Canadian Thanksgiving is in October, and yes, it still has turkey and pie

The holiday continues beyond the table with hikes and local fairs that celebrate the season. Many families finish the weekend with turkey leftovers and autumn-inspired adventures, keeping the focus on gratitude and time together.

An October harvest tradition

Canadian Thanksgiving, known in French as “Jour de l’Action de grâce,” ties the harvest season to gratitude and community life, with its direct connection between agriculture and celebration. After decades of changing dates, Parliament officially set the observance in 1957 as “a Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed.” Holding it in October makes sense for the northern climate, when fields and orchards yield pumpkins, apples and cranberries.

Classic dishes with a Canadian twist

Roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie still sit at the heart of many Canadian Thanksgiving tables, as they represent the comforting staples that generations associate with the holiday. But regional flavors tell their own story and link the meal to local life.

In Newfoundland, the celebration leans toward hearty comfort. Families often gather around Jiggs’ dinner, a one‑pot boiled meal of salt beef, cabbage and root vegetables that reflects the island’s seafaring traditions.

In Quebec, the spread takes on a French‑Canadian flair. Tourtiere, a spiced meat pie, makes its way to the table, holding its own beside the roast turkey and reminding diners of the province’s culinary heritage.

Across the Prairies, Thanksgiving blends immigrant traditions that shaped the region. Ukrainian and Mennonite communities serve perogies, kielbasa and cabbage rolls, integrating Old World recipes with Canadian harvest abundance.

Difference from the US version

Canadian Thanksgiving has its own timing, history and traditions that distinguish it from its American counterpart. In Canada, the holiday falls in October, roughly five to six weeks before the U.S. observance. Over the years, the date shifted between April and November until Parliament fixed it in 1957 on the second Monday in October.

The origins of the two holidays also differ. U.S. traditions trace back to the Pilgrims of 1621, while Canada’s earliest Thanksgiving dates to 1578, when explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew marked safe passage through the Arctic with a meal of thanks. Later on, harvest‑style feasts became more regular in Nova Scotia and spread nationwide, becoming an annual event in 1879.

From there, each holiday developed its own character. In the U.S., Thanksgiving features parades, football and the frenzy of Black Friday shopping. In Canada, the celebration is more subdued, with families gathering for turkey, pie and regional dishes, often shifting the big meal to the weekend and turning leftovers into turkey pot pie.

Fall activities on a long weekend

With October’s potentially mild weather, many Canadians turn the long weekend after stuffing feastivities into a mix of fun and fresh air. Farms across the country draw families with harvest‑themed adventures. Corn mazes, hayrides, apple‑picking and pumpkin patches all capture the spirit of the season and make the weekend feel festive.

Scenic hikes and leaf‑peeping drives also take center stage. Trees blaze with fiery colors, giving the holiday a natural backdrop that rivals the feast itself. And, sports fans round out the celebration with their own ritual. The Canadian Football League’s Thanksgiving Day Classic airs as a nationally televised doubleheader, adding energy and tradition that keep the holiday atmosphere lively.

A celebration of gratitude

Canadian Thanksgiving celebrates the land’s bounty and the company of family and friends. Its October date secures its place as a true harvest festival, filling tables with seasonal foods and local traditions. The holiday captures fall in Canada, where turkey and pie sit alongside gratitude at the heart of the gathering. 

Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her work appears in dozens of publications, including MSN, Yahoo, The Washington Post and The Seattle Times. These days, she’s busy in the kitchen developing recipes and traveling the world, and you can find all her best creations at Cook What You Love.

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