Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood Site)

Hill 62 is one of the most historically significant open-air sites in the Ypres Salient, located along the Canadalaan approximately three kilometres east of the city centre. Taking its name from its elevation above sea level, the hill was a strategically vital position during the war, commanding views over the surrounding countryside and the city of Ypres. The site is closely associated with the Canadian Corps, who fought here during the Battle of Mount Sorrel in June 1916, and a prominent Canadian memorial marks the location. Visitors can explore the preserved trench network and cratered landscape behind the Sanctuary Wood Museum, experiencing firsthand the terrain that soldiers navigated under fire. The elevated position also provides a panoramic view toward the spires of Ypres, offering a powerful sense of the geography of the Salient. Information panels and direction markers on the memorial help visitors understand the tactical significance of the site. Hill 62 is an essential stop for anyone exploring the cultural and military heritage of the Ypres region, particularly those interested in the Canadian experience of the First World War.