Thanksgiving Day in Canada is an annual tradition marked by family gatherings, bountiful feasts, and expressing gratitude. Our 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:
- 2025: Monday, October 13
- 2026: Monday, October 12
- 2027: Monday, October 11
- 2028: Monday, October 9
- 2029: Monday, October 8
- 2030: Monday, October 14
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.
Source: Thanksgiving (Canada) – Wikipedia
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 from 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 the History of Canadian Thanksgiving
| Year | Event |
| 1578 | Martin Frobisher holds a feast in Nunavut to give thanks for surviving a treacherous voyage |
| 1879 | Canadian Parliament declares national Thanksgiving for November 6 |
| 1957 | Lawmakers fix Thanksgiving as 2nd Monday of October annually |
Source: When Is Canadian Thanksgiving and How Do They Celebrate? – CountryLiving
Is Thanksgiving Day a Statutory Holiday in Canada?
Yes, Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in 9 out of 13 Canadian provinces and territories, including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. This means eligible employees in these jurisdictions are entitled to a paid day off on Thanksgiving, regardless of whether they work that day.
In New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, Thanksgiving is not a paid holiday under employment standards. In Newfoundland and Labrador, Thanksgiving is generally an optional paid holiday for private sector workers and a designated paid holiday for provincial public‑service employees.
The following breakdown provides specific information for each Canadian province and territory.
| Province/Territory | Statutory Status | Governing Legislation |
| Alberta | General Holiday | Employment Standards Code (Alberta) |
| British Columbia | Statutory Holiday | Employment Standards Act (British Columbia) |
| Manitoba | General Holiday | Employment Standards Code (Manitoba) |
| Saskatchewan | Public Holiday | The Saskatchewan Employment Act |
| Ontario | Public Holiday | Employment Standards Act (Ontario) |
| Quebec | Statutory Holiday | Act Respecting Labour Standards and National Holiday Act |
| New Brunswick | NOT Statutory Holiday | – |
| Nova Scotia | NOT Statutory Holiday | – |
| Prince Edward Island | NOT Statutory Holiday | – |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Designated Holidays | Labour Standards Act |
| Northwest Territories | Statutory Holiday | Employment Standards Act (Northwest Territories) |
| Nunavut | General Holiday | Labour Standards Act (Nunavut) |
| Yukon | Statutory Holiday | Employment Standards Act (Yukon) |
What are Employee Entitlements for Canadian Thanksgiving by Provinces and Territories?
Employee entitlements for Thanksgiving Day differ across Canada’s provinces and territories. This means that both employers and employees need to know the specific rules for their location, as each area has its own guidelines on eligibility, pay, and holiday compensation.
British Columbia
In BC, qualified employees receive their average daily pay for the holiday, calculated by dividing total wages earned in the 30 days before the holiday by the number of days worked (excluding overtime). If they work on Thanksgiving, they earn time-and-a-half, and double time for any hours over 12.
Alberta
General holiday pay in Alberta is based on an average daily wage, calculated using either the four weeks before the holiday or the four weeks ending the pay period before the holiday. If an employee works on Thanksgiving in Canada, they can choose to receive either 1.5 times their pay for those hours plus their average daily wage, or regular pay for those hours with a paid day off later.
Saskatchewan
SK employees earn 5% of their wages as public holiday pay in the four weeks before Thanksgiving. If they work on a public holiday, they get paid 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for those hours. During a week with a public holiday, they receive overtime pay after working 32 hours.
Manitoba
Employees in Manitoba with varying hours or wages receive 5% of their gross earnings (excluding overtime) for the 4 weeks preceding the holiday. If employees work on this Thanksgiving Day, they earn 1.5 times their regular pay for those hours, plus the general holiday pay.
Ontario
Most qualifying Ontario employees can take these days off and receive public holiday pay. This pay is calculated by adding all regular wages and vacation pay earned in the 4 weeks before Thanksgiving and then dividing that total by 20.
