HIGHLIGHTS
With guidance from Liberation Route Europe, VVV (Dutch Tourist Information), KWBN (Dutch Walking League), battlefield tour guides, and the Canadian Embassy in The Netherlands, IOFF highlights include:
-
A 60 km pilgrimage (over 3 days) along routes taken by the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Canadian Divisions
-
Guidance from professional battlefield guides
-
Flower Ceremony at Groesbeek Cemetery
-
Candlelight Vigil
-
Nijmegen Sunset March
-
NL Remembrance Day Ceremony at Holten Cemetery
-
Liberation Day Party in Almen
-
Apeldoorn Liberation Festivities
-
Canadian Camp at the Royal Family’s Palace (Het Loo)
In Our Fathers’ Footsteps
is a not-for-profit, Camino-inspired pilgrimage for the Canadian descendants
of WWII veterans of the Liberation
of The Netherlands.
In Our Fathers' Footsteps is a spiritual, cultural, and educational event that includes a 60 km walk—over 3 days, along the routes of the Canadian liberators— together with heartfelt commemorations and joyful festivities.
Coinciding with the Liberation’s 75th+2 anniversary,
In Our Fathers' Footsteps will take place in The Netherlands in May 2022.
Trace your father’s footsteps. Celebrate our freedom, peace and Dutch friendship. Honour our WWII Dutch Liberation veterans!
Are you the proud descendant of a Canadian WWII veteran who served in
The Netherlands?
Join our 75th+2 anniversary pilgrimage
to honour these veterans, learn more about the Liberation and Dutch culture, and fulfill our promise:
"We shall never forget."
- Karen Hunter
Descendant and IOFF Organizer
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Historic Routes
Follow the footsteps of our Canadian troops. Learn about WWII operations and battles, visit Canadian war monuments, and picnic along the way.
Heartfelt Tributes
Participate in flower ceremonies, candlelight vigils, and Remembrance Day events at the Canadian war cemeteries in Groesbeek, Holten, and Almen.
Military Theme
Immerse yourself in a memorable learning experience. Join a “platoon,” receive “marching orders,” eat from mess-kits, and sleep in private “barracks” on an estate filled with military history.
Dutch Culture
From stroopwafels to bitterballen, taste the country’s many specialties. Sample world-famous kaas (cheese). Experience Dutch hospitality.
Festive Celebrations
Party with the Dutch on National Liberation Day. Experience Canadian Camp festivities at the Royal Family’s Palace in Apeldoorn.
Free Time
Explore The Netherlands.
Enjoy a day of leisure, sightseeing, or meet-up’s with Dutch friends.
DAYS TO THE PILGRIMAGE
OUR SUPPORTERS
