The Newfoundland Caribou Trail on the Western Front
The Caribou Trail on the Western Front is a private full day tour following the story of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. The route includes Beaumont-Hamel, Gueuedecourt, Monchy-le-Preux, Masnières, Kortrijk and other sites connected to Newfoundland remembrance.
Private full day tour
From €800 per private group, up to 6 guests
Pickup from Bruges or Ypres
Custom pickup possible on request
Family history focus possible
Following the Path of the Newfoundland Regiment in France and Belgium
The Caribou Trail on the Western Front connects the memorials that commemorate the soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment during the First World War. These memorials are marked by a distinctive bronze caribou, the emblem of the regiment, standing on rugged stone bases that often overlook the ground where Newfoundland soldiers fought.
Although Newfoundland was not yet part of Canada during the First World War, the experience of the Newfoundland Regiment became one of the most powerful stories of sacrifice within the wider history of the war. The regiment served in several major battles on the Western Front, and the memorials that stand today mark the locations where its soldiers fought and died.
Together these sites form what is known as the Caribou Trail, a network of memorials stretching across northern France and Belgium that commemorate the regiment’s service between 1915 and 1918.
Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We could not have asked for a better guide than Niels to the Western Front battlefields. He is deeply knowledgeable, very efficient and very pleasant. He shaped the tour of two days to our particular interests, is flexible and imparts great understanding of the strategies, tactics and massive scale of the warfare in both the Somme and Flanders. He is, in short, outstanding and we would highly recommend him to anyone seriously interested in exploring campaigns that were so important in shaping the twentieth century. Hugely interesting, but also a very satisfying and agreeable excursion with an excellent expert and communicator.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What an amazing day , Niels has so much knowledge of the area and its history, great interaction with us , informal which is what we wanted. Would definitely use him again . Thank you.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A fantastic tour. I am no history buff but Niels made it interesting and engaging with his enthusiasm and knowledge. He had answers to every question, was excited about every stop, and i loved every minute of it. Thank you so much!!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A very enjoyable trip. Niels is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. Also very entertaining and engaging. He clearly enjoys his work and this comes through.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Niels was simply amazing. We had an amazing time. He is an expert and a great guy to spend time with!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Niels is amazing and passionate and very personable. Great tourPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was an outstanding tour. Niels knowledge and passion for WW1 is palpable and he has a wonderful ability to relate a vastly overwhelming topic into meaningful historical context. Most tours will describe front lines, trench warfare and unfathomable human loss, Niels includes stories, photos and even letters of individual fallen soldiers - in our case Australian graves which he tailored to our particular interest of the ANZAC involvement in Flanders Fields and also The Somme. His knowledge of weapons and artillery was of particular interest to my husband. Niels arranged for me to purchase a wreath at Ypres and thanks to his contacts at The Menin gates we were able to place the wreath at the Last Post ceremony which should not be missed if you are traveling to Flanders Fields. The stops were well timed including lunch breaks and our dinner reservation was also arranged on our behalf. In addition, Niels is an excellent communicator and all of my emails were answered very efficiently with helpful suggestions from Niels about the best way to structure our tour for maximum efficiency. I highly recommend Visit Flanders Fields Tours for a small group personalized tour with a passionate, interested guide.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a fantastic Tour - it was definitely time well spent. Niels is a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide. With a focus on Canada, we left Flanders Fields with a far greater understanding of Canada's significant contribution and sacrifice - during WW 1.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Niels is passionate about the WWI and with his knowledge, stories and photos brought it to life for us. He went out of his way to take us to Remy after hearing my grandfather was sent there after being injured. We would definitely recommend him if you wish to tour the many battlegrounds, cemeteries and towns around Flanders Fields. Thank-you from our group of six Canadians from Ontario!
Beaumont-Hamel: The Heart of the Caribou Trail
The most famous site along the Caribou Trail is Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park on the Somme battlefield.
On 1 July 1916, during the opening day of the Battle of the Somme, the Newfoundland Regiment advanced toward the German lines near the village of Beaumont-Hamel. The soldiers moved forward from their trenches across open ground toward a fortified German defensive position.
Within a short time the regiment suffered devastating losses. Many soldiers were killed or wounded before they even reached the German front line. By the end of the attack, the regiment had lost the majority of its strength.
Today Beaumont-Hamel is one of the best preserved battlefield sites on the Western Front. Visitors can still see the trenches, shell craters and the ground across which the soldiers advanced. At the centre of the park stands the Beaumont-Hamel Caribou Memorial, a bronze caribou looking out over the battlefield where the regiment fought.
The site has become one of the most important places of remembrance for Newfoundland and for visitors tracing the history of the regiment.
Gueudecourt: The Somme Advance
Another important site along the Caribou Trail is the Gueudecourt Caribou Memorial. This memorial commemorates the actions of the Newfoundland Regiment during the later stages of the Somme campaign in October 1916.
At this stage of the battle, Allied forces were attempting to advance beyond the heavily contested villages of the Somme. Newfoundland soldiers participated in the capture of ground near Gueudecourt, contributing to the gradual Allied advance during the final phase of the offensive.
Today the caribou memorial stands on slightly elevated ground overlooking the surrounding farmland. Like the other monuments along the trail, the memorial is positioned so that the caribou faces toward the battlefield where the regiment fought.
Monchy-le-Preux: Fighting During the Arras Offensive
The Monchy-le-Preux Caribou Memorial commemorates the role of the Newfoundland Regiment during the Battle of Arras in 1917.
