canadian battlefield tours 2023

Welcome to Canadian Battlefield Tours

Canadian battlefield tours is a battlefield tour company, specializing in the canadian actions in ww1 and the canadian and british actions in ww2., our aim is to provide to you with a very unique experience while in europe. if you were in the canadian military, have friends or family that have served in the canadian military, or have an interest in military history, our tours will provide you with an unparalleled experience relative to the canadian battles in ww1 and the canadian, british and polish battles in ww2..

Our tours are private , custom tours designed to be intimate and personal. They are available on a first come, first serve basis to anyone and will especially appeal to relatives of Canadian front line soldiers who were at the “sharp edge” and saw action in these theatres. To accomplish this we have restricted the size of our groups to 1 to 3 people. A personal tour, with pick-up at your hotel, may cost more when compared with joining a fixed-itinerary ‘bus’ tour, but the value, attention to detail, and personal touch is priceless. We feel it is by far and away the best way to see the battlefield. This is especially true, when this may be your one occasion to make the visit of your lifetime, making your battlefield visit a seamless experience. A personal tour is also better suited for the quiet exploration and reflection of past events, without the possible distraction of others making up your group – and the need for the tour leader to stick to a fixed time schedule!

Conducted (usually bus) tours, whether large or small, understandably, require you to comply with a fairly strict itinerary. The reason for this, is that the larger bus tours tend to take you primarily, to the better known monuments, museums and cemeteries.

Of course, with us, you will also visit these same monuments, museums and cemeteries, but always, with us, you will see so much more. For example, by the sheer size of their buses or coaches, they are unable to navigate the narrow farm tracks/roads, etc., to where some of the most poignant events took place. We don’t have those problems and our tours by their very nature, will take you through some of the most beautiful, scenic countryside you will ever see, usually on good quality, paved “back roads. We try to avoid, where possible, the extremely busy main highways. If you travel as part of a large group you may become frustrated by not being able to explore the landscape and ‘follow your nose’ to uncover the legacy of the battlefields. It can also be frustrating to be told to get back on the bus, to be herded to the next ‘must see’.

As noted above, our tours include visits to a select number of monuments, museums and beautiful Cemeteries, maintained and operated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. We also include a few select German cemeteries. Our tours are always flexible and will allow you the time you wish, to reminisce at the cemeteries. We will also make sure you have sufficient “free time” to enjoy other local tourist attractions.

