Q: I am currently a 20 year old American citizen who is planning to travel to Vancouver BC, Canada. I know that the drinking age for Canadian citizens is 19 but my friends say that there is a Canadian law that requires American tourists to be 21 years of age to drink in Canadian bars/taverns. That sounds like utter BS to me. Why would Canada alter it's law to stifle tourism. Is this true? If so, please link to another site supporting your evidence.
A: The Vancouver (BC) drinking age is 19, and every time I go to a bar there are Americans under 21. I don't know where people keep hearing that rumour, but your right - it is false. You are right, in general the bars like the extra revenues and aren't complaining. And it doesn't add up discrimination wise. The only thing is make sure to stay in Vancouver overnight. Besides worrying about DUI's, if you return back to the US that night THEN you are all intoxicated minors as soon as you enter the country.