What is the Drinking Age in Ottawa? (2024)

Q: What Are Canada’s Safe Drinking Guidelines?

In 2011, Canada established safe drinking guidelines . The guidelines help people make informed decisions about the effect of alcohol consumption on their health.

Curious about the drinking age in Ottawa?

I can help!

I’m a local in Ottawa, and I’ve found that people are often confused about the drinking age, especially families traveling with teenagers.

But it’s really not that complicated once you become familiar with the laws for each province!

Unlike the drinking laws in the United States, the legal age for drinking in Canada varies by province, so it’s important to understand which province a city is located in before you travel!

Here’s everything you need to know about how old you have to be to drink in Ottawa.

Four women of legal drinking age holding beer drinking in front of a graffiti wall in Ottawa.

What is the Drinking Age in Ottawa?

The drinking age in Ottawa is 19. That is the legal drinking age in all of Ontario.

But this is not the same across the country because there is no standard Canada alcohol age.

Drinking laws in Canada are different based on the province. Ottawa is in the Ontario province, and the drinking age in Ontario is 19.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. While it is illegal to purchase alcohol under 19 in Ottawa, persons aged 16 and over may consume beer and wine if in the presence of their guardians or for religious purposes.

However, if you are traveling to Ottawa and want to purchase or consume alcohol on your own, you need to be 19 years old.

What Are Alcohol Laws in Canada?

In the 1970s, Canada made news by lowering the drinking age from 21 to 19 in most provinces, including Ontario.

In Canada, drinking laws vary by province. Each province sets its own legal age to buy and consume alcohol.

While most Canadian provinces have set the legal drinking age at 18, some provinces (including Ontario) raised the minimum age one year to 19.

Provinces Where The Legal Age to Drink is 19

If you are asking, “How old do you have to be to drink in Canada?” The most likely answer is 19.

The following provinces require persons to be 19 to purchase alcohol:

British Columbia
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Nunavut
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Saskatchewan
Yukon

Ottawa is in Ontario, so the legal drinking age in Ottawa and the rest of the province is 19.

Toronto’s drinking age is also 19 because, like Ottawa, it’s in Ontario.

Provinces Where The Legal Age to Drink is 18

There are only three provinces where the legal age to drink is 18:

Alberta
Manitoba
Quebec

These provinces have the youngest drinking age in Canada. Although Ottawa is very close to Quebec, it is legally in Ontario, so you can not drink until 19.

A Tale of Two Cities

Even though Ottawa and Montreal are only two hours apart, Canada’s drinking laws differ for each city.

The drinking age in Montreal is 18. In Ottawa, it is 19.

So, If your question is, “Can you drink at 18 in Canada?” The answer is yes for Montreal.

Even closer than Montreal is the city of Gatineau, just across the river from Ottawa. Gatineau and Ottawa are so close there is even a zip line connecting them.

Despite their geographical proximity, Gatineau is in the province of Quebec, where the legal drinking age is 18.

So the legal drinking age in Gatineau is 18.

Due to this difference in drinking age, It is not uncommon to see 18 year olds crossing the bridge between the two cities to legally drink in Gatineau.

However, while 18 year olds have happily crossed the river to buy alcohol legally in Quebec, they can not legally bring it back to Ottawa and consume it.

It is still illegal for people 18 and under to consume alcohol in Ottawa, even if legally purchased in Gatineau.

Three friends cheersing beer over pizza and burgers at a restaurant in Ottawa

Where Can I Buy Alcohol in Ottawa

If you are 19 or older, there are several places to buy alcohol in Ottawa, including government-controlled retail stores, grocery stores, independent wine stores, and restaurants.

Government-Controlled Retail Stores

Alcohol sales in Ottawa, as well as the rest of Ontario, are controlled by the government. The Liquor Control Board of Ottawa (LCBO) is a government-owned retail store that sells wine, beer, and spirits.

The Beer Store is another government-owned retail store that specializes in beer. Like LCBO, there are various stores throughout Ottawa.

Grocery Stores

Some larger grocery stores in Ottawa also sell beer, wine, and cider. These stores typically have a designated section called the “LCBO Convenience Outlet” or “LCBO Agency Store” within their premises.

Some grocery stores like Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstores, and other Independent Grocers locations in Ottawa have LCBO Agency stores on-site.

Independent Wine Stores

You can also find alcohol in Canada at particular privately-owned wine and specialty shops. Ottawa also has a range of independent wine and specialty stores that sell wine, beer, and cider.

Independent wine stores have a curated selection and experts to help you pick the best bottle.

Restaurants

Restaurants in Ottawa also serve wine, beer, and spirits.

One of my favorite places to enjoy a glass of wine with a Michelin-style meal is the Greek restaurant Aroma Meze.

They specialize in small plates and have perfect wine parings with each meal!

Restaurants will only serve persons 19 and older, so bring your ID!

A photo of a glass and bottle of wine, and a charcuterie board with bread and cheese above a picnic blanket.

Things to Do in Ottawa

Whether you plan to drink alcohol or not, Ottawa may surprise you with its beautiful sights, festivals, and activities.

Craft Beer in Ottawa

If you are 19 or older, you might be excited to know that Ottawa has recently developed one of Canada’s best craft beer scenes.