Meet Your Guides

Gianni Blasi

Jim Smithson

Roberto Piccione

Jon Haslock

Peter Smith

Andrew Robertshaw

Bill McQuade

Joël Stoppels

Berry & Yvonne Swarthoff

Robert Catsburg

Jan Braakman

Jonathan Nicholls

Valerie Vaultier

Richard Porter

Guillermo Alcantara

Sonia Hidalgo

Edwin Popken

Testimonials

• As to our tour, I would start by saying that Robin’s enthusiasm and work ethic are excellent.  Although I haven’t taken a battlefield tour before and didn’t really know what to expect, it was obvious from the start that he had put a lot of work into personalizing our tour.  The specific work he did on the South Saskatchewan Regiment and their specific actions around my relative’s movements and injuries were unexpected.  I wanted to see where my uncle got hurt near Ifs in July 1944 and he did his best to take me to the exact spot.  We did see the main sights for sure in Normandy, but he did a lot of work in making the tour relevant to me and my family.  A highlight was him playing for us a CBC radio broadcast after the Dieppe raid where my uncle was interviewed!  Amazing! He also spent a lot of time trying to show us graves of some of the boys who would have known my relatives, or who they would have commanded.  The visit to Dieppe was a real highlight-we traced the SSR company that my Uncle was CSM of during the day right to the point where he was commanding a company headquarters.  Seeing Dieppe and Green Beach was something I’ve wanted to do my whole life and it didn’t disappoint.  He also ordered a couple of wreaths which were personalized for the SSR from the British Legion and we did a wreath laying at Bretteville and Dieppe which were emotional and very gratifying. One unexpected thing was once my wife indicated she had relatives flying Mustangs with the RCAF, he did some evening research and the next day showed her some flight records and a location of one of the airfields they flew out of in France.  She really appreciated that. I found the days long, but rewarding.  My wife probably would say they were a bit long for her, but she hung in there. We added on Abbey d’Ardenne at my request, and I’m glad we did.  My wife knew nothing about the SS, atrocities, or Kurt Meyer.  She was shocked when she found out it was not an uncommon occurrence and said afterwards she found that part haunting. As we travelled and stopped for lunch I generally picked up the tab, which I was happy to do. He did use his own car which was roomy and comfortable, and tried to get us off the beaten track locations for snacks and meals which we really liked. On the last day after we finished touring, he drove us back to Pourville and we spent some time on a patio discussing the tour, his plans for the remainder of the year, and life in general. Mr. & Mrs. Dan Long Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• Hi Gary, We got home yesterday, exhausted but satisfied with our experience. Basically we had 4 days, on the road by 9AM touring all day and home at 7PM. Our basic tours were Vimy, Hill 70 and Cambria, Ypres & Passchendaele and The Somme  There were added side tours on each day. We were very impressed with Jon, he's a walking encyclopedia and very personable. We felt that he read our understanding of the war and our interests well and was flexible enough to accommodate our interests. For example, our grandsons were quite interested in the tanks, and Jon arranged to visit the tank Dolores? The buried tank found south of Cambrai. We enjoyed the spots he found for lunch and our visits over the meal were very pleasant. Our grandsons are typical  teenagers, but Jon got along with them well and they in turn thought he was great. The various cemeteries presented a solemn reminder of the lives lost . We were very impressed with CWGC work in maintaining them. All in all an educational and enjoyable experience Bob & Edna David Alberta, Canada
• To cut to the chase we give both tours 10/10. This is interesting in that our two tour guides Jon and Robin have different personalities and styles. The common feature is that both guides are true historians and extremely professional. More important though is that they were able to judge our level of understanding and interest and adjust their itineraries and presentations accordingly. We definitely felt that each day was “ customized” for us. They obviously had more knowledge than we did but only took it as far as  we wanted at a particular cemetery, monument or battlefield. When we wanted more in depth information they gave it to us. They let us wander through cemeteries reading headstones and we never felt there was a schedule we had to keep. We thoroughly enjoyed our three days with Jon Haslock. He was excellent in showing us how the battles were fought. We stood on the grounds at Passchendaele, Vimy and Beaumont-Hamel and he explained the movements of the trenches, the attacks and the positions so we got a real sense of what it must have been like. We also talked about the impact on the civilians-farmers, shopkeepers whose homes and lands were in the occupied zones and what it must have been like to return or not to their village. The impact on civilians is not something that gets proper appreciation. A nice touch was one day when we stopped for lunch and met Jon’s wife and mother in law. Little personal things like this make the relationship special. We would highly, highly recommend Jon as a tour guide. We would be thrilled to come back and tour with Jon. We thoroughly enjoyed our 3 days with Robin Burrows-Ellis. Robin focused on lesser known facts and the true stories such as the Maisy battery and Pointe du Hoc. Robin has done extensive research on individuals, whether a grave marker or a battle leader. By drilling down to the personal side of a conflict he created a closer connection to the individual and turned names into persons. Juno beach was very special we walked in the beach and had our picture taken where wounded Canadians huddled against the sea wall for protection. The 1944 picture of where we stood was chilling. On the last day, Robin brought his partner along and her stories of her village were an appreciated special touch. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Robin to anyone interested in WW2. We would hire Robin again in an instant. Canadian Battlefield Tours exceeded our expectations - which were high. Over our three days at WW1 and three days at WW2 battlefields we had two professional historians who were able to judge our level of interest and go as shallow or deep as we wanted at a cemetery, monument or battlefield. We were particularly impressed with their expertise on Canadian subject matter. Both tour guides were personable and passionate. The administrative side was seamless with Gary handling all the details. We have already told many of our friends about CBT and how we highly recommend them. We could tell from some friends who had taken tours with other operators that CBT clearly surpassed their experience. Thank you for creating these special days in our lives. Claudia and Randy Findlay Calgary, AB
• We were delighted with Jon. He was extremely knowledgeable and not only knowledgeable but able to share his knowledge effectively with us. His passion shows. He met us on time and gave us full days that were well organized. He had researched our ancestors and was able to show us the places where they had fought. This was everything we wanted. Overall, an excellent tour and Jon was awesome! Marilyn and John Thornton Victoria, BC
• The tour certainly met my expectations. Robin was a very knowledgeable and fantastic guide, just as he was in 2019 for the WWII portion of my Normandy tour. The most significant actions in Dieppe were covered within my one-day tour (we covered all five beaches, plus some actions around batteries further inland) and Robin's style gets you to immerse yourself in the setting and provides a good sense of what it would have been like to be there that day. I learned many more details about Canadian actions in Dieppe, but more importantly, Robin was able to cast the battle that day in a significantly different light from what I had learned in school, where it tends to be painted as a military failure/disaster. I have a much better appreciation for the sacrifices made in Dieppe and how the difficult lessons learned that day informed the planning for the D-Day invasion. Robin's tour also challenged my thinking about the raid and its place in Canadian military history. On a side note, Dieppe's natural beauty was also something I had not given much thought to beforehand. I had implicitly assumed it would have looked similar to some of the D-Day beaches, which I had seen before. That underestimation was a pleasant surprise and provided a unique tour backdrop among WWII battlefield locations. The town is certainly worth visiting even without a keen interest in Canadian battlefields. Thanks again to you and Robin for providing another memorable experience that I will cherish and recount for many years. David Catarino Oakville, ON
• Our three days with Richard was absolutely first class. Richard’s depth of knowledge was remarkable and his use of stories to highlight issues and create a more human scale than the otherwise cataclysmic events permitted really brought things to life. We also appreciated Richard’s ability to share, rather than just air, his knowledge and all this with a sense of humour coupled with insights from his own military experience. Robin & Barbara Rison Cotswolds, England
• We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and our time with Robin. Robin is very knowledgeable and we appreciate the considerable time he spent researching my Dad's war history. I can honestly say we feel we have walked in my Dad's footsteps, while thankfully not experiencing the horrors of war, we have a better appreciation of his journey and why he was not willing to share much of this part of his life. We are eternally grateful for his and his fellow comrades ultimate sacrifice. Ken Moore and Sharon Pekrul Matlock, MB
• We had a fantastic trip. It surpassed our expectations. Jon was excellent. He started us with general information using maps and CWGC (troops movements dates, etc.) information to get us on the right thoughts from start to finish. He correlated this information about my family and planned our days with details of the information, and he could pin us down to the locations of the fallen soldiers we were following. He was also able to point us in the right direction to information that is available, and we were not aware of, so we can do some more research. We learned a lot about my family's soldiers that we never knew before. Logistically everything worked out fantastic. The days were busy and full. Trip of a lifetime for us. Thanks again. Rick and Jeannette Atkinson Edmonton, AB
• Our time with Jon significantly exceeded our expectations for our tour of Canadian WW1 sites! Beginning the tour with a visit to a Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, really helped to set the scene and provide background on the approach to honouring Commonwealth soldiers. Jon had researched the war records of my great uncle and took us to the field where he was shot, and could point out the area where the German soldiers had their machine guns. He then brought us to the nearby cemetery where we could see the graves of the other 215 Canadian soldiers who fought with my great uncle and are buried with him. This brought me such a sense of comfort to know he was buried with his colleagues. From here, Jon continued to provide a complete history of the Canadian contribution, and loss of life in the area. We were blown away with his detailed knowledge of the battles and very intrigued with stops at various German bunkers and fields where artillery can still (104 years later) be found. Jon really brought the history to life for us and for this we are very appreciative. He also used our lunch visits to share insights on the rebuild of communities in northern France. I would highly recommend Jon as a guide for any other Canadians looking to understand the contribution of Canadians in WW1, and will reach out to you again Gary when we decide to visit sites of WWII. Please let me know if any questions, or if anything more would be helpful. Cindy Dunn and Mark Florence Toronto, ON
• Gary, It was an excellent day - thank you. Eric Slavens Toronto, ON
• Jim exceeded our expectations in every way.  He was the ideal guide, and presented all the information in an easy to follow, informative manner. He was exceptionally flexible with the schedule, letting us start and end our days at the times we requested, and made sure we had plenty of time to spend at the key sites we really wanted to see. He always kept an eye on the weather and shuffled the order of events around to help keep us dry and/or warm, as required. His depth of knowledge was incredible, and on the rare occasion where he didn't know the answer right away, he had it for me the next day. He always had detailed maps and timetables of every battlefield we visited so that we could effortlessly orient ourselves to the battlespace. It was really more like travelling with an old friend than a tour guide--he was the absolute perfect choice for the two of us, and we wouldn't hesitate to book again if Jim is made available for a future tour. Matthew and Vince Daluz Ottawa, ON
• Things exceeded my expectations frankly, largely in part to the personalized context Jon was able to bring based on the information I had about my Grandfather about also by his own research. He actually clarified a few minor inaccuracies of mine but also broadened my perspective on this personal journey of mine. He would take me off our route for 15 minutes just to say my grandfather likely walked a road or passed through a town between his postings. Jon was awesome, he even started looking for chalk and other mementoes from the relevant fields so that my wife could use some of it in her artist works once back in Ottawa. Happy to recommend your firm and Jon, thanks for your flexibility. Cal Kirkpatrick Ottawa, ON
• Gary, Our time with Jon significantly exceeded our expectations for our tour of Canadian WW1 sites! Beginning the tour with a visit to a Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, really helped to set the scene and provide background on the approach to honouring Commonwealth soldiers. Jon had researched the war records of my great uncle and took us to the field where he was shot, and could point out the area where the German soldiers had their machine guns. He then brought us to the nearby cemetery where we could see the graves of the other 215 Canadian soldiers who fought with my great uncle and are buried with him. This brought me such a sense of comfort to know he was buried with his colleagues. From here, Jon continued to provide a complete history of the Canadian contribution, and loss of life in the area. We were blown away with his detailed knowledge of the battles and very intrigued with stops at various German bunkers and fields where artillery can still (104 years later) be found. Jon really brought the history to life for us and for this we are very appreciative. He also used our lunch visits to share insights on the rebuild of communities in northern France. I would highly recommend Jon as a guide for any other Canadians looking to understand the contribution of Canadians in WW1, and will reach out to you again Gary when we decide to visit sites of WWII. Please let me know if any questions, or if anything more would be helpful. Cindy Dunn and Mark Florence, Toronto, ON **Cindy was following in the footsteps of her great uncle, on a WWI pilgrimage tour Gary, It was an excellent day - thank you. Eric Slavens, Toronto, ON Hi Gary, Jim exceeded our expectations in every way. He was the ideal guide, and presented all the information in an easy to follow, informative manner. He was exceptionally flexible with the schedule, letting us start and end our days at the times we requested, and made sure we had plenty of time to spend at the key sites we really wanted to see. He always kept an eye on the weather and shuffled the order of events around to help keep us dry and/or warm, as required. His depth of knowledge was incredible, and on the rare occasion where he didn't know the answer right away, he had it for me the next day. He always had detailed maps and timetables of every battlefield we visited so that we could effortlessly orient ourselves to the battlespace. It was really more like travelling with an old friend than a tour guide--he was the absolute perfect choice for the two of us, and we wouldn't hesitate to book again if Jim is made available for a future tour. Matthew DaLuz, Saint John, NB Vince Daluz, Ottawa, ON **This father/son team were kept waiting almost 3 years for their 9 day Canadians Choice tour, because of Covid 19. I am most gratified after reading their testimonial, that the tour (Sept. 19-27, 2022) was well worth the wait. As always Jim, a job well done. Hi Gary, Things exceeded my expectations frankly, largely in part to the personalized context Jon was able to bring based on the information I had about my Grandfather about also by his own research. He actually clarified a few minor inaccuracies of mine but also broadened my perspective on this personal journey of mine. He would take me off our route for 15 minutes just to say my grandfather likely walked a road or passed through a town between his postings. Jon was awesome, he even started looking for chalk and other mementoes from the relevant fields so that my wife could use some of it in her artist works once back in Ottawa. Happy to recommend your firm and Jon, thanks for your flexibility , Ottawa, ON ** Another splendid pilgrimage tour provided by Jon Haslock for an extremely satisfied customer who had waited almost 3 years for his tour Sept. 28 & 29, 2022. Cal Kirkpatrick Ottawa, ON
• This must have been the most rescheduled tour in the history of CBT! After the original booking I think we had to make 5 different changes to the schedule! Thanks for your patience. This 2-day tour of Ypres and the Vimy area exceeded expectations. The tour guide, Jon Haslock (aka Old Blighty) set a brisk pace and we covered more ground than I expected. Jon had done his homework and made sure we visited the important sites involving my ancestors: Sgt Percy Cote, PPCLI; Sgt James Faulds, 25th Bn.; Sgt James McInnes, PPCLI. I had not expected we would visit the Somme area and Beaumont Hamel was a definite highlight. Vimy was spectacular and we went there twice. Our second visit was early in the morning on day 2 and it was especially moving as there were so few people there. The other highlight was laying a wreath at the Menin Gate. A very moving experience. What was also great about the tour was gaining an understanding of the importance of the ridges. You read about this aspect of the Great War in countless books and hear about it in various lectures, but until you actually stand there you just can’t appreciate how important the high ground was – and as you know it really wasn’t that high! At every stop along the tour we would take a moment to look at the land around us and we really ‘got it’! Maps don’t give you that perspective. I think that covers it. Thanks again for your patience and providing such a great tour. And by all means pass on our thanks to Jon. Cam and Ann Gordon Kitchener, ON
• Hi Gary, I wanted to let you know, from my perspective, how great the tour was. Jon is an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable, very approachable and extremely nice! Jon went above and beyond. He took us through the footsteps of Mark's uncle, showed us approximately where he had been killed (in the middle of a farmer's field!) and took us to the cemetery where he was buried. He also took us to ALL of the places Mark had wanted to visit. It was such a fantastic, awesome yet sombre experience. He had bits of knowledge that we would never have learned anywhere else and that is priceless. We learned many new facts and Mark had so many questions, which Jon answered or he told us where we could find the answers. Jon is also well known in the area and had many tips for us. Mark and I live in Ladner, BC, which is about 15 minutes south of Vancouver. Mark is a firefighter with Vancouver Fire and he has been very vocal telling his colleagues about how wonderful his tour was! I work for London Drugs at the Head Office. It was Clint Mahlman, the CEO, who originally told me about your company and he raved about how well the tour was run and how impactful it was. I have to agree. Thank you once again. I will definitely be talking about how fantastic our tour was and recommending your company. Sincerely, Gabriela Whincup ** Gabriela and her husband Mark took a WWI Pilgrimage Tour. I’m very pleased that the tour exceeded all their expectations.   Gabriela Whincup Ladner, BC
• We were so pleased with both of our tours. We are still amazed at how knowledgeable and passionate your guides were. Each tour day was well organized and informative. They had researched my father’s regiment and knew each location where he may have encountered a battle. Although these locations looked entirely different today, seeing the landscape made it easier for us to envision what took place. It was nice to talk with the local property owners too as they also knew the history of their properties and were able to tell us even more. The guides were very helpful in translating when needed. We can assure you that you do have the very best guides. They were outstanding not only in their guiding but also their kindness. We really appreciate all the work they do to keep this bit of history from being forgotten. Thank you for making this a memorable moment for us. Scott and Rosalie Brent Toronto, Ontario
• Gary, We've just finished the WWI Tour. Jon saw to it that I visited all the important sites and battles where my Uncle's would have been involved! Very thoroughly done. We stopped at their Tearoom where I met his wife and even mother-in-law! Nice people! Thank you for setting this up. I could not have accomplished this on my own. The man knows how to drive this part of France, and how! Far from what I could have accomplished If I could help you or Jon with recommends, please don't hesitate to refer to me. Thank you! Frank Bucknum Victoria, BC
• I thought that I should also send you an email regarding the tour that I had with Jon. I didn’t know that Gabriela had kept this a secret from me for over two years. When I found out that I was going on a private tour to see the battlefield areas of WW1 I still didn’t even know that I was going to the places that my great uncle would have been back in 1917. When I found out that what we were going to do I was so excited. I listened to the stories that Jon was telling us about the different sites that we stopped at, like a kid in a candy store. It was so emotional to see where my Uncle had battled, where he probably died and where he was buried. Jon was exceptionally knowledgeable on all the areas we went to. When we arrived at Vimy Ridge and I stood on the monument I have never felt prouder to be a Canadian. Jon took us to spots that I would have never known or been able to understand what happened at these sites if it wasn’t for him. This trip was amazing and I would recommend this to anyone that wants the best experience to see the WW1 spots. I never found out how much this experience costed or don’t care to know. Seeing this was an experience of a life time and you can not put a price on that. Thank you for this experience and if there is anything else you need from me regarding Jon I’m more than happy to help out. Mark Whincup Vancouver, BC
