January 20, 2026
In April 2017, more than 8,000 students, educators, and cadets travelled with Education First Canada to Arras, France, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Beyond the ceremony itself, the heart of the educational experience was the Artois Expo—an exclusive interactive hub where history truly came to life. Here is a look back at the incredible lineup of partners and programs that made that event unforgettable.
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January 20, 2026
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In April 2017, more than 8,000 students, educators, and cadets travelled with Education First Canada to Arras, France, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Beyond the ceremony itself, the heart of the educational experience was the Artois Expo—an exclusive interactive hub where history truly came to life. Here is a look back at the incredible lineup of partners and programs that made that event unforgettable.
Geography, Archaeology & The Home Front
Canadian Geographic Education laid down massive 11 m x 8 m floor maps—"Wings of Courage" and "Drawn to Victory"—allowing students to physically walk across the Western Front. The Collège de Villers-Bocage showcased "Graffiti Archaeology," revealing the stories of Australian soldiers who carved their names into French caves. To connect the front lines to the home front, the Shorncliffe Trust brought historical interpreters to share stories of the training grounds, and the Culinary Historians of Canada offered a taste of the past with authentic war-time recipes and rationing demonstrations.
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Remembrance & Reflection
Honouring the fallen was central to the experience. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission displayed life-sized soldier cut-outs to help students connect with individual sacrifices. Educators Kathryn Whitfield and Sara Faulkner guided groups through the complex "Making of a Memorial" workshop, challenging students to design their own tributes.
Art, Culture & Storytelling
Creativity played a huge role in remembrance. Historica Canada hosted a suite of activities, from the "Here’s My Canada" video contest to the "Aboriginal Arts & Stories" exhibit and the "Memory Project" audio archives. Connie Wyatt Anderson brought "Trench News" to life, exploring the satirical humour of soldiers, while Janet Ruest led a collaborative comic strip station. The Global Sunrise Project displayed photography focused on peace and global citizenship, and Dr. Geoff Bird screened short films on unique Canadian stories, such as the Chinese Labour Corps and the Halifax Explosion.
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Immersive Technology & Living History
We didn’t just read about history; we stepped inside it. SimWave Consulting provided a 4D virtual reality experience where students used Oculus Rift goggles to feel the "creeping barrage" of 1917. Vimy Flight brought the era to the skies with a replica First World War Sopwith Pup bi-plane and pilot reenactments. On the ground, the Hamilton Signals Association taught students to build Morse Code keys and decipher encrypted messages, while First World War Comes to Life presented "Vacating Vimy," a fully animated exhibit tracking the journey of wounded soldiers.
Social Impact, Inclusion & Empathy
The event also looked forward, focusing on the leaders of tomorrow. The Rick Hansen Foundation and Invictus Games Foundation championed accessibility and resilience, featuring adaptive challenges and meetings with Team Canada athletes. Twenty One Toys and MaRS introduced the "Empathy Toy" to teach communication skills, while the Circle of Courage and We Matter offered powerful Indigenous perspectives on youth empowerment and hope. Finally, WE provided resources to help students identify their talents and drive social change in their own communities.
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