Welcome to aubaine.ca!
Welcome to aubaine.ca!
Welcome to aubaine.ca!
By the aubaine.ca team · editorial direction: Marcel Dupont, founder · methodology
18 Aug 2026
Online grocery shopping has become essential in Quebec over the past few years. Three major players dominate the market: Voilà (the delivery service of the IGA and Sobeys ecosystem), Metro Online and Walmart.ca. Each offers different formulas, distinct fees and customer experiences that don't all measure up. This article compares services, not basket prices: delivery, pickup, order minimums, fees, substitution policies and flyer integration.
Comparing basket prices between Voilà, Metro Online and Walmart is like comparing apples and oranges: each platform offers a different selection, variable stock depending on the store, and staggered promotional periods. What really matters when deciding is the service structure: what does it really cost to deliver to your home, does in-store pickup save time, how are fresh products managed, and most importantly, for whom is this formula really worth trying?
Families with reduced mobility, busy parents and seniors living alone find genuine value in these services. But physical stores remain unbeatable in other cases: unbeatable prices on featured flyer days, wider selection of fresh products, and no service fees. Here's how to decide.
An online grocery formula is measured by three criteria: the real cost (delivery fees, minimum order, service fees), convenience (wait times, slot availability, store locations near you) and service quality (product freshness, substitution policy, flyer applicability online).
Since 2024, online grocery has caught up technologically in the province. All three players now offer smooth apps, clear fee estimates before purchase, and extended coverage beyond the Greater Montreal Area. Montréal, Québec, Gatineau, Laval and even mid-size cities like Sherbrooke or Trois-Rivières enjoy at least one delivery or pickup option.
Voilà is the online delivery and pickup service of the IGA and Sobeys ecosystem in Quebec. It operates in two models: home delivery (paid, with minimum order) and in-store pickup (lower fees or free depending on conditions). Voilà is run primarily by IGA stores, which are everywhere in the province.
Voilà delivery operates on a 2-hour window, generally between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Fees depend on your basket total and the day of the week. As a rough guide, orders over several dozen dollars get progressive fee reductions. The minimum order threshold varies but hovers around a few dollars as reference—check the Voilà app directly for the current amount, as these thresholds change based on supply shortages or business strategy.
A major strength: Voilà often delivers within a 5 to 10 km radius of IGA stores. In Montréal, where IGAs are dense, this covers most of the island and immediate suburbs. In Québec, Gatineau and Laval, coverage expands gradually. Small towns and rural areas often remain excluded.
In-store pickup happens at an agreed time, often within 2 to 4 hours of ordering. Fees are considerably lower than delivery, and can even be free above a certain amount (thresholds and conditions change regularly). This is the best option for customers near an IGA store with a car, since line wait time vanishes.
IGA has a solid reputation for fresh produce. Voilà relies on physical store standards. However, like any remote ordering service, you don't choose: employees pick your items. Voilà lets you flag preferences for certain products (e.g., "bananas very yellow" or "no substitutions without asking"), but auto-substitutions remain common when stock runs out.
This is a sore point: printed IGA flyers in-store don't always apply 1:1 online on Voilà. Some "limit per customer" deals are excluded. Check the promotions tab directly in the Voilà app to see which discounts work online. Major seasonal promotions (Black Friday in November, Boxing Day in December) have specific online dates, often shifted a day or two from the store. To maximize savings, compare online and in-store offers via the weekly flyers on aubaine.ca before deciding.
Metro Online offers two distinct services: free or low-cost in-store pickup and paid home delivery (with conditions). Metro is particularly strong in south and east Quebec, with less dense coverage west. In 2026, Metro consolidated its digital platform to compete directly with Voilà.
In-store pickup remains Metro's flagship offer: order via app or website, pick up your bag at an agreed time, often within a 2-hour window. Service fees are very low or nonexistent for most orders, making Metro pickup a bargain for Montréal, Gatineau and Sherbrooke customers near a store. Fulfillment is usually 4 to 24 hours depending on store load.
Metro also offers home delivery, but less systematically than Voilà. Fees add to your basket and the minimum order is higher than for pickup. Delivery happens in 2-hour windows, generally between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Metro's delivery coverage is narrower than Voilà's: it extends roughly 3 to 7 km around major stores.
Metro, known for premium products and fresh seafood, applies the same freshness standards as physical stores. Substitutions are managed rigorously: Metro often asks for SMS or app confirmation before substituting an item. This is a major advantage for quality-conscious customers.
Metro Online integrates its weekly flyer promotions well. Many flyer deals apply directly online, encouraging customers to time orders with strong discount days. However, per-customer limits and some bulk deals (e.g., "6 boxes for") don't always apply identically. Check available coupons and discounts before finalizing your order to get the most out of Metro offers.
Walmart.ca combines online grocery with its general merchandise (electronics, clothing, home goods). In Quebec, Walmart has expanded home delivery and in-store pickup. Walmart has fewer physical stores than IGA or Metro, but makes up for it with a much wider selection and generally lower prices on popular brands.
