Juno Beach Centre — Attraction in Caen

The Juno Beach Centre is a must-see for any Canadian visiting the Normandy beaches and anyone else who is interested in the Canadian contribution to D-Day, and WWII in general. There is a lot of information provided through a variety of different ways; videos, audio recordings, pictures, displays ... the visit starts off with a short video from the perspective of a soldier arriving on-shore in a landing craft, with glimpses of the Canadian landscapes and people left behind. Then you may meander through a number of different rooms which provide an incredible amount of historical detail, beginning in 1930s/leading up to WWII and continuing on in chronological order. Along the way, you'll see uniforms, flyers, ads, equipment, interactive maps and other items on display. I could have spent hours in the room which explained other major campaigns the Canadians were involved in (Italy, The Scheldt, Rhineland, etc.). I especially appreciated the details which went into creating the maps (showing where the Canadians landed, who they met/fought, the path they took to liberate each region, etc.) and watching the recorded interviews with those who experienced these campaigns first-hand. I could have also spent hours in front of the large touchscreen table which allowed you to select a regiment or other unit involved in the war, and follow their path, day-by-day (the plaque on the wall said it was donated by the John E. Irving Family). I'm hoping that there's a way to access this interactive map remotely. It was so well done, and provided a wealth of information. I just didn't have enough time on the day of our visit to follow the paths of all the people I knew who were part WWII (!!!).

There is so much to see inside the inner rooms, and it was put together and presented very well. The visit ended with an optional video following a modern-day family visiting the beach and asking their children if they know what happened here during WWII. It brought tears to my eyes; I'm in my mid-40s and am fortunate enough to have known many veterans who served in WWII and families of those who did not make it home.

The final area of the Centre is dedicated to stories and quotes from people who came to Canada from other countries (what it means to be a Canadian). I would imagine this is for the benefit of those who visit the Centre and are not familiar with Canadian life.

The Centre also includes a very well-stocked gift shop - staffed by Canadian students who are there for 8 months at a time. I bought several items I would never be able to find at home (e.g. crochet poppies and RCAF t-shirts for my husband, whose grandfather served in the RCAF during WWII).

I cannot say enough about this amazing place. We visited many places during our time in NW France and Belgium, and the Juno Beach Centre was the most informative and most interactive place we saw. They have done an excellent job keeping the memory of these events and those who served, alive. I will definitely return when my son is old enough to appreciate it and has learned of the history and sacrifice made by the Allied Forces to liberate...

My name is Regena Liski. I am the daughter of Sgt. Leroy E. Bartley of the Regina Rifles Regiment, a soldier who landed in the first wave of men on D-Day. I am now 60 years old & made my first, & very significant visit, to the beaches recently. O4 - 27 - 23

I attended the Centre which is extremely well done. And such a valuable retention of important history.

As you can well imagine, this was a very emotional day for me. I came to the Centre with a small tour from Paris. And upon arrival we were assigned a tour guide for the bunkers & beaches. (I so appreciate that these guides have been chosen as young individuals approximately the age of the soldiers from the war)

However, some of the remarks made by our guide were very hard for me to palette. A joke made about the bunker venting & the fact that if a Canadian soldier had thrown a grenade in there, it would only pop back out leaving the soldier 2 feet shorter, from the explosion. Our son is an amputee & this is not funny. Nor is the fact that this instance could have indeed happened to a ‘real’ human being on D Day. You are not joking about fictional characters here. These are real- life heroes of war!!

A lot is said of how well the bunkers are made & the German expertise. I can appreciate this…

But—when we stood on the section of Juno beach directly in front of the bunker & were told the Regina Rifles had it relatively easy compared to the Royal Winnipeg who took the beach upon which we stood, I had to speak up!! There is nothing ‘easy’ about war or the slaughter that went on in the first wave (or any landing for that matter) on D-Day!! The regiments should never be compared in this manner or spoken of in this way! When I spoke up, the guide made light of my comment & said it was only meant in relative terms. Again, nothing is relative about war…

I am so sorry to have to leave this comment but I feel this instance can be corrected & not repeated.

I thank you for the amazing job you are doing at the Centre & for your attention to this matter…

With sincerity —...

Visiting the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer, France, was an incredibly moving and educational experience. This museum is dedicated to the Canadian soldiers who landed on Juno Beach during D-Day in World War II, and it offers a profound insight into their bravery and sacrifice.

The center itself is beautifully designed, blending modern architecture with the natural landscape of the beach. Inside, the exhibits are thoughtfully curated, with a mix of multimedia presentations, personal stories, and historical artifacts. The journey through the museum takes you from the lead-up to the war, through the D-Day landings, and into the post-war period, providing a comprehensive understanding of Canada’s role in the conflict.

One of the highlights was the guided tour of Juno Beach, where you can walk on the very sand where history was made. The tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate, making the stories of the soldiers come alive. It's a humbling experience to stand on the beach and reflect on the events of that day.

The museum also does a great job of connecting the past to the present, discussing the lasting impact of the war and the importance of remembering those who fought.

If you're planning to visit, I recommend allowing a few hours to fully absorb everything. It's not just a museum but a deeply emotional tribute to those who served. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just someone looking to understand more about this pivotal moment in history, the Juno Beach Centre is...