You're driving through a suburban sprawl in Ontario or maybe pulling into a rainy parking lot in British Columbia, and there it is. The giant blue sign. The yellow spark logo. It looks exactly like the one back in Ohio or Florida.
So, yes. Do they have Walmart in Canada? They absolutely do. In fact, they have hundreds of them. But if you think a Canadian Walmart is just a Carbon copy of its American cousin, you're in for a bit of a surprise.
I’ve spent a lot of time crossing the border and shopping at both. While the "Save Money. Live Better" vibe is the same, the experience on the ground feels... different. It's the same brand, but it's wearing a slightly different outfit.
How Many Walmarts Are Actually in Canada?
As of early 2026, Walmart Canada is massive. We are talking about over 400 stores stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific. To be precise, there are 404 retail units according to the latest corporate data.
Most of these are the "Supercentre" variety.
That means they have the full grocery section—fresh produce, a bakery, a deli, and a meat counter—alongside the electronics and cheap socks. Out of those 400+ locations, about 346 are Supercentres. The rest are the older "Discount Stores" that might skip the fresh kale but still have all the household basics.
Ontario is the king of Walmarts. It has nearly 150 locations. If you're in Ottawa or Toronto, you can't throw a snowball without hitting a Walmart. On the flip side, if you're headed to Nunavut, you’re out of luck. It’s the only territory where they haven't set up shop yet.
📖 Related: Dollar Against Saudi Riyal: Why the 3.75 Peg Refuses to Break
A Quick History Lesson
Walmart didn't just slowly grow in Canada. They basically invaded in 1994. They bought out 122 Woolco stores in one giant deal. Overnight, a massive chunk of Canadian retail was wearing blue. Since then, they've gobbled up old Target leases (after Target’s legendary fail in Canada) and just kept building.
What Really Happens Inside a Canadian Walmart
Walking into a Walmart in Mississauga feels familiar, but look closer at the shelves.
First off, the snacks. You won't find some of those hyper-niche American cereals, but you will find Ketchup Chips and Coffee Crisp bars. There’s a whole section dedicated to "Made in Canada" products which the company pushes pretty hard to keep the locals happy.
The Pricing Game
Don't expect the $1.00 deals to look the same. The Canadian dollar usually sits lower than the USD, so prices look higher on paper. Plus, taxes are different. In some provinces, you're looking at a 13% or 15% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) added at the register.
Also, the "fancy" factor.
Honestly, many Canadian Walmarts feel a bit cleaner and more modern than the average US store. Maybe it’s because they’ve spent over $500 million recently on renovations. They’ve added these high-tech AI sensors at checkout and "Urban 90" formats—smaller, sleeker stores designed for crowded city centers.
👉 See also: Cox Tech Support Business Needs: What Actually Happens When the Internet Quits
The Employee Vibe
Walmart Canada employs over 100,000 people. It’s one of the biggest employers in the country. Venessa Yates, who took over as CEO fairly recently, has been pushing this "omnichannel" thing hard. Basically, they want you to order on your phone and have a guy named Dave run the groceries to your trunk in 10 minutes.
The Big Differences You’ll Notice
If you’re visiting from the States, here’s what’s going to trip you up.
- The Milk Bags: Yes, in Ontario and Quebec, you might find bags of milk in the dairy aisle. It’s weird for outsiders, but it’s a Canadian staple.
- No Alcohol (Usually): Unlike many US Walmarts where you can grab a 12-pack of beer next to the diapers, Canadian laws are strict. Only recently have some Ontario and Alberta locations started carrying beer and wine. In most provinces, you still have to go to a separate liquor store.
- The Carts: In many Canadian cities, you have to put a dollar or a quarter into the cart to unlock it. You get the coin back when you return the cart. It keeps the parking lots from looking like a graveyard of abandoned metal.
- No Guns: You aren't going to see a glass case full of rifles in the back. Walmart Canada stopped selling firearms years ago.
Why Walmart Struggles (and Wins) in Canada
It’s not all sunshine and low prices. Walmart is currently the second-largest retailer in Canada, but they are fighting a war with Loblaws and Sobeys.
The grocery market in Canada is surprisingly "clumpy." A few big families own almost everything. While Walmart has about 8-10% of the grocery market share, Loblaws is the 800-pound gorilla with over 28%.
To compete, Walmart Canada has leaned into tech. They’ve partnered with DoorDash to offer on-demand delivery from over 300 stores. If you’re in a pinch in Calgary or Halifax, you can get a bag of Great Value pretzels delivered to your door in 45 minutes through an app.
Is it cheaper?
Usually, yes. Canadians flock to Walmart for the "Rollbacks." In an era where food inflation has been a massive political headache in Canada, Walmart has positioned itself as the "not-a-big-grocer-monopoly" alternative, even though they are a global giant.
✨ Don't miss: Canada Tariffs on US Goods Before Trump: What Most People Get Wrong
How to Shop at Walmart Canada Like a Pro
If you're heading there, keep these tips in your back pocket.
- Download the App: The Walmart.ca app is actually decent. It shows you exactly which aisle an item is in. This saves you from wandering aimlessly past the patio furniture.
- Check the Flyer: The "Weekly Flyer" is still a religion in Canada. They post it digitally every Thursday.
- Price Match (Sorta): They used to be the kings of price matching, but they’ve scaled that back. Now, they mostly just focus on their own "Everyday Low Price."
- Bring Your Own Bags: Most Canadian provinces have banned single-use plastic bags. If you don't bring your own, you'll be buying reusable ones at the till for about $0.35 to $1.00 each.
The Delivery Reality
If you're staying at an Airbnb or just moved to Canada, the delivery service is a lifesaver. You can get a "Delivery Pass" (their version of Walmart+) for a monthly fee that covers the shipping costs. It’s a direct shot at Amazon Prime and it’s actually working pretty well for them.
Final Verdict on the Great White North's Walmart
So, do they have Walmart in Canada?
Big time.
It’s an essential part of the Canadian suburban landscape. While it feels like home to Americans, it has enough "Canadianisms"—from the Poutine kits in the freezer to the lack of a gun department—to make it its own beast. It's the place where you go for cheap tires, a gallon of maple syrup, and a new winter coat all in one trip.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
If you're planning to shop at a Canadian Walmart, check the specific provincial laws on alcohol first so you aren't disappointed. Also, ensure you have a "Loonie" (a $1 coin) or a "Quarter" ($0.25) handy if you're shopping in a major city, otherwise, you'll be carrying your groceries out in your arms like a hero.