Frequently Asked Questions

Visitor Experience (Vimy and Beaumont-Hamel)

Q1. When is the site open?

The Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial sites are accessible to visitors year-round.  Site activities, interpretive services and student guides are available when our visitor centres are open.

Learn more.

Q2. How much does it cost to visit the Canadian National Vimy Memorial or Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial?

Access to both sites and their activities are free of charge.

Q3. What is the best time of day to visit?

We recommend that visitors to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial or Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial plan to arrive early to ensure you have plenty of time to explore. This is particularly important if you are travelling with large groups or visiting during peak times (March-June and September-November).

Q4. How much time should I plan for my visit?

Visitors to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial should plan to be at the site for a minimum of 90 minutes if they wish to visit the monument, the cemeteries and the Visitor Education Centre. Guided tours of the preserved trench and tunnel system are 30-minutes long (see below for more information).

A visit to the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, including trenches, cemeteries and the Visitor Education Centre can be completed in approximately 90 minutes (see below for information on site tours).

Q5. Do you offer guided tours?

Canadian National Vimy Memorial - Exploration of the Vimy Memorial, cemeteries and the Visitor Education Centre is self-guided. Self-guided tour brochures are available in our Visitor Education Centre.

Regular tours of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial’s preserved trench and tunnel system are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours last 30 minutes and begin every half hour on the hour from opening until 30 minutes before close. Because the frequency of tours and the language in which they are given is adjusted daily depending on demand, those wishing to visit the tunnels should begin their visit to the site at the Visitor Education Centre where one of our guides will be happy to share information on daily tour schedules. Please plan to arrive early in the day as our tours fill up quickly. Once you have signed up for a tunnel tour, you will be given a meeting time around which you can plan the rest of your visit.

All visitors should consult our Bulletin Board for the latest information on upcoming events and current site restrictions.

Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial - Canadian student guides offer regular tours of the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial site on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours are approximately 45-minutes long and generally begin every hour on the hour.

All visitors should consult our Bulletin Board for the latest information on upcoming events and current site restrictions.

Q6. Can I make a reservation in advance?

All interpretive services are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. We do not accept reservations.

Q7. Are food and washroom facilities available?

Picnic areas and washrooms are available at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Additionally, a limited selection of snacks and beverages can be found in vending machines located at the Visitor Education Centre.

Picnic areas and washrooms are also available at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, however, there are no food services or vending machines at this site.

It is highly recommended that those planning to visit either site for an extended period or over meal times pack adequate food and water. Read more about how to prepare for your visit in our Tips for Visiting Overseas Memorials.

Q8. Do you have wireless internet (WIFI) connectivity?

WIFI is not currently available at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial or the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial.

Q9. May I bring my dog?

Only assistance and guide dogs are permitted at Government of Canada memorial sites. Animals may not be left unattended in parked cars under any circumstances.

Q10. I am a member of the media. Who do I contact?

Members of the media wishing to arrange an interview or to obtain permission to film on-site should contact us at vac.vimy.acc@canada.ca or vac.beaumonthamel.acc@canada.ca.

Events and Activities

Q11. Where can I find more information on events marking anniversaries of important battles?

Visit the Commemorative events page for information on upcoming anniversaries.

Q12. Will any special events or ceremonies be taking place during my visit?

Information on events taking place at overseas Canadian cemeteries and memorials can be found on our Bulletin Board.

Q13. Am I allowed to organize an event, play the bagpipes, perform the Last Post or sing a commemorative song?

We would be pleased to discuss your planned activity with you in more detail. Generally, acceptable behavior at commemorative sites is quite broad as long as it doesn't disturb other visitors' experience. This means that all areas of the site must remain accessible, performances should be short and the activity should reflect a respectful and appropriate form of commemoration.

For more information, please contact us at vac.vimy.acc@canada.ca or vac.beaumonthamel.acc@canada.ca.

Q14. Can I take photos at the site?

Yes, you can take photos—in fact, we want you to! One of the best ways to honour Canada's fallen is to share your experience of visiting our memorials and cemeteries with your friends and families on social media. We ask that you be smart and respectful in choosing appropriate photos and selfies however, and that you ask other visitors for permission before taking photos in which they will be easily identifiable.

Also note that commercial photographers and media must receive advanced permission to film or take photographs. Wedding and fashion photography are not permitted at Canadian commemorative sites.

Trip Planning

Q15. I will be visiting France, can you recommend a place to stay, make arrangements for me to get to the site or help me plan my route?

Employees of Veterans Affairs Canada are unable to provide trip planning assistance or advice/recommendations regarding transportation or accommodations. We recommend you contact a tour provider, a travel agency or consult tourism websites for the area you will be visiting. For additional information and helpful links, please consult our Planning Your Trip and Tips for Visiting Overseas Memorials pages.

Q16. Where can I find out more about other monuments or attractions near where I am staying?

Information on where to find overseas Canadian memorials and cemeteries can be found on our interactive map. For details on additional sites of interest, we recommend consulting tourism websites for the area you will be visiting. For additional information and helpful links, please consult our Planning Your Trip and Tips for Visiting Overseas Memorials pages.

Q17. I would like to follow the path of a relative or friend. Can you help me access information on where he/she served?

Veterans Affairs Canada does not have access to archives or databases containing information on any individual's war time experiences. If you are interested in tracing the path of an individual or regiment, you will need to begin your research well in advance of your trip. Accessing service records, attestation papers and regimental diaries takes time and may require formal access to information requests and associated wait times.

The following sites and resources will be of assistance:

• Library and Archives Canada: Military Heritage (includes databases, research guides and virtual exhibitions)
• How to Obtain Copies of Military Service Files
• The Discover Blog (advice and tips for exploring the Library and Archives Canada Collection)
• Newfoundland Regiment and the Great War database (The Rooms provincial archives)