Since 2000, Explorica has helped travellers connect with Canadian history at the sites where it all began. Our history tours offer authentic, immersive experiences that engage students with the powerful stories of the soldiers who fought to protect our freedoms. By honouring the past, Explorica aims to inspire the next generation, providing them with a life-changing journey they will remember forever.
Commemorate more than 100 years of Canadian History
Tour Highlights
- Join other Canadian students in exclusive events and programming, including the Vimy Ridge 110th Anniversary Official Ceremony.
- Visit key locations from the Canadian Army’s journey in Northern France and Belgium during 1917, such as Passchendaele, Vimy Ridge, and Ypres.
- Honour fallen Canadian soldiers alongside Canadians and local citizens, with exclusive ceremonies and guest speakers.
- Enjoy expertly crafted itineraries, seasoned Tour Directors, top-tier hotels, prime locations, and competitive prices, all provided 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
2027: Canadian War History - 1917 Return to the Western Front
Note: All tours must depart in April 2027.
Looking for Alternative Travel Dates?
Explore similar tours available during your school’s break schedule.
Year-Round Tours
Life Changing for Students…
Explorica’s history tours offer students a powerful, immersive experience that deepens their understanding of Canadian history. Through meaningful learning opportunities, such as our Soldier Project, students research fallen soldiers before visiting their graves and engage with local citizens and veterans. This hands-on approach helps students connect with history in a way textbooks can’t replicate, leaving them with a lasting impact and a new perspective on the sacrifices made by previous generations of Canadians.
“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!
Take learning beyond the classroom by offering your students the chance to explore the world in transformative ways. An experienced Explorica representative will guide you in selecting or customizing the ideal tour, assist with student recruitment using proven methods, and support you throughout the preparation and travel process to ensure a seamless experience. Providing students with these life-changing opportunities—helping them discover their values and broaden their perspectives—is invaluable. Plus, with just six students, teachers travel for free!
“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
2027: Canadian War History - 1917 Return to the Western Front
Embark on a historical journey through Europe to commemorate the 110th anniversary of Vimy Ridge. You’ll join fellow Canadian students in exclusive events, including the Vimy Ridge 110th Anniversary Official Ceremony. Explore pivotal locations from the Canadian Army’s journey in Northern France and Belgium during 1917, such as Passchendaele, Vimy Ridge, and Ypres.
“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.