Canadian Thanksgiving 101: What is a Canadian Thanksgiving?

If you’re travelling to Toronto in October, you may notice something special happening across the city: families gathering around dinner tables, restaurants serving seasonal menus and plenty of pumpkins, pies and colourful fall leaves making an appearance. That’s because it’s Thanksgiving in Canada! 

For travellers visiting Toronto in October, Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to experience a Canadian tradition while exploring one of the country's most exciting cities. Whether you're visiting friends and family, enjoying a Thanksgiving meal at a local restaurant or spending the long weekend taking in Toronto's fall activities, there are plenty of ways to experience the holiday during your visit. 

Flying into Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)? UP Express makes it easy to get from the airport to Union Station in just 28 minutes. Once you arrive downtown, you'll be ready to begin your Thanksgiving adventure and explore everything the city has to offer. 

Travelling with family or friends? The UP Group Pass is a great option for groups travelling together between Toronto Pearson and Downtown Toronto. With one convenient pass for your group, you can spend less time worrying about transportation and more time enjoying your visit. 

Before you start planning your Thanksgiving weekend in Toronto, here's everything you need to know about Canadian Thanksgiving, from when it's celebrated to what you might find on the dinner table.

When is Thanksgiving in Canada? 

Thanksgiving in Canada takes place on the second Monday of October each year. Because it falls on a Monday, many Canadians enjoy a three-day long weekend that runs from Friday through Monday. Thanksgiving weekend is often a popular time for travelling, visiting family and friends, hosting dinner parties and spending time outdoors before the colder winter weather arrives. 

Unlike American Thanksgiving, which takes place later in the year, Canadian Thanksgiving arrives earlier in the fall. This timing means that the holiday often coincides with some of the most beautiful fall weather of the year.  

For travellers visiting Toronto and the surrounding area, October is a particularly beautiful time to explore. Parks and green spaces throughout the city begin to transform with shades of red, orange and yellow, while destinations across Ontario offer even more opportunities to see spectacular autumn scenery. If you're hoping to experience the season during your trip, check out some of the best places to see Ontario fall colours. 

Thanksgiving weekend can also be a busy travel period, especially for Canadians travelling to visit loved ones. If you're planning to travel around Toronto or elsewhere in Ontario, it's a good idea to plan your trip in advance and allow yourself plenty of time to get where you're going.

Is Thanksgiving a Statutory Holiday in Canada? 

Thanksgiving Day is a statutory holiday in most of Canada, although holiday rules can vary depending on the province or territory. In Ontario, where Toronto is located, Thanksgiving Monday is a public holiday. 

For travellers, this means you may notice some changes to regular business and service hours during the Thanksgiving long weekend. Some businesses and services may close on Thanksgiving Monday or operate with reduced holiday hours. Banks, government offices, grocery stores, and some shops may also be closed for the day. 

However, that doesn't mean Toronto shuts down completely. Many restaurants, tourist attractions, entertainment venues and other businesses remain open throughout the Thanksgiving weekend, although their hours may change.  

If there's a particular attraction, restaurant, store or activity you want to visit during your trip, be sure to check its Thanksgiving weekend hours before heading out. Planning ahead can help you avoid disappointment and make the most of your time in Toronto. 

Public transportation services may also operate on adjusted schedules during holidays, so be sure to check before travelling. If you're flying into or out of Toronto Pearson, UP Express is a convenient way to connect between the airport and downtown Toronto and continue your journey around the city. 

Why do Canadians have Thanksgiving? 

Canadian Thanksgiving has a long and complex history that is connected to harvest celebrations and traditions that developed in North America over centuries. The holiday is often associated with giving thanks for the harvest and the abundance of the fall season, which makes sense considering Canada's long agricultural history and the importance of preparing for the winter months ahead. 

Harvest festivals and celebrations of thanks have existed in many cultures throughout history. European settlers also brought their own traditions and celebrations with them to North America, where these customs evolved alongside the unique circumstances of life in Canada. 

Canadian Thanksgiving is sometimes compared to Thanksgiving in the United States, but the two holidays have different historical developments and traditions. While both holidays are associated today with gathering, gratitude and sharing a meal, Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated earlier in the fall, on the second Monday of October. American Thanksgiving takes place later in the year, on the fourth Thursday of November. 

Today, the meaning of Thanksgiving is often less focused on its historical origins and more focused on spending time with the people who matter to you. For many Canadians, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to gather with family and friends, share a meal and take a moment to appreciate the things they are grateful for. 

Of course, the way Thanksgiving is celebrated can look very different from one household to another. Some families host a large traditional dinner, while others keep things casual with a smaller meal. Some people travel across the province or country to spend the weekend with family, while others gather with friends or enjoy a quiet long weekend at home. 

For visitors to Canada, this variety is part of what makes Thanksgiving interesting. However you spend the holiday, Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to experience traditional Canadian cuisine, fall traditions and the importance of coming together.

Why is Turkey Served on Thanksgiving? 

When many people picture a Thanksgiving dinner, turkey is often the first thing that comes to mind. But why exactly has turkey become such an important part of the holiday? 

Turkey has become closely associated with Thanksgiving and fall harvest celebrations over time, partly because it is a practical choice for feeding a larger group of people. A whole turkey can provide plenty of food for a family gathering, making it a natural centrepiece for a celebratory meal. 