Walmart offers Walmart+ membership for free (or heavily reduced) delivery on grocery orders over a certain amount. Without membership, delivery fees add to your basket. Delivery covers Montréal, Laval, Longueuil and immediate suburbs, plus other urban areas. Delivery is usually 24 to 48 hours after ordering, longer than Voilà or Metro. Time slots are generally broad (4 hours or more).
Walmart pickup is the cheapest: often free or very low-cost, with quick turnaround (2 to 4 hours). This is an excellent option if you live near a Walmart and don't need home delivery. The downside: Walmart doesn't have as many stores as IGA or Metro, so this advantage only works if you're conveniently located.
Walmart offers decent fresh product quality, but it's generally below Metro and sometimes comparable to IGA. Walmart's Great Value store brand is known for good value, not excellence. Auto-substitutions are frequent, and the pre-substitution approval system exists but isn't always applied as rigorously as at Metro.
Walmart runs promotions online in an integrated way: the app shows applicable discounts and any available digital coupons. However, Walmart doesn't have a traditional printed "flyer" like Metro or IGA. Promotions update continuously on the digital platform. To stay on top of Walmart deals, check the app directly, or look for featured deals listed on aubaine.ca.
| Criterion | Voilà (IGA/Sobeys) | Metro Online | Walmart Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home delivery | Yes, fees based on total | Yes, less systematic, higher fees | Yes, free with Walmart+ or fees without membership |
| In-store pickup | Yes, reduced or no fees | Yes, very cheap or free | Yes, usually free |
| Minimum order | A few dollars (variable) | A few dollars (variable) | Generally low or none |
| Delivery time | 2 to 4 hours (2-hour windows) | 2 to 4 hours (2-hour windows) | 24 to 48 hours (wide windows) |
| Geographic coverage (Quebec) | Montréal, Québec, Laval, Gatineau, Sherbrooke | South and east Quebec, Montréal, Québec | Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, urban areas |
| Product freshness | Good, IGA standards | Excellent, Metro premium standards | Decent, popular brands |
| Substitution policy | Automatic, option to flag preferences | Usually requires approval before substitution | Automatic, variable approval |
| Flyers online | Partially apply, dates shifted | Well integrated, direct discounts | Continuous digital promotions, no printed flyer |
| Scenario | Voilà | Metro Online | Walmart Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickup, basket ~$50–$75 | Low or no fees | Often free | Usually free |
| Delivery, basket ~$50–$75 | A few dollars | More, depending on area | Free with Walmart+, a few dollars otherwise |
| Delivery, basket ~$150+ | Reduced or no fees | Fees always apply | Free with Walmart+ |
| Tip (driver, picker) | Up to 20%, optional | Up to 20%, recommended for delivery | Up to 20%, optional |
Voilà shines with seniors, parents of young children and people with mobility challenges who live in well-covered areas (Montréal, Québec suburbs, Laval). Fast delivery (2–4 hours) is unbeatable when you can't get out. Pickup eliminates fees if you have a car and access to an IGA store. For families planning a week of groceries in advance, Voilà offers real peace of mind.
Metro Online targets consumers who demand freshness, who regularly buy fish, seafood or premium products, and who have a Metro store nearby. Free or low-cost pickup is a major asset. Metro also works for customers in southwest Quebec and Montréal, where store density is high.
Walmart makes sense if you also buy electronics, clothing or home goods (one account for everything), if you have a nearby Walmart for free pickup, or if you're considering Walmart+ for regular free delivery. Popular and generic brands are usually cheaper. However, Walmart isn't ideal for those seeking premium quality or Quebec-made products.
…you can shop during featured flyer days (Black Friday in late November, Boxing Day December 26). In-store deals on electronics and appliances have no online equivalent. Plus, physical stores let you personally pick fruits, vegetables and meat, save on delivery fees, and benefit from per-customer limits that online restricts. For a family able to shop strategically around flyers, physical stores save a hundred dollars a month versus repeated deliveries.
None of the three offers free delivery without conditions. Voilà and Metro apply delivery fees that shrink (or disappear) as your basket grows. Walmart+ changes things for Walmart, but the annual membership has a cost. Always check the fee estimate based on your basket before ordering: each platform displays this clearly.
No service guarantees 100% that you'll get exactly what you ordered. Stock-outs happen. Voilà and Walmart auto-substitute with the option to refuse after delivery. Metro more often asks for approval before substituting, which is an advantage. To avoid unpleasant surprises, enable all app notifications and adjust substitution settings to your preferences.
All three services ask for a tip at order end (for the driver-deliverer or picker). Tips are optional but recommended. If you order often, tips add up: one delivery a week × 15% tip compounds fast over a year. In-store pickup lets you skip this layer.
Metro and Walmart sometimes apply a "service fee" on top of delivery fees. This fee covers online operations (staff, app, etc.). Voilà includes this in the displayed delivery fees. You need to read order details carefully to avoid surprises at checkout.
Digital coupons generally apply online if the retailer recognizes them. Voilà, Metro and Walmart all offer digital coupons built into their respective apps. Flyer apps like Reebee and Flipp are Canada's most popular and also offer direct retailer coupons. Check before ordering whether the coupon you want applies to your online order (some "in-store only" coupons don't work online).
