Thanksgiving in Canada: history, traditions and date of the holiday
On October 13th, Canadians celebrate one of their warmest family holidays.
Thanksgiving Day is one of the warmest family holidays in Canada. It's celebrated on the second Monday of October. In 2025, that falls on October 13th. The holiday combines historical roots, harvest gratitude rituals, and modern traditions — from family dinners to volunteer initiatives and sporting events.
Historical roots of the holiday
Long before Europeans arrived, Indigenous peoples of North America held thanksgiving ceremonies after completing their harvest. In 1578, explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew held a service to give thanks for their safe voyage — this is considered one of the first documented thanksgiving celebrations on what is now Canadian soil. Later, French settlers organized festive meals called the "Order of Good Cheer" with local Indigenous peoples, strengthening friendships and cultural exchange.
When and why is Thanksgiving celebrated?
The first official Thanksgiving celebration took place on November 6, 1879. The date changed several times until January 31, 1957, when Canada's Parliament established the second week of October as the annual celebration time. This avoided conflicts with Remembrance Day, which is observed on November 11th, and naturally aligned with the end of harvest season in northern regions.
Thanksgiving is an official holiday in most provinces and territories, except for some Atlantic regions — New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, where it's not considered a mandatory paid holiday. However, many residents celebrate informally, gathering with families and participating in community events.
How is Thanksgiving celebrated in Canada?
Canadian Thanksgiving is usually quiet and homey. The main thing is gathering with loved ones and expressing gratitude for the past year. The traditional menu includes roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Different regions add their own dishes: for example, in Newfoundland, Jigg's Dinner stew is popular, while Quebec serves tourtière meat pie.
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Many people use the long weekend for trips — visiting relatives, going outdoors, or taking short trips around the country. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reminds people annually about heavy traffic and recommends planning trips in advance, especially at the US border.
Modern traditions and 2025 events
In recent years, the holiday has become increasingly culturally diverse. New Canadians add their national dishes to the holiday menu — from Asian to Eastern European — turning the celebration into a true festival of flavors. Beyond family gatherings, charity drives are becoming popular: Canadians donate food to food banks and help those in need.
Sports also remain part of the tradition. The Canadian Football League traditionally holds a series of holiday games. And in British Columbia, the famous Cranberry Festival in Fort Langley took place on Saturday before the holiday, October 11, 2025, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
How the Canadian holiday differs from the American one
While many associate Thanksgiving with American tradition, the Canadian version has its own characteristics. In Canada, it's celebrated almost a month earlier because harvest happens earlier. The holiday's scale is more modest: fewer parades and sales, more family warmth and quiet time. Additionally, Canadians see this day not only as a symbol of abundance but also as a chance to express gratitude for peace, health, and support from loved ones.
Thanksgiving in Canada is a time when people slow down, gather with loved ones, and reflect on what they're grateful for. This year, the holiday will once again bring the country's residents together around shared tables, under rustling autumn maples, with the aroma of pumpkin pie and kind words of gratitude.
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