In September 1944, after clearing the coastal areas of France and Belgium, the First Canadian Army was tasked with advancing eastward into the Netherlands. The campaign began with the liberation of the Scheldt Estuary in Zeeland, a crucial operation to open the port of Antwerp to the North Sea.

Following the Battle of the Scheldt, Canadian forces took part in the Rhineland Campaign, advancing into Brabant. By the end of 1944, the front stabilized along the Maas River, resulting in three largely static months until February 1945, when Operation Veritable was launched. This major offensive aimed to break through the Siegfried Line along the German–Dutch border in Gelderland and secure control of the Rhine’s banks.

From April to May 1945, the First Canadian Army was tasked with liberating the northern provinces of the Netherlands. Advancing from Overijssel, operations were divided between two divisions: the 2nd Canadian Division moved north into Drenthe and Groningen, while the 3rd Canadian Division advanced westward, liberating Friesland.

Embark on this eight-month journey across the Netherlands and discover the enduring traces of the Canadian campaign, from Zeeland to Groningen. Along the way, local stories reflect the joy of liberation, the grief following four years of occupation, and the remarkable courage shown by local resistance groups. Experience the country’s diverse landscapes—symbolic cities, wetlands, polders, forests, and coastal environments that define the Netherlands.

This collection brings together trails across the provinces liberated by Canadian forces, as well as local themed routes highlighting key battles.