Turkey also became associated with the fall season and harvest-time meals, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable Thanksgiving traditions in both Canada and the United States. Today, many Canadian families roast a turkey for Thanksgiving and serve it alongside stuffing, potatoes, gravy and other classic dishes. 

That said, turkey definitely isn't mandatory! Thanksgiving meals can vary significantly depending on family traditions, cultural backgrounds, dietary preferences and personal tastes. Some families may serve ham, chicken, roast beef alternatives, vegetarian dishes or completely different meals inspired by their own cultural traditions. 

For many Canadians, the most important part of the Thanksgiving meal isn't necessarily what's being served. It's the experience of gathering around the table, sharing food and spending time together. 

If you're visiting Toronto during Thanksgiving, you may also find restaurants offering special Thanksgiving menus. This can be a great option for travellers who want to experience a traditional holiday meal without having to cook one themselves.  

What Else to Serve for Thanksgiving Dinner 

Turkey might be the star of many Thanksgiving dinners, but the side dishes are just as important. A traditional Canadian Thanksgiving meal can include a wide variety of comforting, seasonal dishes that make the most of fall flavours. 

Mashed potatoes are a popular choice, often served alongside plenty of gravy. Some families prefer roasted potatoes, while others might add vegetables, herbs or other ingredients to make their own version of the classic side dish. 

Stuffing, sometimes called dressing, is another Thanksgiving favourite. While recipes vary from family to family, stuffing is often made with bread, herbs, vegetables and seasonings. Some recipes may include additional ingredients depending on family traditions and regional preferences. 

Cranberry sauce is another familiar addition to the Thanksgiving table. Its sweet and tart flavour provides a contrast to savoury dishes like turkey and stuffing, while its connection to North American ingredients makes it a popular choice for fall meals. 

You might also find dinner rolls, roasted vegetables, squash, carrots or other seasonal ingredients served alongside the main meal. Canadian Thanksgiving dinners often make the most of ingredients that are available during the fall harvest season, resulting in meals that feel warm, comforting and perfect for cooler October weather. 

And then there's dessert. Pumpkin pie is one of the most recognizable Thanksgiving desserts, often served with whipped cream. Apple pie is another popular choice, especially during the fall when apples are in season. Depending on the family, you might also find other desserts, baked goods and sweet treats on the table. 

Of course, there is no single official Thanksgiving menu in Canada. The food served at Thanksgiving can vary based on family traditions, cultural backgrounds and regional influences. Toronto, in particular, is one of the world's most diverse cities, and that diversity is reflected in the way people celebrate and the food they enjoy. 

A Thanksgiving dinner might combine traditional dishes with recipes passed down through generations, foods inspired by a family's cultural heritage or completely new traditions created with friends and loved ones. For travellers, this is an important part of understanding Canadian cuisine: there is no one single way to eat, celebrate or experience the country. 

While you're visiting Toronto, be sure to explore even more of the country's delicious food traditions. From iconic comfort foods to regional specialties and unique Canadian ingredients, there is plenty to discover. Find out more about traditional Canadian cuisine to add even more delicious experiences to your Toronto itinerary. 

What Other Countries Celebrate Thanksgiving? 

Thanksgiving may be most closely associated internationally with Canada and the United States, but the idea of celebrating a harvest or giving thanks is found in many places around the world. 

In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Like Canadian Thanksgiving, the holiday is often associated with family gatherings, large meals and traditional dishes such as turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie.  

Liberia also celebrates Thanksgiving, with the holiday influenced by the country's historical connections with formerly enslaved people from the United States who settled there. The celebration has developed its own traditions and cultural significance. 

Brazil has a Thanksgiving observance known as Dia de Ação de Graças, or Thanksgiving Day. While it is not celebrated in the same way or with the same level of public activity as Thanksgiving in Canada or the United States, the holiday is another example of how traditions centred around gratitude can take different forms around the world. 

In parts of Europe, harvest festivals and celebrations of thanks also have long histories. Countries including Germany, Austria and Switzerland have harvest-related traditions and festivals that celebrate the season and agricultural abundance. While these celebrations may not be called Thanksgiving or follow the same customs as the Canadian holiday, they share the broader themes of appreciating the harvest and coming together as a community. 

This is what makes Thanksgiving such an interesting holiday for travellers. Although Canada has its own official Thanksgiving Day and traditions, the ideas behind the celebration—gratitude, food, community and appreciation for the changing seasons—can be found in cultures around the world.

Experience Thanksgiving in Toronto 

Travelling to Toronto during Thanksgiving is a great way to experience the city during one of the most beautiful times of the year. From colourful fall scenery and seasonal food to family gatherings and long weekend activities, Canadian Thanksgiving offers visitors a chance to experience a tradition that is all about coming together. 

Whether you're visiting friends and family, trying a traditional Thanksgiving meal for the first time or simply enjoying the crisp October weather, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your Toronto visit. Take time to explore the city's neighbourhoods, enjoy the fall colours and discover some of the food and experiences that make Toronto unique. 

Flying into Toronto Pearson International Airport? Start your visit with an easy trip to downtown Toronto on UP Express. In just 28 minutes, you can travel between Toronto Pearson and Union Station and begin exploring the city. If you're travelling with family or friends, the UP Group Pass can help make getting downtown even easier.