• This was a very moving, well lead tour, with important details told in an engaging manner.  It was worth every penny, and then some. Tim and Carolyn Darling
• The day with Robin, in Normandy, was more than expected, and he was an extraordinary host. We thank you, and Robin, for a very memorable day. Christina and Wayne Bornstein Waterloo, ON
• Our tour involved two days on the WW I battlefields in France and Belgium and one day exploring WWII battlefields from Juno beach to Caen. Jim Smithson, our guide for the WWI battlefields, was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We had two very full and busy days and learned a great deal about the experiences and sacrifices of the soldiers of the Canadian corps. We spent the first day touring the Somme battlefields, memorials and graveyards, including Vimy Ridge and the Newfoundland memorial at Beaumont-Hamel. The next day we went to Flanders in Belgium and explored the Passchendaele battlefields and witnessed the last post ceremony held every night at 8:00 pm in Ypres, which was a very moving experience.  Jim has a wealth of information on WWI and gave us many insights into the battles and the experiences of Canadian and Commonwealth soldiers. Robin Burrows-Ellis, our guide for the tour of the WWII battlefields, was also very knowledgeable and entertaining. My wife’s uncle Philip (who died before she was born) was killed on July 21st in battle around Mondeville, south of Caen only two weeks after landing in Normandy. He was a private with The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. Robin did a great job of researching and tracing Philip’s steps from Juno beach to the area where he was killed. We visited the various locations where his battalion engaged the Germans in battle, including the location where he died.  Robin was very well prepared with battle maps and was able to obtain transcripts of radio communications by Philip’s battalion on the day he was killed which gave a blow by blow account of the battle. You could close your eyes and almost imagine the terror of being in this situation. We finished our tour at the Bretteville-sur-Laize  Canadian War Cemetery near Caen where Robin located Philip’s gravestone. We placed a small Canadian flag and some flowers near his gravestone and Robin read a poem. It was a very moving experience for us, even though we had never met Philip. I have no hesitation in recommending your company and Jim and Robin as great guides for those wishing to visit WWI and WWII battlefields and memorials with a focus on the Canadian and Commonwealth wartime experience. David & Michelle Mydske West Vancouver, BC
• I thought John did a great job of taking us through the tour. He was well researched on our Uncle Jim’s service, I believe in part because we provided him with the 75 pages of service record from Ottawa. Also he did a good bit of research through the Canadian War Dairies to determine where Jim was and where he sustained his wounds. John was barraged by my brother Scott throughout our tour and I thought did a splendid job of answering all our questions. Although I think he was happy to see the last of us as we exhausted him through our many inquiries. Jamie, Scott & Fraser McTavish Vancouver, BC & Markham, Ontario
• Just a quick note to thank you for the tour. I've had time now to review the war diaries and photo's that Robin provided for us and will be sending copies to my sister and brother in law as well. Robin did some excellent and deep research into the South Alberta's and consequently was able to take us exactly to the locations of where "C" squadron and John Barnett would have been during August of 1944. The planning and level of detail made the trip more than worthwhile. Thank you again for the good work. Todd Lemieux Nanton, Alberta
• Firstly, we wanted to thank you for the tour, we were quite happy with everything.  John was very knowledgeable and provided excellent opportunities to experience the many different aspects of the conflict.  Being able to see the French memorial at Notre Dame de Lorette, or the Langemark German cemetery provided perspective that we were not likely to get with some other tours. John also was kind enough to order up some glorious weather to enjoy the tour. When we spoke to John about what we wanted to achieve during the tour, we stated that we wanted to visit some less travelled memorials and he managed to find some excellent locations. Again, thank you for everything, and please pass along our thanks to John. Dawn and Joe Barbosa London, Ontario
• The tours with Robin and Jon were excellent and met all of my expectations. Both guides were extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their respective areas of expertise. I was very pleased with the requested focus on Canadian contributions to the battlefields and war efforts of WWI and WWII. Both guides were also flexible enough to incorporate visits to sites that I showed secondary interest in during the tour (e.g., Omaha beach and a WWI Portuguese war cemetery). Robin's researched storytelling approach to site visits was quite unique and provided me with some of the most poignant moments of my 5-day tour. Jon was a walking WWI encyclopedia and was able to answer all of the questions my curiosity could muster, including some I forgot to ask Robin in the first leg! Thanks again to you and your guides for accommodating me on what I now certainly appreciate was short notice for such a customized experience. The trip provided me with memories that I will recount and reflect on for a lifetime. David Catarino Oakville, Ontario, Canada
• Our experience with Jim, without a doubt, exceeded our expectations. He was personable, organized, well-prepared and knowledgeable. Each day, Jim arrived at the set time and off we’d go to battlefields, memorials and military cemeteries. The days were full, but well-paced with pleasant stops for lunch. Every excursion was augmented by maps past and present, historic photos and other materials. Jim's passion and sincerity when speaking about WWI and WWII, the experiences and sacrifices of those involved and respect for the fallen are especially noteworthy. We not only learned details, but also gained a deep appreciation for all sides of these gruesome conflicts. David and I really appreciated the added effort to provide more background concerning my grandfather’s and great-uncle’s military service. Visiting my great-uncle’s burial site and the location where he was fatally injured was especially poignant. Brenda & David Barry Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• We were very well impressed with the tour Jim gave us. We came with three different levels of knowledge and he was able to make it so we all got something from each stop. I know what a challenge that can be. Jim went above and beyond keeping up on where the crowds would be and helping us avoid them. Megan Nagtegaal Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
• Our two days with Richard were absolutely perfect, exceeded any expectations we could possibly have. What a wonderful, personable, knowledgeable, compassionate man!  It was an amazing, educational and emotional two days! Kim MacKenzie Pipestone, Manitoba, Canada
• We very much enjoyed our Normandy tour with Robin. It was a full day full of stories which made D-Day come alive. The Canadian cemetery was the most moving spot we visited.  Robin is very well informed and obviously passionate about making history come alive. We learned a great deal more than most tourists would from our day with him. Bev Noble & Brian Field, Lucan (Komoka) Ontario, Canada
• The tour went very well. Our guide, was very knowledgeable about everything involving the Canadian campaign in Italy. He was also very enthusiastic, friendly, and a gracious host. He took us to several Canadian memorials in the Cassino/Liri Valley area and explained their history. He also took great effort to put special focus on the areas and points of interest that specifically involved where my Dad would have been with his regiment. I was very impressed by that. I truly feel it gave me a closer connection to what my Dad would have experienced, and where he was. Dwaine Balak Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
• Great day with Robert. He really set it up well and gave us the tour we wanted plus. Would recommend CBT and Robert highly. Glen Wright Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
• Robin was outstanding. He was engaging and enthusiastic, as well as knowledgeable. Robin brought documents, maps and photos to amplify his explanations. This was really helpful. After the tour, he gave us copies of a number of his papers for us to take, and to read at our leisure after the tour. One the best aspects of Robin’s delivery is the way he was able to personalize the events, by drawing on the stories of heroic acts by Allied soldiers and members of the French resistance. It was brilliant, and he had all the time in the world to spend to help us better understand and appreciate D-day events. Robin also provided directions which were instrumental to getting us to the Dieppe battle site… I don’t think we would have found it without his help. Peter Cameron & Brenda Reid Ottawa, Ontario
• Jane and I thoroughly enjoyed the 3 day world war 1 tour last week. The tour guide you arranged, Jim, was very knowledgeable on the area and the subject. He customized the trip for us to focus on the Canadian role in WW1, which is what we were interested in. Jim also did additional research for us and identified cemeteries where two of my relatives were buried. He then worked these two cemeteries into the schedule so we could visit them in the context of the battles they fought in. It was a humbling and moving tour, made personal by finding my two relatives. We enjoyed our Canadian Battlefields tour and would highly recommend Jim as a guide for anyone interested in doing a similar tour. Rob & Jane Carrs Calgary, Alberta
• Our Canadian Battlefields Tour exceeded our expectations.  Jim Smithson, our guide, was outstanding.  We would rate him as our best tour guide ever.  He is a historian with an in depth knowledge and understanding of the history of Canadian WWI battlefields. Jim took us on a personal tour of the Canadian battlefields at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele where my wife’s father participated and described the conditions, the Canadian battlefield strategy and what happened in each battle. Jim researched the battlefield actions of her father's company and showed us the military maps and documentation.  Jim also gave us a first hand look at the specific area in the Passchendaele battlefield (now a farmer’s field) where he was wounded. He showed us copies of the military reports, battle plans and casualty lists that allowed us to personally follow his footsteps in WWi.  Jim's vast knowledge of the cemeteries, and the soldiers who are buried there helped our understanding and appreciation of their sacrifice in WWI. Jim ran our tour without a hitch. He picked us up promptly each day and drove us to the Canadian battlefields and cemetery locations, some of which were small and would have been impossible for us to find on our own. While we were visiting some of the smaller Canadian WWI cemeteries we met other Canadians who were there on their own in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of a fallen relative. Jim explained the burial rites followed during and after the war and helped our fellow Canadians better understand their relatives final resting place. We were thankful and very pleased  that Jim so graciously shared his knowledge and understanding in such a kind and compassionate way. Would highly recommend CBT and your guide. Paul & Judy Sandulak Sherwood Park, Alberta
• We are flying home at the moment and are taking the opportunity to send a few words about our tour. To summarize, the tour fully met our expectations and in the case of our time with Robert Catsburg in the Scheldt area, exceeded them. Notwithstanding that we had done research on our own we could not possibly have put together the tours we had with your guides. There is no substitute for local knowledge and the on the ground research that each guide did in relation to “Major Tom” and the Royal Regiment. All three without fail did what they said they would do. They were very good at reading us and pacing the tour appropriately. All were strong at developing a good personal relationship with us and were pleasant companions. All had “done their homework”. Of particular note is the depth of Robert’s scholarship and indeed passion for his subject. We were happy we never had to drive.  It would not have been as good an experience for us had we had to drive. Mark drove our car.  Robert and Berry drove theirs. In addition your suggestions for accommodation were good. We enjoyed the Hotel Bayeux, Tulip Inn and LOVED the Villa Rozenhof. We were spoiled by Berry and Yvonne at the Mondani. Anita at the Villa packed us a breakfast for our early flight from Amsterdam to LHR which lasted for three days! We chose CBT as a result of a recommendation by our friend Bob Lucas. We would not hesitate to recommend CBT to others. Anna Whitley & Fred Blair Ottawa, Ontario
• I cannot reiterate enough how our tour exceeded all expectations. Jim was exactly the right choice for our wants and needs. At times, we almost felt we were in the battles that our fathers fought!  His skills as a guide were exemplary. It was obvious that his research regarding our individual fathers was extensive and we were pleased to receive copies of that information at the end of the tour. I will highly recommend your tour company without reservation. I might add that the personalized tour was the way to go for us. It certainly eliminated the areas that our fathers never fought in and therefore not pertinent for us. Thank you for helping to guide us through this very emotional but totally rewarding experience. Barbara Scott & Ruth Taylor Windsor, Nova Scotia
• Thanks for contacting me about the trip.  My sister and I both agreed that it far exceeded our expectations.  It was clearly  customized to our requests - all of them. There was nothing generic about it.  Jim has an inexhaustible depth of knowledge and also an ability to organize the places we visited and the information he presented, in a very coherent way. He also inquired to see what we needed to help us understand.  I particularly wanted to understand the landscape  with respect to the various battles.   At every stop he anchored our discussions with excellent maps and he also kept us updated about our position while we were traveling. It was very satisfying. He never rushed us and answered every question. Whenever he provided perspective he also provided the reasons for his comments. That was also very reassuring. He was  a very well read and informative guide. The logistics of the trip were slick and well planned. There was no fuss about anything and we were never rushed  and yet there were always timely stops for food and loos. You mentioned that, given our interests,  we probably could not do better for a guide. I agree. I will highly recommend your company and Jim Smithson. Note: Pat & her sister took our WWI Tour Patricia Hunt Winnipeg, Manitoba
• The tour with Jim (Canadian Battlefield Tours) was simply outstanding. It definitely exceeded any expectations we may have had. Jim provided an itinerary before hand detailing the tour timetable, more importantly, it was his in-depth knowledge of the historical facts and local geography which made the 3 days so memorable. He is a very likeable person, which made the travels quite enjoyable. We learned and witnessed so much. The sight of so many thousands of young people etched on graves and the walls will be us with forever. Jim personalized my Grandfather’s days around St Julian in April, 1915. Actually being in the area was moving. I really appreciated the background & the notes of those particular days. The Menin Gate ceremony stood out as one of many highlights. There was the live shell we came across next to a field or the recent burial of 4 Canadians from Hill 70. Would we recommend CBT… absolutely, no hesitation. My wife even suggested a WW2 tour in the future. Thank you again & please thank Jim. Bruce & Glenda Hayzelden Calgary, Alberta
• The trip was all I expected and more. Ken was very knowledgeable and we had four great days together. I could not recommend him higher than I do. Four days was the right time for me. I would also tell anyone that intended tp go that to do so without a guide would be folly. Finding the places, let alone describing what happened at them, would be impossible. Warren Mitchell Vancouver, BC
• Connie and I had a great time on the Canadian Battlefields tour.  Our guide was not only friendly and fun to be around, he was also an encyclopedia of knowledge. In fact, his depth of knowledge, and his ability to tell the stories in an engaging manner, made this tour extra special.  The added bonus? Sitting in the only Canadian Legion in Holland having dinner with his family.  We felt so very special. Don & Connie Campbell Vancouver, BC
• We just got home yesterday and was about to send you a short note about our experience with your company.  Our two tours were great. Our WWI guide JOHN... was exceptional!!  We enjoyed his company immensely. John was so courteous and mindful about my condition (I'm in pain waiting for a hip replacement) and drove ever so careful over speed bumps and pot holes... and took the curvy roads in a very careful way as not to add to my discomfort. He was the best guide we have ever had in all of our travels. We will recommend your company and John to our friends who plan to do the same trip we just did. Our Normandy guide ROBIN was extremely knowledgeable and did a good job informing us on everything. Valerie & Henry Strong Vancouver, BC
• The Normandy part of the tour was exceptional with Robin, he brings so much energy and pride to his tour. He gives a broad view of certain battles, but will focus on the individual stories, as he says " his-story". At the end of each 10 hour day he gives you a folder with all the information of the many topics covered that day. My dad and I were blown away.   The World War One portion with Jon was also very professional. He has very in depth knowledge of all the specific battles and weaponry. It never failed, every time we walked near a farmers field there was some form of war debris, including a couple of unexploded shells.   All in all a great memorable experience. Jeff Pentecost Burnaby & Vancouver, BC
• The tour was amazing, far beyond our expectations!!! Andrew and I so enjoyed our time with Robin touring the WW2 battlefields and memorial sites. Today, Andrew and I started our “break day” with a visit to the Bayeux Tapestry, then we went to Dieppe and visited the Canadian War Museum to honour a great uncle of one of Andrew’s close friends. His grandfather, brother of his great uncle also served in WW2 after his brother, but is still alive (late 90’s now) and lives at the Veterans Retirement Residence at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. Andrew and I were so excited to be able to take this trip/journey together, and extremely grateful to you!! Thank you so very much for making this dream come true for us. A huge thanks again for all your kind attention and amazing effort!! Marianne & Andrew Guizzetti Toronto, ON
• The tour greatly exceeded our expectations. We had an absolutely fantastic tour with Richard Porter. It was a truly moving experience, especially the last day, during which he took us to the Somme area, where both my grandfathers were. Knowing their battalion number and regiment, he was able to pinpoint their exact location and movements. It was incredible. We will be talking about this vacation for a long time. Will heartily recommend your firm to anyone. Thank you so much!! Dr. Patricia Cairns Toronto, ON
• The eight-day Canadians Choice Tour tour exceeded my expectations. Your guide Jim Smithson has a passion for and an encyclopedic knowledge of both WW II Normandy and the Western Front of WW I.  I was especially interested in sites associated with Canada.  He took me to many. Special was the “personal touch.”  Jim is a “keeper.”  I’d score him 10  / 10 ++!! Gord Yakimow Abbotsford, BC
• Thank you for being our conduit to a wonderful educational experience. We met Andy at the train station in Arras and soon learned that we had the best tour guide possible. Andy is a wealth of knowledge and a great personality. After some brief planning and coffee at a local restaurant, we decided to take our journey south toward a number of Commonwealth Cemeteries, which included visits to Sere Road Cemetery No. 2, the Newfoundland Cemetery and of course the Bouchoir New British Cemetery where Gwyn’s uncle is buried. We travelled back to Arras for lunch, then during the afternoon we spent some time at Vimy Ridge Memorial and walked the grounds. We finished off with a visit to a German Cemetery nearby. I give your guide Andy Robertshaw top marks. Could not have been better. Gwyn and I are completely satisfied with this CBT experience, which we will recommend. Syd & Gwyn Perkins Tofield, Alberta
• Mike was excellent!! Our tour experience was educational and enjoyable. We couldn’t have gained so much from the experience had we attempted it on our own. Mike was very accommodating and flexible to meet our needs. Mike is an excellent story teller and brought history to life. His car was comfortable and he was prompt in his arrival each day. Thanks so much for a tremendous experience!! Deborah Viel Yarmouth Nova Scotia
• I thought I would let you know that the 3 days with Andy Robertshaw went great! He is extremely knowledgeable besides being fun to be around. The entire family enjoyed his company. He gave us new information and perspective on my Uncle Stuart Siddons’s  military service that I had not expected. I would be happy to give a recommendation to any of your, or his potential clients. Bill Boyd Marina del Rey, CA
• We both thought the experience was very worthwhile and I believe we have come away changed. I now have an exceedingly deeper appreciation of what "thank you for your service" really means. We both believe it was a fabulous and worthwhile experience, but fun and relaxing are not two words either of us would use to describe the experience. I would highly recommend your organization and team for anyone interested in such a tour (but I would do my best to prepare them for the unpreparable, being the emotional impact, which really is what these tours really need to be about). Brent & Jason Moore Toronto, Ontario
• I lost my father when I was twenty-five. He died at the age of fifty-six back in 1978. He was and continues to be a huge influence on me. He was a Lieutenant in the FSSF, 3rd Regiment. He left a leg on a path near Sospel, France. Finding the exact place where he was wounded in a quiet forest on the edge of a mountain in the Alps was profoundly moving. He had apparently crawled back to his men, ordering them to not come to his aid, thereby saving other lives as they found two more mines on the trail he had walked before stepping on the box mine. Gianni and Roland brought those years back into focus. They made history come alive. Gianni showed me a fountain where they would have stopped to drink. He showed me a path outside a headquarters building where they would undoubtedly have walked. Roland showed me the path of my dad’s last walk before being injured. I have been back in Canada about three weeks. I cannot stop thinking about our experience and the courage and sacrifice of these wonderful men. Paul Mergler Toronto, Ontario

