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Thanksgiving Day in Canada 2024: Traditions and Celebrations
Thanksgiving day in Canada is an annual tradition marked by family gatherings, bountiful feasts and expressing gratitude. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about Canada’s Thanksgiving holiday, including its history, customs, recipes and more.
What is Thanksgiving Day in Canada?
Thanksgiving is a national statutory holiday in Canada celebrated on the second Monday in October. Its origins are in celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for a plentiful crop.
While Thanksgiving in Canada shares some similarities with the American Thanksgiving, there are significant differences. Canadian Thanksgiving is more tied to European harvest festival traditions than the pilgrims’ story. It also has roots in First Nations seasonal celebrations.
Nowadays, Canadian Thanksgiving is less about the harvest and more focused on getting together with family and expressing gratitude for life’s blessings. Preparing traditional dishes, watching fall parades and football, and just enjoying the autumn season are key parts of the celebration across Canada.
When is Thanksgiving Celebrated in Canada?
Unlike the American Thanksgiving, which is held on the fourth Thursday of November, Canadian Thanksgiving occurs much earlier in the fall season.
It is celebrated on the second Monday in October every year. Here are the upcoming dates:
- 2024: Monday, October 14
- 2025: Monday, October 13
- 2026: Monday, October 12
- 2027: Monday, October 11
By scheduling it in October, Thanksgiving does not overlap with Canada’s Remembrance Day on November 11th. The date also lines up with Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the United States.
What are the Origins and History of Canadian Thanksgiving?
The origins of Canadian Thanksgiving can be traced back to the traditions of European harvest festivals. Many cultural groups held celebrations to commemorate the year’s successful harvest.
First Nations peoples similarly held autumn harvest celebrations, including the Mikmaq of Nova Scotia, who honoured their creator, Glooscap.
In 1578, explorer Martin Frobisher held what is considered the first Thanksgiving celebration in what is now Canada. He gave thanks for surviving his exploration of the Eastern Arctic.
Over 300 years later, Thanksgiving was first celebrated nationwide. In 1879, the Canadian Parliament declared November 6th a national Thanksgiving, but the date kept changing year to year.
Finally, in 1957, lawmakers established that Canadian Thanksgiving would officially fall annually on the second Monday of October. This cemented its role as a national celebration.
Key Dates in History of Canadian Thanksgiving
| Year | Event |
| 1578 | Martin Frobisher holds feast in Nunavut to give thanks for surviving treacherous voyage |
| 1879 | Canadian Parliament declares national Thanksgiving for November 6 |
| 1957 | Lawmakers fix Thanksgiving as 2nd Monday of October annually |
Source: https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/a45122563/canadian-thanksgiving-date-traditions/
What Traditions and Customs Are Part of Canadian Thanksgiving?
There are certain customs and traditions commonly associated with Thanksgiving in Canada:
Thanksgiving Feasts
The main event of Thanksgiving is gathering with family and/or friends for a feast. Classic Thanksgiving fare in Canada includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, and pumpkin pie. More regional dishes like tourtière meat pies or Nanaimo bars may also appear on the menu.
Family Gatherings
Canadians will often reconnect with extended family members by hosting Thanksgiving dinner or travelling to join festivities. Cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles frequently gather to celebrate.
Television Parades & Football
Many Canadians tune into the televised Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Parade and watch the Thanksgiving Classic football games in the CFL.
Weekend Getaways & Activities
The holiday’s Monday date gives families a long weekend to enjoy activities like hiking, apple picking, staying in a cottage, or just relaxing.
Giving Back
Canadians commemorate the holiday’s spirit of gratitude by donating to food banks, volunteering at soup kitchens, and supporting other community causes.
What Are Some Regional Differences in Canadian Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is celebrated across all of Canada, but certain regions have their own distinct holiday foods, activities and traditions:
Thanksgiving in the Maritime Provinces
Thanksgiving is an optional holiday in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Unique dishes include salmon, oyster stuffing, blueberry pumpkin pie, and figgy duff pudding.
Thanksgiving in Quebec
While not a statutory holiday here, Quebecers still mark Thanksgiving. Specialties include tourtière meat pies and lacquered duck.
Read more: Statutory Holidays in Quebec: 2024 Guide
Thanksgiving in Ontario
Ontario’s Thanksgiving is complete with turkey, pumpkin pie, and maple-infused treats like butter tarts and maple cookies.
Thanksgiving on the Prairies
Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta enjoy bison, wild rice dishes, perogies, and prairie harvest vegetables like squash, potatoes and corn.
Thanksgiving in British Columbia
B.C.’s Thanksgiving feasts feature Pacific salmon, game hens, foraged mushrooms, fruit pies with local apples, plums and cherries.
Popular Regional Thanksgiving Dishes
| Region | Unique Dishes |
| Maritimes | Oyster stuffing, blueberry pumpkin pie, figgy duff pudding |
| Quebec | Tourtière meat pie, lacquered duck with maple glaze |
| Ontario | Butter tarts, maple cookies, maple-glazed turkey |
| Prairies | Bison, wild rice, perogies, roasted squash and corn |
| British Columbia | Salmon, game hen, mushrooms, fruit pies |
How Does Canadian Thanksgiving Differ from American Thanksgiving?
There are some notable differences between the two nations’ Thanksgiving celebrations:
- Canada’s Thanksgiving is in October, earlier than the American November holiday.
- Canadian Thanksgiving isn’t tied to the history of pilgrims and Indigenous peoples like in the U.S.
- Overall, Canadian Thanksgiving festivities are more low-key, with less travel, fewer parades, and no big NFL games.
