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Thanksgiving in Canada is on Monday, October 12, 2026. For most households hosting dinner, the turkey is the most expensive item on the list and the one with the tightest timeline. Buy it too late and it will not thaw in time. Buy the wrong size and you pay for meat you do not need.
The short answer: plan about 1 to 1.5 lb (roughly 450 to 700 g) of whole turkey per person, compare prices per pound or per kilogram, and if you buy frozen, give it enough time to thaw in the fridge. That usually means buying a frozen bird at least four to five days before you cook.
Step 1: Pick the right size
A common guideline is about 1 lb of whole, bone-in turkey per person, or 1.5 lb if you want leftovers. For example:
| Guests | Whole turkey (no leftovers) | Whole turkey (with leftovers) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | about 2 kg (4 to 5 lb) | about 3 kg (6 lb) |
| 6 | about 3 kg (6 to 7 lb) | 4 kg (9 lb) |
| 8 | about 4 kg (8 to 9 lb) | 5.5 kg (12 lb) |
| 12 | about 5.5 kg (12 lb) | 8 kg (18 lb) |
If you are only feeding four, a small whole turkey can be hard to find. A turkey breast roast or bone-in turkey breast is often a better fit and cooks faster.
Step 2: Frozen or fresh?
Frozen turkeys are usually cheaper per pound and can be bought well ahead. The trade-off is thawing time.
Fresh turkeys do not need thawing, but they cost more per pound in many stores and have a short window for pick-up or cooking. Check the best-before date and plan to cook it within the time shown on the package.
For most budget-minded households, a frozen Grade A turkey bought on sale is the best value.
Step 3: Compare the price per pound
Turkey flyer prices are usually shown per pound, with the per-kilogram price in small type. Some stores show only per kilogram. To compare:
- Per kg to per lb: divide by 2.2.
- Per lb to per kg: multiply by 2.2.
Then estimate the total cost. For example, a 12 lb turkey at $1.49/lb is about $17.88. The same bird at $2.99/lb is $35.88. That is an $18 difference on one item.
Some promotions offer a low turkey price only with a minimum spend, or limit one per customer. Read the flyer's fine print and check your store's policy.
Step 4: Plan the thaw
Thawing a frozen turkey safely in the fridge takes time. A common guideline is about one day in the fridge for every 2 kg (4 to 5 lb). Always follow the instructions on the package.
| Turkey weight | Approximate fridge thawing time |
|---|---|
| 4 kg (9 lb) | 2 days |
| 6 kg (13 lb) | 3 days |
| 8 kg (18 lb) | 4 days |
| 10 kg (22 lb) | 5 days |
For a Monday, October 12 dinner, an 8 kg turkey should go into the fridge by the Wednesday or Thursday before. Put it on a tray on the bottom shelf to catch any drips.
If you are short on time, many food-safety guides describe a cold-water method. Follow the steps on the package or from Health Canada's food safety guidance, and never thaw a turkey on the counter.
Step 5: Cook it safely
Use a meat thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh and breast, and follow Health Canada's recommended safe internal temperature for whole poultry. Cooking times vary with oven, weight and whether the bird is stuffed, so the thermometer is your best guide.
Step 6: Buy a second one
If you see a very low price per pound the week before Thanksgiving, consider buying a second frozen turkey for December. It is one of the easiest ways to lower your holiday grocery bill. Check that you have freezer space first; a 6 kg turkey takes up most of a small freezer shelf.
Step 7: Plan the leftovers
A turkey is only a good deal if you use all of it:
- Sandwiches and wraps for two or three days
- Turkey soup or stock from the carcass
- Freeze portions of cooked meat in meal-sized bags for pot pies, casseroles and quesadillas
Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate them within two hours. Follow food-safety guidance on how long to keep them.
A simple turkey checklist
- Count your guests and pick a size
- Decide frozen or fresh
- Compare prices per pound across stores
- Buy a frozen bird early enough to thaw
- Make fridge space for thawing
- Check you have a meat thermometer
- Plan leftover meals
Let the turkey price come to you
Turkey prices can vary a lot between stores in the weeks before Thanksgiving. FlyerHawk tracks the flyers near you, compares each price with the normal price, and alerts you when it is a real deal. Try FlyerHawk free for 14 days and add turkey to your watch list now, so you see the best price in time to thaw.
FAQ
How much turkey do I need per person?
A common guideline is about 1 lb of whole, bone-in turkey per person, or 1.5 lb if you want leftovers.
How long does it take to thaw a turkey in the fridge?
A common guideline is about one day for every 2 kg (4 to 5 lb). Always follow the package instructions.
Is a frozen turkey as good as a fresh one?
Frozen turkeys are usually cheaper per pound and can be bought ahead. Many cooks cannot tell the difference once it is cooked well. Fresh turkeys save thawing time but often cost more.
When is Thanksgiving in Canada in 2026?
Thanksgiving is on Monday, October 12, 2026. Many families celebrate on the weekend before.