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10 Thought-Provoking Ypres Battlefield Tours (2024)

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Would you like to know what the best Ypres Battlefield Tours are? You’ve come to the right spot!

I live an hour away from Ypres , a town known for its WWI history. Being Belgian, I grew up close to these real stories of the past.

In fact, as a kid, I used to speak every year on the November 11 memorial at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem. One time, our then prince, now king, Philippe , was even there to listen.

Ypres is famous for the Battle of Ypres , which was a series of battles during World War I between Germany and the Allied forces. Surrounding the town are battlefields, cemeteries, war museums, and memorials that honour these battles.  

Since September 2023, nearly all of the locations mentioned have been recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage collectively listed under the title “ Funerary and Memory Sites of the First World War (Western Front) “

Joining a Ypres battlefield tour will allow you to dive deep into the history of the First World War. It’s the perfect occasion to learn more about the significance of the area in WW I and/or to honour someone who fought .

I will guide you through the best battlefield tours Ypres, Bruges and even Brussels have to offer and I’ll tell you more about the history of the places you’ll be visiting.

MY TOP PICKS From Ypres | Ypres Battlefields Public Half-Day Tour or Private 4-hour Tour of the Ypres Battlefield |From Bruges Great War Flanders Fields Minibus Tour w/Lunch  

Battlefield Tours from Ypres

BEST YPRES BATTLEFIELD TOURS

1. Private 4-hour Tour of the Ypres Battlefield

⭐ RATING: 5/5 ( 71 Reviews ) |⌛TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours approx.|💰 CHECK PRICE

This Ypres battlefield tour will take you from Ypres to Passchendaele as you board a private car.  

If you have limited time for a tour, this is the perfect chance to retrace the footprints of soldiers between 1914 and 1918 within four hours. 

The first stop is Hill 60 , where you will learn the story behind the massive mines in 1917. 

At Sanctuary Wood Museum , you will see relics of the original Canadian trenches and have an insight into the challenges WW I soldiers endured in these. There are also displays of relevant WW1 artefacts and photographs. 

The Saint Julien Memorial features an 11-metre-tall column of The Brooding Soldier . A visit will give you an in-depth narration of the first German gas attack and how Canadian soldiers bravely held on despite this. 

