Family Day at Juno in the Footsteps of Canadian Soldiers

Holidays to Normandy offer unparalleled opportunities for discovery, providing kids with a hands-on history lesson that beats any book. On this family visit to the Juno sector of Normandy’s D-Day landing beaches, we opt for the immersive “Explore Juno” tour at the Juno Beach Centre. Led by a young guide from Quebec, about the same age as the soldiers sent to the front, we uncover the remarkable story of Canadian involvement in the liberation of France, uniting history with the present in a moving and inspiring exploration for the whole family.

At the museum’s entrance, snapshots of the Quebecois guides conducting tours are displayed. As our guide for the day, Camille, approaches, her charming Canadian accent captivates us instantly.

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. So 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 module to module, teaming up to tackle the questions 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! Additionally, I observe that 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 César, it’s the joy of crossword puzzles; my daughter found resonance in the portrayal of women’s wartime contributions; and for Charlie, 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.

Camille

Tour Guide at the Juno Beach Centre & Canadian Student

Meet Camille, a lively tour guide from Gatineau near Ottawa, Quebec. Ready for a 7-month adventure at Juno Beach Centre, Camille’s passion for history fuels her excitement as she embarks on her master’s studies. With fond memories of visiting Juno Beach as a teenager, she’s thrilled to return, bringing her infectious enthusiasm to every tour.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE