Canadian National Vimy Memorial
A solemn monument to Canadian sacrifice in the First World War, marking the site where the Canadian Corps achieved their defining victory at Vimy Ridge.
At a glance
The Canadian National Vimy Memorial stands at the heart of a 100-hectare battlefield park in northern France. Designed by Walter Seymour Allward, the monument commemorates Canadian Expeditionary Force members killed in the First World War, particularly those with no known grave. The site preserves the ground over which Canadian forces launched their assault during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a moment that forged Canadian national identity.
History
France granted Canada perpetual use of this portion of Vimy Ridge to establish a memorial and preserve the battlefield. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was historic: it was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force fought together as a unified force, transforming it into a symbol of Canadian achievement and sacrifice.
Allward devoted eleven years to the project’s completion. King Edward VIII unveiled the monument on 26 July 1936 before French President Albert Lebrun and an assembled crowd exceeding 50,000, including 6,200 Canadian attendees. Following comprehensive restoration, Queen Elizabeth II re-dedicated the site on 9 April 2007, marking the 90th anniversary of the battle.
What you see
The memorial rises as the dominant feature of the preserved battlefield park. The grounds retain their wartime character: tunnels, trenches, craters, and unexploded munitions remain largely beneath the surface, kept inaccessible for public safety. Visitors encounter preserved trench lines, along with additional memorials and cemeteries distributed across the park.
Cultural significance
The Vimy Memorial ranks among Canada’s most important national monuments, one of only two National Historic Sites of Canada situated outside the country. It commemorates soldiers killed or presumed dead in France during the First World War who lack identified graves—a place of remembrance for the missing and the fallen.
Key facts
- Location: Vimy, France
- Coordinates: 50.3794, 2.7736
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes
- Unveiled: 26 July 1936
- Designer: Walter Seymour Allward
- Battlefield area: 100 hectares (250 acres)
Practical information & getting there
The site is maintained by Veterans Affairs Canada and remains partially restricted for safety due to unexploded ordnance. Consult current travel advisories and the site’s official resources for access details, visitor hours, and safety protocols before planning your visit. The memorial lies in the Pas-de-Calais region, accessible from major centres in northern France.
Sources & resources
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