The Trenches and the Tunnels

Probably the highlight for most people is going to be the ability to visit the reconstructed trench systems amidst the craters.

The preservation has been achieved by using concrete sandbags and duck boards which does give an air of artificiality to the system, but even so, it is still more than possible to allow the imagination to reign and consider life amidst the falling shells and exploding mines.

The distance from one trench system to the other is frighteningly small in many places, and snipers would have been able to make out targets with deadly ease.

It should be noted that these trenches represent the forward posts for both sides. The front lines were further back - in the case of the Canadians, in the area of the current car park

Whilst walking around the trenches try and remember that the direction of attack was towards the monument, or in other words towards the left from the Canadian lines.

During the months of April to November it is also possible to visit the tunnel system guided by Canadian students. Hours may vary but are currently from 10:00 to 18:00 daily. The tours are conducted in English and French and last about 45 minutes.

There was not a lot of light down here

You can visit the guard rooms, commander's quarters, hospital, cook house, ammunition dumps as well as seeing items of equipment lying about.

To book a tour you need to talk to the guides at the reception centre in the car park.

Whilst the renovations are being carried out you can also pick up books and videos, as well as an information leaflet about the site.

You come out at the same point as some of the troops in 1917

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Other Canadian Monuments