Features of Thanksgiving in Canada

Thanksgiving Day in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday of October, which falls on October 14th in 2024. This holiday is a time for Canadians to gather with family and friends to express gratitude for the harvest and blessings of the past year. With its unique traditions and delicious food, Canadian Thanksgiving offers a warm and festive atmosphere. Here’s everything you need to know about this cherished holiday.

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Traditional dishes for Thanksgiving in Canada are quite similar to those in the United States, but they have their unique touches. The main dish on the holiday table is roasted turkey, which is often served with maple syrup or cranberry sauce.

According to Restaurantji, Canadians prefer dishes such as:

    Roasted Turkey: the main dish that symbolizes the holiday.
    Cranberry Sauce: served as a side to complement the turkey.
    Pumpkin Pie: a popular dessert often made on this day.
    Potato Casseroles: various variations, including creamy potatoes.
    Vegetable Sides: such as carrots, broccoli, and other seasonal vegetables.
    Tourtière: a savory meat pie popular in Quebec.
    Jigg’s Dinner: consists of salted beef, cabbage, turnips, and potatoes

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Thanksgiving is an official holiday in most provinces of Canada. As a result, many companies, schools, and government offices close their doors to allow employees to celebrate with their families. However, restaurants, cafes, and some large shopping centers remain open, especially in tourist areas.

Restaurants often offer special Thanksgiving menus and may require reservations due to high demand. While some dining establishments close for the holiday, many others stay open to serve those who want to dine out.

Here are a few popular restaurants that offer holiday menus:

Richmond Station in Toronto, ON

This bustling spot, co-owned by a winner of Canada's Best Chef award, offers a seasonal menu.

Dockside Restaurant in Vancouver, BC

Thanksgiving menu highlighting West Coast flavors with traditional sides (October 13-14, 2024).

Chez Rioux & Pettigrew in Québec City, QC

Dining room and bar known for creative seasonal dishes featuring artisanal meats and local seafood.

Toqué! in Montréal, QC

French cuisine restaurant with Quebec ingredients, offering a multi-course Thanksgiving dinner

Thomsons Kitchen & Bar in Calgary, AB

A cozy banquet featuring a four-course meal with roasted turkey breast (October 13-14, 2024).

Bacchus Restaurant in Vancouver, BC

A classic three-course Thanksgiving dinner (October 13-14, 2024).

For those who prefer celebrating at home without the hassle of cooking, several restaurants offer Thanksgiving takeout options. Some popular choices include:

    Local Diners and Bistros: Many offer a complete turkey dinner for takeout.
    Large Chains: Restaurants like Boston Pizza and Swiss Chalet often provide special holiday menus for delivery.

For those who want to spend the day actively, there are some great places to visit:

    Niagara Falls - a good place for family fun, carnival games and tastings.

    Whistler - This popular ski resort offers outdoor activities and family activities amid mountain scenery.

    Montreal - A cultural center that offers many local festivals.

Parades: Many cities host parades with music, decorated floats, and costumed characters.
Charity Marathons: Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver often organize charity runs to raise funds for local communities.
Holiday Markets: These markets feature local delicacies, hot cider, and handmade souvenirs.
Harvest Festivals: Many communities organize festivals dedicated to local produce, including apple picking, hayrides, and craft fairs.
Family Activities: Pumpkin carving contests, outdoor fairs, and other events are held to engage children and families.

Quebec: In French-speaking regions, the holiday is less popular, but is still celebrated in some families.
Maritime Provinces: Here, seafood such as lobster or shrimp can be added to the festive table.
British Columbia: Special attention is paid to active recreation in nature - many families go hiking or camping.
Rural Ontario and Manitoba: Celebrate the holiday more traditionally, with family dinners and visits to local churches.

This day often coincides with the celebration of Oktoberfest, especially in areas such as Kitchener-Waterloo. In regions like Newfoundland, unique local traditions like the Partridge Harvest Festival on Fogo Island highlight regional cuisine and crafts.

Photo Credit: northernontario.travel

If you're planning a trip to Canada for Thanksgiving, consider:

    Book hotels in advance, especially in popular tourist destinations.
    Be prepared for traffic jams as many Canadians travel to visit relatives.
    Check out local activities and events to make the most of your visit.