A recap of our time spent celebrating Thanksgiving in Canada, camping at The Pinery on Lake Huron.
As mentioned in Monday’s post, I celebrated Thanksgiving in Canada last weekend camping in Ontario with some of my family and what I like to call my “Canadian family”, AKA the people we go camping with every summer up on the Georgian Bay. But truly they’re like our extended family. Growing up I saw them almost as much as my own extended family. Sometimes they’d spend Labor Day weekend with us, or our Thanksgiving in November–gotta take advantage of those Black Friday deals, ya know. And we’d travel to their place for a big New Year’s Eve party. I even went to a summer camp up north in Ontario (Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da anyone?) a couple years in a row.
I remember in high school my friends would always ask me “Why do you go to Canada so much? Are you Canadian?” I mean, no I’m not technically Canadian… but I still like to call myself “part Canadian”. My grandpa’s mother was born there, does that count? Hmmm…
Anyways, it’s been about five years since I’ve been able to join in on the fun that is Thanksgiving in Canada, so being able to get together with some of my favorite people I was especially thankful for.
We camped at Pinery Provincial Park on Lake Huron, which is only about an hour drive once you cross the Canadian border at Port Huron, MI. Compared to the eight hours we’re used to traveling for our annual camping trip, this trip feels like a breeze.
Thanksgiving in Canada at The Pinery
We arrived into the Riverside campground Saturday morning and hung out just chatting a little until it was time to start gathering for dinner.
Everyone brings their own place setting to make for easier clean up!
There was about 30 of us total, so lots and lots of yummy food 😀
I made my Kale & Romaine Cranberry Almond Salad and it was a big hit. The dressing is truly the star of the show, I can’t recommend this salad enough! It’s my go-to for big gatherings. And so easy.
Okay, so I used pine nuts here because that is what I had on hand.
After everyone so kindly let me hold up dinner to get pictures, it was time to dig in.
And this is what our dinner table looked like!
Then we cleaned up and let our full bellies settle for awhile before getting ready for dessert.
From right to left:
- Chocolate Bourbon Bundt Cake
- Salted Dark Chocolate Almond Cookies
- Pumpkin Bread
- Saltine Cracker Chocolate Bark
From right to left:
- Butter Tarts (a traditional Canadian dessert)
- Gingersnap Cookies
- Brownies
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares
And yes, I pretty much tried everything. 😀
Being able to celebrate one of two Thanksgivings has me feeling extra thankful this year.
The year of 2016 has been quite interesting… Between a move and figuring out life back in my home state, I couldn’t be more thankful for Drew, our families, friends, and of course you guys, my readers. Honestly, I wouldn’t be able to do this without you. So THANK YOU so so SO very much <3
The Pinery, Lake Huron, Ontario
The beach is a bit of a hike from where we were staying in Riverside, so I made sure we stopped by the beach on our way out.
It was super windy the day we left on Sunday afternoon. I could not imagine swimming in that this time of year!
Have you been camping in October?
Do any of you living in the US celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada?
Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It says
OH MY GAWD look at all that delicious food!!! You have it made! I wish I could celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada!
Ashley says
Lol it is definitely fun to celebrate twice!
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
SO MUCH FOOD–looks like so much fun too. I just like the idea of eating outside at a long picnic table–sounds silly, but I haven’t done that in a reeeeally long time.
Ashley says
It is fun! There is just something about gathering around a big picnic table 🙂
Stella @ Stellicious Life says
Lol, when I started reading your post and seeing that photo with the big waves and grey skies, I was (OMG it must be so cold and windy! How can you camp in such weather? Sleep on the floor, no heating, etc.) But it must have been so nice to spend such a festive time with so many loved ones in such a beautiful place! I’ve never been to Canada yet, but I can’t wait to discover it, everyone keeps telling me it is gorgeous!! 🙂
Ashley says
Ha yeah fortunately the campground we were in was far enough off the lake we didn’t get TOO cold. Although Drew’s and my air mattress did have a hole in it so we ended up on the ground in the morning, lol.
But yes, you should definitely get to Canada. I have yet to head out west but it’s on my list!
Beverley @ Born to Sweat says
y ur highschool friends ask so many questions aboot Canada? don’t they know its the best?
hahaha, looks like you had such a great time Ashley! You’re so lucky that so many of you can get together and celebrate like that. Gorgeous shots too!
Ashley says
(I thought I already responded to this but apparently not!) But yes it was a nice time! I love getting together with my Canadian peeps <3
Emily says
This looks like an AWESOME thanksgiving. That is such an amazing tradition to go outside and have a huge thanksgiving dinner out in the beautiful creation. All of the food just looks so good; and I think it’s wonderful that you have 30 extended family members that you can do that with every year.
Ashley says
Thanks so much Emiliy! It truly is so much fun, I am thankful that we have that experience of Thanksgiving and camping 🙂
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
Omg those desserts. Gimme please. At first I thought you made all of them and I was like WHAT?! I want to come visit and we can go on adventures.
Ashley says
YES COME VISIT. I need you to come visit me next weekend actually, and we can go up north and look at all the pretty fall trees on the lake 😀
Jess @hellotofit says
Ahhh love that you took beautiful photos of the event!! Well, you ALWAYS take beautiful photos. But you know what i mean!!
Ashley says
lol thanks Jess! It was fun sneaking in some pictures before people dug in.