Tim Hortons hockey cards are a Canadian cultural institution. Every fall, millions of Canadians add a pack of cards to their coffee order, and the 2025-26 season brings not one but two distinct sets: the regular NHL Hockey Collector's Series and a brand-new Team Canada Olympic edition timed for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a parent buying packs for your kids, this guide covers everything you need to know about Tim Hortons hockey cards for the 2025-26 season.
What Are Tim Hortons Hockey Cards?
Tim Hortons hockey cards are an annual trading card promotion produced by Upper Deck and sold exclusively at Tim Hortons restaurant locations across Canada. The partnership began in the 2015-16 season and has grown into what many consider the most collected hockey card set in the world. For the 2021-22 season alone, Tim Hortons distributed over 18 million packs — a staggering figure for a food-issue release.
The concept is simple: buy a beverage, add a pack of cards for a small fee. Each pack contains three cards printed on holographic foil stock, giving even base cards a premium feel. The sets feature current NHL stars, rookies, legends, and — new for 2025-26 — Team Canada Olympic players including women's national team stars for the first time.
2025-26 Tim Hortons NHL Hockey Cards: The Regular Set
The standard 2025-26 Upper Deck Tim Hortons Hockey set launched on October 6, 2025, marking the 11th consecutive year of the promotion. Here's what collectors need to know:
Base Set Configuration
The base set contains 120 cards featuring current NHL players printed on holographic foil. This is a moderate set size that's achievable for most collectors who buy packs regularly throughout the promotion period. The base cards have a premium look that rivals some hobby products, which is part of what makes Tim Hortons cards so popular with both casual and serious collectors.
Insert Cards and Odds
Every pack should contain two base cards and one insert. The insert tiers for 2025-26 are:
- Monumental Moments — 1:3 packs (most common insert)
- True North Heroes — 1:4 packs
- Goalie Etchings — 1:7 packs
- Above the Ice — 1:8 packs
- Attack Angle — 1:12 packs
- Co-Stars (lenticular dual-player) — 1:24 packs
- National Selections — 1:100 packs (tough chase)
- Powerhouse Pillars — 1:200 packs (very tough chase)
Two single-card short-print inserts are also available: a Shea Weber Tribute Card and a Top Draft Pick Redemption card, both falling at 1:12,000 packs. The Top Draft Pick redemption was later revealed to be for Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Autograph and Memorabilia Cards
The true chase cards in Tim Hortons packs are the autographs and jersey relics, though the odds are steep:
- NHL Jersey Relics — 1:1,800 packs
- NHL Signatures — 1:7,200 packs (15 subjects)
- NHL Signature Jersey Relics — 1:89,520 packs
- Sidney Crosby Superstar Auto — 1:154,345 packs
- Nathan MacKinnon Superstar Auto — 1:134,280 packs
- Logan Stankoven Timbits Auto — 1:134,280 packs
These are true lottery-ticket hits. Most collectors will never pull one, but that's part of the excitement. The Crosby and MacKinnon autographs are the headline chases, and a Crosby Superstar Auto in mint condition can sell for thousands on the secondary market.
Prize Redemption Cards
Tim Hortons packs also contain prize redemption cards that can be redeemed in-restaurant:
- Free Coffee or Tea — 1:538 packs
- Free Donut — 1:538 packs
- Free Trading Card Pack — 1:538 packs
- $25 Tim Hortons Gift Card — 1:33,570 packs
- $50 Esso Gift Card — 1:134,280 packs
- $50 Skip Gift Card — 1:134,280 packs
- Sportsnet Now Premium Subscription — 1:268,560 packs
- Official Premium NHL Jersey — 1:537,120 packs
- MyBauer Custom Stick — 1:537,120 packs
- Trip to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final — 1:3,357,000 packs
- 3-Night Stay for 2 in Prince Edward Island — 1:4,476,000 packs
- Trip to Meet Sidney Crosby — 1:13,428,000 packs
- All New 2025 Hyundai KONA — 1:13,428,000 packs
2025-26 Tim Hortons Team Canada Olympic Hockey Cards
The big news for 2025-26 is the second Tim Hortons release: a Team Canada Olympic Hockey set that launched on February 2, 2026, timed perfectly for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. This is only the second Team Canada-themed Tim Hortons set ever, following the 2021-22 Hockey Canada release.
What Makes the Olympic Set Special
This set is unique because it includes multiple layers of licensing with a true Olympic feel. Upper Deck and Tim Hortons secured the rights to use actual Olympic logos and photography, which is extremely rare in trading cards. The set also features bilingual English/French card backs — a first for the Tim Hortons program.
Most importantly, the 100-card base set includes both men's and women's Team Canada players, from current NHL stars to PWHL players to hockey legends. This is the first Tim Hortons set to feature PWHL representation, making it a landmark release for women's hockey card collecting.
