Canadian D-Day Tour

On this full day tour of Juno, the Canadian sector on D-Day, we will visit Arromanches, Graye-sur-Mer, Courseulles-sur-Mer, Bernières-sur-Mer, St Aubin-sur-Mer, ALG B-4, Canadian War Cemetery at Bény-Reviers, Abbey d’Ardenne.

On route, as well as on location, throughout the day you will learn about the planning and preparations involved to get the largest military operation in history organised, which units were involved, what their objectives were, and how victory was achieved.

I will share with you many stories of the men and women who fought to free Europe of Nazi occupation.

At each of these site there will be some free time for you to take photos, use restrooms or grab a coffee.

LOCATIONS WE WILL VISIT ON THIS DAY:

1) Arromanches/Mulberry Harbour

Here we will see the remains of the artificial harbour, known as Mulberry. This amazing invention became the most important port for the Allied in North-West Europe until December 1944.

2) Graye-sur-Mer and Courseulles-sur-Mer

The western flank of Juno sector where Canadian forces landed on D-Day. Here you will learn about the planning and preparations by the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division to land elements of the Canadian Scottish and Royal Winnipeg Rifles regiments against one of the best prepared German coastal defences in this area.

At a small extra fee visit the highly acclaimed Juno Centre.

3) Bernières-sur-Mer

At this beach the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and La Régiment de la Chaudière landed. Hear stories of the initial struggles to break through the German defences. We will also be able to visit the world famous Canada House and the train station that are featured in many D-Day photos.

4) Lunch

Lunch is normally stopping for a sandwich or other quick snack (not included in the price of the tour) and we will have a break for about 45 minutes.

5) St Aubin-sur-Mer

St Aubin is the eastern landing area for the Canadians on D-Day. This was to be assaulted by the North Shore New Brunswick Regiment and British Commandos. We will the spot where German bunkers overlooked the beach from a commanding position, and learn about the way tanks from the Fort Garry Horse regiment broke the stalemate.

6) ALG B-4

The involvement of the 2nd Tactical Air Force, and specifically RCAF Squadrons, is generally overlooked, but certainly played a crucial role in the support and success of Canadian’s ground forces on D-Day and the Normandy campaign. You will learn about the creation of Advanced Landing Grounds (temporary airfields) by the Allies, the use of SMT and the missions of the RCAF.

7) Canadian War Cemetery at Bény-Reviers

Time for reflection at the Canadian War Cemetery, the final resting place and memorial for 2048 mostly Canadian soldiers.

8) Abbey d’Ardenne

Canadian POWs were murdered here by the 12th SS “Hitler Youth” Division. Hear the emotional stories of the men involved and the War Crimes trials against the SS-troops who were held responsible.

IN A NUT SHELL

Tour title: Canadian D-Day tour

Tour price (not per person) from July 2023: €620.

Start: 8.30am

Finish: 5.30pm

Duration: 9 hours

Pick-up/drop-off location: your accommodation in or near Bayeux; other pick-up locations can be arranged

Capacity: this private tour accommodates 1 to 8 people

Lunch: includes 1 hour lunch break, price not included

Request a tour here

Please see the Info page for further details

glhoffmann

12 November 2024

Personal Normandy Experience This was an amazing day! Mike is so knowledgeable about the Normandy beaches, the invasion and WW II! He has so many stories to tell about the places and people. We could have spent another eight hours with him. The time with him went very quickly and he gave us so much information to process and remember. He took us places we would never have thought to visit as he really customized the tour for us. Ending our tour at the American Cemetery was emotional as I was able to see my cousin's grave, enhance his name with the Omaha Beach sand and reflect on his and others' service. Seeing the enormity of the Cemetery makes the sacrifice the men and women gave become very real. Mike's stories about individual grave sites made it very real and personal. Our one regret is that there is so much to see and one day really doesn't give a chance to absorb all that there is to see. We would have liked more time at the Cemetery as we arrived as the American flag was being lowered and so close to closing time. We certainly will recommend Mike and Allied Victory Tours to others. Five stars does not do Mike and this tour justice - rates a high 10!

