5 fun facts about Thanksgiving that you didn’t know

Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday celebrated with family gatherings, feasts and expressions of gratitude.

While you’re at the dinner table, impress everyone with these five fascinating facts about Canadian Thanksgiving that may surprise you:

1. Made in Canada. Did you know the first Thanksgiving actually took place in Canada? In 1578, explorer Martin Frobisher held a formal ceremony in present-day Nunavut to give thanks for his safe arrival in the New World. This happened more than 40 years before the first American Thanksgiving.

2. Different dates. Unlike its American counterpart, celebrated in late November, Canadian Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday of October. This date aligns with Canada’s earlier harvest season and earlier winter.

3. The Maritimes opt out. Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in most provinces. However, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick don’t officially observe Thanksgiving.

4. Thanksgiving parades. Some Canadian cities host parades featuring floats and marching bands. One of the largest Thanksgiving Day parades occurs in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, attracting thousands of spectators.

5. Unique foods. While turkey is a staple of Thanksgiving, the menu often includes unique regional dishes such as tourtière (meat pie), butter tarts and Nanaimo bars; foods you won’t find on an American Thanksgiving table.

This Thanksgiving, remember to give thanks for living in such a bountiful country that’s filled with delicious food, great people and endless opportunities!