This tour also allows visits to three cemeteries, where you can commemorate the lives of the fallen Commonwealth and German soldiers. 

Highlights of this tour

• Hill 60  
• Sanctuary Wood Museum  
• Tyne Cot Cemetery  
• Langemark Cemetery 
• Saint Julien Memorial  
• Essex Farm Cemetery 

“We had an excellent guide who made the afternoon very special! He went out of his way to make our tour relevant and informative. We even found our family name on one of the memorials.” CURTIS_S, Dec 2023  ( see more reviews )

2. The Christmas Truce to Passchendaele Ypres Based WW1 private tour    

⭐RATING: 5/5 ( 20 Reviews ) |⌛TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours approx. | 💰 CHECK PRICE 

In addition to Hill 60, Tyne Cot Cemetery, and Sanctuary Wood Museum, this private, customizable Ypres to Passchendaele tour has eight other stops. 

The tour begins at Messines Ridge , south of Ypres, which features 19 mine craters. 

This will be followed by a stop at Hooge Crater Cemetery . Here you can visit the grave of Patrick Joseph Bugden, VC. He was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, which was considered the highest award for bravery. 

The tour continues to the sites of The Black Watch and the Battle of Polygon Wood . The latter is a significant landmark that features the woods which were fought over the war. A visit to this place is not complete without stopping at the cemetery and the Australian 5 th Division monument. 

During the latter part of the journey, you will see the Site John McCrae and Menin Gate Memorial in between drive-throughs to the Broodseinde and Zonnebeke battles sites. 

The Site John McCrae is where the physician and lieutenant colonel composed the poem In Flanders Fields during his service. 

The Menin Gate Memorial , on the other hand, is dedicated to fallen British and Commonwealth soldiers whose graves are not known. If you’re like me, not only will you get overwhelmed by the magnificence of its walls, but also by the number of soldiers—over 54, 000—who fought and whose names are listed here. 

Make sure to return to the gate at 20:00 for the daily Last Post Ceremony – it’s a thought-provoking moment and something you shouldn’t miss when in the neighbourhood.

• Messines Ridge  
• Hooge Crater Cemetery  
• The Black Watch 
• Battle of Polygon Wood  
• Broodseinde  
• John McCrae Site  
• Menin Gate Memorial 
• Zonnebeke  
• Sanctuary Wood Museum 

“Great day out very informative. And always made feel confortable by out guide. I Would highly recomend to anyone visiting Ypres” SEAN_B, AUG 2022 ( see more reviews )

3. Ypres Battlefields Public Half-Day Tour

⭐RATING: 5/5 ( 45 Reviews ) |⌛TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)|💰 CHECK PRICE

This Ypres Battlefield half-day tour is perfect if you have a small group.  

This is also a great option if you have limited time in the city, but do not want to pass up the chance to revisit the Ypres Battlefields history! 

The tour starts at Sanctuary Wood and its iconic museum , which will give you an overview of the battles in The Ypres Salient. The preserved trenches give a raw insight into what it must have been like to live through the horrible war. 

The Essex Farm Cemetery is also a stop on this tour. This preserved historical area also served as a dressing station and was instrumental in the evacuation of wounded soldiers. 

Following are Commonwealth Tyne Cot Cemetery and the German Langemark Cemetery . Between these, you will pass by the Saint Julien Memorial and have a look at the battlefields of Passchendaele . 

• Sanctuary Wood  
• Essex Farm Cemetery  
• Langemark Cemetery  
• Saint Julien Memorial (Pass By) 
• Passendale  
• Tyne Cot Cemetery 

“Excellent half day tour – our guide Roger was very knowledgeable and gave our small group a very good overall feel for the history of the battles around Ypres Thoroughly recommended” SIMON_R, OCT 2023  ( see more reviews )

4. Full-Day Canadian WW1 Vimy and Somme Battlefield Tour  

⭐RATING: 5/5 ( 6 Reviews ) |⌛TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours (approx.) | 💰 CHECK PRICE  

This full-day Canadian battlefield tour starts from Ypres and continues to Vimy and Somme. 

At the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, you will see the Grange Tunnel as well as the Vimy Ridge, where you will see Canadian and German trenches. The place also has a visitor centre, where you can stop by! 

The next destinations are Courcelette Canadian Memorial and Lochnagar Crater. The latter was the aftermath of an underground explosion. 

At Thiepval Memorial, you can pay respects to more than 72,000 soldiers, who passed away in the Somme and, unfortunately, do not have known graves. 

The last stop is the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, which commemorates World War 1 Newfoundlander soldiers. The memorial holds a striking bronze caribu that shows honour to the memory of the Newfoundland Regiment volunteers. 

• Canadian National Vimy Memorial  
• Courcelette Canadian Memorial  
• Lochnagar Crater  
• Thiepval Memorial  
• Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial 

“Claude was a really good guide. He was totally knowledgeable about the Great War and all of dates and stats were in his head. He made sure he did whatever we wanted to do and gave us options wherever it was possible. The tour was comprehensive and gave us a better understanding about the causes of the war.” MILLERS, MAR 2020 ( see more reviews )

battlefield tours from bruges

5. great war flanders fields minibus tour w/lunch   .

⭐ RATING: 4.9/5 ( 787 Reviews ) | ⌛TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | CHECK PRICE  

This historical, full-day Ypres battlefield tour begins from Bruges. 

In an air-conditioned minibus, you will be transported to preserved war trenches, bunkers, and craters, such as Hooge Crater .  

This tour also includes visits to war sites, graves, and memorials including Polygon Wood, Passchendaele, and Menin Gate Memorial.  

As you ride through the Ypres countryside, you have the chance to appreciate the iconic poppy fields that grace the Flanders region. 

Lastly, at the Menin Gate, you can catch the Last Post Ceremony , a daily tribute that remembers the bravery of soldiers. For this, you can request the tour to be extended. 

• Hooge Crater 

Passchendaele 

Polygon wood .

• Menin Gate Memorial (for the Last Post Ceremony) 

“We cannot recommend this tour highly enough!!! Sharon and Philippe were so friendly and helpful, accommodating a stop at a family members grave (thank you again for this!) and even getting in touch with us before the tour to check if we wanted picking up from our hotel instead of walking to the meeting point – now that’s service!” DANIELLE. , DECEMBER 5, 2023 ( see more reviews )

6. Flanders Fields Remembrance Full-Day Trip

⭐️RATING: 4.6/5 ( 15 Reviews ) | ⏳TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours| 💰 CHECK PRICE  

This Flanders Field remembrance full-day guided tour starts in Bruges.  

The first stop is the Passchendaele Battlefield, and then your tour guide will take you to Tyne Cot Cemetery.  

For the rest of the morning, you are set to visit Polygon Wood, where some of the Australian and New Zealand Troops fell.  

This will be followed by stops at memorials for Canadian Troops, including the monument of the Brooding Soldier and Essex Farm Cemetery. 

After lunch in Ypres, you will be set for a drive to France for the Vimy Memorial, which also houses a museum and trenches.  

If the packed schedule allows, you might be able to take a stop at Hill 60 in Ypres. 

Like most tours, this one will conclude with attending the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. 

• Passchendaele Battlefield 
• Polygon Wood  
• Brooding Soldier Monument  
• Vimy Memorial 
• Hill 60 
• Menin Gate 

“Apart from a late start due to unforeseen circumstances in Brussels the tour was magnificent. I would highly recommend the tour to anyone interested to broaden their knowledge of military history. The guides knowledge and sharing of his history made the trip very memorable…..thank you..” Garry. , October 3, 2023 ( See more reviews )

7. Private Vimy and Belgium Canadian Battlefield Tour  

⭐ RATING: 4.5/5 ( 5 Reviews ) | ⌛DURATION: 10 hours approx. | 💰 CHECK PRICE    

This private Canadian-focused full-day battlefield tour to Vimy and Belgium starts in Bruges.  

This journey that follows the footsteps of Canadian soldiers will first move towards the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. Here you have the chance to walk through the preserved trenches and the Grange Tunnel.  

Around lunchtime, you will pass by the Ploegsteert Memorial before arriving at Hill 62 or Sanctuary Wood. 

Your tour guide will then take you to Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Memorial, which commemorates the bravery of the fallen soldiers under Princess Patricia of Connaught. 

After stops at the Tyne Cot Cemetery and the Brooding Soldier Memorial, you will see the German Langemark Cemetery, where you will witness its contrast to the allied cemeteries. The trip will continue to Essex Farm Cemetery. 

Before ending the trip at Menin Gate for the Last Post, you will have free time to explore the town of Ypres. Here, you can see the beautiful buildings on Main Square, especially the Cloth Hall. 

• The Ploegsteert Memorial 

Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood) 

• Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Memorial  
• Saint Julien Memorial 
• Ypres Cloth Hall  

“Claude was a wonderful tour guide for this trip. He was very knowledgeable on the history of different battles and explained them while showing us where the front lines were. Most memorable was the Canadian Vimy Memorial and the Passchendaele Museum.” PATRICIA_P, SEP 202 ( see more reviews )

8. Australian Battlefields Private Tour in Flanders

⭐ RATING: 5/5 ( 5 Reviews ) | ⌛ DURATION: 11 hours approx. |💰 CHECK PRICE  

This whole-day, private Australian Battlefields tour from Bruges will help you trace the Australians’ involvement in World War 1.  

The first destination is the Museum of the Battle of Fromelles. The place will help you understand why and how the bodies of 250 soldiers who were buried in mass graves were unearthed and re-buried in individual graves. The latter is the Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery, which will be the next stop. 

This will be followed by visits to the Australian Memorial Park, VC Corner Australian Cemetery, and Rue Pettilon Military Cemetery. Then you will pass by the Mademoiselle from Armentieres and The Ploegsteert Memorial. 

At Messines Ridge, you will bear witness to the place where the Australians attacked the place. At Hill 60, you will see craters before going to Polygon Wood, the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, and Tyne Cot Cemetery. 

After visiting the interesting Australian memorial sites, you will have free time to wander around the town of Ypres. Here you can visit the Cloth Hall, among other impressive buildings in the area.  

Lastly, you will attend the Last Post at the Menin Gate before going back to your place of origin. 

• Museum of the Battle of Fromelles 
• Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery 
• Australian Memorial Park  
• VC Corner Australian Cemetery  
• Rue Pettilon Military Cemetery  
• Mademoiselle from Armentieres 
• Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917  
• Ypres Cloth Hall 
• Menin Gate (for the Last Post Ceremony) 

“This tour was very interesting and emotional. A must for all Australians.” JULIE K, MAY 2017  ( see more reviews)

9. Flanders Fields Remembrance Tour with Lunch  

⭐ RATING: 4/5 ( 179 Reviews ) |⌛DURATION: 11 hours approx. |💰 CHECK PRICE  

This full-day tour will take you on a Flanders Fields remembrance adventure from Bruges on an air-conditioned bus.  

