Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

Quebecers Are Now Required To Prove Their Vaccination Status In All Of ​These Large Stores

Unvaccinated people won't be able to shop in places like IKEA, Costco, Canadian Tire and more!👇

Managing Editor, Canada

Unvaccinated residents of Quebec are now likely to have a harder time shopping at some large retailers, as new restrictions have been placed on sizeable stores in the province.

Earlier this month, Premier François Legault announced that Quebec's vaccine passport system would begin applying to big non-essential stores, including places like IKEA and Costco.

As of Monday, January 24, Quebecers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of their vaccination status to enter stores that cover an area of 1,500 square metres or more.

Essential stores like pharmacies, gas stations and grocery stores are excluded, but shops selling things like electronics, fashion items, hardware, sports goods and more will be required to comply with the new rule.

A report from Narcity Quebec explains that large stores like Canadian Tire, Walmart, IKEA, Costco, Home Hardware and HomeSense will be required to comply, as well as others.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated fashion-lovers in the province will be unable to shop at places like Marshalls, Winners, H&M and Zara unless they have a valid exemption.

That's not all. Simons, The Bay, Rona, Value Village, Best Buy, Staples and many more will all likely require proof of full vaccination.

Speaking on January 13, Legault said the purpose is not only to protect the province from further spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, but also to encourage unvaccinated people to get their first dose.

It's worth noting that some of the stores mentioned above could remain accessible without a vaccine passport if their size is under 1,500 square metres. Shoppers should check an individual store's specific requirements for more detailed information on their policies.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

Explore this list   👀

    • Managing Editor

      Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

    The best grocery stores in Canada were revealed and a discount chain is the top choice

    What do Canadians think of big chains like Costco, Walmart and Loblaws?

    These grocery stores in Canada just ranked as the best for in-store shopping

    Are Costco, Loblaws and Walmart top grocery stores? 🛒

    This enchanting small town set on a BC island was named among North America's 'most peaceful'

    Sandy beaches, ancient forests and a cozy town — anyone?. 🌲

    This Ontario gem with waterfront towns and beaches is one of Canada's 'best' spots to live

    It has "large" homes "priced much lower" than major Canadian cities.

    New data reveals the 'most peaceful' places to live and Canadian towns demolished US ones

    Five Canadian towns were named the most serene on the continent. 🍁