McDonald’s Canada Charts Ambitious Course for 2026 After Year of Major Menu Launches and Nationwide Expansion
TORONTO, January 28, 2026 – Following a transformative period marked by significant menu innovation and rapid physical growth, McDonald’s Canada is positioning itself for a robust 2026. The past year saw the fast-food giant introduce a wave of new products, solidify key value offerings, and execute a notable expansion strategy, opening new restaurants in communities across the country.
A Year of Menu Innovation and Value Focus
Throughout 2024 and into 2025, McDonald’s Canada unveiled a series of limited-time offerings and permanent menu changes designed to capture customer interest. Highlights included the national debut of the Grimace Shake in May 2024, a viral sensation that followed its U.S. release. The company also launched the “Remix” line, featuring novel sandwich combinations and a reimagined McFlurry, and introduced the Big Arch burger with a new tangy sauce. For the holiday season, a limited-time “Grinch Meal” combo was offered.
Concurrently, the chain made a strong play for value-conscious consumers. In late 2024, it announced a price freeze on a small coffee at $1 for at least a year and introduced a $5 McValue® Small Meal platform, featuring options like the McDouble®, Junior Chicken, or Chicken Snack Wrap® with small fries and a drink.
Aggressive Physical Expansion Across Canada
Complementing its menu strategy, McDonald’s Canada embarked on a substantial expansion of its physical footprint. New restaurants opened in diverse communities, bringing the Golden Arches to new locations and returning to others. Notable openings included the first-ever McDonald’s in Stayner, Ontario, in November 2024, a new location in Lac La Biche, Alberta, in December 2024, and the return of the brand to Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market. The town of Niverville, Manitoba, also saw its first McDonald’s open following council approval in late 2024.
This expansion is part of a broader global growth strategy by McDonald’s Corporation, which has plans to open thousands of new locations worldwide. The Canadian market is a key part of this initiative, with the company developing specialized marketing toolkits for franchisees to celebrate grand openings and renovations.
Key Facts & Recent Developments
| Initiative | Details |
|---|---|
| McValue® Menu | Introduced in late 2024, offering select small meals for $5 CAD plus tax. |
| Price Freeze | Small coffee price locked at $1 CAD for a minimum of one year, announced in 2024. |
| Major 2024 Menu Adds | Grimace Shake (May), Big Arch Burger, “Remix” LTOs, “Throwback Sauces” (June), “Grinch Meal” (Dec). |
| Recent Community Openings | Stayner, ON (Nov ’24); Lac La Biche, AB (Dec ’24); ByWard Market, Ottawa (Return); Niverville, MB (Late ’24). |
| Global Context | Parent company plans to open thousands of new restaurants worldwide, with Canada as a focus market. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current price of a small coffee at McDonald’s Canada?
As part of an initiative announced in 2024, McDonald’s Canada has frozen the price of a small coffee at $1 CAD for at least one year.
Did the Grimace Shake ever come to Canada?
Yes. After a viral social media trend in the United States, McDonald’s Canada officially launched the Grimace Shake in May 2024, confirming the mascot’s “arrival” in the country.
What is included in the $5 McValue Meal?
The McValue® Small Meal, priced at $5 CAD plus tax, includes a choice of entrée (McDouble®, Junior Chicken, or Chicken Snack Wrap®), plus small fries and a small fountain drink.
Is McDonald’s still opening new restaurants in Canada?
Yes. The company has maintained an active expansion schedule, opening in new markets like Stayner and Lac La Biche and returning to key urban centres like Ottawa’s ByWard Market throughout 2024. This aligns with its global growth strategy leading into 2026.