🇨🇦 Canada

Thanksgiving in Canada

View the global Thanksgiving guide

Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday in October and is traditionally associated with gratitude for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. It is an important family holiday, although its statutory status and workplace treatment vary between provinces and territories.

Thanksgiving Holiday
Canada Country
2026 Next Date Year
Monday Day
Oct 12 October 12, 2026

Thanksgiving Date in Canada

Date October 12, 2026
Day Monday
Public Holiday Yes
Bank Holiday Yes
Date Confirmed Yes

Thanksgiving Dates in Canada

Thanksgiving 2026

  • Confirmed Authoritative Canada rules; confirmed dates. Federal general-holiday coverage applies to federally regulated employees; provincial/territorial treatment varies.

History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving observances in Canada drew on harvest traditions and were proclaimed on various dates and for different reasons. In 1957, the Governor General proclaimed the second Monday in October as a day of general thanksgiving for the harvest and other blessings. Canadian Thanksgiving is distinct from the later U.S. holiday.

Importance of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is primarily a family and cultural occasion focused on gratitude, food and time together. Its October timing reflects Canada's earlier northern harvest season compared with the United States, where Thanksgiving is celebrated later in November.

How Thanksgiving Is Celebrated in Canada

Families and friends commonly gather for a large meal that may include turkey, stuffing, potatoes, seasonal vegetables and pumpkin pie. Some people attend religious services, while others use the long weekend for autumn travel, outdoor activities or visits to relatives.

Office Impact

Thanksgiving belongs to the federal list of general holidays for Canada Labour Code workplaces. Many provinces—including Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta—also provide statutory coverage, but the national pattern is not uniform. Apply the employment law governing the job location and sector.

Bank Impact

The Bank of Canada lists Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday, and most branches and standard clearing services close. Digital channels remain available, while dated payments may process on the next banking day.

School Impact

Many provincial school calendars close on the second Monday in October, creating a long weekend. Because education is administered provincially and locally, families should verify the board or institution calendar.

Travel Information

Thanksgiving weekend is popular for family visits and autumn travel. Highways and airports can be busy, while fall-colour destinations attract visitors in parts of Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Canadian Thanksgiving?

It is celebrated on the second Monday in October.

Is Thanksgiving a public holiday everywhere in Canada?

Its legal and statutory treatment varies between provinces and territories.

Why is Canadian Thanksgiving in October?

Canada's northern climate historically produced an earlier harvest season than areas farther south.

What foods are common at Thanksgiving?

Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, seasonal vegetables and pumpkin pie are common traditional foods.

Is Thanksgiving busy for travel?

Yes. Many people travel to visit family or take advantage of the autumn long weekend.

← Previous Holiday National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2026 September 30, 2026
Next Holiday → Remembrance Day 2026 November 11, 2026

Related Holidays in Canada

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2026 September 30, 2026
Remembrance Day 2026 November 11, 2026 Labour Day 2026 September 7, 2026 Christmas Day 2026 December 25, 2026 Boxing Day 2026 December 26, 2026 Canada Day 2026 July 1, 2026 Victoria Day 2026 May 18, 2026 Good Friday 2026 April 3, 2026

Regional variations

This holiday has region-specific dates or observance.

Alberta12 Oct 2026British Columbia12 Oct 2026Manitoba12 Oct 2026Northwest Territories12 Oct 2026Nunavut12 Oct 2026Ontario12 Oct 2026Quebec12 Oct 2026Saskatchewan12 Oct 2026Yukon12 Oct 2026Alberta11 Oct 2027British Columbia11 Oct 2027Manitoba11 Oct 2027Northwest Territories11 Oct 2027Nunavut11 Oct 2027Ontario11 Oct 2027Quebec11 Oct 2027Saskatchewan11 Oct 2027Yukon11 Oct 2027Alberta9 Oct 2028British Columbia9 Oct 2028Manitoba9 Oct 2028Northwest Territories9 Oct 2028Nunavut9 Oct 2028Ontario9 Oct 2028Quebec9 Oct 2028Saskatchewan9 Oct 2028Yukon9 Oct 2028
View all Canada public holidays 2026

About Office Public Holidays

We keep track of fun holidays and special moments on the cultural calendar — giving you exciting activities, deals, local events, brand promotions, and other exciting ways to celebrate.

Follow us on

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram