Thanksgiving (Canada) 2026 — How Many Days Until Thanksgiving (Canada)?
About Thanksgiving (Canada)
Canadian Thanksgiving is observed on the second Monday of October — well over a month earlier than American Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday of November). The earlier date reflects Canada's northern latitude and shorter growing season, which means the harvest concludes by early October. The holiday celebrates the autumn harvest and gives thanks for its bounty.
Canadian Thanksgiving has a long history: the explorer Martin Frobisher held what is considered the first North American Thanksgiving in 1578 in Nunavut, giving thanks for surviving his voyage through the Northwest Passage. French settlers celebrated harvest feasts in the 17th century in New France. The holiday was formalised by Parliament in 1879, initially held on a Thursday, and moved to the second Monday of October in 1957.
Like American Thanksgiving, the Canadian celebration centres on a turkey dinner with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and — distinctively — butter tarts and Nanaimo bars as desserts. Families gather for the long weekend. Notably, Canadian Thanksgiving does not carry the same weight of historical origin narrative as its American counterpart — it is more straightforwardly a harvest and gratitude celebration.
- Canadian Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday of October — about six weeks before US Thanksgiving
- Martin Frobisher held what is considered the first North American Thanksgiving in 1578 in Canada
- It became a federal holiday on the second Monday of October in 1957
- Pumpkin pie and turkey are shared with US Thanksgiving; butter tarts are distinctly Canadian
- Unlike American Thanksgiving, Canadian Thanksgiving carries less historical narrative weight