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Thanksgiving in Canada

This national overview identifies holiday occasions. Public holiday dates, substitute days and school calendars depend on the state or territory. Use your jurisdiction calendar for closures and countdowns.

State and territory calendars

Choose your jurisdiction for public holidays, substitute dates, local exceptions and school calendars.

About this calendar

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.

Coverage

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.

Dates and coverage by jurisdiction — 2028

Additional and substitute dates are separate entries. Local and sector-only holidays apply only to the areas or institutions specified.

Alberta

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

British Columbia

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Manitoba

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Northwest Territories

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Nunavut

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Ontario

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Quebec

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Saskatchewan

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Yukon

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Missing entries do not establish that a jurisdiction has no holiday. Check its calendar for pending official dates and local exceptions.

Background

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.

Workplaces

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.

Banks

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.

Schools

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.

Planning

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.

Holiday guides

Official sources

Government of Canada: Government of Canada: general holidays for federally regulated employment