From roasted turkey to pumpkin pie (and all the traditional sides that come in between), for many of us, Thanksgiving dinner is rooted in tradition. It’s hard to go wrong with classics that everyone knows and adores. While there’s something comforting and nostalgic about a traditional holiday menu―and there are plenty of creative ways to prepare everyone’s favourite time-honoured dishes―it can be exciting to explore new culinary directions if we’re craving a change of pace.
It may buck tradition, but bringing the ocean to your holiday table can award you and your guests with new flavours, experiences―and maybe even new traditions. Bounded by three oceans, Canada is home to the longest coastline and the largest freshwater lake system in the world. And we should be proud of―and thankful for―the sustainably harvested fish and seafood that come from our waterways.
Fish and seafood are part of our culture, and our way of life, so it’s not too much of a stretch to consider preparing a seafood-centric meal when it’s time to gather a crowd. From coast to coast to coast, many different species of ocean and lake dwellers can be turned into a holiday feast of flavour.
We’re casting no shade on the big bird, but catches of the day, including wild salmon and briny mussels, can be the perfect centrepiece for your festive table. As a bonus, you’ll also net a catch of health-boosting nutrients, including important fatty acids and micronutrients.
This holiday menu brings the ocean to your Thanksgiving table, with dishes that are festive, fresh, and uniquely Canadian.
This collection was originally published in the October 2025 issue of alive magazine.