©Trenches on Vimy Ridge|Sarah Roynette / Lens Tourisme

Why Vimy Ridge Mattered

Vimy Ridge – Where Canada’s Story Rose from the Trenches

At first glance, it’s just a long hill. Quiet. Covered in grass.

Vimy Ridge rises gently above the plains of northern France — a seven-kilometre-long high ground that, during the First World War, offered a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. For years, German forces held it, fortifying it with trenches, tunnels, and artillery. For the Allies, it was both a barrier and a symbol — of loss, and of what might be won.

By 1917, earlier assaults had failed with terrible losses. But Canada was about to try something different.

Getting there

A Canadian Corps United — and Ready

It was cold. Easter Monday. 1917.

In the spring of 1917, the Canadian Corps came together like never before. Over 100,000 soldiers — from Nova Scotia to British Columbia — trained, planned, and prepared as one.

It wasn’t just another offensive. It was Canada’s moment to fight not just as soldiers, but as a nation.

Tunnels and Training Fields

Behind the front lines, full-scale models of the ridge were built. Soldiers memorised every trench, every turn. Underground, sappers dug a network of tunnels — more than 10 kilometres long — allowing entire units to move in secret, just metres from enemy lines.

The Creeping Barrage – A New Kind of Advance

Rather than rush the enemy, artillery shells were timed to fall just ahead of the troops, moving forward in waves. This “creeping barrage” kept defenders off balance and gave cover to advancing infantry — a tactic as precise as it was deadly.

April 9, 1917 – The Day Everything Changed

At 5:30 AM, on Easter Monday, Canadian soldiers went over the top. Snow flurried. Guns roared. And by April 12, they had taken the ridge.

It was a stunning victory. In just three days, Canadian forces achieved what others had tried and failed to do for years. But it came at a terrible cost: more than 10,600 casualties, including nearly 3,600 killed.

Hard to believe? Walk it. You’ll feel it.

Vimy Ridge and the Birth of a Nation

To many, Vimy wasn’t just a battlefield — it was a beginning. For the first time, Canadians fought together, shoulder to shoulder, with a shared command and purpose. The success at Vimy showed the world what Canada could do. And it helped Canadians see it too.

“It was Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific on parade. I thought then… that in those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation.”— Brigadier-General Alexander Ross

Source : Veterans Affairs Canada, The Battle of Vimy Ridge

The site became sacred. A place not just of victory, but of remembrance — where stone and silence carry the weight of memory.

©Panorama of Vimy Ridge battlefield with grazing sheep|Pauline Roches

©Canadian WW1 Memorial at Vimy Ridge, Northern France|Sarah Roynette / Lens Tourisme

Walking the Battlefield Today

Today, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial stands atop the ridge — a towering tribute to those who fought and fell. Carved in stone are the names of 11,285 Canadian soldiers with no known grave.

But the ridge holds more than just a monument. The ground itself tells the story.

©Preserved WW1 trenches on Vimy Ridge|Sarah Roynette / Lens Tourisme

©Canadian student guide sharing stories on site|Etienne Pruvot / Lens Tourisme

Trenches, Craters and Tunnels

Visitors can explore restored front-line trenches, preserved just as they were. Deep underground, guided tours take you through the very tunnels soldiers once used. Shell craters still pockmark the land. Nothing is staged — it’s real, raw, and quiet.

A Living Memory – Told by Students

Each year, Canadian university students serve as guides. For four months, they live the history, telling it to visitors from around the world. Their words give voice to the past, their presence keeps memory alive.

Plan Your Visit to Vimy Ridge

Vimy Ridge is just outside the town of Givenchy-en-Gohelle, a short drive from Arras. The site is open year-round, and both the memorial and Interpretation Centre are free to access.

Good to know :

Free guided tours daily (seasonal availability)
Best seasons: Spring and autumn — fewer crowds, better weather

Plan your visit to Vimy Ridge

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at Vimy Ridge in 1917 ?
Canadian troops launched a major offensive from April 9 to 12, capturing the ridge from German forces.
Why is Vimy Ridge important to Canadians ?
It was the first time all Canadian divisions fought together. The victory became a symbol of national unity and sacrifice.
Can you visit the tunnels and trenches today ?
Yes, guided tours are available. You can explore both original trenches and underground tunnels.
How many Canadians died at Vimy Ridge ?
More than 10,600 Canadians were wounded or killed — including nearly 3,600 who died.
Where is the Vimy Ridge Memorial located ?
In northern France, near Givenchy-en-Gohelle and the city of Arras.