About Thanksgiving Day in Canada
Thanksgiving Day is a federal general holiday on the second Monday in October. It is commonly associated with gratitude, harvest-season meals and time with family or friends, although customs differ across Canada.
A Canadian October holiday
Canada's Thanksgiving occurs earlier than the holiday of the same name in the United States. The Canada Labour Code defines the federal general holiday as the second Monday in October.
Household observance is not prescribed by law. Meals and gatherings are common, but people may spend the day in many different ways or not observe it personally.
How the date is calculated
The second-Monday rule places Thanksgiving between 8 and 14 October. Because the date is already a Monday, it does not need a separate weekend observed-day rule.
The federal rule applies to eligible employees of federally regulated employers. Provincial and territorial holiday lists differ, so local employment treatment should be checked instead of inferred from the federal calendar.
Planning for Thanksgiving
Long-weekend travel, transport timetables and business hours can vary by organization and location. A general-holiday listing is not a guarantee that every shop, restaurant or public service will be closed.
Confirm reservations and local schedules. Employees should check their labour jurisdiction, employer information and collective agreement because work, pay and substitute arrangements depend on the rules that cover them.
Common questions about Thanksgiving Day in Canada
When is Canadian Thanksgiving?
It is the second Monday in October.
Is Canadian Thanksgiving on the same date as U.S. Thanksgiving?
No. Canada uses the second Monday in October; the United States uses a date in November.