You will be transported to the town of Vladslo for the German War Cemetery , which holds more than 3,000 graves. Here, you can also view the Grieving Parents sculpture, which was created by Käthe Kollwitz in memory of her fallen son. 

This will be followed by a visit to the Trench of Death (Dodengang) in Diksmuide, at the Belgian coast. The site gives a preview of the horrors faced by soldiers during the Great War.  

After about half an hour, you will reach the Saint Julien Memorial (Brooding Soldier). 

Before continuing the journey, you will take a break for a satisfying, traditional Belgian lunch at a local restaurant in Ypres. This is already paid for and included in the tour. 

After your meal, you will learn more at the In Flanders’ Field Museum , which is one of the top Ypres tourist attractions. It’s an interactive museum with an audio-guided commentary about the battlefields’ history and stories of war. 

In the latter part of your tour, your guide will take you to Passchendaele and Passchendaele New British Cemetery . You will pass by Tyne Cot Cemetery and Hill 60 as well. 

To conclude your trip, you will stop by Essex Farm Cemetery before participating in the solemn Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. 

• Germany Military Cemetery 
• Grieving Parents 
• Trench of Death 
• Saint Julien Memorial (Brooding Soldier) 
• Flanders’ Field Museum 
• Passchendaele  
• Passchendaele New British Cemetery 
• Pass by Tyne Cot Cemetery 

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and really brought history to life. Very friendly, able to answer any questions about the area, the battles. The Last Post ceremony was very moving..” JUSTINE_R, OCT 2023  ( see more reviews )

battlefield tours from brussels

10. flanders fields remembrance full-day trip.

⭐ RATING: 4.43/5 ( 30 Reviews ) |⌛DURATION: 13 hours approx. | 💰 CHECK PRICE 

This Flanders Fields full-day tour starts and ends in Brussels. 

At Passchendaele, you will see the location where the first gas attacks occurred.  

Afterwards, you will be headed to Tyne Cot. A resting place of almost 12,000 soldiers, it is the largest Commonwealth cemetery to date. 

As the trip continues in the afternoon, you will visit the dressing station, where John McCrae composed the famous poem In Flanders’ Fields. Aside from this, other WWW1 memorial sites, such as the Brooding Soldier, are on the list.  

The tour concludes with a visit to the Menin Gate in Ypres for the Last Post Ceremony. 

• Brooding Soldier 
• Canadian National Vimy Memoria 
• Nauville-Saint-Vaast 
• Ypres 

“Really jam packed full day of everything WW1 in Belgium. Lots of interesting commentary and poignant visits to trenches, graveyards, memorials and a museum, plus more. Stefan our guide was knowledgeable, engaging and even added his own personal history..” SARAH, AUGUST 30, 2023  ( see more reviews )

Popular Tour Stops

Passchendaele is a rural Belgian village in Zonnebeke, West Flanders. It is almost synonymous with the Third Battle of Ypres as it is where the unfortunate event took place.

In Passchendaele’s battlefields, you will see the remnants of the man-made earthquake that is WW1.

The Battle of Polygon Wood, a part of the Battle of Passchendaele, had been fought in this forest, which makes it a significant WW1 landmark. 

It derives its name from its shape on the map. This now peaceful wood holds two Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries. Some remains of bunkers also still survived. 

The Canadian Hill 62, otherwise known as the Sanctuary Wood Memorial, features war trenches and a museum. Its trench system is extensive and has sections that run underground.

You will see corrugated iron on the trenches’ sides to preserve its shape these days. The privately owned museum, on the other hand, holds relics and artefacts. These include weapons, stereoviews, and a large collection of WW1 photographs.

Hill 60, which is about 60 meters above sea level, is a significant WW1 site as battles between the German and the Allied Forces took place here.

Due to the extreme nature of the fighting that took place, it is considered a mass grave.

It became impossible to recover and/or identify the soldiers’ remains. The site, nevertheless, is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Menin Gate Memorial (Watch the Last Post) 

The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing is one of four memorial sites dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives during WW1 in Ypres.

On its walls are engraved names of more than 54,000 soldiers whose graves were unknown.

Poppy Fields of Flanders

The war brought opportunities for poppies to appear as they thrived in the harsh conditions of this event.

Later on, these became a symbol of remembrance for the WW1 battles and thousands of soldiers who lost their lives after Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae penned the poem In Flanders Fields after his friend, another soldier, died.

Saint Julien Memorial/Brooding Soldier

The Saint Julien Memorial is a Canadian war memorial site that commemorates the Canadian First Division’s part in WW I.

They participated in the Second Battle of Ypres, which had them brave the first poison gas attacks.

The park features a towering, 11-meter column of a single granite shaft. At the top, you will see a figure of a Canadian soldier with a bowed head and folded hands. 

Tyne Cot Cemetery

The Tyne Cot Cemetery is where the Commonwealth, French, Belgian, and German forces fought during the First World War.

Now, it has become a Commonwealth War Graves Commission burial site for the departed soldiers of the said war in the Ypres Salient. It is also considered the largest Commonwealth Cemetery in the world. 

Essex Farm Cemetery

The Essex Farm Cemetery is another Commonwealth War Graves Commission burial site. This is specifically situated within the grounds of the Site John McCrae.

There are over 1,200 burials commemorated, a little over 100 of which are unidentified. Among other resting places of soldiers, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under funerary and memory sites of World War I. 

Langemark German Cemetery

The Langemark German War Cemetery is located near the Langemark village, where the first German gas attack occurred. The burial ground holds 44,000 graves. A sad fact about this place is that it holds several mass graves. 

In Flanders Fields Museum (and Belfry) in Ypres’ Cloth Hall

The In Flanders Fields Museum is a military history museum dedicated solely to the First World War.

It allows visitors to experience and learn more about the horrible life at the front through preserved artefacts, touching videos, special sound fragments, and other multimedia materials.  

The museum is located on the second floor of the Cloth Hall in the city centre of Ypres. This is a must-visit memorial conveniently located at the market square. 

Hooge Crater Memorial Museum 

Named after the deep crater, that resulted from a mine explosion during World War I, nearby,  the Hooge Crater Museum is dedicated to said event.

It houses reconstructions of full-scale battle scenes as well as a unique yet extensive collection of war photographs, weapons, uniforms, and other military equipment.  

The museum has a café where visitors can take a break after all the learning!

How to Get to Ypres?

If you are travelling from further away, it is best to note that the nearest airports to Ypres are Brussels , Lille and Charleroi (well, actually, Bruges-Ostend is the closest but it’s tiny and only a couple of airlines fly here).

where to stay in Ypres

If you haven’t already booked your accommodation in Ypres, I can recommend Main Street Hotel . This quirky boutique hotel has the perfect location to explore Ypres. Some rooms come with a terrace and some with a whirlpool, but an extensive breakfast (with sparkling wine!) is included in all stays.

more about the WW I history in Ypres and The Ypres Salient

What caused the ypres war    .

The Battle of Ypres resulted when the Race to the Sea ended. During this time, the Allied forces and the German side both attempted to turn each other’s western flank. 

Why did the Germans want Ypres?    

Ypres is a valuable asset as it offers a strategic route to the coastal ports of France and Belgium.  

What countries fought in the Battle of Ypres?    

The countries that fought in the Battle of Ypres were Germany, Belgium, France, Britain, and Canada. 

How many battles of Ypres are there?

There were five battles of Ypres.  

• First Battle of Ypres – 1914 
• Second Battle of Ypres – 1915 
• Third Battle of Ypres or Battle of Passchendaele – 1917 
• Fourth Battle of Ypres ( Battle of the Lys or Battle of Estaires )   1918 
• Fifth Battle of Ypres ( Advance of Flanders or Battle of the Peaks of Flanders ) – 1918 

How long did the Battle of Ypres last? 

The Battle of Ypres was a series of battles that spanned between 1913 and 1918. 

Who won the Battle of Ypres?

The British Allies were victorious during the Fifth Battle of Ypres. 

How did the Battle of Ypres end?

By the Fifth Battle of Ypres, the morale of German troops waned. Additionally, American soldiers, who were on the Allies’ side, were arriving and gave the latter an advantage. The British had the advantage, the poor condition of the weather and roads made mobility challenging, and the Germans increased their resistance. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can visit war trenches in Ypres. Frequently visited ones include the well-preserved Sanctuary Wood or Hill 62 as well as Yorkshire Trench.  

There are a number of World War I cemeteries, where German soldiers and Allied Forces troops are laid to rest.  

The Third Battle of Ypres, also called the Battle of Passchendaele, occurred in Passchendaele, which is in the municipality Zonnebeke in the West Flanders province. It is close to Ypres.  

During the Battle of Passchendaele, the British army suffered approximately 275,000 casualties. Under this include 5,300 New Zealanders, 15,600 Canadians, and 38,000 Australians. On the other hand, it was 220,000 on the German side.  

Yes, you can visit Flanders Fields independently of on a Ypres battlefield tour.

Flanders is the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium. The area around Ypres sits on battlefields where many of the World War I Battles occurred. The term “Flanders Fields” itself comes from the poem “ In Flanders Fields ” by John McCrae.

The In Flanders Fields poem by John McCrae is still popular today as it continues to be a part of ceremonies, particularly Remembrance Day in Canada. Such a day is celebrated to commemorate the men and women who served their country during the war. 

Unfortunately, the person who planted the poppies in Flanders Field is unrecorded or unknown. 

Poppies are disappearing from Flanders Fields because of the changing plant life in the area. Some native plants to the area are close to extinction while invasive, more diverse ones are appearing. 

There are many cemeteries in Flanders Field. There are more than 300 soldiers who were buried in Flanders Field American Cemetery alone.  

YPRES BATTLEFIELD TOURS

So, are Ypres Battlefield Tours Worth It?

Visiting Ypres battlefields does not only mean being in significant places but also immersing yourself and learning about the sad history that deserves remembering.  

Especially if you’re a history enthusiast, joining at least one of the WW1 Battlefield tours from Ypres is worth it! These are well-structured, comprehensive, and most of the time, tailored to you.

Also, if you’re not bringing a car, I highly recommend participating in one for the best experience because everything will be laid out for you! 🙂

🏆We recommend the Private 4-hour Tour of the Ypres Battlefield as the best one available!

BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES  

Getting to Belgium : Fly into one of the main international airports : Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.

