Thanksgiving is a special holiday, usually spent with family, big meals, and a focus on being thankful. It’s a time to think about what we’re grateful for and to celebrate the harvest season. But the Canadian Thanksgiving has its own unique history, different from the American version most people know about.
Thanksgiving in Canada started long before it became an official holiday. It began with European settlers who celebrated the harvest and gave thanks for safe travel, good crops, and surviving in a new land. One of the first Thanksgiving celebrations happened in 1578 when the English explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony in Newfoundland to give thanks for making it through a tough journey to the New World.
As time went on, Thanksgiving spread across Canada, with different regions celebrating in their own ways. It became an official holiday in 1879, but the date wasn’t set. It was moved around until 1957, when Parliament decided it would be held on the second Monday in October.
Why October?
Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving earlier than people in the U.S. It is in October because the harvest happens earlier. Since Canada is further north, it has colder weather and crops are ready sooner. By October, the harvest is done, making it a great time to give thanks for the season.
Celebrating in October also lets us enjoy a long weekend in the cool fall weather, surrounded by the beautiful colours of changing leaves.
The Canadian Thanksgiving has many of the same traditions as the American Thanksgiving, but there are a few things that make it special:
Turkey is a big part of many Thanksgiving meals (same across the border), served with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. But in some areas, especially where there are strong cultural traditions, people might also serve foods like tourtière (a French-Canadian meat pie), butter tarts, or salmon on the West Coast. Each family adds their own personal touch to the meal.
By celebrating on the second Monday in October, it is a long weekend. Some families have their big dinner on Sunday, while others celebrate on Monday. Either way, it’s all about spending time with family, eating, and having fun!
Since this holiday happens in the heart of autumn, many like to spend time outside. Activities like hiking, apple picking, or just enjoying the colorful fall leaves are popular. It’s a relaxing time to connect with nature.
While Americans are known for their NFL games on Thanksgiving, Canadians have their own football tradition. The Canadian Football League (CFL) hosts the Thanksgiving Day Classic, where people gather to cheer for their favorite teams over the holiday weekend.
Fun Facts:
Although the American Thanksgiving gets a lot of attention, Canada’s Thanksgiving celebrations are actually older. As mentioned earlier, Martin Frobisher’s Thanksgiving in 1578 happened 43 years before the Pilgrims had their first feast at Plymouth in 1621.
In Canada, there isn’t a Black Friday right after Thanksgiving like in the U.S. Instead, Canadians enjoy a quieter holiday without the big shopping sales the next day. However, with the influence of global shopping trends, Black Friday deals are becoming more common in Canada, they’re just not linked to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thanksgiving is celebrated differently across the country. In Quebec, for example, it’s observed by fewer people and isn’t as big of a cultural event as it is in other provinces. In Atlantic Canada, people might include local dishes like seafood or lobster along with the traditional turkey dinner.
Pumpkin pie is a must-have dessert, just like in the U.S. But (fun fact - Canadians eat more pumpkin per person than almost anyone else in the world!) Whether it’s in pie, muffins, or soup, pumpkin is a Thanksgiving favorite.
Canadian astronauts celebrate Thanksgiving too! In 2009, astronaut Robert Thirsk marked the holiday on the International Space Station with a special turkey dinner, bringing a bit of Thanksgiving to outer space.
For many it’s about more than just food. It’s a time to gather with family and friends, reflect on the things that matter most, and express gratitude for the simple joys in life. The long weekend provides an opportunity for people to reconnect with loved ones, whether that’s through a cozy family meal, a hike in the woods, or simply spending time together.
This is my favorite time of year. The weather is perfect—not too hot, not too cold—and we leave the windows open at night - sleeping so well with fresh air flowing through the house and I love the beautiful fall colours all around us.
Our family makes the most of it by going on hikes and we all look forward to turkey dinner. My husband especially looks forward to making turkey soup every year after the big dinner – it keeps our bellies warm for days. I love when we all gather around the table, sharing stories and updates. The kids are happy seeing everyone together, and there’s just something so comforting about those moments.
Thanksgiving started as a way to celebrate the harvest but its meaning has changed over time. Today, it’s a chance to pause, take a deep breath, and appreciate what we have—whether it’s the food on our table or the people we love.
The holiday is celebrated in various ways these days. Some people host traditional dinners at home with turkey and all the sides, while others prefer a more relaxed potluck style where everyone brings a dish. Many use the long weekend to travel, especially if family members live far away.
For those who enjoy being outdoors, it's a perfect time for a camping trip, a visit to a pumpkin patch, or a quick getaway to the cottage before winter arrives.
Many also use this time as a chance to give back. Food banks, shelters, and community centers often organize events to make sure everyone can have a warm meal on this special day.
If you don’t have family to celebrate with, know that you’re not alone. It can be tough when everyone around you seems to be gathering with loved ones, but there are still ways to make the day special. You might find comfort in spending time with close friends, volunteering in your community, or simply taking the day to do something you love. Gratitude doesn’t always need a big table or a full house. It’s about finding joy in the little things—a quiet moment, a favorite meal, or even a good book.
Thanksgiving is a reminder to be kind to yourself and appreciate the goodness in your life, no matter how small it might seem.
At its core, Thanksgiving is all about gratitude.
It’s a reminder that no matter what challenges we face, there’s always something to be thankful for. That’s what it’s really all about.
So whether you’re having a big dinner or spending the weekend outside enjoying the fall colours, I wish you all the very best of the season with the people and/or the moments closest to your heart.
