Saturday, October 06, 2012

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Long Weekend

Autumn dahlias in James Bay, Victoria, BC. Photo by Sue Frause.

Yes, it's time again for Canadian Thanksgiving, that long weekend in October when our friends north of the border celebrate the harvest holiday before we do! I write something about it every year, and have even celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving in various locales: BC's Sunshine Coast, Vancouver and Vancouver's North Shore.

Thanksgiving is not as big a holiday in Canada as it is in the states. Whereas we celebrate four four days (big dinner on Thursday followed by three days of leftovers), the Canadians only make a three-day weekend of it. They simply call it Thanksgiving Long Weekend, and when you sit down to the big dinner is a personal choice. Most people I know have it on the weekend itself, not on the actual day, which this year is Monday the 8th of October. Sunday seems to be a popular choice.

Here are some of my past posts that have a tie-in to the autumnal holiday in both Canada and the US. And here's to my friends who live on the other side of the 49th Parallel. Happy Thanksgiving!


Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend Events in BC

North Vancouver: The Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier has a Thanksgiving Package that includes a three-course Thanksgiving dinner for two in the Lobby Restaurant and overnight accommodations. Rates from $209 / double occupancy, valid Oct. 6-8, 2012. Book online using promo code THANKS or call 604.986.7437.

Vancouver: The Wedgewood Hotel has a Thanksgiving Weekend package that includes one night's accommodation; European continental breakfast for two; Thanksgiving dinner for two on Sunday or Monday (both meals in Bacchus Restaurant); and complimentary valet parking. Rates start at $259 per night / double occupancy. Valid through Oct. 8, 2012.


Vancouver: The annual Turkey Trot is Monday, Oct. 8 starting on Granville Island. The family-friendly event is a 10K and suitable for racers, walkers, kids and families. Proceeds go to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank via cash and food donations. 

Restaurants: Many restaurants offer special Thanksgiving dinners. Hastings House on Salt Spring Island has a three course holiday dinner on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 7 PM for $70. Edible Canada on Vancouver's Granville Island is showcasing an October Fall Feast menu during the month of October. The price is $30 and includes a four-course seasonal dinner. Parking is free on the island after 7 PM.

BC Ferries: They've added extra sailings for Thanksgiving Long Weekend.

3 comments:

Jesse said...

Daisies and Pumpkins are too nostalgic to be featured out in this kind of holiday post in your blog. Very nice and sweet all the same. :)

Eat Play Sleep said...

I like nostalgia! And they aren't daisies, they're dahlias, which bloom into autumn (I photographed while in Victoria, BC last month). The pumpkins are from our garden. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Long Weekend!

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