- There is no major Black Friday shopping event after Canadian Thanksgiving. Sales take place around the winter holidays.
- Canadian Thanksgiving draws more from First Nations traditions, and European harvest festivals in origin.
So, while both holidays revolve around gratitude, family and feasting, Canada’s version has more of an autumnal, laid-back spirit, lacking the pilgrim backstory and commercialism found in the States.
Fun Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving Across Canada
From coast to coast, here are fun ways for Canadians to commemorate the holiday:
Go on a Thanksgiving Road Trip
Pile into the car to check out the beautiful fall foliage across the provinces. Make stops at farms, vineyards, parks, and small towns along the way.
March in a Thanksgiving Parade
Bundle up and march in Thanksgiving parades held in cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Kitchener-Waterloo. Wave at spectators lining the streets.
Indulge in a Thanksgiving Hotel Buffet or Restaurant Special
Treat yourself to Thanksgiving dinner at a hotel restaurant offering holiday buffets or fixed menus. No cooking or cleanup is required!
Check Out a Pumpkin Patch or Orchard
Pick the perfect pumpkin for a jack-o-lantern. Enjoy apple cider donuts, corn mazes, and stock up on apples for holiday recipes.
Give Back with Charity and Volunteering
Donate food, funds or your time to a local food bank, soup kitchen or charity. Help prepare and serve Thanksgiving meals for those in need.
Delicious Canadian Thanksgiving Recipes
Wow your guests with distinctively Canadian Thanksgiving recipes like:
Roast Turkey with Maple-Cranberry Glaze
This glistening maple-and-cranberry glazed turkey is sure to be the star of your Thanksgiving spread. It beautifully blends sweet and tart flavours.
Pumpkin Maple Pie
Pumpkin pie gets a delicious Canadian twist with maple syrup blended into the spiced filling and whipped cream topping.
Nanaimo Bars
These no-bake layered treats with a chocolate-coconut base and custard middle are a cherished British Columbia tradition.
Tourtière Meat Pie
Savour French-Canadian flavours with this hearty pork and beef pie seasoned with cloves, cinnamon and black pepper.
Butter Tarts
In this classic treat, buttery, flaky pastry shells are filled with a sweet maple syrup mixture and topped with raisins or nuts.
How Do You Wish Someone a ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ in Canada?
There are a few ways to wish someone a Happy Thanksgiving in Canada:
- “Happy Thanksgiving!”
- “Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!”
- “Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!”
- “Bonne Action de grâce!” (French)
- “Wishing you health, happiness and good food this Thanksgiving.”
Any warm sentiment conveying happiness, gratitude and good blessings for the holiday would work perfectly. Canadians love to celebrate Thanksgiving by connecting with loved ones near and far.
Celebrating the Beauty and Traditions of Canadian Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in Canada is all about celebrating the bounty of the fall harvest by gathering for a hearty meal with loved ones. Take time to enjoy the autumn leaves, seasonal activities, and cozy traditions that make this national holiday special from coast to coast.
Most importantly, embrace the spirit of gratitude, community and reflection that defines Thanksgiving in Canada. Reach out to family or friends who may need company for the holiday. Find ways to give back to those less fortunate through donation drives and volunteering.
Follow this guide to make your next Canadian Thanksgiving a memorable and meaningful celebration filled with lasting memories! Happy Thanksgiving, Canada!
FAQs about Celebrating Thanksgiving in Canada
When is Thanksgiving celebrated in Canada in 2024?
In 2024, Canadian Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Monday, October 14th. It falls on the second Monday of October each year.
What does Thanksgiving in Canada celebrate?
Thanksgiving in Canada celebrates the fall harvest and gives Canadians a chance to give thanks for the blessings, successes and good fortune of the past year. It is more about giving thanks than commemorating history.
Where is Thanksgiving celebrated in Canada?
Thanksgiving is celebrated and observed nationwide across Canada's 10 provinces and 3 territories. However, traditions vary somewhat by region.
Why is Canadian Thanksgiving in October?
Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated in October to avoid overlap with Remembrance Day on November 11th. The earlier harvest season in Canada also contributed to fixing the date in October.
How do Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving?
Popular Canadian Thanksgiving traditions include feasting on traditional dishes, watching parades and football, visiting family, enjoying autumn activities like apple picking, and volunteering or donating to charity.
What food do Canadians eat on Thanksgiving?
Classic Canadian Thanksgiving foods include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, squash, meat pies like tourtiere, Nanaimo bars, butter tarts, pumpkin pie and more. Traditional harvest meal dishes are served.
Do Canadians decorate for Thanksgiving?
Some Canadians decorate with autumn wreaths, flowers, leaves and pumpkins, but elaborate over-the-top decorations are not as common as in American Thanksgiving. The focus is more on food and family gatherings.
What sports are on during Canadian Thanksgiving?
Popular sports on Canadian Thanksgiving include watching the televised CFL Thanksgiving Day Classic football doubleheader. The NHL hockey season is also underway by early October.
How did Thanksgiving start in Canada?
The origins of Thanksgiving in Canada trace back to European harvest festivals and early explorer feasts in 1578. It took over 200 years to become an official national holiday in 1879 before the fixed October date was set in 1957.
How is Canadian Thanksgiving different from American Thanksgiving?
Unlike the American holiday, Canadian Thanksgiving occurs in October, has no connection to the Pilgrims, involves less elaborate meals and decorations, fewer big sales and parades, and more focus on simple family gatherings.
Article Sources
Thanksgiving Day in Canada 2024: Traditions and Celebrations
Ben Nguyen