Hill 62 Memorial Ypres
Step back in time at Hill 62, exploring preserved WWI trenches and a poignant Canadian memorial near Ypres.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful reflection
Hill 62 Memorial Ypres
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Hill 62, exploring preserved WWI trenches and a poignant Canadian memorial near Ypres.
"It is impressive, as a Canadian, to see the monument and take it into consideration with other sites in the area."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trench paths can be uneven; sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the site comfortably. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
Plan for 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the museum and walk through the trenches. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Preserved WWI Trenches
Sanctuary Wood
Walk through remarkably preserved WWI trenches, offering a tangible connection to the past. Feel the history beneath your feet.
Sanctuary Wood Museum
Sanctuary Wood
Explore artifacts and exhibits detailing the intense battles fought here, providing crucial context to the trench experience.
Canadian Hill 62 Memorial
Hill 62
A poignant monument honoring the Canadian Corps' defense of the Ypres Salient. A place for reflection and remembrance.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Hill 62
Understanding the Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trench paths can be uneven; sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the site comfortably. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
Plan for 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the museum and walk through the trenches. :clock1:
Visit the Museum First
Gain historical context at the museum before exploring the trenches for a deeper understanding. :books:
Reflect and Remember
This is a place of solemn remembrance; take time to absorb the history and honor those who served. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trench paths can be uneven; sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the site comfortably. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
Plan for 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the museum and walk through the trenches. :clock1:
Visit the Museum First
Gain historical context at the museum before exploring the trenches for a deeper understanding. :books:
Reflect and Remember
This is a place of solemn remembrance; take time to absorb the history and honor those who served. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Hill 62 a deeply moving and historically significant site, particularly appreciating the preserved trenches and the Canadian memorial. The adjacent museum offers valuable context, though some note the somber nature of the experience. It's considered a worthwhile visit for understanding WWI history.
"Hill 62 is about 12 minutes drive from Ypres., well worth visiting there's a small cafe and a small museum, then when you go outside we'll you do go back in time, there are trenches, bomb holes, to walk through we went in September in the afternoon only a few people there, time spent 1to2hours, then from there we found the bomb crater that's not far ither"
Stanley Scholes
"Battlefield 1 is a World War I game where you run around like a caffeinated goat with a bayonet, screaming through mustard gas while being sniped by a guy hiding in a bush three continents away; you can ride horses with swords like a medieval maniac, drive tanks that handle like angry refrigerators, or fly planes that explode if you sneeze wrong—there are four classes but they all boil down to shooting, exploding, reviving, or lying down forever with a sniper rifle; melee weapons include shovels, clubs, and whatever rusty stick you found behind a trench; every map is designed to make you cry, including deserts with snipers in the sun, forests where trees throw grenades, and cities that explode if you breathe near them; sound design is so intense you’ll hear explosions in your dreams, and the graphics are so realistic that mud looks better than your kitchen floor; sometimes a blimp crashes onto your squad and everyone just accepts it as fate; sometimes you throw a grenade and it bounces back and ends your bloodline; customization is almost non-existent unless you really like brown, but none of it matters because your real weapon is chaos; victory is random, death is hilarious, and every match ends with someone yelling while riding a horse off a cliff into a tank that’s already on fire; Battlefield 1 is not a game—it’s a historical fever dream with great lighting and more screaming than a haunted amusement park, and that’s why we love it.
Anyway, I like WW1 and this place was cool"
ScaryLion
"Hill 62, hard to describe. It is impressive, as a Canadian, to see the monument and take it into consideration with other sites in the area. Hoping it will continue to be maintained to the high standard of other memorials as it should be, so as to not forget."
N Roy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hill 62 Memorial is located about 12 minutes drive east of Ypres. You can reach it by car, taxi, or potentially a local bus service. Many visitors combine it with other WWI sites in the area.
While direct public transport options might be limited, it's worth checking local bus schedules from Ypres. Renting a car or joining a guided tour are popular alternatives for reaching this WWI memorial.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore the WWI sites around Ypres, including Hill 62. The area is relatively flat and scenic, making it enjoyable for cyclists.
Yes, there is typically parking available at or near the Sanctuary Wood Museum and Hill 62 Memorial, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Many visitors opt for guided tours that cover key locations like Hill 62, the Menin Gate, and various cemeteries. Alternatively, renting a car offers flexibility to visit sites at your own pace.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Hill 62 Memorial itself is an open monument and generally free to access. However, the Sanctuary Wood Museum, located nearby, usually requires an admission fee.
Opening hours for the Sanctuary Wood Museum can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
The trenches are part of the Sanctuary Wood Museum site, so access to walk through them is typically included with your museum admission.
The outdoor memorial and trench areas are generally accessible during daylight hours. The museum has specific operating hours.
Information on discounts for the Sanctuary Wood Museum, such as for students or seniors, is best obtained directly from the museum.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find preserved WWI trenches, bomb craters, and the Canadian Hill 62 Memorial. The adjacent Sanctuary Wood Museum offers historical context with artifacts.
Most visitors spend between 1 to 2 hours exploring the trenches and the museum at Sanctuary Wood.
The trenches are preserved but can be uneven and muddy. It's important to wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution while exploring.
While educational, the WWI context can be intense. Parents should consider their children's age and sensitivity to war history. The site is generally safe for supervised exploration.
Hill 62 was a strategically important position defended by the Canadian Corps during WWI, marking a significant battle in the Ypres Salient.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the atmospheric trenches, the solemn Canadian memorial, and any preserved artifacts. The natural light filtering through the trees can create dramatic shots.
Generally, photography is permitted at the memorial and in the trench areas. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and any specific museum rules.
A versatile camera that handles low light well is ideal for the trenches. A wide-angle lens can help capture the scale of the landscape and trenches.
Drone usage is often restricted at historical and memorial sites due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions beforehand.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and a more evocative atmosphere for photography in the trenches and around the memorial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🇨🇦 Canadians Visiting
History Buffs & WWI Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Trenches of Sanctuary Wood
+1Visitors often remark on how real the experience feels. The uneven ground, the remnants of dugouts, and the sheer scale of the cratered landscape surrounding the trenches all contribute to a profound sense of history. It’s a stark contrast to the often romanticized or gamified depictions of war, offering a somber and educational encounter with the past.
The Canadian Significance of Hill 62
As a visitor, standing at the memorial offers a moment of quiet reflection on the immense bravery and sacrifice of these soldiers. The open, peaceful landscape today belies the brutal reality of the battles fought here. It’s a place that resonates deeply with Canadians and serves as a vital reminder of their contribution to the Allied effort during the Great War.
Visiting the Sanctuary Wood Museum
+1Many visitors recommend visiting the museum before exploring the trenches. This allows you to better understand the historical significance of what you are about to see, enhancing the immersive experience. The museum's displays help to bring the human element of the conflict to life, making the visit to the trenches even more poignant and educational.
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