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Can You Drink in Canada with a US ID? 2024 Guide
Whether you’re a Canadian looking to take advantage of our relaxed drinking laws or an American hoping to enjoy a pint (or three) before you turn 21, you might be wondering what the deal is with drinking in Canada.
Can you drink with a foreign ID?
What’s the drinking age?
And is the beer really better?
Read on to find out everything you need to know about drinking alcohol in Canada.
Moving abroad? Save more in booking your flights and accommodations by using this platform!
Drinking Age in Canada
In Canada, the drinking age is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec and 19 in the rest of the country.
The Drinking Laws in Canada by Province
In Canada, the legal drinking age is 18 in Quebec, Manitoba, and Alberta and 19 in the rest of the country.
This means that many Americans cross the border to drink before they’re legally allowed to do so back home.
Keep in mind, however, that while the drinking age may be lower in some provinces, bars and restaurants are still allowed to deny service to anyone under the age of 19 (or 18 in Quebec, Manitoba ).
Foreign IDs
Canadians travelling abroad often run into trouble when trying to use their driver’s licenses as proof of age—after all, not all countries recognise our IDs as valid.
The same is true for Americans travelling to Canada.
However, regardless of where your ID is from, you should be able to use it to buy alcohol in Canada as long as it has your name and date of birth and includes a photo.
But a passport is the most likely to be approved anywhere – even if it’s a bit annoying having to carry your passport on nights out.
So whether you’re using your passport or your driver’s license from home, you should be good to go—just make sure you’re of legal drinking age in the province you’re in!
Can You Drink in Canada with a US ID?
Yes, you can drink in Canada with a US ID as long as you’re of legal drinking age in the province you’re in.
However, keep in mind that while many bars and restaurants will accept foreign IDs, they are still within their rights to deny service to anyone they think is too young—so it’s always best to have your passport on hand just in case.
Acceptable IDs in Canada
1) Passport
Your passport is the most universally accepted form of ID in Canada.
2) Passport Card
Your United States passport card is the most universally accepted form of ID in Canada.
This is allowed for travel in Canada or Mexico from the US.
3) Driver’s License
A driver’s license from any province or territory in Canada should be accepted as long as it has your name and date of birth and includes a photo.
You may need to help Canadians by pointing out where your date of birth is on the card. When I used to bartend, the different state IDs could make it hard to find where the DOB actually was.
4) State Issued ID Card
A state-issued ID card should be accepted as long as it has your name and date of birth and includes a photo.
You can get one from the DMV – but it won’t allow you to drive.
5) Department of Defense ID Card
Your military ID should be accepted as valid identification in Canada.
Secondary Means of ID in British Columbia
In BC, you need to show proof of Id with a photo AND a secondary piece of ID. This is part of their liquor buying laws.
This is a document with your name and signature OR picture.
Most people use a credit card or their student ID.
If you have a driver’s license and a passport, you can use these together as your two forms of ID.
Canadian Liquor Laws
Liquor laws in Canada vary by province.
You can read more about specific provincial liquor laws here.
Across Canada, these laws are in place:
- Public intoxication is a crime. This means that you can be arrested for being too drunk (typically only if you’re causing a problem).
- You cannot drive cars or boats with open alcohol containers in them – even if you’re not drinking and driving.
- It is illegal to drink and drive.
- It is illegal to buy alcohol for a minor or as a minor.
- You cannot legally move alcohol from one province to another. It’s why airlines don’t serve Canadian alcohol onboard (although they’re starting to change this).
- In Ontario, you couldn’t buy alcohol in grocery stores before 2020. Meanwhile, in Quebec every Dep (corner store) has it available.
The Canadian Beer Situation
Ah yes, the beer.
It’s no secret that Canadians love our beer—and with good reason.
From lagers and pilsners to ales and stouts, there’s something for everyone.
And yes, while the stereotype about American beer being watery and flavourless might have been true once upon a time, that’s no longer the case.
These days, there are plenty of great craft breweries south of the border pumping out some delicious suds.
That said, Canadian beer does tend to be stronger than its American counterpart—so beware!
Our standard 5% brew will pack quite a punch if you’re not used to it.
And if you’re looking for something even stronger, we’ve got plenty of options above 7% ABV.
We also have a great selection of wines from across the country—so don’t worry, there’s plenty for non-beer drinkers to enjoy too!
Canadian Wines
While Canadian beer might get all the attention, our wines are definitely worth a try.
We have wineries located in every province, so there’s bound to be something local wherever you are.
And with such a diverse climate, we’re able to produce everything from crisp white wines to rich reds and even dessert wines.
If you’re looking for a wine tour that offers something a little bit different, why not check out Niagara or Prince Edward County?
Both areas are home to some of the best wineries in Canada, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Niagara is particularly well known for its ice wine—a dessert wine made from grapes that have been frozen on the vine.
Prince Edward County, on the other hand, is known for its Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.
No matter what your preference, you’re sure to find a winery to suit you.
And if you’re feeling really adventurous, why not combine your wine tour with a little bit of camping?
There are plenty of great campsites located near both Niagara and Prince Edward County.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your next vacation today!
Moving abroad? Save more in booking your flights and accommodations by using this platform!
Best Canadian Wine Tours
Conclusion: Can You Drink in Canada with a US ID?
So there you have it! Everything you need to know about drinking alcohol in Canada.
Whether you’re using a foreign ID or enjoying a pint (or three) before 21, we hope you have a great time indulging in our national pastime.
Just remember to drink responsibly—and maybe pace yourself if you’re not used to our strong beer!
Get some ideas for Canadian cocktail recipes to try before you visit!
Moving abroad? Save more in booking your flights and accommodations by using this platform!
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