Getting Around : For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here . If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars , they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.

Accommodation : Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.

Guided tours : Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.

Babs Rodrigus is a travel addict at heart and loves to explore her home country Belgium and the rest of the world – preferably with her wife and kids. She’s all about showing you the most mesmerising spots in this tiny European country and making you see how great it truly is.

When she’s not travelling, Babs loves to read, write, eat chocolate (hey, Belgian remember) and sing Frozen songs with her daughter.

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First and Second World War Canadian Battlefield Tours

An opportunity to explore some of the most historically significant locations in the world with a guide who has an encyclopedic knowledge of the actions that transpired and the people who participated in them, great war mini tours, tours of first world war battlefields, $2,950 / person.

$600 Single supplement

$500 Deposit / Person

Final Payment due: March 1, 2021

(MOVED TO 2021)

Final Payment due: May 1, 2021

October 16 – 24, 2020

Final Payment due: July 1, 2020

May 14 – 22, 2021

$3,250 / person.

$700 Single supplement

 July 9 – 17, 2021

1 seat(s) available, october 22 – 30, 2021.

Final Payment due: July 1, 2021

The Tour includes the battlefields of Second Ypres , Mount Sorrel, Passchendaele , Hill 70, The Battle of The Somme , The Battle for Vimy Ridge , Arras 1918, and Cambrai, 1918. Sites include: The Brooding Soldier, Hill 62 Memorial, Crest Farm Memorial, Messines Ridge, Poperinghe, Fromelles (Pheasant Wood Cemetery), Neuve Chapelle Indian Memorial, Vimy Memorial (and tunnels), Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Park, Lognager Crater, Thiepval Memorial, Courcelette Memorial, and much, much more. Also included is everybody’s favourite pastime, Shrapnel Balling !

These tours are restricted to seven persons maximum. Norm Christie will be the Guide and Driver. The Mini Tours cover the famous Canadian Battlefields of the Great War. They are 9 days, including two travel days, and include three nights in Ypres, three in Arras, and one in Paris. All three Tours leave Canada on a Friday and return to Canada the following Saturday. Hotels are all Three Star and located close to the Battlefields. Breakfasts are included.

At current prices we anticipate the costs to be $2950 for the mini tours (Please note Airfare, lunches and Dinners are not included) for Double Occupancy. $600 deposit required to reserve seat.

For further information contact;

Angela biene-lewis.

Marlin Travel 175 Richmond Road Ottawa, ON K1Z 6W3

Telephone : 1-888-225-3289 or 613-728-1616 Email : [email protected]

Norm Christie

Telephone : 613-823-7000 Email : [email protected]

Ypres, Mount Sorrel, Passchendaele, Hill 70, The Somme, Vimy, Arras, and Cambrai

The big ww i / ww ii tour, an opportunity to explore some of the most historically significant locations in the world, september 2021 (exact date tba), $4,599 / person.

Land Only and includes all taxes and surcharges.

$1,150 Single supplement

$750 Deposit / Person

Final Payment due: tba

() Seats Available

Contact Angela Biene-Lewis at Marlin Travel to book, call 888.225.3289 / 613.728.1616 OR email Angela

Includes the Canadian battlefields of Ypres, Passchendaele, Mount Sorrel, Vimy, Arras, Cambrai, The Somme, Breskens Pocket, V1/V2 sites, Channel Wall, Juno Beach, Falaise, with visits to the special museums associated with the battles. And, as always, Shrapnel Balling and much, much more.

Day 1 - Arrive, depart for Ypres

Arrive Roissy CDG Airport. Meet withNorm Christie. Board tour coach & drive toIeper (Ypres) Belgium. Novotel Ieper Centrum: Check-in. Dinner at Hotel Welcome and get acquainted.

Day 2 - Ypres

After breakfast departure for visits –Second Battle of Ypres, The BroodingSoldier, Langemark German Cemetery,Crest Farm, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Sanctuary Wood, Hill 62.

Day 3 - Ypres

After breakfast morning walk to InFlanders Fields Museum. Afternoon visit to Bruges option; visit Adeghem, Canadian Cemetery, Canada Museum. Breskens Pocket; return to Ypres with avisit to Bruges.

Day 4 - Ypres

After breakfast visit site towards Channel Coast including; John McCrae Bunker,Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, V1Launching site, V1/V2 Museum, John McCrae’s grave, Calais Canadian Cemetery,Todt Battery and Atlantic Wall Museum

Day 5 - Depart Ypres for Arras

Depart Ypres. After breakfast driving south to Arras, visits include: Messines Ridge, Fromelles (shrapnel Balling), Neuve Chapelle Indian Memorial, Hitler’s Bunker, Aubers Ridge and Hill 70. Holiday Inn Express Hotel Arras: Check in

Day 6 - Arras

After breakfast visit to Vimy Battlefield,Vimy Memorial, Grange Tunnel, St. Eloi, Notre Dame de Lorette, La Targette Museum.

Day 7 - Arras

Visit the Somme Battlefield; Beaumont -Hamel, Courcelette, Albert, Regina Trench,Thiepval, Lochnager Crater; lunch at AvrilWilliams in Auchonvillers.

Day 8 - Depart Arras for Bayeux through Normandy

Depart Arras for Normandy with visits to Dieppe Beaches, Pourville, and drive to Bayeaux. Novotel Bayeux: Check-in

Day 9 - Bayeux

After breakfast visit the Canadian Battlefields of Normandy Landings; Courselles, Arromanches, Juno Beach, Pegasus Bridge, Abbe Ardenne, etc.

Day 10 - Bayeux

More Normandy visits including the US Cemetery at St Laurent, Bayeux Museum, Cambes German Cemetery, Point du Hoc; balance of day for personal visits in Bayeux (The Bayeux Tapestry, etc.).

Day 11 - Depart Bayeux for Paris

Depart Bayeux for Paris via Falaise and Vimoutiers; visits include; Bretteville Cemetery, death of Michael Wittman, BCR Memorial, Mont Ormel, Currie VC site, Vimoutiers Tiger tank, and the placewhere Charlie Fox shot up Rommel. Then onto Paris Airport Mercure Roissy Hotel CDG

Day 12 - Paris, transfer(s) to airport

Transfer(s) to airport. Return to Canada, oroptional extra nights in Paris.

Battlefield Tour Itinerary

This tour is restricted to 30 persons maximum. Special requests are always a unique part of Norm’s Tours, and they will be accommodated whenever possible. The itinerary will include the Canadian Battlefields of Ypres , Passchendaele , Mount Sorrel, Vimy Ridge , Arras, Cambrai, The Somme , Breskens Pocket, V1 / V2 Rocket sites , Channel Wall, Juno Beach , Falaise, with visits to the extra special war museums associated with the battles; and, as always, Shrapnel Balling and much, much more. Four nights in Ypres, three in Arras, three in Normandy and one night in Paris. The Tours are made up of Canadians from across the Country and are usually 40% women.

Tour Includes:

• Transportation throughout by coach • Eleven nights accommodation as follows: Ypres (4), Arras (3), Bayeux(3), Paris (1). All rooms with private bathroom • Buffet breakfast daily, 1 welcome dinner at Novotel Ypres & 1 lunch(Avril Williams Somme Guesthouse) • Comprehensive program of sightseeing and visits • Admission fees included: • In Flanders Fields Museum • La Coupole V2 Bunker • German Todt Battery • Battle of Normandy • Memorial Museum• Juno Beach Centre • Vimy Memorial & Tunnels (free) • All taxes/fees and standard service charges for included meals and tour features (at current level)

NOT INCLUDED: Porterage, meals not specified, alcoholic beverages/soft drinks, laundry/valet services, room service, gratuities to coach drivers / local guides and items of a personal nature.

Itinerary and hotels subject to change.

The Canadian Battlefields Foundation undertakes programs to commemorate and promote public awareness of Canada’s role in the two World Wars and other wars of the 20th century.

The Foundation was established in 1992 to educate and actively promote public awareness of Canada’s role in the Second World War. Spend some time with us to learn more about our objectives of increasing public awareness of Canada’s contributions to peace and freedom in the wars of the twentieth century. Visit our recommended links and feel free to contact us with your comments or suggestions.

Applications for the 2024 Study Tour are now closed. Applications for the 2025 tour will open in January 2025.

News Highlights

Nicole and hervé hoffer received the meritorious service decorations.

It is with great pleasure that the Canadian Battlefield Foundation (CBF) learned in late October 2022 that our current CBF vice-president (France section), Nicole Hoffer and her late husband Hervé Hoffer, the former CBF

Special Highlights

Student activity, june 5th, 2019.

We had a busy past few days as we visited many military cemeteries and D Day Academy which was a military museum filled with trucks and Canadian, American, and German military equipment and guns. Today (June 5th) we started

May 30th, 2019

Today was probably one of the most interesting days that I have found thus far. Starting of at the Australian memorial and monument for the First World War along with the Sir John Monash Center. This memorial was definitely

Proudly the longest running Battlefield Tour operations in Canada - having escorted Canadian Veterans & their families for over 30 years

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Small group tours with big stories to tell.

Small group departures driven by the history that we share on battlefields around the world. 

PUBLIC 2024 TOUR PROGRAMS

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About our Public Battlefield Tour Programs

Every year, The Battlefield Tours holds 5 - 8 public tours  that elaborate on historical themes which include the Canadian involvement in the First and Second World Wars .

Focused on the events , memorials , and opportunities,  you're encouraged to get to know the personal side of the destinations, communities, and environments we explore. Enjoy compelling and insightful resources, and embrace the connection.  Tours combine an in-depth history, with well-designed itineraries. Travel alongside a passionate and experienced team that you know and trust, in seamless comfort. 

Join us and our Battlefield Community on one of our upcoming tours, or t ake a look at our upcoming tours to inspire for customized and private group program!

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Russia could begin full mobilisation after 2024 presidential election, Kyiv official says – as it happened

Secretary of Ukraine’s national security and defence council says Russia has increasingly put its economy onto war footing. This live blog is now closed

• Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 635
• 20 Nov 2023 Closing summary
• 20 Nov 2023 At least 11,000 Ukrainian children are reportedly being detained at 43 re-education camps across Russia, says MoD
• 20 Nov 2023 Russia may begin full mobilisation after 2024 presidential election, says senior security official
• 20 Nov 2023 Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch meets Zelenskiy in Kyiv
• 20 Nov 2023 Ukraine sacks two high-ranking cyber defence officials, says government official
• 20 Nov 2023 US defense secretary vows support to Ukraine 'for the long haul' on surprise trip to Kyiv
• 20 Nov 2023 Morning summary
• 20 Nov 2023 Two killed by Russian shelling in Kherson, Ukrainian authorities say
• 20 Nov 2023 US defence secretary visits Kyiv
• 20 Nov 2023 Opening summary

Nato supports Bosnia’s territorial integrity and is concerned by “malign foreign interference,” including by Russia , in the volatile Balkans region that went through a devastating war in the 1990s, Nato’s secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg , has said.