Yes, online grocery purchases at Walmart add to your Walmart Rewards account if you're signed up. This is minor added value but not enough to justify Walmart+ if you only order occasionally.
Metro and Voilà (IGA) both offer notable organic and local selections, including Quebec products. Walmart offers some too, but less curated. If you're after specific local products (e.g., Quebec honey, artisan cheeses), check specialty merchants listed on aubaine.ca, since small local producers aren't all listed online with the big chains.
Voilà and Metro offer slots within 2 to 4 hours of ordering, but slots fill quickly at peak times (weekday evenings, weekends). To guarantee a slot, order ideally 4 to 6 hours ahead on weekdays, and 12 hours on weekends. Walmart offers 24 to 48 hour windows, so less pressure.
Not necessarily per basket, but real cost rises once you add delivery fees, minimums and tips. However, families planning around flyers save roughly $100 to $150 a month, whether shopping online or in-store. Online grocery truly pays off if it saves you time (or you have mobility constraints): it's a time premium, not a price gouging.
Fruits and vegetables picked by online staff are generally similar in quality to what you'd choose in-store, as long as the service is fast and thorough. Metro excels here. IGA is decent. Walmart is acceptable but less careful. The real in-store advantage remains personal selection: you see what you buy. Online, you trust an employee's judgment.
The best approach for a Quebec family isn't 100% online or 100% in-store. Shop in-store on featured flyer days (Black Friday, Boxing Day, big summer appliance sales). Order online when short on time or for non-seasonal items. This mix minimizes delivery fees while maximizing in-store deals.
Every Thursday, new flyers drop. The weekly flyers offer weekly deals you can leverage. If ordering online, time your order for days when your service's deals (Voilà, Metro, Walmart) overlap. This sync can save dozens monthly on a family of four.
Several services offer free or reduced pickup depending on basket size and day. Bundle several small orders into one large order to hit thresholds. Pick up rather than have delivered: it's often free and instant.
If considering Walmart+ for free delivery, do the math: annual membership costs a few hundred dollars. If you order online more than 3 times monthly (36 orders/year), and each delivery saves about ten dollars in fees, the membership pays for itself. For those also buying clothing or electronics at Walmart, membership offers more value.
Before committing to one service, compare a few typical baskets between Voilà, Metro and Walmart to see where you'd save most. Prices vary by region and product mix. A basket of organic products will cost differently at Metro than Walmart. Doing this test once or twice yearly lets you adjust your strategy.
In Québec and area, Voilà (IGA) and Metro are well established, with solid delivery and pickup coverage in the city and nearby suburbs (Sainte-Foy, Beauport). Walmart also has presence, but less dense. For Québec, Voilà and Metro remain your best bets.
Laval, Longueuil, Brossard and Châteauguay enjoy excellent coverage from all three services. Voilà covers Laval well thanks to numerous IGA stores. Walmart and Metro also offer pickup and delivery. It's a region of strong competition, so shop around for best regional offers.
Gatineau is robustly covered by Voilà (IGA), and partially by Metro and Walmart. With strong IGA presence in Gatineau, Voilà may be the most reliable service in this region.
Sherbrooke enjoys decent Voilà and Metro coverage. Walmart also has presence there. Small Estrie villages generally lack home delivery services, but pickup can cover areas close to Sherbrooke.
Beyond roughly 15 km from small towns and 10 km from large urban centers, Voilà, Metro and Walmart home delivery becomes rare or nonexistent. In-store pickup (if nearby) remains possible. For rural residents, online grocery stays an occasional luxury, not a main solution.
All three competitors face growing pressure since 2024. Expect slightly lower delivery fees (or lower minimums) to attract regular customers. Geographic coverage should also expand to mid-size towns.
Apps will continue to better integrate flyers, digital coupons and purchase suggestions based on your habits. Voilà, Metro and Walmart are all investing in AI to personalize online shopping.
Despite online grocery's growth in Quebec, physical stores will stay dominant. Consumers still value the freedom to pick fruits, vegetables and meat, and the chance to find last-minute deals. Online grocery will remain a complement, perfect for certain occasions and customer types.
In 2026, Quebec online grocery offers three solid options: Voilà for fast delivery and IGA pickup, Metro for quality and service value, and Walmart for low prices and multi-brand selection. None is universally best: it all depends on your priorities (time, quality, price, store proximity), your region and your shopping habits.
For a family that shops strategically, the real secret isn't picking one service but combining physical stores and online ordering, timing purchases with weekly flyers. Families that plan around flyers save $100 to $150 monthly, whether shopping in-store or online. Check featured deals regularly and adjust your strategy by season. This balance makes the real difference for your wallet.
💛 Our promise: helping you save. Despite all the care we put into tracking prices, we simply cannot guarantee they are accurate at all times — they come from flyers and merchants and can change without notice. Every week, we work to give you a fair and reliable picture so you can follow your products, spot real discounts and buy at the right time, at the best price. At aubaine.ca, every dollar saved matters: our mission is to hunt down the best deals for you. Always confirm the final price in store or with the merchant.
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