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
unique trip designed for the descendants of Canadian military who served in the Netherlands during the Second World War.
In Our Fathers’ Footsteps is a not-for-profit immersive experience that enables the sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren of those who helped liberate the Dutch to gain a deeper understanding of their relative’s wartime experience.
Our diverse itinerary includes walks along the paths of the Canadian troops through fields, forests, and liberated villages; personalized commemorations at Canadian war monuments and cemeteries; educational and cultural experiences in Dutch towns and villages, and special Liberation-themed events.
Commemorating the Liberation’s 80th anniversary, In Our Fathers’ Footsteps will take place in the Netherlands in April and May 2025.
Honour our troops that served during the Second World War.
Celebrate peace, freedom, and Dutch friendship!
Are you the proud descendant of a Canadian who served in the Netherlands during the Second World War?
Join our 80th anniversary trip 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
Liberation Day Festivities
Enjoy heartfelt performances dedicated to IOFF, Liberation Day events in Dutch villages, and a special Liberation Party with the locals.
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.
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.
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.
Military Theme
Sleep in IOFF’s private “barracks,”
a former Canadian Second World War field hospital (now Ehzerwold Hotel) 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
