Every year in Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October. Hiking is one of the most popular activities during this national holiday, a chance to admire the flamboyant fall colors that set the landscape ablaze. From Rigaud to Montreal, passing through Quebec City and Mont Sutton, here are some events to delight people of all ages.
Climbing Mont Rigaud on L’escapade trail is a must! Several routes are offered throughout this forest, depending on the difficulty level. As part of its 26th edition, the Festival des Couleurs de Rigaud will host a Flavours Market, an Artisans’ Area, and several shows.
On the shores of the St. Lawrence, food enthusiast are invited to the Trois-Rivières agri-food fair. It’s a tradition to enjoy a fine meal of local produce at the Délices d’Automne. Culinary demonstrations, chefs’ battles, and nocturnal feasts will be on the menu of this 23rd edition, which promises to be full of flavour.
Words can barely describe this magical experience! At dusk, the gardens of China, Japan, and the First Nations will take center stage at the Montreal Botanical Gardens. A chance to stroll the illuminated paths and immerse yourself in the magic of silk lanterns.
The Domaine de Maizerets estate hosts the 33rd edition of the Rendez-vous ès TRAD festival. The big tent will host shows where you can dance the evening away. As for Chalet Lacroix, it will offer storytelling and singing, aperitifs, and free workshops. For Thanksgiving, a group walk will be offered on the estate’s trails.
La Flambée des couleurs ‘ main acttraction is well worth the detour. What a pleasure it is to climb aboard a gondola to take in the splendid view! The event features all kinds of entertainment, notably at Mont-Orford and in Magog.
Many local producers await you in the countryside of Compton for the 17th edition of La Virée Gourmande des Comptonales. The tradition has remained true to its origins: you’ll have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of products, including organic ciders, traditional meat pies, and maple sweets, along a six-stop route. They even offer a shuttle service.
From mountain biking and chairlift rides, to local wine tastings, hiking, and giant zip lines, there’s something for everyone at the Mont Sutton Fall Festival. This Thanksgiving, discover the world of basketry with Arielle Prince-Ferron.
Thousands of illuminated, hand-carved pumpkins will be displayed along the trails of Upper Canada Village. When night falls, this spectacular open-air exhibition will offer visitors several themes spread over a little more than a kilometer. New creations are featured every year at Pumpkinferno.
It’s a tradition that’s celebrated every year. Visit Festival de l’Oie Blanche de Montmagny which will once again celebrate the arrival of snow geese to the region. For this 52nd edition, take part in the various activities: flea market, parade, country brunch, and nighttime celebrations. You can observe these birds on the flats of the St. Lawrence River.
Don’t forget to use your American Express Cobalt® Card to earn 5 points per dollar at restaurants, bars, and grocery stores.
It’s time to break away from your routine. From Las Vegas to the City of Angels and Orlando, discover our suggested destinations for a few days of well-deserved time off.
If you’re taking a last-minute flight, here are our tips for finding a cheap one with points. While you’re there, be sure to pay for your expenses with a no-conversion-fee credit card like the Scotiabank Visa Infinite* Passport® to save 2.5% on your purchases.
Strolling the Strip, taking in a show, and trying your luck at the casino are all part of the Las Vegas experience. Want to combine urban madness with the great outdoors? It’s perfectly possible, even in just a few days. Here’s our guide to Las Vegas so you can get-away with peace of mind.
Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica with its famous pier, Venice Beach, and Malibu. Names that are synonymous with luxury, excess, frenzy and Californian dolce vita in Los Angeles. Here’s our Los Angeles guide so you don’t miss a thing.
Are you a fan of XXL theme parks? Orlando is the perfect destination for a dream holiday in Florida. An excellent family destination, Walt Disney World will take you into its magical kingdom accompanied by Mickey Mouse and friends. Discover our Orlando guide to prepare your getaway.
New York is as fascinating as ever, and is constantly reinventing itself. Central Park, Times Square, Fifth Avenue, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty : would you like to (re)discover the Big Apple? Follow our New York guide‘s recommendations.
A cultural and historical destination, this city is known the world over for its famous Harvard University. For those unfamiliar with Boston, the Freedom Trail is an easy way to discover a number of iconic sites. Check out our guide to Boston.
In North America, dates and customs differ between Canada and the United States. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States. As tradition dictates, every year the American president pardons two turkeys before the celebration.
Happy Thanksgiving 2024!
This year, Thanksgiving falls on Monday, October 14, 2024.
Commercial establishments, including most SAQ and SQDC outlets, will be open without restriction on this date during normal business hours. However, some businesses may change their normal opening hours to accommodate the vacation. Cinemas and some museums will also be open. Most libraries, Canada Post offices, schools, financial institutions, and federal and provincial government offices will remain closed.
On January 31, 1957, the Canadian Parliament officially declared the second Monday in October “a day to give thanks to Almighty God for the bountiful harvests he has blessed Canada with”. A tradition of celebrating the abundance of Fall harvests. Nowadays, it’s an opportunity for families to get together over a meal and share good times.
It’s the harvest festival. Days of thanksgiving were celebrated in New France as early as 1604. However, the Thanksgiving Holiday was brought to our Belle Province by Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution in the 18th century.
It’s also a great time to decorate for fall, and show off your best pumpkins and cornucopias.
To make the most of this day, you could share a good meal with friends or family, and go for a nice stroll to admire the autumn colors.
Canadian Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday, except in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Tradition dictates that turkey with all the trimmings and pumpkin pie are a must.
Turkey Wellington with caramelized onions and mushroom sauce, or roast turkey stuffed with leek and ham accompanied by a cheese béchamel sauce: you’ll find many recipe suggestions on the Ricardo website. Autumn vegetables are the spotlight: enjoy roasted squash with parmesan or pumpkin purée.
Savings are here:
