Pass the Gravy (and the Chips): Why Canadian Thanksgiving Rules

20 septembre 2026

Hey NordSnacks family!

As the leaves start turning those gorgeous shades of amber and gold, we all know what time it is. Fall is officially here, and with it comes one of our absolute favorite times of the year: Canadian Thanksgiving!

There is nothing quite like gathering with family, wearing cozy flannel, and enjoying that crisp autumn air. But if you have friends or family visiting from south of the border or if you are just curious you might wonder: What actually makes our Thanksgiving different from the rest?

Grab a cozy drink, pull up a chair, and let us dive into what makes the Canadian holiday so unique plus the ultimate festive chip lineup to keep your snack table legendary all weekend long.

It is All About the Timing (Thank the Northern Weather!)
The biggest giveaway is the calendar. While our American neighbors wait until the end of November, we celebrate on the second Monday in October. Why? It all comes down to our northern climate! Our harvest season happens much earlier. Celebrating in October means we get to enjoy the absolute peak of autumn weather perfect for a long weekend hike or a cottage getaway before the snow flies.
We Actually Started First!
Fun historical fact to drop at the dinner table: Canada’s Thanksgiving roots go back even further than the American tradition. In 1578, English explorer Martin Frobisher held a formal feast in Newfoundland to give thanks for a safe voyage through the Northwest Passage. That is about 43 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock!
A Much More Laid-Back Vibe
In many parts of the world, harvest festivals are tied to massive parades, intense football rivalries, or chaotic holiday shopping rushes. In Canada, the vibe is beautifully low-key. It is a statutory holiday in most provinces, meaning we get a glorious three-day weekend designed purely for relaxing, heading outdoors, and eating incredible food with the people we love.

The Thanksgiving Snack Table: The Ultimate Chip Lineup

Let us be real while everyone loves the big turkey dinner, the real MVP of a long holiday weekend is the snack table. Whether you need something to tide guests over while the turkey cooks, or a midnight snack during board game night, we have got you covered.

Here are the bags you need to stock up on from NordSnacks.com this October:

The Uniquely Canadian Crowd-Pleaser: All-Dressed. You cannot have a Canadian long weekend without them. Part barbecue, part sour cream and onion, part ketchup, and part vinegar it is the ultimate flavor bomb that out-of-town guests fall in love with instantly.
The Pre-Game Feast: Roast Chicken and Gravy. Want those cozy holiday dinner vibes before the turkey is even out of the oven? These deeply savory, comforting chips bring the rich flavor of a perfectly seasoned roast straight to the snack bowl.
The Sweet and Savory Twist: Smoky BBQ and Maple. A beautiful nod to classic Canadian flavors. The rich, woodsy smoke pairs perfectly with a hint of maple sweetness. Pro-tip: These look and taste amazing next to a sharp cheddar on a holiday charcuterie board.
The Palate Cleanser: Sea Salt and Malt Vinegar. Holiday food can get pretty heavy. A crisp, sharp malt vinegar chip cuts right through that richness and refreshes your palate, keeping you ready for the next course or dessert!