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:
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A 60 km pilgrimage (over 3 days) along routes taken by the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Canadian Divisions
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Guidance from professional battlefield guides
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Flower Ceremony at Groesbeek Cemetery
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Candlelight Vigil
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Nijmegen Sunset March
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NL Remembrance Day Ceremony at Holten Cemetery
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Liberation Day Party in Almen
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Apeldoorn Liberation Festivities
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Canadian Camp at the Royal Family’s Palace (Het Loo)
In Our Fathers’ Footsteps is a
not-for-profit pilgrimage designed for the descendants of Canadian military who served in the Netherlands during the Second World War.
In Our Fathers’ Footsteps is a spiritual, cultural, and educational event that includes walks, along the routes of the Canadian liberators— together with heartfelt commemorations and joyful festivities.
Honouring the Liberation’s 80th anniversary, In Our Fathers' Footsteps
will take place in The Netherlands in April and May in 2025.
Trace the footsteps of the Canadian troops. Celebrate peace, freedom
and Dutch friendship. Honour our troops that served during
the Second World War!
Are you the proud descendant of a Canadian who served in the Netherlands during the Second World War?
Join our 80th anniversary pilgrimage to honour our Canadian troops, learn more about the Liberation and Dutch culture, and fulfill our promise
"We will remember."
- Karen Hunter
Descendant and IOFF Founder
AMAZING HIGHLIGHTS - IOFF 2025
IOFF’s Signature Walks
Walk with professional guides through fields and forests along researched routes taken by Canadian troops. Learn about Second World War operations and battles. Experience warm welcomes in towns and villages. Enjoy local entertainment and Dutch hospitality.
Meet HRH Princess Margriet
Attend the “80 Years Liberation” entertainment event followed by a private meeting with HRH Princess Margriet, and her husband Pieter van Vollenhoven.
Heartfelt Tributes
Participate in remembrance tributes with The Canadian Remembrance Torch at Canadian war monuments and cemeteries in Groesbeek, Holten, and Bergen op Zoom. Experience a candlelight vigil in the village of Almen.
Liberation Day Festivities
Enjoy VIP treatment at the Dutch Veterans Parade in Wageningen,
special IOFF performances in Dutch villages, and a Liberation Party with locals.
Military Theme
Join a platoon, receive marching orders, walk with The Canadian Remembrance Torch, and pipe bands. Sleep in private barracks at a former Canadian Second World War field hospital, on an estate filled with Canadian military history.
Apeldoorn Liberation Parade
Participate as guests of honour in Apeldoorn’s Liberation Parade surrounded by United Pipes for Peace bands, with tens of thousands of spectators!
Princess Margriet and her dog Boogiewoogie Beeld: © RVD - Martijn Beekman
Waal Brigde in Nijmegen
DAYS TO THE PILGRIMAGE
OUR SUPPORTERS
