The minimum legal drinking age in Canada varies by province or territory.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the minimum legal drinking age across Canada by province and territory:
1. Alberta
- Minimum Drinking Age: 18
- Notes: Alberta is one of the few provinces where the legal drinking age is 18. This applies to both purchasing and consuming alcohol in public places.
2. Manitoba
- Minimum Drinking Age: 18
- Notes: Like Alberta, the minimum drinking age is 18 in Manitoba. The same age applies to purchasing and consuming alcohol.
3. Quebec
- Minimum Drinking Age: 18
- Notes: Quebec allows individuals who are 18 or older to legally buy and consume alcohol, including in bars and restaurants. However, you must be 18 to purchase liquor in government-run stores (SAQ – Société des alcools du Québec).
4. British Columbia
- Minimum Drinking Age: 19
- Notes: In British Columbia, the legal drinking age is 19, and this applies to both purchasing and consuming alcohol. The law is strictly enforced, especially in terms of identification.
5. Ontario
- Minimum Drinking Age: 19
- Notes: In Ontario, the minimum age is 19, and this applies across all public spaces, including bars, restaurants, and retail liquor stores (LCBO – Liquor Control Board of Ontario).
6. Nova Scotia
- Minimum Drinking Age: 19
- Notes: Nova Scotia has a legal drinking age of 19, which applies to purchasing and consuming alcohol in all public places.
7. Newfoundland and Labrador
- Minimum Drinking Age: 19
- Notes: The legal drinking age in Newfoundland and Labrador is 19, and you must be this age to purchase alcohol in both retail outlets and licensed venues.
8. New Brunswick
- Minimum Drinking Age: 19
- Notes: The minimum drinking age is 19, and this applies to both retail purchases and consumption in public places.
9. Prince Edward Island
- Minimum Drinking Age: 19
- Notes: In Prince Edward Island, the legal drinking age is 19, with the same restrictions as in other provinces with a drinking age of 19.
10. Saskatchewan
- Minimum Drinking Age: 19
- Notes: Saskatchewan has a legal drinking age of 19, and this is consistent with many other provinces in Canada.
11. Yukon
- Minimum Drinking Age: 19
- Notes: The legal drinking age in Yukon is 19, and the same applies to both purchasing alcohol and consuming it in public areas.
12. Northwest Territories
- Minimum Drinking Age: 19
- Notes: The minimum age for alcohol consumption and purchase is 19 in the Northwest Territories.
13. Nunavut
- Minimum Drinking Age: 19
- Notes: Nunavut also follows the 19-year-old legal drinking age for alcohol consumption and purchasing.
Important Notes on Alcohol Consumption in Canada:
- ID Requirements: In every province and territory, you are required to show valid identification (usually government-issued photo ID) to prove your age when purchasing alcohol. Some places may also ask for ID when entering a bar or restaurant, even if you’re older than the legal drinking age.
- Alcohol Regulations: In most provinces, alcohol is sold through government-run stores or privately licensed stores. The hours during which alcohol can be sold may also vary depending on local regulations, especially in more rural areas or specific provinces.
- Drinking in Public: Drinking in public places (e.g., streets, parks) is generally regulated and can be prohibited in most areas. However, some cities or regions may have designated spaces where alcohol consumption is allowed (such as outdoor festivals or beaches with special permits).
Summary:
- 18 Years Old: Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec
- 19 Years Old: British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut
So, the main difference is between provinces where the drinking age is 18 (Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec) and those where it’s 19.