Dowser

Dowser is no longer available in the App Store. There were issues with maintaining the accuracy of the store data, and it was the one and only app on my Apple developer account, which costs $100+ a year. Paying the fee to keep alive a free app with stale data seemed a bit absurd. Last update was September, 2019 (v3.3.2).

Over 2200 Stores

• LCBO (+LCBO Agencies in rural areas)
• The Beer Store
• Grocery Stores
• Craft Beer Brewers (some locations in Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa)
• SAQ (+SAQ Agencies in rural areas)

Dowser relied on lcboapi.com for its LCBO data.

Features

• Built-in database provides speedy results
• Up-to-Date: New stores and opening hours automatically updated
• Filter by store
• See open stores at the tap of a button
• Complete store hours, phone number, address
• Notifications: Use the “Last Call” option and never miss a closing time again
• Holiday hours: Dowser does its best to provide accurate holiday hours

Acknowledgments

Dowser initially came to life in the fall of 2013, as an internal company project when I was working at Plank. It would not have existed without the significant support from Patrick McFern (tech) and GW Brazier (design). And their work was made possible by Plank owner Warren Wilansky, who gave the green light for project hours.