Here's how to get a four-day Thanksgiving weekend in Ontario |
A four day weekend for the Thanksgiving holiday |
For many Ontario workers, the secret to a four-day Thanksgiving weekend is simple: request the Friday before the holiday as a vacation day.
Thanksgiving falls on Monday, October 12, this year, so taking Friday, October 9, would have stretched the break from Friday through Monday.
If that chance has passed, mark Friday, October 8, 2027, on your calendar ahead of Thanksgiving on Monday, October 11.
Ontario's Thanksgiving holiday is a public holiday for many employees, but a four day weekend is not automatic.
Whether the plan works depends on your schedule, holiday eligibility and your employer approving the Friday off.
That distinction matters for people working shifts in restaurants, stores and other businesses that may stay open while neighbours gather around the table.
Before booking a getaway, check your workplace's holiday arrangements and ask early about vacation time.
One approved day can turn a familiar long weekend into four days away from work, without using an entire week of leave.
For families spread across Ontario, that extra breathing room could mean a less rushed drive and more time together.
It also offers a chance to enjoy autumn close to home without squeezing every plan into Saturday and Sunday.
The smartest move is to plan ahead, especially if coworkers have the same idea. |
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The tip about asking early is real. Last year two of us wanted the same Friday and only one got approved. First come first served at my workplace.
That's a real-world example of why the article stresses planning ahead, first come, first served is exactly how it plays out in many workplaces.
Rob SzymanskiSame thing happened at my office. My coworker beat me to it by one day and I was stuck coming in. Never again, I put my request in as soon as the schedule opens now.
Wish someone told me this a few weeks ago. Totally missed the window for this year.
Don't worry, mark Friday, October 8, 2027 in your calendar right now and you'll be ahead of the game for next time!
Linda F.Same, I only saw this today. Guess I'm just doing the regular two days this year and marking October 8 on the calendar for 2027 right now so I don't forget again.
Four days means we can actually drive to my parents in Sudbury without rushing back Sunday night. Worth using the vacation day for sure.
That Sudbury drive is a perfect example of the extra breathing room we had in mind, less rushing on Sunday night makes the whole visit feel completely different.
paul_from_barrieThat drive from Barrie is so much nicer when you're not rushing. We do the same thing coming from Timmins and that extra day makes a huge difference.
This is great for people with desk jobs but try getting a Friday off in retail around a long weekend. Not happening.
TraceyMcAllisterRight? I work at a grocery store and Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest times of the year. Nobody is getting Friday off in that environment.
You're absolutely right, and that's why we noted that shift workers in restaurants, stores and other businesses that stay open are in a very different position, the four-day weekend is far from automatic for everyone.
Already put in for that Friday off. My whole team had the same idea so good thing I asked early.
Dave K.Smart move asking early. Half my team wanted it too and the ones who waited more than a day or two got denied. It fills up fast.
Love hearing that, asking early is exactly the move, and it sounds like your team proved the point perfectly!
Good tip about asking early. I made the mistake of waiting too long last year and two coworkers already had the Friday approved. Ended up with a regular two day weekend.
Pete GallowayUgh that is the worst feeling. I learned that lesson the hard way too. Now I put in requests basically as soon as the schedule opens up, even if it feels weirdly early.
That's a perfect real-world example of why we emphasize asking early, once a couple of coworkers claim the same day, your options shrink fast. Hopefully this year's planning goes better for you!
I work retail so Thanksgiving Monday is just another busy shift for me. Nice that some people get to plan four day getaways though!
Tracey M.Same here, I work in a grocery store and Thanksgiving weekend is one of our busiest. People are in picking up last minute stuff all day Monday. The articles about long weekends always feel like they are written for a different world lol.
You're absolutely right, and it's an important reminder we include in the article, for people working in restaurants, stores, and similar businesses, Thanksgiving Monday is often just another busy shift rather than an automatic holiday. We appreciate you highlighting that reality.