of beer available, including stouts, lagers, IPAs, and seltzers. You can browse their extensive selection, choose your desired quantity, and select a convenient delivery or pickup option. The Beer Store is currently based in Ontario and services Ontario addresses only, but they are working to expand their delivery areas.

The Beer Guy

The Beer Guy is another popular option for beer enthusiasts in Canada. They offer a vast selection of craft, import, and domestic beer brands, ensuring you can find your favourite brew. In addition to beer, they also deliver liquor and wine, making them a one-stop shop for your adult beverage needs. The Beer Guy provides same-day delivery across Ontario, so you can enjoy your drinks without the wait. They also offer exclusive promotions and reward points with every order.

Other Options

There may be other online beer delivery services in Canada that cater to specific regions or provinces. Some local breweries and beer retailers might also offer online ordering and delivery options. It's always a good idea to check with your favourite local breweries or search for online beer delivery services specific to your province or city.

Remember to enjoy your beers responsibly and always have a valid government-issued ID when receiving your delivery or pickup order.

Beer stores in Ontario

Ontario has a unique approach to beer sales. Beer can be purchased at The Beer Store, a privately owned retail chain selling beer and malt beverages. The Beer Store has approximately 450 outlets across the province and is the largest distributor of domestic beer in Ontario, with over 20,723 licensed customers. The Beer Store offers a wide range of beer brands and selling units from various brewers worldwide.

The Beer Store was founded in 1927 as Brewers Retail and is currently primarily owned by three brewing companies: Molson, Labatt, and Sleeman, which are owned by multinational corporations. It also has partial ownership by 30 Ontario-based brewers. The Beer Store operates on a cost-recovery basis, allowing smaller breweries to minimise listing fees.

In addition to The Beer Store, beer can also be purchased at government-owned LCBO outlets and their privately-owned agency stores in rural communities. LCBO stands for Liquor Control Board of Ontario, and they also regulate The Beer Store.

In recent years, there have been changes to the Liquor Control Act, allowing for the sale of single and six-packs of beer in select supermarkets in Ontario. This was done to improve customer access and convenience. Despite these changes, The Beer Store maintains pricing exclusivity for larger packs of beer.

In May 2024, the Ontario government announced an agreement to expand alcohol sales to 8,000 corner stores, grocery stores, gas stations, and eventually big-box chains. This expansion will likely result in a decrease in market share for The Beer Store.

Beer stores in British Columbia

British Columbia has a mixed system for all alcohol sales, with government-owned outlets, private outlets, and some alcohol sales, including beer, in rural grocery stores. Beer can also be purchased directly from breweries or from bars and restaurants offering off-sale products. In recent years, a new set of laws has been introduced, allowing beer to be sold at farmers' markets.

One option for buying beer in British Columbia is to visit a government-owned outlet. These stores offer a wide range of beer, wine, and spirits. You can also try private outlets, which often have a more extensive selection of craft beers and exclusive products.

If you're looking for a more unique or local beer selection, you might want to visit a brewery directly. Many breweries in British Columbia offer their beer for sale on-site, and some even have taprooms or restaurants attached, providing a fun experience. Additionally, some bars and restaurants in British Columbia offer off-sale products, so you can purchase beer to enjoy at home.

For those in rural areas, grocery stores may also stock beer alongside other alcoholic beverages. This option provides convenience and saves you a trip to a dedicated liquor store.

Finally, a recent change in legislation means that you can now find beer at farmers' markets in British Columbia. This provides an excellent opportunity to support local producers and discover new craft beers.

Some specific liquor stores in British Columbia include JAK's Beer Wine Spirits, with 10 stores across Metro Vancouver and Penticton, and the BC Ale Trail App, which lists various craft beer retailers and their features, such as loyalty programs, online ordering, and the number of BC craft beer SKUs available.

Beer stores in Alberta

Alberta has a highly competitive beer market, with about 2,300 different beers from around the world available at any given time. This is due to the province's privatisation of alcohol sales in 1993, making Alberta the only province in Canada with an entirely private approach.

There are many beer stores in Alberta, including the Alberta Beer Exchange, which offers same-day delivery in Calgary and next-day delivery for orders placed after noon. The store offers a wide range of beers, including IPAs, pale ales, wheat ales, and non-alcoholic options.

Another option is the Liquor Lodge, which has a physical store located on Connaught Drive in Jasper, Alberta. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, pilsners, blonde ales, and fruit beers.

Additionally, Alberta has seen a surge in craft beer sales and availability, with changes spurred by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission relaxing several laws that were barriers to small breweries and brewpubs. This has resulted in a vibrant and diverse beer culture in the province, with a wide range of options available for beer enthusiasts.

Beer stores in Quebec

Quebec has a more liberal approach to beer sales than other Canadian provinces. Beer is available at dépanneurs (corner stores) until 11 pm, and Quebec is the only province where individual cans and bottles are sold at these locations. Beer is also sold at provincially-owned liquor store outlets and privately-owned agency stores, and can be purchased directly from local breweries.

For craft beer, the IGA grocery store is recommended, as well as the SAQ (the Quebec equivalent of the LCBO). The grocery stores Metro, Maxi, SuperC, and Costco are also good options for beer, with a better selection than the SAQ. For deals, try Dépanneur Rapido in Aylmer.

For microbreweries, one source recommends Brasserie du Bas Canada.

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