Top 3 Insights into Canada’s Liquor Scene 🍁🍶
Introduction – Why Canada’s Liquor Market Is Unique
Canada’s liquor market is unlike any other. Each province has its own rules, taxes, and systems, making it a confusing landscape for newcomers and travelers. As a sake sommelier living in Canada, I often get asked: Where should I buy liquor? Why is sake so expensive? What makes Canada different?
Here are the top three insights into Canada’s liquor scene from a sake expert’s perspective.
1. Government vs. Private Liquor Stores 🏬
- BC Liquor Stores (government-run): Stable pricing, reliable supply, calm shopping environment, but shorter hours (often closing at 8–9 pm).
- Private Liquor Stores: Operated by independent businesses. Prices are often higher, but they offer rare finds, craft beer, and even Japanese sake. Many stay open late or 24/7.
Traveler’s tip: Buy standard wines or spirits at BC Liquor for better prices. Explore Private Stores when you want unique bottles or need to shop late at night.
2. The Rise of Craft Beer & Local Sake 🍺🍶
- Canada is a craft beer powerhouse, especially in BC and Ontario. Breweries are everywhere, offering seasonal and experimental brews.
- Sake is also gaining attention. Cities like Vancouver and Toronto now feature premium imports (Dassai, Juyondai, Born) and even local sake breweries such as Izumi, Kizuna or Artisan SakeMaker.
- Many festivals and tasting events now highlight both craft beer and sake, creating cultural bridges between Japan and Canada.
Traveler’s tip: Try local sake breweries for a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else. Pairing Canadian cuisine with sake is a growing trend worth exploring.
3. Price & Tax Differences 💲
- Alcohol pricing in Canada is heavily influenced by provincial taxes and markups.
- Imported sake often costs twice as much as in Japan, due to shipping, duties, and taxes.
- While this makes sake a “luxury drink” in Canada, it also gives it a special prestige that appeals to enthusiasts.
Traveler’s tip: Enjoy craft beer and local specialties in Canada, and save the big sake tasting for your next trip to Japan, where it’s fresher and more affordable.
Conclusion – A Sommelier’s Advice for Travelers ✈️
Canada’s liquor scene is full of contrasts. Government stores provide stability and affordability, private stores offer rare finds and flexibility, and local breweries showcase Canada’s creativity.
For sake lovers, Canada is a place to appreciate the rarity and prestige of imported bottles, while Japan remains the best destination for volume and variety.