Since 2000, Explorica has helped more than 20,000 travellers commemorate Canadian history in the places where it all began. Our history tours offer genuine, authentic experiences that educate and engage students through the stories of the soldiers who fought to keep them free. By paying tribute to the past, Explorica strives to inspire younger generations while providing a life-changing experience they will never forget.
Commemorate more than 100 years of Canadian History
Tour Highlights
- Become a part of living history as you celebrate the anniversaries of key historical events in the places where they happened.
- Gather with other Canadians overseas as well as local citizens to honour fallen Canadian soldiers through ceremonies with guest speakers and special events exclusive to Explorica travellers.
- Look forward to an exclusive, one-of-a-kind experience enhanced by our relationships with local governments, Veterans Affairs, and other agencies.
- Enjoy expertly designed tour itineraries, experienced Tour Directors, the best hotels and locations, and competitive tour prices, provided only by Explorica.
“My favourite aspects of commemorative tours have always been the elements that engage the students directly. Meeting veterans, participating in ceremonies, or representing a specific soldier: These are the things that make these opportunities so meaningful and personal for the students.” -Brent B.
View Our Current Tours
2024: D-Day 80th Anniversary
2025: VE Day and the Liberation of the Netherlands 80th Anniversary
Year-Round Tours
Life Changing for Students…
With Explorica history tours, students gain a unique perspective of the sacrifices made by previous generations of Canadians and deepen their understanding of the curriculum through thoughtful, engaged learning. For example, our soldier project allows students to make personal connections by researching at home prior to visiting the graves of fallen soldiers and engaging in discussions with local citizens and veterans. Seeing history come to life is an experience students will never forget—one they can’t have from simply reading about it in a textbook.
“Watching videos in school is very different from actually walking the grounds of Vimy Ridge, Normandy, or the Tyne Cot Cemetery. Being there makes the massive loss of life and sacrifice real to the students.” -Randy R.
…and for Teachers!
Go beyond the classroom and give your students the opportunity to expand their worldview in extraordinary ways. You’ll have a dedicated Explorica representative help you choose or customize your perfect tour, recruit students through our time-tested methods, prepare you for the trip, and ensure you have an exceptional tour from start to finish. Providing these formative travel experiences for students, helping them discover who they are and what they value, is truly priceless—but it doesn’t hurt that teachers travel for free with just six students!
“These tours have been the best experiences of my teaching career. It's incredibly rewarding to see students mature and learn so much from these trips.” -Rick L.
FEATURED COMMEMORATIVE TOURS
2024: D-Day 80th Anniversary
Join Explorica groups from across Canada and the United States as we gather together in Normandy on June 6, 2024, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy. You and your students will participate in a D-Day 80 Official Commemoration Ceremony, visit the Arromanches D-Day Museum, stop at iconic World War II sites along the Normandy coast, and much more. Your group can dive deep into France or extend your tour to sightsee in London or Amsterdam & London.
2025: VE Day and the Liberation of the Netherlands 80th Anniversary
Embark on a historical adventure through Europe to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. You’ll celebrate the Netherlands’ Remembrance Day and Liberation Day through three Explorica-exclusive events at Overloon War Museum, Efteling Theme Park, and Bergen Op Zoom. Guided tours take you to Anne Frank's house, Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, and more. Choose whether you’ll complement your trip to the Netherlands with an extension to Germany, France, or Belgium & London.
“One of many highlights is when students are paying their respects to their veteran's grave, and the family of that veteran walks up to them as this is happening. You see the aha moment happen without having to teach anything.” -Brent H.
Your History Tour Experts
Stephanie Crosbie
Senior Account Manager
Stephanie has shared in Explorica's mission for over a decade. Inspired by her grandfathers, who were both Canadian World War II veterans, she loves helping Program Leaders plan unforgettable trips to the Canadian battlefields of Europe. Stephanie strives to create unmatched educational experiences for the next generation of students, specifically those learning about the sacrifices of all who served in the Canadian Forces.
Dave Robinson
Retired Teacher and History Consultant
Since he began leading educational travel experiences to celebrate Canada’s rich history, Dave has taken over 20,000 students and teachers around the globe. A retired high school teacher and the former Department Head of Canada and World Studies for the Durham District School Board, he received a various accolades and awards for his work, including two Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medals and the Winston Churchill Society Canada Educational Leadership Award.
Having held multiple leadership positions throughout his tenure, including National President of the volunteer organization Kinsman & Kinette Clubs of Canada, Dave was appointed to the Vimy Ridge Foundation Board of Directors in 2007, where he proudly served for ten years. Working as a history consultant today, Dave continues to follow his lifelong passion for Canadian history by opening students’ eyes with the help of Explorica’s educational tours.
PAST COMMEMORATIVE TOURS
RELIVE THE CONVERSATION: WEBINAR RESOURCES
The Battle of Ortona
Learn about the social interactions between Canadian soldiers and the Italian civilian population before, during, and after the Battle of Ortona from history teacher and Explorica Program Leader Zach Cavasin, who wrote his master’s thesis on the topic.
D-Day Through Artifacts, Archives, and People
Dive into the incredible stories of the people who experienced the historic events of June 6, 1944. Hosted in partnership with the Canadian War Museum, our guests shared relevant pieces from the Museum’s collection. You’ll also learn about some educational tools available for your classroom, including the Supply Line Discovery Box program, digital resources, and virtual school programs.
Spiritualism, Psychical Phenomena, and the Great War
Take a deeper look at the spiritual and psychic activity following the Great War. You’ll learn how the conflict inspired Canadians to speak to the dead, witness ghosts of their loved ones, and experiment with telepathy.
The Italian Campaign: From Sicily to Ortona
Uncover the historic strategy that led to Benito Mussolini's downfall and explore the role of the Canadian troops in the Italian Campaign of World War II. From Sicily to Ortona, you’ll hear about the significance of this famed military operation and why its events are still important nearly eight decades later.
Remembering Vimy: 105 Years Later
Discover why Canadians from around the world participate in pilgrimages as you learn about the Battle of Vimy Ridge from Dave Robinson, a retired teacher and history consultant. Dave spoke about our nation’s leaders and heroes, Canada’s plan of attack, and the establishment of the Vimy Memorial.