So you're wondering when Thanksgiving in Canada happens? Look, I get this question every single year from American friends who assume we celebrate in November like they do. Nope! Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. For 2024, that lands on October 14th. But why the different date? And what's the deal with Canadian Thanksgiving anyway?
Honestly, I used to mix it up myself until I moved from Toronto to Vancouver and realized how much this holiday varies across provinces. Last year, my cousin in Nova Scotia had to work on Thanksgiving Monday while I was off grilling turkey burgers. Weird, right?
Why Canada's Thanksgiving Date Differs From America's
People often ask when Thanksgiving in Canada falls compared to the US. If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me why we eat turkey a month earlier than our southern neighbors... Here's the interesting stuff:
Canada celebrates earlier primarily because of our harvest season. Our northern climate means crops ripen sooner. When I visited my uncle's farm in Manitoba last October, his pumpkins were already harvested before Halloween – unthinkable in most US states.
Historically, our Thanksgiving traces back to 1578 when explorer Martin Frobisher held a feast in Nunavut after surviving Arctic storms. That predates Plymouth Rock by decades! The October timing became official in 1957 when Parliament declared:
"A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed... observed on the second Monday in October."
Not to knock American traditions, but I find Canada's focus on harvest rather than pilgrims refreshing. Less historical baggage. More about apples and corn mazes.
Quick Comparison: Canadian vs American Thanksgiving
| Element | Canada | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 2nd Monday of October | 4th Thursday of November |
| Origin Focus | Harvest celebration | Pilgrim survival |
| Main Dish | Roast turkey (sometimes ham) | Roast turkey |
| Football | CFL games | NFL games |
| Retail Impact | Moderate sales | Black Friday prep |
A Deep Dive Into Provincial Holiday Rules
Now here's where it gets messy. When Thanksgiving in Canada occurs provincially isn't uniform. During my college years in New Brunswick, I was shocked that classes weren't canceled. Check how it breaks down:
| Province/Territory | Stat Holiday? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Yes | Most businesses closed |
| Quebec | No | Optional for employers |
| British Columbia | Yes | Except essential services |
| Alberta | Yes | Retail exceptions |
| Nova Scotia | No | Government offices open |
| Nunavut | Yes | Full closure |
Confusing? Absolutely. Last year my friend in Halifax worked while her Montreal cousin had off. My advice? Always confirm local schedules.
What's Open/Closed on Thanksgiving in Canada
Based on my cross-country travels during this holiday:
- Definitely closed: Banks, government offices, Canada Post
- Usually open: Grocery stores (limited hours), pharmacies, movie theaters
- Hit or miss: Malls (check locally - Toronto Eaton Centre opens afternoon)
- Always packed: Chinese restaurants (seriously, it's a thing)
Canadian Thanksgiving Activities Worth Trying
Forget the canned pilgrim imagery. After 15 Thanksgivings coast-to-coast, here's what actual Canadians do:
Top 5 Regional Traditions:
- Ontario Apple Picking - Orchards like Chudleigh's (9528 Regional Rd 25, Milton) offer hayrides and fresh cider donuts. Open 9am-6pm, admission $7-$15
- QC Sugar Shacks - Places like Sucrerie de la Montagne (300 Chemin St-Georges, Rigaud) serve maple-glazed ham. Open Thanksgiving weekend 9am-5pm
- Prairie Harvest Festivals - Saskatoon's Berry Barn (830 Valley Rd) does pumpkin carving contests. Free entry
- Atlantic Seafood Feasts - Halifax waterfront restaurants like The Bicycle Thief serve lobster stuffing. Reservations essential
- BC Wine Tours - Okanagan vineyards host Thanksgiving tastings. Tinhorn Creek charges $15 for flights
That time I tried apple picking near Kelowna? Spent more time untangling my sweater from thorny branches than actually harvesting fruit. Still worth it for the photos though.
Navigating Thanksgiving Travel in Canada
Planning trips around when Thanksgiving in Canada occurs requires strategy. Trust me, I learned the hard way driving Toronto-Montreal in 2019. Some brutal realities:
- Flight prices jump 40% for Thanksgiving weekend
- VIA Rail books up 3+ months in advance
- Highway 401 becomes a parking lot Friday evening
Pro tip: Fly Tuesday before or Wednesday after Thanksgiving Monday. My cheapest flight ever was Vancouver-Calgary on Thanksgiving Day afternoon - half empty plane!
