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Quebec is ditching US booze — Here’s when SAQ shelves will be cleared

Quebecers might not see American liquor on the shelves for quite some time. The Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) will be pulling all U.S.-made alcohol from its stores this week in response to the 25% tariffs recently imposed by Donald Trump’s administration.

Quebec is following Ontario’s lead in banning American alcohol, a move Finance Minister Eric Girard says is meant to protect Quebec’s economy, local businesses, and consumers. Girard also hinted that more measures will follow.

“In reaction to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, we have asked [the SAQ] to remove American products from its shelves. More actions will follow. We will protect our economy, businesses, and citizens,” the minister wrote in an X post that was later reposted by Quebec Premier François Legault.

Legault confirmed that as of Tuesday, February 4, no American-made alcohol will be sold at SAQ locations or supplied to grocery stores, bars, agencies, or restaurants across the province. While the ban will take effect immediately, it may take a few days before all products disappear completely.

The SAQ is already equipped with a wide selection of alternatives for common imported bottles, including Canadian wines and Quebec-made spirits from brands like Distillerie du Square, 3 Lacs, BluePearl, Les Subversifs, Cherry River, Cirka, Menaud, and Noroi.

Popular American alcohol brands that will disappear from SAQ shelves include California wines, Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, Southern Comfort, Tito’s, The Kraken, Sailor Jerry, Smirnoff, Sour Puss, and White Claw.

For now, the SAQ has yet to confirm how it will handle existing stock or the financial impact of the decision.

The lifting of foreign liquor comes a few days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would join Mexico in imposing retaliatory tariffs on $155 billion worth of goods, including alcohol.

With a trade war now in effect, Trump and Trudeau are expected to speak to each other on Monday morning, as per The Hill.

“I don’t expect anything very dramatic. We put tariffs on. They owe us a lot of money, and I’m sure they’re going to pay,” the President said when asked about the meeting.

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4 Valentine’s Day offers for a romantic staycation in the heart of Old Montreal

Valentine’s Day is approaching, and if you love Montreal, nothing beats staying in the most romantic part of the city with your special someone.

Whether you stroll the cobblestone streets hand in hand, get cozy in a glamorous restaurant, soak up the relaxation with a massage, or wake up in a luxurious room with your sweetheart, a staycation in Old Montreal is a magical way to spend Valentine’s Day.

With the year’s most romantic day around the corner, here are some darling deals in Old Montreal for the perfect Valentine’s staycation.

Hôtel Nelligan

Address: 106, rue Saint-Paul O, Montreal, QC

Offer: Enjoy 20% off your room rate and a special multi-course Valentine’s Day dinner at Méchant Boeuf Steakhouse when you book a stay between February 8-16, 2025.

A charming blend of modern and historic, Hôtel Nelligan’s 1850s architecture shines next to contemporary chic decor.

Hôtel Place d’Armes

Address: 55, rue Saint-Jacques, Montreal, QC

Offer: Book a stay between February 8 and 16, 2025, and enjoy 20% off your room rate and a special multi-course Valentine’s Day dinner at Brasserie 701 or Kyo Bar Japonais.

An icon of Old Montreal and Clef MICHELIN award-winner, Hôtel Place d’Armes delivers modern elegance in an unmatched location. After settling in, take your valentine to Brasserie 701 for a crafted cocktail or check out Montreal’s largest sake list at Kyo Bar Japonais.

Rainspa

Address: 55, rue Saint-Jacques, Montreal, QC

Offer: Indulge in ultimate relaxation with the Premium package, including massages, body exfoliation, aromatherapy, private Hammam, lounge access, wine and charcuterie for two.

On the third floor, above Hôtel Place d’Armes, Rainspa awaits. This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for the Premium package. At $285 per person (plus taxes), this top-tier spa experience for two will leave you both feeling refreshed, relaxed and pampered.

Restaurants: Méchant Boeuf, Modavie, Brasserie 701 and Kyo Bar Japonais

Sharing a meal with your special person is a Valentine’s Day tradition, and you have plenty of restaurant options in Old Montreal to match the vibe you’re after.

Méchant Boeuf (124, rue Saint-Paul Ouest) offers a luxurious steakhouse experience. Meanwhile, Modavie (1, rue Saint-Paul Ouest) is an upbeat French bistro that hosts live music. Brasserie 701 (701, Côte de la Place-d’Armes) serves French cuisine with a contemporary twist. At Kyo Bar Japonais, you can experience the vibrant energy of an izakaya alongside some of Montreal’s best sushi and cocktails.

Old Montreal on Valentine’s Day is as romantic as it gets. For a blissful escape with your sweetheart, indulge your senses with a delicious meal, pampering session or luxurious stay at one (or more) of these charming spots.

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