From the historic cities of Zwolle and Deventer to the hills of the Sallandse Heuvelrug, and the liberated towns of Almelo, Nijverdal, and Diepenheim, the routes reveal stories of courage, resistance, loss, and renewal.The three themed routes – Canadian Trail – Overijssel West, Canadian Trail – Overijssel Middle, and Canadian Trail – Overijssel East – offer a wide range of experiences. Follow the IJssel River through ancient Hanseatic towns, cycle across wooded ridges and open fields once marked by battle, or walk through Twente’s villages where liberation finally arrived. Complement these with the five city routes in Zwolle, Deventer, Almelo, Nijverdal, and Diepenheim, each offering an intimate encounter with the local stories of occupation and freedom.

The Information Center Canadian Cemetery of Holten.

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Purple fields in Nijverdal, Sallandse Heuvelrug.

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Monument commemorating the crossing of the Schipbeek.

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Canadian trails in Overijssel

Diepenheim, like Haaksbergen, was liberated on 1 April 1945 and was thus one of the first towns in Overijssel to be captured by the Canadian soldiers. The liberation came with casualties among the Allies, as shown by the stories of Corporal Wilson and Private Stacey.Tragically, Canadian soldier Gaston Nadeau drowned in the Diepenheimse Molenbeek in May 1945 while on leave. And there was also the tragedy at Erve De Bolscher. In the autumn of 1944, it served as a hiding place for two Polish soldiers. After being betrayed by a German infiltrator, one of the residents, Jan ten Heggeler, was shot dead without mercy.It is almost unimaginable that this picturesque area could hold such poignant stories. The route passes through the beautiful Twente scenic landscape, past the Den Haller watermill, Huis Diepenheim Castle, and Weldam Castle, with the small town of Diepenheim and the village of Hengevelde providing pleasant stops along the way.

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Drama in Diepenheim and Hengevelde shortly before and after the liberation

The liberation of Almelo took place in phases on 4 and 5 April. Following the Battle of the Twentekanaal near Delden, the liberators advanced to free this city as well.From Almelo de Riet train station, they made their way through the city center on 4 April, reaching as far as the Vriezebrug. Their advance stalled there when they came under fire from German soldiers. On Thursday, 5 April, the troops were able to push forward toward Vriezenveen, having first to make temporary repairs to the damaged bridge.This was not the only damage the city suffered in the lead-up to liberation. On 23 September 1944, the city was shaken by a severe plane crash, and just a few weeks before liberation, a V1 rocket fell on a shed in the De Riet district. There were no fatalities, but many were injured and homes destroyed.Set out and experience the many remarkable stories on location. The route through Almelo passes through green neighborhoods and the lively city center.

The liberation of Almelo and what preceded it

On 9 April 1945, Nijverdal was liberated. The Canadian forces were able to take the town with relative ease. Yet amid the celebrations hung the shadow of the Allied bombardment of 22 March 1945, in which dozens of civilians were killed.Many families lost their homes. For them, the former camp Twilhaar—where in earlier years Jewish forced laborers had been held—provided a temporary refuge. After liberation, the camp also housed German soldiers, Canadian liberators, and returning forced laborers.Set out and experience these poignant stories on location. They stand in sharp contrast to the beautiful surroundings of the Sallandse Heuvelrug and the lively center of Nijverdal, where the Memory Freedom Museum can also be visited.

Freedom came at a high price in Nijverdal

On 14 April 1945, Zwolle was liberated: Canadian liberators entered the city from several directions after a reconnaissance mission by Leo Major.He observed that little resistance was to be expected, meaning that Zwolle could be taken without bombardment. As a result, the city was spared much needless additional suffering. From within, the liberation was accelerated by resistance activities carried out by Zwolle’s citizens.Set out and discover these remarkable stories on location. The route takes you through the atmospheric old town of Zwolle, where the historic character of the Hanseatic city was preserved despite the war.

Leo Major and the liberation of Zwolle

On 10 April 1945, Deventer was liberated, via Schalkhaar, where the Canadian army still faced heavy fighting. It was a day with two sides, as during the Twentol drama several resistance members lost their lives at the very last moment.One of the liberators, Nick Janicki, maintained a long and close bond with the city. The feeling was mutual: he was made an honorary citizen of Deventer, a city that embraced him with affection in many ways.Set out and discover these remarkable stories on location. The route leads through the historic Hanseatic city, with its atmospheric center and the bridge over the IJssel, which also featured in the film A Bridge Too Far.

Deventer, forever linked with Nick Janicki

In April 1945, the Allies liberated the eastern part of Overijssel, moving forward from the Twente Canal. From here, towns such as Almelo, Wierden, Vroomshoop, and Den Ham were freed.Mariënberg, Hardenberg, and Gramsbergen were liberated from the direction of Coevorden. In this region, resistance was particularly strong; one of its most prominent figures was Frits de Zwerver from Heemse near Hardenberg. He was a co-founder of the National Organization for People in Hiding (LO), alongside Tante Riek (Kuipers-Rietberg) from Winterswijk.Set out and experience the many remarkable stories on location. And don’t forget to enjoy the characterful Twente countryside and the beautiful nature of the Vechtdal in Overijssel.

In the footsteps of the Canadians through eastern Overijssel

In April 1945, the regions of Salland and the Vechtdal were liberated. After Holten (8 April), Nijverdal, Hellendoorn, Lemele, and Ommen followed. This area was also home to labor camps Kamp Erika and Kamp Twilhaar, both of which were liberated by the Allies. Shortly after the Second World War, the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten was established, where many fallen liberators found their final resting place.Set out and discover the many remarkable stories on location. And don’t forget to enjoy the stunning surroundings, including the Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park.

In the footsteps of the Canadians through Salland and the Vechtdal

In April 1945, the Allies liberated the western part of Overijssel. Via Deventer, where the Twentol Drama was a tragic setback for the resistance, the Canadian liberators pushed northward. On 14 April, Zwolle was liberated, thanks in part to Leo Major, who became famous for his daring reconnaissance mission. Around the same time, Staphorst and Steenwijk were also liberated, with the involvement of local resistance fighters.Set out and discover these remarkable stories on location. And don’t forget to enjoy the historic Hanseatic cities of Deventer and Zwolle and the beautiful IJssel landscape along the way. Staphorst and Steenwijk, each with their own distinctive character, also have much to offer—not least the committed residents who are determined to keep the wartime past alive through their stories and give it lasting meaning.

Canadian trails in Overijssel

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