Drinking age and alcohol sales in Canada (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: No national drinking age was confirmed from an official source. Provinces and territories set their own rules on age, sales and drinking.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Liquor sales, age and consumption are set by each province and territory, and no federal drinking age was confirmed from an official national source. National values are therefore not shown.
Related pages
Canada: rules by state or province
| Province or territory | Minimum age to buy beer and wine | Minimum age to buy spirits | Drinking by younger people with an adult | Drinking in public places | Where and when alcohol is sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 18 | 18 | Parent/guardian at home; religious rites | Banned unless in a designated area | No sales to under 18s |
| British Columbia | 19 | 19 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned unless bylaw allows | No supply to under 19s |
| Manitoba | 18 | 18 | Parent/guardian at home | Banned in public places | No supply to under 18s |
| New Brunswick | 19 | 19 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Only in a residence | Corporation or licensed sellers only |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 19 | 19 | ⚠ Not yet verified | No open liquor in public | No sales to under 19s |
| Northwest Territories | 19 | 19 | Parent at home | Banned in public places | No sales to under 19s |
| Nova Scotia | 19 | 19 | Medicinal use only | ⚠ Not yet verified | No sales to under 19s |
| Prince Edward Island | 19 | 19 | Parent/guardian may give | Banned in public places | No sales to under 19s |
| Saskatchewan | 19 | 19 | Parent/guardian in private place | Banned unless area designated | No sales to under 19s |
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.