Accommodation Hacks
Based on 8 years of Canadian Thanksgiving trips:
| City | Budget Option | Mid-Range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | HI Hostel ($65/night) | Delta Chelsea ($220) | Ritz-Carlton ($650) |
| Montreal | Auberge Bishop ($85) | Hotel Monville ($190) | Four Seasons ($700) |
| Banff | HI Banff Alpine ($75) | Moose Hotel ($320) | Fairmont Springs ($900) |
Essential Thanksgiving Recipes With Canadian Twists
My grandma's butter tarts could start family wars. Here's how Canadian Thanksgiving menus differ from American versions:
- Main Protein: Turkey still dominates but maple-glazed ham gaining popularity
- Stuffing Variations: East coast adds seafood, Quebec uses tourtière spices
- Signature Desserts: Butter tarts > pumpkin pie, fight me
Try this Prairie-style twist I learned in Alberta:
Maple Roasted Root Vegetables
Chop 4 cups parsnips/carrots. Toss with 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp canola oil, 1 tsp thyme. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 45 mins. Serves 6.
Heads-up: My first attempt at homemade peameal bacon ended... poorly. Maybe stick to store-bought.
Canadian Thanksgiving FAQ Corner
Exactly when does Canada celebrate Thanksgiving each year?
Canada always observes Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. For 2025, it falls on October 13th. Mark those calendars!
Why does Canada have Thanksgiving in October not November?
Two big reasons: Our earlier harvest season due to colder climate, and historical roots separate from American pilgrim traditions.
Is Thanksgiving a paid holiday everywhere in Canada?
Unfortunately no. Only federal employees and certain provinces guarantee paid time off. Retail workers in Quebec often work normal hours.
Do Canadian schools close for Thanksgiving?
Most close Friday through Monday, but Atlantic provinces sometimes hold classes Monday. Always check local school board sites.
What's the most popular Canadian Thanksgiving dish?
Roast turkey wins, but regional runners-up include: Quebec tourtière, Atlantic salmon, and prairie perogies. Butter tarts dominate dessert tables.
My Thanksgiving Horror Story: That time I hosted 20 people in my 500sq ft Vancouver apartment... Turkey wouldn't fit in oven, gravy volcano erupted on stove, and my "heritage recipe" cranberry sauce tasted like medicine. Now I always order catering!
Thanksgiving Evolution & Modern Trends
Canadian Thanksgiving keeps changing. At my first Thanksgiving in 1998, it was turkey/football/sleep. Modern celebrations look different:
- Vegetarian options: 30% of hosts now serve meatless mains (Hello, mushroom Wellington!)
- Friendsgiving: Younger Canadians increasingly celebrate with friends the weekend before
- Indigenous perspectives: Many now incorporate land acknowledgments before meals
Frankly? I miss the simple turkey-and-potatoes days. But that vegan lentil loaf my niece made last year? Surprisingly delicious.
Weather Expectations Across Canada
Thanksgiving weather varies wildly. That Ottawa trip where we ate turkey in parkas? Never again. Typical conditions:
| Region | Avg Temp (°C) | Precipitation | Activity Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC Coast | 10-14°C | High rain risk | Indoor winery tours |
| Prairies | 5-10°C | Occasional snow | Indoor spa retreats |
| Ontario/QC | 8-15°C | Mixed sun/rain | Layered clothing essential |
| Atlantic | 7-12°C | Windy coastal fog | Seafood chowder saves |
After getting caught in a Winnipeg snowstorm during Thanksgiving weekend 2020, I now pack thermal underwear regardless of forecast.
Making the Most of Your Canadian Thanksgiving
Whether you're new to Canada or born here, understanding when Thanksgiving in Canada happens is just step one. Here's my battle-tested advice:
- Book early: Flights/accommodations sell out 4+ months ahead
- Embrace local: Skip American pumpkin pie - try Nanaimo bars or Saskatoon berry crisp
- Check closures: Verify if your province observes the holiday Monday
- Drive smart: Avoid highways Friday evening/Sunday afternoon
At its core? Canadian Thanksgiving remains about gratitude. Even when turkeys burn and relatives argue politics. Maybe especially then.
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