While you can definitely check out individual breweries, my favorite way to enjoy the beer scene in my home city is through City Beers Bus Tour.

The beer bus tour takes you to at least three breweries (and even more if time allows), so you can taste the best of Ottawa’s craft beer scene.

Wine Tours in Ottawa

If you prefer wine, Ottawa still has you covered with world-class, locally-produced wine.

There are numerous wineries in and just outside of Ottawa, or if you are concerned about finding a ride back to your hotel, you can book a wine tour!

If you’re looking for an Ottawa wine tour, I recommend this full-day Pontiac wine and cider tour.

Once finished with the 7-hour tour, you will be an expert in local Ottawa wines. The tour even includes lunch, snacks, and all your tastings!

A beer or wine tour is beneficial because Canada’s laws on drinking and driving are some of the most strict in the world.

Ice Skating in Ottawa

If you are under 19 or prefer activities that do not involve alcohol, you will still find so much to do in Ottawa.

If you are in Ottawa in the winter, I highly recommend ice skating on the Rideau Canal.

Many cities have small ponds that allow ice skating, but the Rideau Canal is over 7 km wide and the best place to go in Ottawa! Skating the canal is great for tourists and locals alike. I even skated home with my groceries once.

Ottawa Tulip Festival

In the Spring, the Ottawa Tulip Festival is one of the most popular reasons to visit the city!

The festival takes place in late May/early June and draws a crowd of up to 650,000. It’s THAT impressive.

Whatever you choose to do in Ottawa, my hometown will not disappoint you.

If you would like even more information about the best things to do in Ottawa, check out the Ottawa Tourism Office website.

FAQ: Legal Drinking Age in Ottawa, Canada

Can You Drink at 18 In Ottawa?

No. You can not drink at 18 in Ottawa. If the question is, “Can you drink at 18 in Canada?” The answer depends on your province.

Where Is The Drinking Age 16 in Canada?

In no part of Canada is the legal drinking age 16, but in some provinces, liquor laws in Canada state that you can drink legally at 16 with parental permission or for religious purposes.

What Are The Legal Drinking Age Requirements in Canada with Parents?

In Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, teenagers that are 17 years old can drink under the supervision of their parents. In the rest of the country, you must be 19, according to the alcohol law in Canada.

Do I Need A Liquor License in Ontario For A Party?

In Ontario, you generally do not need a liquor license for a party as long as it is a private, invitation-only party and you are not selling alcohol.
Persons under 19 are not allowed to drink at a private party.

What Are Canada’s Safe Drinking Guidelines?

In 2011, Canada established safe drinking guidelines. The guidelines help people make informed decisions about the effect of alcohol consumption on their health.

What Are Canadians Views on Alcohol?

Alcohol is socially acceptable in Canada, and many Canadians drink alcohol in moderation, with a focus on responsible drinking. Canadians are also accepting of government oversight in alcohol sales and are respectful of the country’s laws.

Wrap-Up: Drinking Age in Ottawa

That’s everything you need to know about the drinking age in Ottawa!

Understanding these drinking age regulations is crucial when visiting Ottawa, so you can be sure you follow local laws and regulations, especially if you are traveling with teenagers.

Canada’s legal drinking age varies by province. In Ottawa, as well as other cities in Ontario, the legal drinking age is 19 years old.

Respecting the legal age requirements is not only a legal obligation but also promotes the safety and well-being of individuals.

Whether you take my advice and book a City Beers Tour, check out the best wine tours in Ottawa, or just want to explore Ottawa’s vibrant nightlife on your own, I hope this helps you feel more confident about the laws and regulations around alcohol in Canada’s capital city!

Ottawa Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Ottawa travel insurance?

100% YES! — There’s a misconception that Canada has “free healthcare” for everyone. Nope! Only Canadians. So you’ll need to get travel insurance to visit Ottawa. I recommend this one.

💧Can you drink the tap water in Ottawa?

Yes – ish — While you can technically drink the tap water in Ottawa, as a local I don’t recommend it. Old hotels especially can have some nasty things in their pipes. Instead, get a filtered water bottle. (Read more)

🚙💨 Do I need to rent a car in Ottawa?

Yes — Renting a car in Ottawa is one of the best ways to get around! You’ll be able to see more of the city and beyond, like the epic hiking trails. I recommend Discover Cars for the cheapest rates possible.

📲 Do I need to know French in Ottawa?

Nope! — The primary language of Ottawa is English. While French is also spoken and on some signs, you can easily get by without knowing any French. (Read more)

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Ottawa accommodations?

For Ottawa hotels, Booking is the best site. If you’re considering an Ottawa Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb. My #1 hotel recommendation in Ottawa is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

✈️ What’s the best site to buy Ottawa flights?

For finding cheap Ottawa flights, I recommend Skyscanner. You can even set a price alert to find out when flights are on sale.

🎫 Do I need a Visa for Ottawa?

Likely Not — U.S. and most European Passport holders don’t need a Visa to visit Canada.

📍 Where is Ottawa? And what’s nearby?

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in Ontario. It’s right on the border of Quebec. It’s about 2 hours from Mont Tremblant, 3 hours from Montreal, or 5 hours from Toronto. You can take a road trip to get to other places or fly.