Olympic Set Inserts and Odds
- Gold Medalists — 1:3 packs (15 cards)
- Northern Stars — 1:4 packs (15 cards)
- Celebrated Prodigies — 1:6 packs (15 cards, canvas style)
- Program of Excellence — 1:8 packs (15 cards)
- Team Canada Duos — 1:24 packs (15 cards, 3D lenticular)
- Maple Leaf Immortals — 1:100 packs (5 cards, toughest regular insert)
Olympic Set Autographs
The autograph lineup for the Olympic set is even more exclusive:
- Team Canada Signatures — 1:7,200 packs (30 signers, 953 total cards)
- Sidney Crosby Team Canada Auto — 87 copies (1:78,860 packs)
- Nathan MacKinnon Team Canada Auto — 29 copies (1:236,580 packs)
- Crosby "Golden Goal" Autograph — only 10 copies (1:686,080 packs)
The Crosby "Golden Goal" Autograph is the headline chase of the entire 2025-26 Tim Hortons program. With only 10 copies in existence and odds of 1:686,080 packs, it's one of the rarest hockey cards produced for a mass-market release.
Olympic Set Prize Redemptions
- Coffee/Tea Golden Card — 1:275 packs (25,000 total)
- Donut Golden Card — 1:275 packs (25,000 total)
- $50 Tim's Gift Card — 1:34,304 packs (200 total)
How to Build Your Tim Hortons Collection
Strategy 1: The Set Builder
If your goal is completing the 120-card base set, the math is straightforward. Each pack contains two base cards, so you need a minimum of 60 packs. However, you'll get duplicates, so plan on 100-150 packs to complete a base set. At $1.49 per pack with a beverage, that's roughly $150-$225 invested. The key is trading duplicates with other collectors — join Facebook groups and Reddit communities to find trading partners.
Strategy 2: The Insert Hunter
If you're chasing inserts, focus on the mid-tier odds. Monumental Moments and True North Heroes are achievable with regular pack buying. Co-Stars at 1:24 are a reasonable chase — expect to hit one every 24 packs on average. National Selections at 1:100 and Powerhouse Pillars at 1:200 require significant volume or secondary market purchases.
Strategy 3: The Hit Chaser
If you're dreaming of an autograph or jersey card, understand the odds. At 1:1,800 packs for a jersey relic, you'd need to buy roughly 600 packs (spending about $900) to have a 50/50 shot. Most hit chasers are better off buying singles on the secondary market. A Tim Hortons Sidney Crosby autograph can sell for $500-$2,000+ depending on condition and authentication.
Tim Hortons Cards Value Guide
Most Tim Hortons base cards have low individual value — typically $0.50 to $3 for common players. Star players like Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Connor Bedard command premiums, with base cards selling for $5-$15. Insert values vary dramatically:
- Common inserts (Monumental Moments, True North Heroes): $1-$5 for most players
- Mid-tier inserts (Co-Stars, Goalie Etchings): $3-$15
- Tough inserts (National Selections): $10-$50
- Powerhouse Pillars: $20-$100
- Shea Weber Tribute / Top Draft Pick Redemption: $50-$200
- Jersey Relics: $50-$300 depending on player
- Autographs: $200-$2,000+ depending on player and rarity
The Team Canada Olympic set has additional value drivers because of the Olympic licensing, PWHL representation, and bilingual cards. Expect premiums for Crosby, McDavid, and Bedard base cards, as well as any women's team stars who gain Olympic spotlight.
Where to Buy Tim Hortons Cards Beyond the Restaurant
The promotion runs while supplies last, and popular locations can sell out quickly. If you miss the in-store promotion, you can find Tim Hortons cards on:
- Card Source Canada — We carry singles and complete sets from Tim Hortons releases, with the convenience of online ordering and Canada-wide shipping.
- eBay — The largest secondary market, but be cautious of condition and authenticity.
- Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji — Good for local deals on bulk lots.
- Card shows — Many Canadian card shows have vendors specializing in Tim Hortons sets.
Storing and Protecting Your Tim Hortons Cards
Tim Hortons cards are printed on foil stock, which means they're susceptible to scratching and surface wear. Store your collection in penny sleeves and top loaders for valuable cards. For set building, use a standard binder with 9-pocket pages. Keep cards away from direct sunlight and humidity — the foil surface can delaminate in poor conditions.
For Canadian collectors, winter storage is particularly important. Avoid storing cards in garages, basements, or cars where temperature fluctuations can cause moisture damage. A climate-controlled room at 18-22°C with 40-50% humidity is ideal.
Are Tim Hortons Cards Worth Collecting?
For most collectors, Tim Hortons hockey cards are absolutely worth collecting. They offer an accessible entry point into the hobby, feature premium foil printing, include genuine chase cards, and have cultural significance in Canada. The 2025-26 season is especially notable with two releases — the regular NHL set and the Olympic Team Canada set — making it the most comprehensive Tim Hortons collecting year ever.
