Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday in October, marking a time to give thanks for the harvest and the year’s blessings. The holiday’s roots trace back centuries, well before Confederation, with early records of celebrations held by European settlers and explorers.

One of the first known Thanksgiving observances took place in 1578, when English explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony in present-day Newfoundland to give thanks for safe passage across the Atlantic. Over time, similar events were held across the country, often tied to the end of harvest season and community gatherings.

By the 19th century, Thanksgiving had become an annual occasion in many parts of Canada, varying by region and date. In 1879, Parliament officially declared it a national holiday, originally set in November. It was moved to October in 1957, better aligning with Canada’s earlier harvest season and avoiding overlap with Remembrance Day.

Today, Canadians mark Thanksgiving with family dinners, fall foods such as turkey and pumpkin pie, and a general spirit of appreciation. While the day has evolved beyond its early agricultural roots, it remains a distinctly Canadian celebration of gratitude, community, and the changing seasons.