Canada Thanksgiving: A Unique Celebration of Harvest and Gratitude
While Thanksgiving in the United States is widely known for taking place on the fourth Thursday in November, Canada Thanksgiving has its own rich history and unique customs, celebrated on the second Monday of October. The earlier celebration of Thanksgiving in Canada aligns with the country’s climate and agricultural calendar, emphasizing gratitude for the fall harvest before the winter season sets in. In this article, we’ll explore why Canada Thanksgiving occurs in October, what traditional foods are served, regional variations, and how this holiday reflects the diversity of Canadian culture.
Why Does Canada Celebrate Thanksgiving in October?
One of the key differences between Thanksgiving in the U.S. and Thanksgiving in Canada is the timing. Canada’s Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday of October, often raising questions among American neighbors. The earlier celebration has historical roots tied to Canada’s climate. According to Andrew McIntosh, senior editor at the Canadian Encyclopedia, Thanksgiving in Canada has long been associated with the end of the harvest season.
Canada, known for its colder climate, experiences winter earlier than many parts of the U.S. As a result, the fall harvest takes place sooner. Farmers would traditionally celebrate the bountiful harvest before the cold weather arrived. In 1957, the government officially designated the second Monday in October as Canada Thanksgiving, allowing the holiday to coincide with this earlier harvest. By celebrating in October, Canadians can enjoy the season while the weather is still mild enough for outdoor activities.
The History of Thanksgiving in Canada
Though the official date of Canada Thanksgiving was set in 1957, the holiday has a much older history. The first official Thanksgiving in Canada dates back to 1879. However, the date wasn’t always fixed in October. Over the years, Parliament decided the date each year, often with a unifying theme related to celebrating the British monarchy or significant national events. Interestingly, Canadian Thanksgiving has fallen as late as December 6, and even coincided with American Thanksgiving in some years.
Over time, the celebration evolved into a day of giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. Today, Canada Thanksgiving is a time for Canadians to gather with family and friends, enjoy a hearty meal, and reflect on the things for which they are grateful.
Traditional Canadian Thanksgiving Foods
The traditional foods served during Thanksgiving in Canada might look familiar to those who celebrate the holiday in the U.S. The influence of American Thanksgiving is evident in many Canadian households, where turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, squash, rolls, and cranberry sauce grace the table. And for dessert? Pumpkin pie is a staple in both countries. However, Canada Thanksgiving also boasts regional and cultural variations that make it unique.
Regional Variations
Canada is a vast country with diverse cultural influences, so it’s no surprise that Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated differently depending on the region. In Newfoundland, for example, Jigg’s dinner is a popular alternative to turkey. This traditional meal consists of salt meat stew, often accompanied by scalloped potatoes instead of mashed. Cranberry sauce, rather than gravy, is commonly served.
In Western Canada, many families prefer ham over turkey and often include Brussels sprouts as part of the meal. Regional dishes also include Indigenous foods like bannock, a type of fry bread served as a side dish by many Indigenous groups. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Canadians often include perogies and cabbage rolls as part of their Thanksgiving feast, reflecting the multicultural tapestry of the country.
Desserts and Regional Sweet Treats
While pumpkin pie is widely enjoyed across Canada, regional dessert preferences also highlight the diversity of the country. In Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, apple pie or apple crisp is often favored over pumpkin pie. Butter tarts, a beloved dessert in Ontario, resemble mini pecan pies and are a Thanksgiving favorite. In Western Canada, Nanaimo bars — a no-bake dessert with layers of chocolate, custard, and coconut — are a popular treat.
Thanksgiving in Quebec: A Unique Perspective
Despite Canada Thanksgiving being a national holiday, it isn’t celebrated uniformly across all provinces. In Quebec, Thanksgiving is not as widely observed as in the rest of the country. This has historical roots dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Thanksgiving was largely viewed as a Protestant holiday, closely tied to British monarchy celebrations. This alienated many French Canadians, who were primarily Catholic.
Today, while some Anglophone Quebecers do celebrate Thanksgiving, many Francophone and immigrant communities treat the day as simply a day off, rather than a major holiday. According to McIntosh, many Quebec residents, especially immigrants, see Thanksgiving as an unfamiliar holiday and are often unsure of its significance.
Indigenous Perspectives on Thanksgiving in Canada
Another important aspect of Canada Thanksgiving is how it is viewed by Indigenous peoples. While some Indigenous groups in the U.S. observe Thanksgiving as a National Day of Mourning due to the historical displacement of Native peoples, the attitude toward Thanksgiving in Canada tends to be different. Many Indigenous communities in Canada see the holiday as a time to enjoy good food and leisure with family, much like the broader Canadian population.
However, tensions still exist around the holiday’s colonial associations. Despite this, Indigenous peoples in Canada often celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada as a way to honor Indigenous foods that predate European colonization, such as turkey, squash, corn, and cranberries. These foods were staples in many Indigenous diets long before European settlers arrived.
Thanksgiving Activities and Events in Canada
Though Canada doesn’t have a Thanksgiving event as grand as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the U.S., there are many local harvest festivals and events that coincide with the season. One of the most notable is the Fall Flavours Festival on Prince Edward Island, which takes place in late September and early October. This three-week-long event is a celebration of local food, with everything from lobster dinners to culinary workshops.
In Western Canada, the town of Smoky Lake in Alberta is known as the “Pumpkin Capital” of Canada and hosts the Great White North Pumpkin Fair every October. The event features food stalls, social events, and a pumpkin weigh-off. In 2024, the winning pumpkin tipped the scales at an astonishing 2,137 pounds!
Thanksgiving in Canada vs. Black Friday in the U.S.
One major difference between Thanksgiving in Canada and its American counterpart is the lack of a strong retail connection. While Black Friday has become one of the biggest shopping events in the U.S., Canada’s Thanksgiving doesn’t include the same commercial frenzy. Stores are typically closed on Thanksgiving Day, and Canadians reserve their major shopping sprees for the Christmas season.
Instead, many Canadians spend the long weekend preparing for the winter ahead, catching up on home maintenance, or enjoying a relaxing day watching sports like Canadian Football League (CFL) and National Hockey League (NHL) games.
Conclusion
Canada Thanksgiving is a unique celebration that blends historical traditions with regional diversity. Its October date reflects the country’s agricultural calendar, as the fall harvest arrives earlier in Canada than in the U.S. While traditional foods like turkey, pumpkin pie, and cranberry sauce are widely enjoyed, the holiday’s true richness lies in its regional differences and multicultural influences, from Indigenous dishes to Ukrainian perogies and butter tarts.
Whether it’s gathering with family, indulging in delicious food, or simply enjoying the beautiful fall weather, Thanksgiving in Canada remains a cherished time to give thanks for the blessings of the year. As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, Canadians across the country come together to celebrate in their own special ways, with gratitude for the harvest and the anticipation of the coming winter season.
