Vimy Memorial, Saskatoon
The Vimy Memorial, also known as the Vimy Memorial Bandshell, is a prominent open structure in Saskatoon's Kiwanis Park, situated on the bank of the South Saskatchewan River. Built in 1937, this memorial honors Canada's significant participation in the First World War, particularly the 1917 Battle of Vimy Ridge. This battle was a defining moment for Canada, involving 120,000 men from four Canadian divisions and resulting in 10,602 casualties, including 3,598 fatalities. The victory at Vimy Ridge was a major milestone, marking Canada's emergence from a British colony to an independent nation. During the Second World War, the Vimy Memorial also served as a hub for patriotic and war-related activities.
The inspiration for the Vimy Memorial came from a 1936 pilgrimage to Vimy, France, attended by 6,000 veterans and their families. Designed by the Kiwanis Club, the memorial pays tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in World War I and serves as a community gathering place for musical events.
Constructed of concrete and painted white, the bandshell features a semi-domed roof crowned with a lantern, supported by eight pillars. Steps lead to the band area, enclosed by an iron balustrade. The words "VIMY MEMORIAL" are carved in grey corrugated concrete above the entrance, and a brass plaque beside the steps reads: "ERECTED 1936 - 1937 BY THE KIWANIS CLUB TO COMMEMORATE THE BATTLE OF VIMY RIDGE 1915."
The inspiration for the Vimy Memorial came from a 1936 pilgrimage to Vimy, France, attended by 6,000 veterans and their families. Designed by the Kiwanis Club, the memorial pays tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in World War I and serves as a community gathering place for musical events.
Constructed of concrete and painted white, the bandshell features a semi-domed roof crowned with a lantern, supported by eight pillars. Steps lead to the band area, enclosed by an iron balustrade. The words "VIMY MEMORIAL" are carved in grey corrugated concrete above the entrance, and a brass plaque beside the steps reads: "ERECTED 1936 - 1937 BY THE KIWANIS CLUB TO COMMEMORATE THE BATTLE OF VIMY RIDGE 1915."
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Saskatoon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Vimy Memorial on Map
Sight Name: Vimy Memorial
Sight Location: Saskatoon, Canada (See walking tours in Saskatoon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Saskatoon, Canada (See walking tours in Saskatoon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Create Your Own Walk in Saskatoon
Creating your own self-guided walk in Saskatoon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Saskatoon Introduction Walking Tour
Saskatoon, often referred to as the "City of Bridges," is the largest city in Canada's Saskatchewan province. Nestled on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, it offers a compelling narrative stretching back to its founding in 1882. Historically, Saskatoon began as a Temperance colony established by a group of people who sought to escape the liquor trade in Toronto and set up a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles