Best Beer-Buying Options In Canada

Canada has a unique approach to selling beer, with specialised stores dedicated to beer and liquor. Beer is mostly sold through dedicated outlets, such as The Beer Store in Ontario, which has drive-thru locations, or government-run liquor stores like the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario). However, there are some variations across provinces. For instance, in British Columbia, beer is sold in provincially-owned and private liquor stores, while in Alberta, it is sold in privately-owned liquor stores. Quebec is an exception, allowing beer and wine sales in grocery and corner stores. In recent years, some provinces have been moving towards privatisation and making beer more accessible in grocery stores.

Beer in grocery stores

In Canada, the sale of beer and liquor is restricted to specialised stores, except in Quebec, where beer and wine can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores. In British Columbia, a mixed system is in place, with beer sold in government-owned and private outlets, and some alcohol sales, including beer, in rural grocery stores.

In 2015, Ontario announced that beer would be sold in 450 grocery stores across the province. This decision came after decades of debate and followed a similar move by Quebec. The Beer Store, an entity operated by a trio of foreign-owned breweries, and the government-owned LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) outlets were previously the only options for purchasing beer in the province. The Beer Store has been criticised for holding a monopoly on beer sales in Ontario.

Quebec has traditionally taken a more liberal approach to beer and liquor sales, with beer available in corner stores until 11 pm, and it is the only province where individual cans and bottles are sold in these locations.

In Manitoba, there is a mix of government-run and private wine and beer stores, with some rural communities served by private outlets. The province has also been experimenting with a limited number of grocery stores carrying beer.

In Nova Scotia, some craft beers are available in a small number of private specialty wine stores, and in New Brunswick, a limited selection of wines can be found in grocery stores.

Beer in convenience stores

Canada has a unique approach to selling beer, with specialised stores dedicated to selling beer and liquor. However, there are some provinces that allow convenience stores to sell beer, offering a more flexible purchasing experience for consumers.

One notable example is Quebec, where beer enthusiasts can conveniently purchase their favourite beverage at grocery stores and small corner stores, similar to the system in the USA. This sets Quebec apart from other provinces, providing a convenient option for those looking to grab a beer with their groceries.

Newfoundland and Labrador also offers a similar convenience, allowing locally brewed beer to be sold at select corner stores and gas stations. This makes it easier for residents and visitors to grab a cold one while on the go.

While most provinces have specific stores for alcohol purchases, these two provinces offer a more accessible approach, bringing beer closer to the people. It's important to note that regulations on beer sales can vary across Canada, so it's always a good idea to check the local rules before grabbing that six-pack.

In addition to convenience stores, some provinces like British Columbia and Alberta have privatised alcohol sales, allowing for a diverse range of options. Whether it's a privately owned liquor store or a convenient corner store, Canadians have a variety of choices when it comes to buying beer.

Beer in liquor stores

In Canada, beer is sold in liquor stores, also known as "The Beer Store", and these outlets are located throughout Ontario. In Ontario, anyone aged 19 or older can buy beer from these stores. The Beer Store has a monopoly on beer sales in the province, and it has come under scrutiny for this reason. However, in 2015, Ontario announced that beer would also be sold in 450 grocery stores, and this change has now been implemented.

In British Columbia, beer is sold in a mix of government-owned and private liquor stores, and it can also be purchased directly from breweries. Alberta has a completely private system of alcohol sales, with beer, wine, and spirits sold in privately-owned liquor stores. Saskatchewan has a mix of government-owned liquor stores and a few privately-owned stores. Manitoba has a similar system, with a mix of government-run and private stores, and some hotels licensed to sell beer.

Quebec has a more liberal approach, with beer and wine sold in grocery and corner stores, and wine, spirits, and select beer sold in government-run outlets. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island sell beer, wine, and spirits in government-owned liquor stores and some private stores. New Brunswick has a similar system, with a limited selection of wines available in grocery stores. Newfoundland and Labrador sell beer in convenience stores and government-owned liquor stores, and wine is only sold in the latter.

Beer in bars and restaurants

Canada's approach to selling beer varies from province to province. In some provinces, beer can be purchased in bars and restaurants, while in others, it is only available through specialised stores or government-run outlets. Here is a province-by-province breakdown:

British Columbia has a mixed system for alcohol sales. Beer is available at government-owned and private outlets, as well as some rural grocery and convenience stores. It can also be purchased directly from breweries or from bars and restaurants offering off-sale products. Alberta has a fully private system for alcohol sales, with beer, wine, and spirits sold in privately owned liquor stores. Off-sale beer is also available in some bars and restaurants.

Saskatchewan primarily sells beer, wine, and spirits at provincially owned liquor stores and government-licensed rural franchises. Additionally, there are three privately-owned stores. Off-sale outlets are also present. Manitoba has a mixed system, with most alcohol sold through stores run by the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corp. Hotels are permitted to sell beer as licensed vendors, and some rural communities have private outlets.

Ontario has a unique system where beer is mainly sold at The Beer Store, operated by foreign-owned breweries, and LCBO outlets run by the government. Some rural communities have private agency stores that receive commissions from alcohol sales. Quebec takes a more liberal approach, allowing beer and wine sales in grocery and corner stores. Beer, wine, and spirits are also sold in provincially owned outlets and private agency stores.

Prince Edward Island sells beer, wine, and spirits at locations owned by the P.E.I. Liquor Control Commission or privately-owned agency stores. Several bars and restaurants offer off-sale beer. Newfoundland and Labrador offer beer in some convenience stores, gas stations, government-owned liquor stores, and directly from craft breweries.

The Northwest Territories have seven liquor stores run by the NWT Liquor Commission, and some restaurants and bars provide off-sale beer. The Yukon Liquor Corporation oversees six stores, and some bars and restaurants also sell beer. In Iqaluit, alcohol is not sold in stores, but it can be ordered from warehouses and delivered.

Beer online

In Canada, beer and liquor are usually sold through specialised stores, with the exception of Quebec, where beer and wine can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores. However, some online options are available for beer delivery.

The Beer Guy

The Beer Guy is an online platform that delivers beer directly to your home or office. They offer a wide range of beer selections, including domestic and imported options. The Beer Guy also provides a brewery database, allowing customers to contact breweries directly and potentially access exclusive deals. They currently deliver to select cities across Canada.

Canada Craft Club

The Canada Craft Club is a monthly beer subscription service that delivers a variety of top-quality beers to your doorstep. Their experienced tasters and experts hand-select each beer, ensuring a unique and diverse selection. They support Canadian breweries and occasionally include local or regional brews in their packages. The club offers an online store with exclusive selections and discounts for members who want to purchase additional beers between deliveries. The Canada Craft Club is available across Canada, except for provinces with restrictions on importing alcohol from other provinces.

Tag Liquor Stores

Tag Liquor Stores offers a wide range of domestic and imported beers available for online purchase and delivery across Canada. They provide convenient shipping options through PUROLATOR and UPS.

Provincial Options

Some provinces have their own online platforms for purchasing beer. For example, Ontario has "The Beer Store" and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), which operate websites with informative content to help customers choose the right products. However, these platforms may not always offer the ability to place orders online.

Frequently asked questions