Ever wondered if you can grab a cold beer from a Circle K in Canada? The answer might surprise you because it varies by province! Canada’s diverse provinces each have their own take on alcohol sales, and what’s available in one Circle K might not be in another. As a Canadian myself who has lived in Newfoundland and moved across Canada to British Columbia, I will list what Canadian provinces that let you pick up a beer at Circle K.
Most provinces in Canada do not sell beer at Circle K stores. The only Circle-K stores in Canada where you can purchase beer would be in Newfoundland, Quebec, and some Ontario locations. In Quebec, you may not find Circle K, but you will find Couche-Tard, which is the company that owns Circle K and operates the same type of Convenience store.
In Canada, the sale of beer (and other alcoholic beverages) is regulated at the provincial and territorial level. As a result, the rules governing where beer can be sold vary widely across the country. Most provinces do not sell any alcohol outside of regulated liquor and beer stores.
Province Breakdown of Beer at Circle K Stores
1. Alberta
- Beer Availability: No beer in convenience stores, including Circle K stores in Alberta. This may change soon as participating 7-Eleven stores slowly begin to sell beer and wine.
- Details: Alberta has privatized alcohol retailing, and beer is primarily available in private liquor stores.
2. British Columbia
- Beer Availability: Beer is forbidden in grocery and convenience stores. Circle K is not allowed to sell beer in British Columbia.
- Details: Beer can be found in government-operated BC Liquor Stores, private liquor stores, and select grocery stores.
3. Manitoba
- Beer Availability: No beer in convenience stores, including Circle K stores in Manitoba.
- Details: Beer can be purchased at government-run Manitoba Liquor Marts and private beer vendors.
4. New Brunswick
- Beer Availability: No beer in convenience stores, including Circle K stores in New Brunswick.
- Details: Only the New Brunswick Liquor Corporation (ANBL) operates stores that sell beer.
5. Newfoundland and Labrador
- Beer Availability: Yes, at Circle K locations in Newfoundland, you can buy beer. Note that all Circle K locations are Irving gas stations in Newfoundland. Gas stations sell beer in Newfoundland. (I grew up in Newfoundland)
- Details: The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) operates stores, but beer is also available at various convenience outlets and all gas stations.
6. Nova Scotia
- Beer Availability: No beer in convenience stores or Circle Ks in Nova Scotia. (I lived in Nova Scotia for 3 years)
- Details: Beer is primarily available at Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) outlets. Breweries sell their own beer too.
7. Ontario
- Beer Availability: Limited availability in some Circle K locations as “The Beer Store” deal is coming to an end. This will rapidly grow in the next few years as all convenience stores will be allowed.
- Details: The province has started allowing a number of stores to sell beer alongside the traditional Beer Store and LCBOs.
8. Prince Edward Island
- Beer Availability: No beer in convenience stores or any Circle Ks.
- Details: Only the PEI Liquor Control Commission’s outlets offer beer for sale.
9. Quebec
- Beer Availability: Yes, in Couche-Tard (Circle K equivalent) and other dépanneurs (convenience stores).
- Details: Beer can be sold in convenience stores and grocery outlets alongside the government-run SAQ.
10. Saskatchewan
- Beer Availability: No beer in convenience stores or Circle Ks in Saskatchewan.
- Details: Beer can be found in a mix of government and private liquor stores.
11. Territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut)
- Beer Availability: Generally no beer in convenience stores.
- Details: Each territory has its own liquor commission or corporation that regulates the sale of beer, primarily through government-operated outlets.
Read our related post “Does 7-Eleven Sell Beer in Canada? (Province Breakdown)” here.