Sarajevo is the first stop on Stoltenberg’s tour of western Balkan countries that will also include Kosovo, Serbia and North Macedonia, the Associated Press reports.

“The Allies strongly support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia-Herzegovina,” Stoltenberg told reporters. “We are concerned by the secessionist and divisive rhetoric as well as malign foreign interference, including Russia.”

There are widespread fears that Russia is trying to destabilise Bosnia and the rest of the region and shift at least some world attention from its war in Ukraine .

Morning summary

The US secretary of defence, Lloyd Austin, arrived in Kyiv on Monday for a visit. “I’m here today to deliver an important message: the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russia’s aggression, both now and into the future.”

Two people were killed early on Monday after Russian forces shelled a parking lot in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, authorities said. Regional prosecutors opened a war crimes investigation into the artillery strike, which occurred at about 9am (7am GMT) and injured one other person, the regional prosecutor’s office reported.

A Ukrainian soldier and a woman have died after a grenade exploded in a Kyiv apartment, police in the Ukrainian capital have said, but the cause of the blast, which injured a second man, was not immediately clear. Explosives technicians and investigators were working at the scene of Sunday’s explosion in the Dniprovskiy district, Kyiv police said in a statement.

The Ukrainian army said it had pushed back Russian forces “three to eight kilometres” from the banks of the Dnipro River, which if confirmed would be the first meaningful advance by Kyiv’s forces months into a disappointing counteroffensive . Ukrainian and Russian forces have been entrenched on opposite sides of the vast waterway in the southern Kherson region for more than a year, after Russia withdrew its troops from the western bank last November.

A Ukrainian teenager who was taken to Russia from the occupied city of Mariupol during the war and prevented from leaving earlier this year has returned to Ukraine . Bohdan Yermokhin, who turned 18 on Sunday, appealed to Zelenskiy this month to help bring him back to Ukraine. “I believed I would be in Ukraine, but not on this day,” Yermokhin told Reuters while eating at a petrol station after crossing the border.

About 3,000 mostly Ukrainian trucks, including those carrying fuel and humanitarian aid, were stuck on the Polish side of the border on Sunday due to a more than 10-day blockade by Polish truckers, Ukrainian authorities said . Polish truckers earlier this month blocked roads to three border crossings with Ukraine to protest against what they see as government inaction over a loss of business to foreign competitors since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Air defence units in Moscow intercepted a drone targeting the city late Sunday, mayor Sergei Sobyanin said . Sobyanin, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said units in the Elektrostal district in the capital’s east had intercepted the drone. No casualties or damage were initially reported. Air defences had also thwarted a drone attack on the Russian capital overnight to Sunday, authorities said earlier.

Russia launched 20 Iranian-made Shahed drones targeting Kyiv and the Cherkasy and Poltava regions overnight into Sunday, the Ukrainian military said, of which 15 were shot down . The overnight strikes on Kyiv were the second attack on the Ukrainian capital in 48 hours, said the city’s military administration spokesperson, Serhii Popko.

Five people including a three-year-old girl were injured in Russian artillery shelling of Kherson on Sunday morning, the Ukrainian interior minister, Ihor Klymenko , said . “All of them sustained shrapnel wounds. The child and the grandmother were walking in the yard. Enemy artillery hit them near the entrance,” Klymenko said on the Telegram messaging app.

The pro-war Russian nationalist Igor Girkin , who is in custody awaiting trial for inciting extremism, said he wanted to run for president even though he understood the March election would be a “sham” with the winner already clear . Girkin, who is also known by the alias Igor Strelkov, has repeatedly said Russia faces revolution and even civil war unless President Vladimir Putin’s military top brass fight the war in Ukraine more effectively. A former Federal Security Service (FSB) officer who helped Russia to annex Crimea in 2014 and then to organise pro-Russian militias in eastern Ukraine, Girkin said before his arrest that he and his supporters were entering politics.

The Kremlin, facing the prospect of a European Union ban on imports of Russian diamonds, said on Monday that EU sanctions tended to have a “boomerang effect” on those who applied them, Reuters reports.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was commenting on a proposed EU ban on diamond imports from Russia as part of a new sanctions package against Moscow over the conflict in Ukraine .

Russia is the world’s biggest producer of rough diamonds by volume. Peskov told reporters such a move had been anticipated for a long time, but was likely to backfire.

“As a rule, it turns out that a boomerang effect is partially triggered: the interests of the Europeans themselves suffer. So far, we have been able to find ways to minimise the negative consequences of sanctions,” he said.

EU diplomatic sources said last week the proposal under discussion was to ban direct diamond imports from Russia from 1 January and from March to implement a traceability mechanism that would prevent imports of Russian gems processed in third countries.

The Kremlin said on Monday that president Vladimir Putin will set out Russia’s view of what it sees as the “deeply unstable world situation” when he addresses an upcoming virtual G20 summit.

Russian state TV presenter Pavel Zarubin said on his Telegram channel on Sunday that it would be the “first event in a long time” including both Putin and western leaders.

According to the state RIA news agency, the G20 virtual summit will be held on Wednesday.

The Kremlin said on Monday it regretted Finland’s decision to shut crossings on its border with Russia , saying it reflected Helsinki’s adoption of an anti-Russian stance, Reuters reports.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov , speaking at a regular news briefing, also rejected Finland’s accusation that Russia is deliberately pushing illegal migrants towards the border and said that Russian border guards were following all instructions.

Finland, a member of the European Union and – from this year – also of the Nato military alliance, closed four crossings on its border with Russia on Saturday as Helsinki seeks to halt a flow of asylum seekers it says was instigated by Moscow.

The US secretary of defence, Lloyd Austin, arrives in Kyiv on Monday morning.

Two killed by Russian shelling in Kherson, Ukrainian authorities say

Reuters reports that two people were killed early on Monday after Russian forces shelled a parking lot in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, authorities said.

Regional prosecutors opened a war crimes investigation into the artillery strike, which occurred at about 9am (7am GMT) and injured one other person, the regional prosecutor’s office reported.

The Kherson governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, said the two dead were drivers for a private transport business.

Images posted on Telegram showed firefighters dousing cars that had been blasted apart, one day after a separate strike on the city wounded five people, including a three-year-old girl.

Russian forces have regularly shelled Kherson from across the Dnipro River since the regional capital was reoccupied by Ukrainian troops last November.

Ukraine said last week it had secured a foothold on the eastern bank of the Dnipro and that its troops were trying to push Russian forces further back.

US defence secretary visits Kyiv

The US secretary of defence, Lloyd Austin, arrived in Kyiv on Monday for a visit, he said on the X social media platform, Reuters reports.

“I’m here today to deliver an important message: the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russia’s aggression, both now and into the future.”

The visit comes amid increasing division over Ukraine aid in the US legislature. A joint Ukraine-US military industry conference in Washington is due to take place next month.

That event, due to be held on 6-7 December, is intended to boost Ukraine’s domestic arms production as its fight against a full-scale Russian invasion nears the two-year mark.

Reuters reports that a Japanese delegation led by senior industry and foreign ministry officials and including business representatives is visiting Ukraine on Monday for talks ahead of a reconstruction conference that Japan will host, the industry ministry said.

Japan, which has been supporting Ukraine with funds and by accepting refugees since Russia invaded in February 2022, has also been promoting support for Ukraine at the level of the G7, which Japan chairs this year.

Kazuchika Iwata , the state minister of economy, trade and industry (METI), and the state minister for foreign affairs Kiyoto Tsuji , are visiting together with representatives of Japan companies, METI said in a statement.

In Kyiv, the delegation, which includes members of Keidanren, Japan’s biggest business lobby, in charge of a committee on Ukraine’s reconstruction, plans talks with the prime minister, Denys Shmyhal , government officials and companies.

Shmyhal said this month Ukraine would need budget support of about $42bn this year and next year to plug a massive deficit and aid reconstruction from the devastation caused by Russia’s invasion.

METI said the visit was an opportunity to hear about Ukraine’s needs and to discuss specific projects and accelerate public and private efforts to help.

The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy – who visited Japan in May during a G7 summit – and the Japanese prime minister, Fumio Kishida, agreed this month to hold a Japan-Ukraine Conference for promotion of Economic Reconstruction in Tokyo on 19 February.

Opening summary

Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the war in Ukraine .

A Ukrainian soldier and a woman have died after a grenade exploded in a Kyiv apartment, police in the Ukrainian capital have said, but the cause of the blast, which injured a second man, was not immediately clear.

Explosives technicians and investigators were working at the scene of Sunday’s explosion in the Dniprovskiy district, Kyiv police said in a statement.

“A citizen contacted the police with a report that an explosion rang out in a neighbouring apartment,” they added.

The news came as Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed the commander of the military’s medical forces , Maj Gen Tetiana Ostashchenko, and said “new priorities had been set” in the operations of Ukraine’s military after a meeting with the defence minister, Rustem Umerov.

“There is little time left to wait for results. Quick action is needed for forthcoming changes,” the Ukrainian president said in his evening video address.

In other key developments:

Russia launched 20 Iranian-made Sha hed drones targeting Kyiv and the Cherkasy and Poltava regions overnight into Sunday, the Ukrainian military said, of which 15 were shot down . The overnight strikes on Kyiv were the second attack on the Ukrainian capital in 48 hours, said the city’s military administration spokesperson, Serhii Popko.

Five people including a three-year-old girl were injured in Russian artillery shelling of Kherson on Sunday morning, the Ukrainian interior minister, Ihor Klymenko, said . “All of them sustained shrapnel wounds. The child and the grandmother were walking in the yard. Enemy artillery hit them near the entrance,” Klymenko said on the Telegram messaging app.

The pro-war Russian nationalist Igor Girkin, who is in custody awaiting trial for inciting extremism, said he wanted to run for president even though he understood the March election would be a “sham” with the winner already clear . Girkin, who is also known by the alias Igor Strelkov, has repeatedly said Russia faces revolution and even civil war unless President Vladimir Putin’s military top brass fight the war in Ukraine more effectively. A former Federal Security Service (FSB) officer who helped Russia to annex Crimea in 2014 and then to organise pro-Russian militias in eastern Ukraine, Girkin said before his arrest that he and his supporters were entering politics.

• Ukraine war live

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