Family Day at Juno in the footsteps of Canadian Soldiers

Camille, tour guide at the Juno Beach Centre & Canadian student

Meet Camille, a Canadian tour guide from Gatineau, near Ottawa, Ontario. Passionate about history, she’s diving into her master’s studies while sharing her infectious enthusiasm on every tour she leads at the Juno Beach Centre.

At the museum entrance, photos of the Canadian guides available are on display. Our guide for the day, Camille, approaches, and her delightful Canadian accent immediately captivates us.

An Immersive Video Experience to Begin

The first room plunges us in the solemn atmosphere of the Allied Landing. Seated within a replica of a landing craft, we watch a 4-minute video projected at 180 degrees on the walls, vividly capturing the Canadian mindset during World War II. The children are absorbed in the film, keeping silence throughout. One phrase particularly resonates: “such a beautiful country devastated.” The second room delves into Canada of the 1930s, providing valuable context. Our guide positions herself on a sprawling map of Canada on the floor, a territory 16 times the size of France, yet notably less populated!

Touchscreen Tablets and Poppies

Camille then outlines our mission with enthusiasm. Providing each team with a touchscreen tablet, she explains that interactive modules are key components of our experience. As we progress through the tour, our goal is to collect poppies by answering questions on the tablet. Why poppies? They symbolize peace, as they were the first flowers to bloom on the battlefields after World War I.

Passing On the Values of Peace

We hop from one module to the other, teaming up to tackle the quizz together. Whenever one of the families hits a snag with a question, Camille is there to offer guidance. And when our daughter, with a little help from her dad, nails a correct answer, she bursts with excitement, it’s a joy to behold! Interestingly, many questions are aligned with the museum’s strong advocacy for sustainability.

Paying Tribute to the Heroes

In the second-to-last room, tribute is paid to the 45,000 Canadian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for France during World War II. Overhead, their names, often accompanied by their age at the time of their passing, scroll by. With the guide, we get a chance to discuss the failure of the Dieppe Raid in August 1942, during which Canadian forces suffered significant losses. The guide then mentions the “funnies” (quirky tanks, quite literally). These amphibious tanks were designed following the unsuccessful Dieppe landing attempt, which provided crucial insights.

Meaningful Discussions with our guide

In the final room, a stark contrast awaits. The high ceiling and abundant light create a striking atmosphere, with poppies dominating the scene. Through vast windows, the sea is visible. Children settle comfortably on plush floor cushions as Camille stands before a large touchscreen. The debrief begins! The guide encourages the kids to participate in discussions. “What does remembrance mean?” she asks. “Does anyone know what a veteran is?” . The children eagerly chime in. Then, she asks each of them what they enjoyed the most. Each child’s experience is deeply personal: for our youngest son, it was the joy of crossword puzzles; our daughter found resonance in the portrayal of women’s wartime contributions; and for our eldest, the scrolling names of Canadian soldiers left an indelible mark, each reflecting the exhibition’s profound impact in their own way.

Taking Memories Home

As our tour draws to a close, Camille gifts us each a poppy (the flower of remembrance) and a Canadian flag pin. This experience proves deeply enriching for both us and our children. With heartfelt thanks to our guide, we venture outside. Pausing by the memorial stones at the museum’s entrance, we make our way to the vast expanse of sandy beach where these liberators once landed. Here, in the open air, we take time to reflect as a family. Paying tribute to their memory and walking side by side, with a new appreciation for the ground they once trod and for the freedom we enjoy today.

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