War Graves Week 2026 - Commonwealth War Graves Commission & Beechwood Cemetery Tour

Join the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) and Beechwood Cemetery on May 16th at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM for a free tour in honour of War Graves Week.

Come learn about the servicemembers who died in the World Wars commemorated in the National Military Cemetery and throughout Beechwood Cemetery grounds.

War Graves Week invites you to discover the stories behind the world wars across the globe, wherever Commonwealth war dead are commemorated — including here in Ottawa.

What to Expect

The tour will cover:

• CWGC's history and ongoing work
• The history of military burials at Beechwood Cemetery
• Key landmarks including the Cross of Sacrifice
• Memorials and war graves with stories of those commemorated

There are 95 First World War and 143 Second World War Commonwealth war dead who served in the Canadian, United Kingdom, Australian, and New Zealand armed forces commemorated at Beechwood Cemetery.

Important Details

• Meeting point: Meet at the Tank in Section 27
• Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
• Distance: About 2km on pavement and grass with some uneven ground
• Please come dressed for the weather and wear suitable footwear
• The tour is free but space is limited — grab your tickets while you can!