Canadian Thanksgiving: Grateful and Ready for Turkey!
Thanksgiving in Canada is a time to celebrate the fall harvest and to give thanks and be grateful. Thanksgiving dinner is the centrepiece of this day with turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, root vegetables, and cranberries. Of course, don’t forget about dessert, especially pumpkin pie!
Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October and this year it is on October 13.
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Is Thanksgiving a statutory holiday everywhere in Canada?
Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in most provinces and territories. It’s not a statutory holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, but it’s observed by federally regulated businesses and workplaces everywhere.
How did Thanksgiving start in Canada?
Canadian Thanksgiving originated in 1578, when English explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew held a special meal in what is now Nunavut to give thanks for their safe arrival after a difficult voyage.
Thanksgiving in Canada was declared a national holiday in 1879 to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Parliament officially established Thanksgiving in Canada in 1957, setting it on the second Monday in October. This aligns with the earlier end of the Canadian harvest season and sets it apart from American Thanksgiving in November.
Indigenous cultures also marked successful crops and hunts and French settlers in the 17th century held feasts at the end of the harvest season, often sharing their food with Indigenous peoples.
What’s the difference between Canadian and American Thanksgivings?
In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November and this year it’s on Nov. 27.
The origins of American Thanksgiving go back to the fall of 1621 when the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts held a harvest feast with the Wampanoag people. This event is commonly remembered as the "First Thanksgiving," even though the term wasn’t used at the time and much of the modern narrative is shaped by later interpretations and myths.
The fourth Thursday in November was officially set by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939.
Both American and Canadian Thanksgivings are marked by turkey, traditional foods, and a focus on thankfulness.
What’s the relationship between American Thanksgiving and Black Friday?
Black Friday is the day immediately following Thanksgiving, traditionally marking the start of the Christmas shopping season in the United States. Black Friday is widely known as a consumer-driven event that capitalizes on the Thanksgiving holiday to stimulate holiday buying.
Is Canadian Thanksgiving weekend a good time to see fall colours?
Fall colours can vary by region and micro-climate, but Canadian Thanksgiving weekend is usually considered a prime time to see autumn foliage.
If you are driving on Thanksgiving weekend
You may face heavy traffic, depending on where you live and where you are going. Slow down. It’s better to get there in one piece and late, than to get in an accident. Don’t let road rage tempt you when you are behind the wheel. Plan your route and when you should leave to hopefully avoid traffic snarls. Don’t let traffic ruin your Thanksgiving! Take it in stride.
Traditional foods
Both Canadian and American Thanksgivings feature turkey, harvest vegetables, and desserts, especially pumpkin pie.
Canadian Thanksgiving
Canadians, too, embrace the tradition of roasted turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Additionally, butter tarts and Nanaimo bars are often served as desserts as well as pumpkin pies.
American Thanksgiving
In the United States, a roasted turkey also takes centre stage at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Accompanied by stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and cranberry sauce, it's a feast that embodies the spirit of abundance. Pumpkin and pecan pies are popular dessert choices.
Shared foods
Despite these variations, both Canadian and American Thanksgiving meals emphasize the importance of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The focus on family recipes passed down through generations remains a constant. Both nations share the joy of preparing and sharing a meal with loved ones.
Parades and celebrations
Parades and celebrations are another hallmark of Thanksgiving in North America, and both countries have their own unique takes on these festivities.
American Thanksgiving: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is an iconic American tradition dating back to 1924. Featuring larger-than-life balloons, elaborate floats, and live performances, it ushers in the holiday season. Millions of Americans tune in to watch this event, making it a part of their Thanksgiving morning.
Canadian Thanksgiving: Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
In Canada, Thanksgiving often coincides with Kitchener-Waterloo's Oktoberfest, the largest Bavarian festival outside Germany. While not exclusive to Thanksgiving, this event showcases Canadian-German cultural ties and adds a unique flavor to the celebrations. It features parades, music, and, of course, food and beer. It runs from Sept. 26 to Oct. 18 this year.
To sum it all up
Let Thanksgiving 2025 be a time to spend with family and loved ones. Prepare and share a meal, if you can. Talk to each other. Be grateful.
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5 FAQs
What else can I make for Thanksgiving if I don't like turkey?
You can serve ham, roast beef or pork, Cornish game hens, seafood, or chicken. You can also serve vegetarian and vegan dishes. The important part is sharing a Thanksgiving meal with people you care about.
Is it true that turkey and wine make you fall asleep?
That’s a popular Thanksgiving myth. Turkey does contain tryptophan, an amino acid involved in the production of serotonin and melatonin, which are associated with sleep regulation. But turkey has about the same or even less tryptophan compared to other common meats like chicken or beef. The amount of tryptophan in a typical serving of turkey is not enough to cause immediate drowsiness.
Why do I feel sleepy after my Thanksgiving meal?
The main cause of post-Thanksgiving sleepiness is overeating, especially a big meal rich in carbohydrates and fats. Alcohol consumption, including wine, can also make you sleepy. It’s not the turkey or wine alone causing sleepiness, but the overall large, carb-heavy meal and digestion that make people want to doze off after Thanksgiving dinner.
Why is pumpkin pie a Thanksgiving dish?
Pumpkins are native to North America and were cultivated by Indigenous peoples before European settlers arrived. Pumpkin pie is popular as a Thanksgiving dessert in Canada because it symbolizes the fall harvest and represents the changing of the seasons. Pumpkins were abundant for early settlers.
What foods aren’t considered winners at a Thanksgiving dinner?
Boiled vegetables, spam meat, processed meats, oyster stuffing, turkey Jello, creamed onions, and creamed corn. These foods aren’t traditionally associated with harvest season.
