Juno Beach
About Juno Beach
Juno Beach is where Canadian forces landed on D-Day, June 6, 1944, making it the only Canadian-led invasion beach during Operation Overlord. The site includes the Juno Beach Centre, Canada's official Second World War museum in Normandy, which tells the story of the 14,000 Canadian soldiers who fought here and achieved the deepest inland advance of any Allied division that day. The museum features interactive exhibits, personal stories, and multimedia presentations. Outside, Juno Park preserves Atlantic Wall bunkers that can be explored on guided tours led by young Canadian guides from April to October. The beach itself remains freely accessible, with monuments and sculptures honoring those who fell. Visitors should note seasonal hours: the Centre closes in January and has reduced hours in winter months. Book tickets online to secure your preferred time slot, especially during summer and around the June 6 anniversary commemorations.
Interesting Facts
In the first hour of the assault, nearly 1 in 2 soldiers in the assault teams became casualties. The Queen's Own Rifles suffered 143 casualties that day, the highest of any Canadian regiment at Juno Beach.
The Royal Winnipeg Rifles, who landed at 07:49 among the first Allied troops, earned their nickname "Little Black Devils" in 1885 during the Battle of Fish Creek. A captured Métis fighter reportedly asked "who are those little black devils?" – referring to their dark rifle green uniforms rather than the traditional British red coats.
British military historian John Keegan wrote: "The opposition the Canadians faced was stronger than that of any other beach save Omaha." Despite this fierce resistance, the 3rd Canadian Division pushed further inland than any other Allied division on D-Day.
The 1st Hussar tank regiment holds a unique distinction: it was the only unit of the entire Allied invasion force to reach its final D-Day objective. The regiment's forward elements positioned themselves just 3 miles from Caen by day's end.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Voie des Français Libres, BP 104, 14470 Courseulles-sur-Mer, France
Website
https://www.junobeach.orgDay Routes
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