The Spirit of Canadian Thanksgiving

It is Thanksgiving, and for many, it simply means a fall study week—a well-deserved pause, a chance to go home, a break from classes, and time to recharge. Aren’t we all feeling tired and ready for a vacation?

Every year since 1957, on the second Monday in October, Canadians—except for those in the Atlantic provinces of Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia—reunite with their families and friends to give thanks and enjoy a festive meal, similar to the American Thanksgiving, which takes place in late November. But where did this tradition come from?

For a long time, the Thanksgiving holiday did not have a fixed date. It moved all over the calendar until the Canadian government officially settled on the following proclamation: “A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed.”

The timing of this celebration is rooted in historical and agricultural practices, honoring what the land has provided during the harvest season. Although its origins are based in religion, today it has become an occasion for families and friends to enjoy delicious food and express gratitude for their lives.

Fun fact: Coincidentally, today’s Canadian Thanksgiving shares the same date as Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the United States.

Now, aside from the history, there are a few traditions that many people enjoy across Canada. One is watching a traditional football game (played in Canada’s own football league). In terms of gastronomy, Canadians typically have a spicy pumpkin pie topped with cloves, ginger, and cinnamon for dessert. In Ontario, people particularly enjoy sweet butter tarts or syrup-filled pastry shells. While turkey is the most famous dish at the gathering, “Turducken”—a dish that combines turkey, duck, and chicken—has also become popular!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!