This year, Thanksgiving is on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and the entire Niagara Region.
While Americans celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November every year, Canadians mark the occasion on the second Monday of October. This is because Canadian Thanksgiving has roots tied to harvest festivals that are more common in the United Kingdom.
However, historians have a specific event linked to Canadian Thanksgiving. According to history, in 1578, English explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew held a thanksgiving service and communion either on land at Frobisher Bay in what is now Nunavut or onboard a ship anchored there.
The explorers enjoyed meals of salt beef, biscuits, and mushy peas while giving thanks through Communion for their safe journey to Newfoundland. This event is recognized as the first “Canadian” Thanksgiving, happening 43 years before the first “American” Thanksgiving.
Since these areas are designated tourist spots and not bound by holiday closures, nearly all major locations in Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake will probably remain open.
What’s open:
Canada One Outlets in Niagara Falls ( 10 a. m. to 6 p. m.) The Outlet Collection in Niagara-on-the-Lake ( 10 a. m. to 6 p. m.) Cafes, bars and restaurants across Niagara; it’s best to call ahead just in case (especially since many restaurants usually close on Mondays). Some smaller grocery stores may be open; calling ahead is recommended. Movie theatres Most Shoppers Drug Mart stores along with most convenience stores and gas stations. Many craft breweries within the Niagara Region that are typically open on Mondays will likely be operating; it’s wise to check beforehand. Most of the over 65 local wineries are expected to welcome guests but calling ahead would be smart. Many attractions around Niagara Falls (including Clifton Hill) will be available for visits like Bird Kingdom, Niagara City Cruises, Niagara Takes Flight, Wild Play Zipline to the Falls, Skylon Tower, Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara Falls Fun Zone- Clifton Hill, Great Canadian Midway, Movieland Wax Museum, Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, Hologram Zoo Niagara, Dinosaur Adventure Golf, House of Frankenstein, Niagara Sky Wheel , The Fun House , Butterfly Conservatory , Ripley’s Believe it or Not and more. Parks and trails will also remain accessible along with some nature experiences such as Queen Victoria Park , Botanical Gardens , Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours , White Water Walk and more.
What’s closed
The Pen Centre and Fairview Mall located in St. Catharines will be closed. However , Landmark Cinema at Pen Centre remains open. Municipal services that aren’t emergency-related including all town halls and city halls. Federal government offices as well as provincial offices. Canada Post won’t provide any mail pickup or delivery services. Most large grocery stores will not operate. LCBO along with Beer Store outlets will be closed for business. Banks Libraries Community centres
On Monday , most offices and facilities within the Niagara Region will also remain shut down including:
Administrative offices Child care centres Public health services Sexual health clinics Provincial Offences Court
Transit
Niagara Transit plans to run conventional bus services from St. Catharines between 10:45 a. m. – 6 p. m., from Niagara Falls between 6:30 a. m.-9 p. m., Welland from10a. m.-5:30 p. m., while Regional Routes function from10a. m.-6 p. m. Microtransit/specialized services will operate within Niagarafrom7a. m. until9p. m., St. Catharinesbetween10 :45a. m. and6 :00 p. m. and Wellandfrom10:00a. m. to6 :00p. m. GO Transit buseswill follow Saturday schedules.
Garbage
There won’t be any changes made regarding curbside collection due tothe holiday. The Niagara Road12 Landfilland Drop-off Depot(West Lincoln)willbeclosed. Bridge Street Drop-off Depot(Fort Erie), Humberstone Landfilland Drop-off Depot(Welland)alongwith Thorold Yard Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Depotwillbeopenfrom8a. m. to4 p. m.
Lead photo: Gene Samit
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