Violet L

10 November 2024

Exceptional D-Day Guide! Mike was an exceptional tour guide, a true historian, and an engaging story teller. He went above and beyond to customize our family's tour and re-trace the path of a family member's Omaha Beach experience 80 years ago.

Lizzie C

8 November 2024

An Unforgettable Day in Normandy My husband was a US Army officer who has studied the Normandy campaigns extensively. He was HIGHLY impressed with Mike’s knowledge. Mike planned a 1/2 trip to explore Major Howie’s trek to St Lo. It was an unforgettable 1/2 day. Our only regret - we wish we had scheduled a full day! Mike is incredibly professional and engaging. We have made a new friend. We are already talking about a return visit and will absolutely be contacting Mike about another tour!

Mike L

3 November 2024

Great Day In over fifty years of traveling I have never had more fun or information on a Tour! The weather was cold and raining but it did not take anything away form that Great day. Thank you Mike Lyon Ret Pam Am Cpt

Martha B

Excellent experience What a great day! Definitely worth it; we learned so much. Mike picked us up on time, and was a wealth of knowledge. It was a very full day and although we started getting tired, Mike kept his energy up all day! It was well worth the time and money. We are still talking about some of what we learned.

Brian B

25 October 2024

A tour to remember I have long wanted to go to Normandy to see where the Allies fought to free Europe and end the fascist designs of Hitler. Mike's tour for me was perfect. If we did not have a time constraint we would have spent even more time with Mike. He is extremely knowledgeable, personable and just the best person to spend the day with. He not only shows you the main site everyone goes to see, he also shows you sites some or most tours miss. An example of this would be in the town of St Mere Eglise. When we arrived there were a number of tours already present standing in front of the church looking up at the parachute and mannequin representing John Steel a member of the 82nd Ariborne Division. Mike told us what happened in the courtyard as the airmen from the 82nd came down on the morning of June 6th. How and why the Germans were there. About the fire in a nearby building that brought the villagers out. About John Steel's parachute being hung up on the church steeple, though he was not the only airman that got hung up on the church roof. Mike also told us how the 101st Airborne had landed in this same area a few hours earlier with a different result. Now, I am sure most tours cover these details. Some people from these tours then quickly went into the church and then came out. I asked Mike if we would be going into the church. He asked me why I wanted top go into the church, but obviously he knew. I wanted to see the stained glass windows. The stained glass windows honor the American service men who freed the town as well as helping to free France. Mike did an excellent job describing the windows in detail. He also told us about the church and its history. These windows are not to be missed. For me. this was a perfect tour and experience. I am sure other tours are also very good. What I can say about our tour with Mike was I would do it again in a heart beat, but this time I would book at least two days.

Ken

24 October 2024

Normandy Tour Just had a great day visiting Utah and Omaha beaches, and ending at the American Cemetery. Mike was a fantastic guide — knowledgeable and thoughtful, with a great sense of humor. The day was both fun and sobering.

Ginny C

Normandy as its best A truely awesome tour. Mike is very knowledgeable and has the best informative stories and photos. He makes the tour very fun. I highly recommend him.

Colby S

13 October 2024

Wonderful experience touring Normandy with Mike My family and I visited from the states. We had no idea what we were in for on our tour of the D-Day beaches with Mike. By far, it was one of the most moving and enlightening experiences we’ve ever had. And that was because of Mike… his knowledge, his storytelling, but mostly his humanity and respect for those fought, and for those that gave their lives. Book this tour with Mike, you will not regret it.

susan h

22 September 2024

Mike is the best guide ever! We spent two full days with Mike on the beaches and the cemeteries as well as other significant stops along the way. He is extremely knowledgeable and we all learned far more than we ever knew. His enthusiasm for WWII history is contagious and we were all saddened when our two days were complete. Most importantly, he is just a great guy and so comfortable to spend time in his company.