Canadian Thanksgiving 2026: Date, Long Weekend and Tips
Short answer
Canadian Thanksgiving 2026 is on Monday, October 12. It always falls on the second Monday of October, so the long weekend runs from Saturday, October 10 to Monday, October 12. Watch the days tick down on our Canadian Thanksgiving countdown.
Thanksgiving is one of Canada's favourite long weekends: family dinners, autumn colours and a well-earned day off. Here is everything you need to plan it, in one short page, and you can follow the days left on our Thanksgiving countdown.
When is Thanksgiving in Canada in 2026?
Thanksgiving Day is Monday, October 12, 2026. The Canada Revenue Agency lists it among the public holidays for 2026. Canada has marked it on the second Monday of October since 1957, which is why it comes about six weeks before American Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday of November, which is November 26 this year).
| Year | Canadian Thanksgiving |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Monday, October 12 |
| 2027 | Monday, October 11 |
| 2028 | Monday, October 9 |
Want to know exactly how many days are left from any date? Use the date difference calculator, or read how it works in date calculations explained.
Is it a statutory holiday everywhere?
Not quite. Thanksgiving is a general holiday for federally regulated workplaces and in most provinces and territories. However, it is not a statutory holiday in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador, where many employers still give the day off by choice. Rules about holiday pay differ by province, so check your provincial employment standards office if you are unsure. If you are planning around office days, our guide on counting business days between dates helps.
What is usually open or closed?
On the Monday, banks, Canada Post and most government offices are closed in provinces where it is a holiday. Many big grocery stores and malls close or shorten their hours, while some convenience stores, restaurants and pharmacies stay open. Hours vary a lot by city, so check your local store before you go.
Planning the Thanksgiving dinner
- Turkey size: plan by the number of guests and whether you want leftovers. Canadian labels and recipes mix pounds and kilograms, so switch between them with the unit converter.
- Thawing: a frozen turkey takes days, not hours, to thaw safely in the fridge, so buy it early in the week.
- Shopping: long-weekend flyers are full of deals. Our article on how to calculate discount percentage shows whether a sale is really a good one.
- Balance: a big festive meal is part of the fun. If you track your food, the calorie calculator and calories and TDEE explained give you a simple daily target.
A season of festivals for everyone
October is busy for many communities in Canada. Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, Halloween and more are all coming up. See every date in one place on our festival countdowns page.
Holiday rules and store hours can change. Please confirm details with your provincial government or the business you plan to visit.
Frequently asked questions
What date is Canadian Thanksgiving 2026?
Monday, October 12, 2026. It is always the second Monday of October.
Is Thanksgiving a stat holiday in Ontario?
Yes. Thanksgiving is a public holiday in Ontario and in most provinces and territories. It is not a statutory holiday in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
Why is Canadian Thanksgiving earlier than American Thanksgiving?
Canada set the second Monday of October in 1957, closer to the end of the harvest in a northern climate. The US holds it on the fourth Thursday of November.
When is Canadian Thanksgiving 2027?
Monday, October 11, 2027.
Are banks open on Thanksgiving Monday?
Most banks and Canada Post are closed on Thanksgiving Monday in provinces where it is a holiday. Check your branch for exact hours.