Quebec
Eligible employees get holiday pay equal to 1/20 of their earnings from the last 4 weeks before Thanksgiving (Jour férié) OR 1/60 for employees paid in whole or part by commission. Note that overtime is not included. If employees work on the holiday, they receive their holiday pay plus extra for the hours worked.
Yukon
If an employee works on Thanksgiving Day, they get their holiday pay plus one of the following: either overtime pay for the hours worked that day or their regular pay plus a day off. Otherwise, they get a day off.
Northwest Territories
General Thanksgiving gives employees in the territory a paid holiday. If an employee has to work on this holiday in NWT, they will receive time-and-a-half for hours worked plus an average day’s pay. Alternatively, the employer can offer regular pay for those hours and a paid day off later. In a week with a public holiday, overtime kicks in after 32 hours (holiday hours don’t count toward that 32).
Nunavut
In Nunavut, hourly and salaried employees get their usual daily wages on Thanksgiving. Other employees receive their average daily wage based on the last 4 weeks. If they work on Thanksgiving, they earn their regular pay plus 1.5 times their hourly rate for the hours worked, or they can take a paid day off later. If Thanksgiving falls on a day off, the employer gives either holiday pay or a paid substitute day off.
Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, Thanksgiving Day is treated differently for government and private sector employees:
- Government employees get the day off with pay. If they work, they earn time off at 1.5 times their hours worked. If they do not receive time off within 4 months, they receive 1.5 times their regular pay for those hours.
- Private sector employees have no legal requirement for paid time off. Any holiday pay depends on individual employment contracts or company policies.
Disclaimer: This guide outlines basic standards. It’s not legal advice, so always check with your local employment standards or a lawyer.
What Traditions and Customs Are Part of Canadian Thanksgiving?
There are five 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.
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 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
Quebecers mark Thanksgiving with specialties that include tourtière meat pies and lacquered duck. However, celebrations tend to be lower‑key.
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, and 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 notable differences between the two nations’ Thanksgiving celebrations:
- Canada’s Thanksgiving is in October, earlier than the American holiday in November.
- 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.
To make things simpler, here’s a quick comparison table that highlights the main points side by side:
| Aspect | Canadian Thanksgiving | American Thanksgiving |
| Date | 2nd Monday in October | 4th Thursday in November |
| 2025 Date | October 13 | November 27 |
| First Celebrated | 1578 (Frobisher) | 1621 (Pilgrims) |
| National Holiday Since | 1879 | 1789 |
| Travel Intensity | Moderate | Extremely high |
| Shopping Connection | None | Black Friday |
| Media Coverage | Modest | Extensive |
| Work Week Impact | 3-day weekend | 4-day weekend |
| Religious Elements | Mostly secular | Some religious overtones |
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 see the beautiful fall foliage across the provinces. Along the way, stop at farms, vineyards, parks, and small towns.
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 and 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 will surely 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.
Canada is a multicultural country that celebrates many holidays and festivals throughout the year. Some of the major Canadian holidays include:
- New Year’s Day
- Family Day
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Good Friday
- Easter
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Labour Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is Thanksgiving called in Quebec?
Thanksgiving is called "Action de grâce" in Quebec. It's celebrated less extensively there due to the holiday's Protestant origins and Anglo-nationalist associations.
Where was the first Thanksgiving celebrated in Canada?
The first European Thanksgiving in Canada was celebrated by Sir Martin Frobisher in 1578 in what is now Nunavut, during his Arctic expedition.
Do all Canadian businesses close on Thanksgiving?
No, not all businesses close. While many retail stores, schools, and government offices close in statutory holiday provinces, essential services remain open. New Brunswick mandates business closures despite non-statutory status
Why is Canadian Thanksgiving in October instead of November?
Canada's harvest season arrives earlier due to its northern geography. October timing allows families to celebrate while fall weather is still suitable for outdoor activities and travel.
