Canadian versus American Thanksgiving

On Monday (October 14th), while we Americans acknowledged Columbus & Indigenous People's Day, Canada celebrated Thanksgiving.

Since 1942, Americans have celebrated Thanksgiving on the 4th Thursday in November. It marks the Pilgrims giving thanks for their first Fall-time harvest in the Autumn of 1621.

In Canada, Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday of October. Our friends up North commemorate the safe travels of Arctic explorer Martin Frobisher. Martin and his crew were looking for the elusive Northwest Passage in what is today known as the Nunavut Province. 

Thanksgiving eating traditions are similar here to those North of the 49th Parallel in British Columbia, but there are some subtle, tasty differences.

According to MarthaStewart.com, Canadians put less emphasis on the pie.

Even though pumpkin pie was the favorite Thanksgiving dessert item in BC,  Canadians were okay with substituting cakes and would even eat doughnuts for their celebration.

The Canadian version of the Pumpkin Pie is described as “spicier” and less sweet than what we enjoy here in Washington State. 

BC residents use “more ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon that give the pie a lively, earthier taste.”

Canadians also use more bacon in their side dishes.

Here in America, I sometimes happily stumble upon a green bean casserole with lots of bacon. Up North in Canada, bacon is more of a staple in many different main and side dishes.

While we both enjoy sweet potatoes -

Canadians don’t use marshmallows as a side flavoring.

Some of our BC friends will serve their baked sweet potatoes with maple syrup and a butter mixture instead.

Side dishes? 

According to ChefsPencil.com, our BC friends prefer “roasted brussel sprouts”.

The most popular Thanksgiving side dish here in Washington is the green bean casserole - (source: USA TODAY).

I’m hoping you enjoy this year's Thanksgiving Holiday with your family. Safe travels to you and everyone you love and care about.