Nina Out and About contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
What is the legal drinking age in Canada?
Are you wondering what the legal drinking age is in Canada? I’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re visiting Canada on vacation or just passing through, it’s important to know the legal drinking age for each province.
It can vary significantly from the minimum drinking age in the United States, so it’s important to understand the rules before you partake in any activities involving alcohol. In this article, we’ll take a look at the legal drinking age in Canada and how it varies by province.
A safe assumption in any province is that the legal drinking age is 19. However, some provinces, like Quebec, have lower ages. That’s why everyone from my high school went to Montreal for their 18th birthday, since they could legally drink earlier.
Let’s dive into the Canadian drinking laws.
What is the legal drinking age in Canada by province?
In British Columbia, the legal drinking age is 19.
In Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, and Quebec, it is 18.
In Ontario, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, it is 19.
Lastly, in Nunavut, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories, it is the same as the minimum purchasing age, which is currently 19.
Overall, the legal drinking age varies depending on the province or territory you’re in. That said, it’s important to remember that all provinces and territories require individuals to be 18 years or older to purchase or consume alcohol.
The Difference Between the Canadian and U.S. Legal Drinking Ages
It’s crucial to be aware that the regulations concerning alcohol usage in Canada are distinct from those in the US.
Therefore, people from America should become acquainted with the statutes and restrictions of the provinces they intend to visit prior to consuming any alcoholic beverages.
In Canada, you can drink when you are 18-19 depending on the province. However, in the States, you have to be 21.
This is why visiting Canada is popular for 19-20 year old Americans.
In Canada, there are also laws which restrict the service of alcohol to minors, including prohibitions on providing alcohol to minors, hosting minors at private parties where alcohol is served, and buying alcohol for someone under the legal drinking age.
In the US, there are also laws which restrict the sale and service of alcohol to minors, such as prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors, prohibiting minors from buying or possessing alcohol, and prohibiting providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.
In Canada, you must present your ID if asked. Typically, bartenders and cashiers will ask if you appear under 25 years old.
Legal Consequences for Breaking the Canadian Drinking Laws
- Being charged with an offense and facing criminal penalties such as a fine, a jail term, or both
- If you served the alcohol to a minor, you could face similar penalties
- If you drive while consuming alcohol or while over the legal limit, you could have your driver’s licensed suspended and your vehicle impounded
Can I drink beer under 19 in Canada?
No, the legal drinking age in Canada is 19. The minimum drinking age varies by province, some provinces allow drinking at age 18. However, it is illegal to buy and consume alcohol under the age of 19, regardless of the province or territory you are in.
If the beer is non-alcoholic, then you can legally buy it from places like grocery stores without needing to be over 19.
Is wine allowed in Canada under the legal drinking age?
No, you cannot buy wine in Canada if you are under 19 years old (or 18, depending on the province).
I once tried to just help my mom carry her wine to the counter at LCBO, and she wasn’t allowed to buy the wine. Simply because I’d touched it when I was unde 19! That’s how strict the laws are in Ontario specifically.
Even attending local wine tours is limited to people 19 years or older.
Can I purchase alcohol in a store in Canada if I am under 19?
No, it is not legal to purchase alcohol in a store in Canada if you are under 19.
The legal drinking age in Canada varies between provinces and territories, but is generally 19 years of age.
In Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, the legal drinking age is 18. In the remaining provinces and territories, the legal drinking age is 19.
It is illegal for any person under the legal drinking age to buy, possess, or consume alcohol in Canada.
Are there any exceptions to the legal drinking age in Canada?
Yes, there are exceptions to the legal drinking age in Canada.
Generally, the legal drinking age is 18 or 19, depending on the province or territory.
However, some provinces and territories allow for exceptions to the drinking age for certain purposes.
For example, in Ontario, persons aged 16 and 17 may consume beer and wine, if it is in the presence of a parent or guardian and for religious purposes. In my grandma’s Russian orthodox church, teens are regularly allowed to have communion which comes in a ladle of wine.
Additionally, in Alberta, people aged 16 and over may consume beer and wine with a meal in a restaurant, as long as it is purchased and consumed by a person of legal age.
Finally, in Nunavut, people aged 16 and over can purchase and consume beer and wine in licensed establishments, as long as it is done with a meal and a legal adult (someone over the drinking age in this case).
Conclusion: What is the legal drinking age in Canada?
In conclusion, the legal drinking age in Canada varies by province. Generally, adults aged 18 and over may purchase and consume alcohol in most parts of Canada.
Those under the legal drinking age may consume alcohol with parental permission in some provinces, while others forbid it entirely. It is important to understand the laws of the province you are visiting before consuming alcohol, as penalties for underage drinking can be severe.
No matter your age, it is important to remember to drink responsibly and in moderation. Alcohol can impair judgment, and it is important to always be aware of the effects it can have on your body and those around you.
By understanding the legal drinking age in Canada, visitors can enjoy their trip to Canada responsibly and in accordance with the local laws.
Now you can enjoy some of the best Canadian cocktails Canada has to offer!
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.