While most base cards won't appreciate significantly in value, the insert and autograph cards can be valuable. More importantly, Tim Hortons cards are fun to collect, trade, and display. For many Canadian families, they're the first exposure to the sports card hobby, and that alone makes them worth the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Tim Hortons hockey cards cost?
Packs cost $1.49 with a beverage purchase or $1.99 without a drink at participating Tim Hortons locations across Canada. The official collector's album is sold separately.
When do 2025-26 Tim Hortons hockey cards come out?
The regular NHL Hockey Collector's Series was released on October 6, 2025. The Team Canada Olympic edition launched on February 2, 2026.
What are the rarest Tim Hortons hockey cards?
The rarest cards are the Crosby "Golden Goal" Autograph (10 copies, 1:686,080 packs) from the Olympic set, and the Sidney Crosby Superstar Autograph (1:154,345 packs) from the regular NHL set. The Top Draft Pick Redemption card (1:12,000 packs) for Matthew Schaefer is also highly sought.
Can I buy Tim Hortons cards online?
Tim Hortons does not sell cards online directly. However, you can purchase singles, lots, and complete sets from Card Source Canada, eBay, and other secondary market platforms.
The History of Tim Hortons Hockey Cards
The Tim Hortons hockey card tradition began in the 2015-16 season, when Tim Hortons partnered with Upper Deck to create an annual card promotion available exclusively at Canadian restaurant locations. The concept was inspired by earlier food-issue card promotions — most notably the 1990-91 Pro Set hockey cards distributed at McDonald's locations across Canada, which remain nostalgic favorites for collectors who grew up in that era.
From the beginning, Upper Deck treated the Tim Hortons program as a premium product rather than a basic food-issue release. The cards have been printed on holographic foil stock every year since 2015-16, giving even base cards a look and feel that rivals some hobby products. This commitment to quality is a key reason why Tim Hortons cards have maintained collector interest for over a decade.
The program has grown significantly over the years. For the 2021-22 season, Tim Hortons distributed at least 18.2 million packs — a staggering number for a food-issue release. That same season, Tim Hortons released two sets: the regular NHL set in October 2021 and a Hockey Canada set in January 2022, the latter featuring 100 cards of men's and women's national team players. The 2025-26 Team Canada Olympic edition follows this tradition, expanding it with Olympic licensing and PWHL representation.
Over the years, the insert themes have evolved to include clear acetate cards, lenticular technology for 3D effects, and narrative-driven themes that play on nostalgia and storytelling. Some campaigns highlighted legendary players, while others focused on rookie-year photography. The variety keeps the program fresh and gives collectors new reasons to participate each season.
Tim Hortons Cards vs. Upper Deck Hobby Products
Collectors often wonder how Tim Hortons cards compare to Upper Deck's hobby products like Series 1, SP Authentic, or The Cup. Here's the honest comparison:
- Accessibility — Tim Hortons cards win on accessibility. At $1.49 per pack, they're far cheaper than hobby packs ($5-$20+ each). They're also available at thousands of locations across Canada, while hobby products require a visit to a card shop or online retailer.
- Print quality — Tim Hortons cards are printed on foil stock, which is premium for a food-issue product. However, hobby products like Series 1 and SP Authentic use higher-quality card stock and more sophisticated printing techniques.
- Hit rate — Hobby products have dramatically better hit rates. A Series 1 hobby box guarantees 6 Young Guns rookies per box, while Tim Hortons packs have autograph odds of 1:7,200 or worse.
- Resale value — Hobby product rookies and autographs generally hold higher resale values because they're perceived as more premium. However, Tim Hortons autographs of stars like Crosby and MacKinnon can still sell for thousands.
- Set building experience — Tim Hortons is actually better for casual set building. The 120-card base set is achievable with regular pack purchases, and the community of Tim Hortons set builders is large and active.
For most Canadian collectors, Tim Hortons cards and hobby products serve different purposes. Tim Hortons is about accessibility, tradition, and fun. Hobby products are about chasing premium hits and building valuable collections. Many collectors enjoy both — ripping Tim Hortons packs with their morning coffee and buying hobby boxes for serious collecting.
Complete Set Building Tips
Building a complete Tim Hortons base set is one of the most rewarding experiences in the hobby. Here are advanced tips for set builders:
- Buy a box of 100 packs — Some Tim Hortons locations sell full boxes of 100 packs. This gives you 200 base cards (with duplicates) and 100 inserts, which is usually enough to complete most of the base set through pack opening alone.
- Trade online — Join Facebook groups like "Tim Hortons Hockey Cards Buy/Sell/Trade" and Reddit communities. Most members are happy to trade duplicates, and you can often complete your set within weeks.
- Buy the official album — Tim Hortons sells a collector's album with pages designed to hold the base set. This is the best way to display and protect your completed set.
- Track your progress — Use a checklist app or spreadsheet to track which cards you have and which you still need. This makes trading much more efficient.
- Complete the insert sets too — While harder than the base set, completing an insert set like Monumental Moments or True North Heroes is very achievable and adds significant value to your collection.