During the Arras offensive, the village of Monchy-le-Preux became an important position along the Allied front. Newfoundland soldiers were involved in the fighting around the village as part of the broader operations taking place across the Artois region.
The caribou memorial stands today near the edge of the village, marking the ground where the regiment fought during the offensive.
Masnières: The Later War
The Masnières Caribou Memorial commemorates the role of the Newfoundland Regiment during the later stages of the war in 1918.
By this stage the war had begun to change. Allied forces were launching a series of offensives that pushed German forces back across northern France. Newfoundland soldiers participated in these operations, which eventually formed part of the Hundred Days Offensive that led to the end of the war.
The memorial stands near the village of Masnières and marks another important chapter in the regiment’s service.
Courtrai: The Caribou in Belgium
The final memorial along the Caribou Trail stands at Courtrai (Kortrijk) in Belgium. This monument commemorates the later operations of the Newfoundland Regiment during the final months of the war as Allied forces advanced into Belgium.
Like the other memorials, the bronze caribou stands atop a stone base, symbolising the strength and endurance of the regiment during the war.
The Meaning of the Caribou Memorials
The caribou statues were designed as permanent memorials to the soldiers of the Newfoundland Regiment. The choice of the caribou reflects the emblem of the regiment and symbolises the rugged landscape of Newfoundland itself.
Each memorial was placed close to the ground where the regiment fought, allowing visitors to connect remembrance directly with the battlefield terrain.
Today the Caribou Trail allows visitors to follow the path of the regiment across the Western Front. From the preserved battlefield at Beaumont-Hamel to the villages of the Somme and the later battlefields of northern France and Belgium, these memorials tell the story of a small regiment that faced some of the most difficult battles of the First World War.
Following the Caribou Trail offers a powerful way to understand the experiences of the Newfoundland Regiment and the sacrifices made by its soldiers during the war.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Caribou Trail on the Western Front tour?
The Caribou Trail on the Western Front is a private full day battlefield tour focused on the Royal Newfoundland Regiment’s experience in WW1. The route can include Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park, Gueudecourt, Monchy le Preux, Masnières, Courtrai and other sites connected to Newfoundland remembrance. The tour is guided by a local WW1 battlefield guide with a strong focus on the Newfoundland story on the Western Front.
What happened to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment at Beaumont Hamel?
On 1 July 1916, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment attacked at Beaumont Hamel on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The regiment suffered catastrophic losses in a very short time. Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park preserves part of the battlefield landscape and remains one of the most powerful places to understand the Newfoundland story in WW1.
How much does the Caribou Trail tour cost?
The Caribou Trail on the Western Front starts from €800 per group, for up to 6 guests. This is a private full day tour and a group price, not a price per person. Pickup from other locations such as Ghent, Brussels, Lille or the Somme area is possible on request and may require an extra fee.
What sites are included in the Caribou Trail tour?
Possible Caribou Trail sites include Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park, the Caribou Memorial, preserved trenches, the Danger Tree, Hawthorn Ridge, Gueudecourt, Monchy le Preux, Masnières, Courtrai and cemeteries connected to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. The exact route is adapted to your interests, timing and family history.
Is the Caribou Trail tour available for Newfoundland and Canadian families visiting together?
Yes. The Caribou Trail can be adapted for families with Newfoundland, Canadian or wider Commonwealth connections. It can also be combined with Canadian Western Front sites such as Vimy Ridge, Courcelette or other locations, depending on timing and route priorities.
Why is there a caribou monument at Beaumont Hamel?
The caribou was the emblem of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. The bronze caribou at Beaumont Hamel stands on preserved battlefield ground and looks out over the area where the regiment attacked on 1 July 1916. Other caribou memorials mark places connected to Newfoundland’s service on the Western Front.
Is Beaumont Hamel included in the Caribou Trail tour?
Yes. Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park is the central site of the Caribou Trail tour. It is one of the best preserved battlefield landscapes on the Western Front and one of the most important remembrance places for Newfoundland families.
Is the Caribou Trail tour private?
Yes. The Caribou Trail on the Western Front is private for your group only. No other participants join your tour, and the route can be adapted to your interests, pace, nationality and family history.
How many guests can join the Caribou Trail tour?
Private Caribou Trail tours are available for up to 6 guests. This keeps the experience personal, flexible and comfortable during a long full day route across Northern France.
Can I trace a Newfoundland ancestor on this tour?
Yes. If you provide a name, regiment, service number, cemetery, memorial or family information before the tour, the route can be adapted around the places connected to that person where possible.
Can the Caribou Trail be combined with Vimy Ridge or the Somme?
Yes. The Caribou Trail can be combined with other Northern France sites such as Vimy Ridge, the Somme, Thiepval, Courcelette or Pozières, depending on your priorities and available time. Because distances are longer, the itinerary is planned carefully.
Is lunch included in the Caribou Trail tour?
Lunch depends on your booking details. You can bring your own lunch or your guide can arrange a local lunch stop along the route. Any lunch costs are handled separately unless stated otherwise.
What should we bring for the Caribou Trail tour?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing are recommended. You can also bring family documents, service records, cemetery details, photos or names of Newfoundland soldiers you want to trace.
Reach out to us for more information!
No nonsense policy: Free cancellation up to 2 days.
Please reach out to us in case of any questions at info@visitflandersfields.com or contact us on Whatsapp.
The duration of our tour can fluctuate depending on traffic between the different destinations.
Choose your private remembrance tour Full-Day €800