Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday in October every year, making it earlier than the American Thanksgiving.

Holiday Details

• In 2025, Canadian Thanksgiving falls on Monday, October 13.

• The holiday is a statutory day off in most provinces, though not in all Atlantic provinces.

• Festivities and family gatherings typically take place on the Sunday of the long weekend, though some may celebrate on Saturday or Monday depending on family traditions.

Historical Background

• Canadian Thanksgiving was declared an official national holiday in 1879 and moved to its current date in 1957.

• The holiday coincides with the end of the harvest season in Canada, which comes earlier than in the US due to a shorter growing season.

Traditions

• While Thanksgiving is officially on Monday, Canadians often gather for their feast on Sunday, or even Saturday, to make the most of the long weekend.

• Typical foods include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, though local customs can vary.

Canadian Thanksgiving offers a chance to celebrate gratitude and the fall harvest, with its timing and traditions rooted in both history and practicality.