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Written By
Corinna Frattini
Oct 3, 2025
•Life in Canada
It’s one of Canada’s most cherished fall traditions, a time to share food, give thanks, and enjoy the beauty of the season. Whether you’ve just arrived or are still settling in, here’s everything newcomers need to know about Thanksgiving in Canada: its meaning, history, and how you can celebrate it wherever you live.
Thanksgiving is a holiday devoted to showing gratitude for the good things in life, from health and family to harvest and community. While it started as a harvest celebration, it has evolved into a non-religious, inclusive holiday that welcomes everyone, regardless of background or beliefs.
For newcomers, it’s a great time to experience Canadian culture, meet neighbours, and even try traditional foods for the first time.
The spirit of giving thanks goes back thousands of years to Indigenous traditions. First Nations communities celebrated harvests through feasts, dance, and ceremony to give thanks for the land’s bounty.
Later, in 1620, English settlers (known as “pilgrims”) arrived in North America and celebrated their first successful harvest with help from the Wampanoag people.
Learn more about how Canada honours Indigenous Peoples on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
People celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada on the second Monday of October each year. In 2025, it falls on Monday, October 13.
Because it’s a long weekend, many families gather for dinner on Saturday or Sunday before the holiday.
In 1957, Canada officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, a day “for general thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed.” Today, it’s a secular celebration that honours gratitude, family, and community.
It’s a statutory holiday in most provinces and territories, meaning many workplaces and schools close for the day.
Learn more about statutory holidays in Canada throughout the year.
In most provinces, you’ll get a paid day off work, but in Atlantic provinces, it may be an optional holiday.
| PROVINCE/TERRITORY | STATUTORY HOLIDAY |
|---|---|
| Alberta | Yes |
| British Columbia | Yes |
| Manitoba | Yes |
| New Brunswick | Optional |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Optional |
| Northwest Territories | Yes |
| Nova Scotia | Optional |
| Nunavut | Yes |
| Ontario | Yes |
| Prince Edward Island | Optional |
| Quebec | Optional (not a statutory holiday; employers may provide it as a day off under collective agreements) |
| Saskatchewan | Yes |
| Yukon | Yes |
The centrepiece of Thanksgiving is sharing a meal, often with a delicious turkey dinner, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
If you don’t have family nearby, consider hosting a “Friendsgiving” where you invite friends, neighbours, or other newcomers to share a meal.
Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to take in the fall scenery. You can:
Football is a Thanksgiving tradition for many families. Both the CFL (Canadian Football League) and the NFL (National Football League) host games over the holiday weekend, often called the Thanksgiving Classic.
Many Canadians donate food or volunteer. It’s a wonderful way for newcomers to connect with their community and give thanks by helping others.
Volunteering at Thanksgiving is also a great way to build skills and relationships. The benefits go beyond good feelings. See our guide on the benefits of volunteering for newcomers for ideas and tips.
Thanksgiving is about more than food; it’s about belonging.
Joining local celebrations, volunteering, or sharing a meal with friends can help newcomers feel more connected to Canadian life. It’s also an opportunity to start your own traditions and share food or customs from your home country with new friends.
As a newcomer, navigating your first settlement steps can feel overwhelming, but with this guide it doesn’t have to be. The guide aims to provide all the necessary information, tools, and resources that will ensure you get started on the right foot and are able to successfully navigate your first few months in Canada.
GET FREE GUIDEYes, it’s a statutory holiday in most provinces, but not all. In some Atlantic provinces, it’s optional for employers.
Canadian Thanksgiving is in October, not November, and focuses more on the harvest season than historical events.
Absolutely! Thanksgiving in Canada is for everyone; it’s about gratitude, community, and enjoying the season together.
Whether you celebrate with turkey, a potluck, or a walk through the fall colours, Thanksgiving in Canada is a reminder to pause, be thankful, and connect with others.
Welcome to your first Canadian Thanksgiving. May it be full of warmth, friendship, and gratitude.
WRITTEN BY
Corinna Frattini
Senior Editor and Content Director, Prepare for Canada
Corinna researches and writes content to help newcomers make informed decisions about housing, employment, banking, and aspects of settling in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada. Her writing combines research, practical guidance, and clear language to support newcomers on their journey.
© Prepare for Canada 2025
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