Drinking Guide
Legal BAC
0.08%
Drinking Age
19+
New Drivers
Zero BAC
Molson Canadian, Labatt Blue, and Keith's are national brands. Craft beer is booming.
Canada's national cocktail — vodka, Clamato juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire. Like a Bloody Mary but better.
Canadian rye whisky is smoother than American bourbon. Crown Royal is the iconic brand.
Sweet dessert wine made from frozen grapes. Ontario's Niagara region is world-famous.
Canadian drinking culture varies by province. Alcohol is sold through government-run stores (LCBO in Ontario, SAQ in Quebec) in most provinces, though this is changing. Quebec has the most liberal rules (beer/wine in corner stores, legal at 18). Craft breweries are thriving nationwide.
BAC 0.08%+: criminal offense under federal law. First offense: fine minimum $1,000 CAD, 1-year driving prohibition. Second offense: minimum 30 days imprisonment. Third offense: minimum 120 days. Many provinces also have penalties at 0.05% BAC.
Drinking age is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec; 19 everywhere else.
Try a Caesar — Canada's unique cocktail. It's not available elsewhere.
Provincial alcohol laws vary widely — Quebec is the most liberal.
Uber is available in major cities; plan ahead in rural areas.
Many provinces have administrative penalties starting at BAC 0.05%.
HowDrunk knows Canada's local drinks and legal limits. Get your personalized drink limit in seconds.