The best bars and cafés - Canada in 2024

Practical information : Take a break Canada

Timetable

Gourmet shops (pastry shops, chocolate shops, etc.), cafés and tea rooms are generally open every day, from morning until mid or late afternoon (some may be open until evening, especially cafés). However, there may be some days off in smaller businesses or in regions, usually at the beginning of the week. The schedule can also be reduced in the off-season. As for bars, many of them open at 11:00 a.m. or noon, especially in the city. Otherwise, you can expect to be open mid to late afternoon at the latest. Closing time is usually 2am maximum (3am in Quebec), but some close earlier (midnight or 1am) at the beginning of the week or out of season. Although they tend to be open 7 days a week, there may be some closing days (e.g. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday), especially in the regions.

Budget & Tips

Prices for food and beverage breaks are relatively similar to those in Europe, although a bit more expensive, even with the exchange rate. To save money, there are low-cost passports that allow you to visit a predetermined number of participating establishments and get a free or ridiculously priced tasting or drink (plus tip). This is the case with the Craft Beer Passport in Ontario (craftbeerpassport.ca) and the Je bois local passport in Quebec (jeboislocal.ca) for microbreweries and craft breweries.
It is important to remember that the prices listed are always exclusive of taxes. Not only must you add the sales tax (between 5 and 15% depending on the province or territory), but also the 15% service charge. All methods of payment are accepted, but small businesses sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit cards.

Age restrictions

In Canada, the legal drinking age is 18 or 19 depending on the province or territory. Wherever a bar license applies, only adults are allowed. However, some places have a different permit (restaurant, craft production...) that allows minors to be present. Note that if you look under 25, you will probably be asked for official photo identification.

What's very local

Bars and brasseries often hold a happy hour ritual during the week (called "5 à 7" on the French side). It usually takes place from 4 or 5 pm until 7 pm, or even longer, and allows you to save money on alcohol and/or food. It goes without saying that crowds go hand in hand during happy hour...

Kids

Children are allowed wherever a bar permit is not in effect. However, they can sometimes be accepted on the terrace of a bar until early evening.

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited in gourmet shops, cafés, tea rooms and bars, as well as on their terraces. Smoking must also be kept away from the door of the establishment and its terraces (generally 9 meters).

The best bars and cafés Canada

PROJECT GIGGLEWATER

THE REX HOTEL JAZZ & BLUES CLUB

LE TROU DU DIABLE

ANTICAFÉ MONTRÉAL

BENELUX

LA BARBERIE

PUB PIT CARIBOU

LE TRÈFLE - TAVERNE IRLANDAISE

KAMPAI GARDEN

BRASSERIE HARRICANA

LE SAINT-BOCK

RAS L'BOCK

MICROBRASSERIE BROADWAY

LE BIEN, LE MALT

PUB SAINT-ALEXANDRE

BRASSERIE DUNHAM

LE BARIL ROULANT

LE TRÈFLE NOIR

MICROBRASSERIE LA MEMPHRÉ

THE KETTLE BLACK PEI

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