Unlock Our History: Why Free Access to Canada’s Past Matters More Than Ever
Beechwood is more than a cemetery. It is a national place of memory - a living archive of Canadian identity that welcomes thousands of visitors each year to walk through the lives and legacies that shaped this country. But what truly sets Beechwood apart is that our guided tours are completely free and open to all.
We believe that Canadian history should not be behind a paywall. That access to our past should not depend on your income, background, or age. That every person, from every walk of life, deserves the opportunity to walk through our grounds and experience the stories of the people who built our nation.
That’s why we launched the #UnlockOurHistory campaign.
The Power of a Walk Through History
A tour at Beechwood is not just a list of facts. It’s a layered, immersive experience where visitors can reflect on the lives of war heroes, national artists, pioneering women, Indigenous leaders, and everyday citizens who shaped Canada in quiet yet powerful ways. With no ticket price or registration fee, these stories are made available to students, newcomers, veterans, families, and everyday Canadians without barriers.
Whether it’s a school group learning about Remembrance, a family visiting loved ones while hearing about other figures who rest nearby, or a newcomer discovering Canadian identity through the lives of others—these moments are made possible because the gates are open, the stories are free, and the experience is shared.
Why It’s Free - and Why It Needs You
Offering free tours isn’t just a gesture of goodwill - it’s a statement of principle. Public history should remain accessible, inclusive, and unfiltered. We don’t charge for access because we believe Canadian history belongs to everyone.
But delivering these tours still requires commitment, coordination, and community support.
That’s where you come in. Your donation to the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation helps ensure these public tours remain free - today and for generations to come. Every dollar helps us welcome more visitors and share more of our collective story.
It All Leads Here: Living Library – Trailblazers
On Sunday, September 7th from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, we invite you to witness the impact of your support in person. Join us for Beechwood’s Annual Living Library: Trailblazers - a powerful event where living storytellers share their personal journeys and experiences as they helped shape Canada’s evolving identity.
Walk among the graves. Listen to real people. Celebrate the living history around us. This event is, like our tours, free and open to the public—a testament to our belief that history comes alive when it’s shared.
- Living Library: Trailblazers
- Sunday, September 7th
- 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
- Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa
- Free admission | All are welcome
Join the Movement
If you believe in making Canadian history accessible… If you’ve ever walked our paths and felt a connection… If you want others to experience the same…
Please consider making a donation today.
Help us #UnlockOurHistory - for everyone. Donate now: https://www.beechwoodottawa.ca/en/donation