Find visitor centre hours of operation, contact information, and notices about events or maintenance at Government of Canada memorials in Europe.
Notice to visitors: Site restrictions 24 June to 3 July 2026
The Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial is open to visitors during preparations for events marking the 110th anniversary of the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel.
From June 24 to July 3, crews will set up and remove event equipment. Some site areas, especially near the monument, may be temporarily closed or have limited access.
July 1 Commemorative ceremony
To attend the ceremony on site, you must be registered and have a valid e-ticket.
Please note, on July 1:
- the Visitor Centre will be closed
- guided tours will not be available
- site access will be limited to registered ceremony attendees
If you would like to explore the site and visit the Visitor Centre, we recommend you plan your visit for another day. Thank you for your understanding.
Notice to Visitors – Temporary Access Change
A temporary road detour in Neuville-Saint-Vaast, near Vimy, may affect access to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.
Visitors should follow posted detour signage and allow extra travel time.
Hours of operation
Visitor centre hours
*Hours for the visitor centres at Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial and Canadian National Vimy Memorial:
- Spring and summer (April 1 – September 30)
- Monday: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Fall and winter (October 1 – March 31)
- Monday: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
*In 2026, the two visitor centres will be open from January 31 to December 11. During this time, student guides and interpretive services will be available.
Both visitor centres are closed from mid-December until early February. During this time, student guides and interpretive services are not available.
Parking lot hours
At Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial:
- Always open (no gates).
At Canadian National Vimy Memorial:
- Spring and summer (April 1 – September 30)
- Gates open: 10:00 a.m.
- Visitor Centre entrance gate closes: 5:30 p.m.
- Visitor Centre exit gate closes: 6:00 p.m.
- Givenchy and Cemetery No. 2 gate closes: 5:00 p.m.
- Fall and winter (October 1 – March 31)
- Gates open: 9:00 a.m.
- Visitor Centre entrance gate closes: 4:30 p.m.
- Visitor Centre exit gate closes: 5:00 p.m.
- Givenchy and Cemetery No. 2 gate closes: 4:00 p.m.
Notices
Artifacts
You may come across rusted shells, mortars or grenades. Do not touch them as they are potentially dangerous. If possible, notify us about the location where you found the artifact.
Forest conservation project
In 2021, Veterans Affairs Canada announced a 10-year forest conservation initiative at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in France.
Events
Annual events
9 April – Vimy Day
Location: Canadian National Vimy Memorial
1 July – Remembering the battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel
Location: Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
8 November – Remembrance ceremony
Location: Canadian National Vimy Memorial
11 November – Moment of reflection
Location: Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
Location: Canadian National Vimy Memorial
Visit our calendar of events to find activities and ceremonies taking place throughout the year.
Contact us
If you have any questions or if you want to organize an event at any of these Canadian memorials, please contact us at either of our offices:
Canadian National Vimy Memorial
E-mail
vimy.memorial@veterans.gc.ca
Calling from Canada
011 33 3 21 50 68 68
Calling from Europe
+33 (0) 3 21 50 68 68
Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
E-mail
beaumonthamel.memorial@veterans.gc.ca
Calling from Canada
011 33 3 22 76 70 86
Calling from Europe
+33 (0) 3 22 76 70 86
GC memorials
Veterans Affairs Canada manages the following Government of Canada (GC) memorials in Europe:
Related information
Visitor centre – Vimy
Learn about the monument and about the sacrifices and contributions made by Canadians during the First World War.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about visiting memorials in Europe.
Plan your trip
Advice and information to help you make the most of your visit to a memorial in Europe.
The eight Canadian battlefield memorials
Many Canadians gave their lives in Europe during the First World War. These battlefield memorial sites commemorate their sacrifice.
The Trail of the Caribou – the Royal Newfoundland Regiment memorials
Following the First World War, five battlefield memorials were built in France and Belgium to commemorate Newfoundland’s accomplishments, contributions and sacrifices during the First World War.