Should we purchase alcohol before we cross the border from the US into Canada?
 

We're crossing at International Falls, MN into Canada to stay for a week at a cabin. My husband would like to buy some Canadian beers to drink while he's fishing in Canada. I have heard a case of beer can sell for $44 in Canada. I'm thinking we'd be better off to purchase before crossing the border, but am uncertain if they will have Canadian beers or not. Can anyone give advice on this? There is a duty free shop near the border crossing (from what I can tell at the International Falls Chamber of Commerce web site). Are we better off to buy gifty type things at the duty free in MN or in Canada as far as cost goes? Thanks for any help anyone can provide!!! Have traveled all over the world, but this is the first trip to Canada for me!! Thanks!

Tia

Although the price of beer in Canada is more than the US, it's not that outrageous. A case of 12 beers in Canada costs about $15. This works out to $11-$12 US. (At least that's what it is in Alberta - Manitoba should be about the same). I don't think the duty free shop on the US side would be any cheaper, but when you are returning to the US stop at the duty free on the Canadian side and you will pay less. Also hard liquor (Canadian Rye, Vodka, etc.) are much cheaper at the duty free shop in Canada. A 40oz bottle of Premium Rye is about $16 Cdn. at Duty Free. Liquers (such as Bailey's Irish Cream) do not seem to be much cheaper at Duty Free. Enjoy your trip to Canada.

$44 for a case of beer??!! Yikes. If that were true Canadians wouldn't be drinking the stuff.
Here in British Columbia a case of Corona is $21 Cdn., but that's an imported beer.
Local beer here is around $16-18 Cdn.
(Not as cheap as in the US, but it's better beer. haha)

In B.C. last Sept., we spent $19 for a 12 pack of beer and the same for a 1/5th (or liter,can't remember)of Rye. The cigarettes were $72 per carton, we didn't need to but-TG.

This is in CAD so it is about the same in US$.ex. cigs., I pay $20 per in FL.

There is no dispute about this...Stop at the Duty Free before entering Canada...you will find the best selection of brewski's at competitive prices and it's very convenient...party on!

Thanks for the replies! Help is always greatly appreciated!!! At least I know it's not quite as expensive as what I was told.