Commemorative Tours

CUSTOMIZED GROUP TRAVEL

Our renowned commemorative/remembrance tours are designed by Canadians, for Canadians. With our expert military history advisors, local historian guides and tour managers, we provide you with a memorable, rich and uniquely Canadian perspective. Our tours are uniquely customized for both adult and student groups, incorporating iconic experiences at Vimy Ridge, Dieppe, Juno Beach and Ortona. For more information on our tours, please contact us.

Follow in the footsteps of Canadians and experience history where it happened.
2024 – 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings
2025 – 80th Anniversary of VE Day


The Vimy Foundation and Ellison Travel & Tours are pleased to announce their partnership to organize unique commemorative and experiential learning opportunities for youth. A non-profit organization focused on preserving and promoting Canada’s First World War history and legacy of leadership, The Vimy Foundation’s flagship education programs, the Beaverbrook Vimy Prize and the Vimy Pilgrimage Award, have brought hundreds of motivated and deserving young people to Belgium, France, and the Netherlands to experience history at significant First World War and Second World War sites. The programs enable youth to connect with peers from across the country and examine history beyond the classroom, building on underrepresented narratives and global perspectives, and encouraging students to develop their critical thinking and leadership skills. Find out more about The Vimy Foundation programs and awards here.

ELLISON’S MILITARY TOUR ADVISORS

LarryTravel

LARRY
O’MALLEY

Larry O’Malley brings 30 years of experience in education in Ontario, as a secondary school teacher and administrator, retiring from the role of principal in 2020. Larry served on the executive of the Ontario History and Social Science Teachers Association for 10 years, and was active in the development of course materials for the current Ontario curriculum. During his career in education, Larry promoted the importance of student travel as a means of enhancing classroom learning, and has taken students on numerous trips, including organizing and leading five Remembrance tours to Europe for Halton schools. Larry currently serves as an Associate Director of the Juno Beach Centre Association Board. We are fortunate to have Larry’s expertise as he continues to share his wealth of knowledge and experience, and his passion for remembrance history, education and travel.

LIEUTENANT
COLONEL JOE MURRAY

Lieutenant Colonel Joe Murray (retired) served for 30 years in the Canadian Armed Forces and has been visiting the Battlefields of Europe since 1971. Lieutenant Colonel Murray also served as Commanding Officer of 31 Brigade Battle School and was Assistant Chief of Staff at 31 Brigade Headquarters in London, served in the First Hussars Regiment, first as a private and later as a Lieutenant Colonel and the Commanding Officer of this storied regiment. During his time as a Hussar, Joe helped establish a museum and update the Hussar’s Regimental History (2004). Well-known for his knowledge of the roles that Canada played in WWI and WWII, Joe recently published a book on WWI called ‘Death of a Gunner’. Joe taught at public and private high schools for 34 years, and while living in Italy, conducted battlefield tours for visiting Canadian Army and school groups. Joe provides a wealth of knowledge and military perspective to Ellison and our clients.

DAN
BAILEY

Dan Bailey is a middle school teacher at Montcrest School in Toronto with over 20 years experience specializing in Science and Social Studies. In addition to planning and accompanying students on school trips, Dan is an avid reader of history and has a particular interest in, and in-depth knowledge of World War I. Dan has organized and led numerous Ellison groups on various European battlefield and remembrance tours, and enjoys guiding travellers as they explore the customs of Europe and learn about Canada’s rich and varied military history there. Dan’s experience and perspective as an educator and world traveller, and his knowledge and appreciation for remembrance history and Canada’s role within it, is a great asset to Ellison and our travellers.