Why is Canadian Thanksgiving celebrated in October?

While Americans celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November, Canada celebrates the holiday on the second Monday in October, which falls on October 14 this year. To understand why, we spoke to Andrew McIntosh, senior technical editor at the Canadian Encyclopedia.

The reason for the earlier date, he explains, is the Canadian climate. “Winter comes much earlier in Canada, so our fall harvest comes earlier,” says McIntosh. Historically, Canadian Thanksgiving was about celebrating the fall harvest and giving thanks for abundance before the colder months arrive. “Canadian Thanksgiving was set in 1957 on the second Monday in October, when the weather was still suitable for outdoor activities,” he adds.

However, the tradition goes back much further. The first official Canadian Thanksgiving took place in 1879, but its date was not set until much later. “The exact date was set by Parliament each year and each year had a consistent theme, which was often about celebrating the monarchy,” says McIntosh. Interestingly, a few times the holiday even coincided with American Thanksgiving and in some years it didn't take place until December.

Modern festivals

These days, many Canadians celebrate on the Sunday before the official holiday to provide extra travel time for those heading home for the long weekend. Menu-wise, Canadian Thanksgiving shares many similarities with its American counterpart.

“Canadians have really embraced the traditional Thanksgiving dinner from America,” explains McIntosh. The typical spread includes turkey, gravy, potatoes, pumpkin, rolls, cranberry sauce and of course pumpkin pie. But in this vast, diverse country there are many regional differences.

“In Newfoundland, Jigg's Dinner, a salted meat stew, is often preferred to turkey. Scalloped potatoes replace mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce is used instead of gravy,” says McIntosh. Now some in western Canada are opting for ham and Brussels sprouts as a side dish. Native foods like bannock (fried bread) and staples from other cultures like perogies and stuffed cabbage are also found on many Thanksgiving tables.

Sweet traditions and regional favorites

The regional differences are most noticeable when it comes to dessert. While pumpkin pie remains the most popular treat in most of Canada, different regions have their favorites. McIntosh points out that apple pie and apple chips are more popular in Quebec and Atlantic Canada, while Ontario residents prefer butter tarts. In the West, Nanaimo bars (a no-bake dessert) are a Thanksgiving favorite.

Interestingly, many French-speaking Quebeckers do not celebrate Thanksgiving. “Thanksgiving was originally a Protestant holiday in Canada, often used to thank the British monarchy,” McIntosh explains, which alienated Catholic French Canadians. “While Anglo-Quebecians and immigrant communities in Quebec celebrate, for many, Thanksgiving is simply a day off from school.”

Indigenous perspectives

Although Thanksgiving in the United States is considered a national day of mourning by some Indigenous groups, the holiday is viewed differently by many Indigenous peoples in Canada. McIntosh notes, “Canada's Indigenous peoples tend to experience Thanksgiving in a similar way to English Canadians: as an opportunity to enjoy good food and time with family.” While tensions exist surrounding the holiday's connection to colonial history, many Indigenous communities also celebrate traditional ones Foods that existed before European settlement, including turkey, pumpkin, corn, and cranberries.

Seasonal festivals

While there is no event on the scale of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Canada, Thanksgiving and seasonal events take place across the country. On Prince Edward Island, the Fall Flavors event showcases the island's local food and drink, while Smoky Lake, Alberta hosts the Great White North Pumpkin Fair, where this year's winning pumpkin weighed over 2,100 pounds.

Unlike the United States, Canadian Thanksgiving is not tied to retail sales. “We don’t have anything like Black Friday,” says McIntosh, adding that stores are typically closed on the holiday. “It’s also not the biggest travel time in Canada – that’s reserved for Christmas.”

Instead, Canadians use the holidays to relax, watch sports and prepare for the upcoming winter. “It is Canada after all. Winter is coming.”