Every review below is from a real guest who travelled with Joe MacDonald.
I have been on several 'battlefield tours' and this was by far the most informative, personal and educational I have experienced. Joe's knowledge and passion for history is second to none, and his understanding of the 1917 Battle for Vimy Ridge is both rich and detailed. Most impressive is his familiarity with the ground, a battlefield today largely hidden in plain sight.
I joined Joe MacDonald on a visit to the Vimy Ridge battlefield in June 2024 and it was amazing! He took us through the woods and as a Canadian it was truly remarkable — he made the tour so personalized and special! He has a natural gift at story telling and conveying complex and profound research into a history understood by all.
Joe is passionate and very enthusiastic about imparting his impressive knowledge and understanding of Canadians during the First World War. Whether for personal legacy or simple interest, I would highly recommend linking up with Joe and experiencing a unique and fascinating perspective of our Canadian history.
He researched each member, the battles they fought in, provided records and pictures and locations where they were and fought, customized the tour to include actual site visits — every detail was anticipated and covered. He brought my Great Grandfather's war experience to life, and completed my own journey with an emotional trip to my Great Uncle's gravesite.
Joe was waiting for us and had discovered where my uncle was killed, showed us the footsteps he walked, where he waited for battle orders, his medical history during his deployment and so much more. Our family is so grateful to Joe and we are very lucky our paths crossed!
Without question Joe MacDonald is a world class historian and battlefield tour guide who has carried on his childhood passion in military history. While on this tour I had occasion to speak with several other independent battlefield tour guides, both of whom indicated that Joe is recognized as one of the best in the business.
Joe MacDonald is an incredible person to know and travel with. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable, but he also has a wonderful rapport with people in general. I highly recommend his tours for anyone interested in history and the First World War. You will be amazed and it will be a 'vacation' unlike any other.
There wasn't a dull moment for the three days we spent with Joe — in that short time frame he was able to show me more than I could have ever expected, at greater detail than much longer tours I had attended in the past. Without hesitation I would recommend Joe to anyone wishing to see the Battlefields of Europe.
I have had the pleasure of participating in three First World War Battlefield tours with Joe, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. What makes Joe's tours truly exceptional is his ability to tailor them to your interests — he is the person you want to lead you through this remarkable period in history.
All that knowledge and years of education was miniscule to what Mr. MacDonald took us through on the tour in Europe. I can tell that Mr. MacDonald is not like any other travel guide — but rather a respectful young man who builds a new foundation with each audience to gift them the best experience possible.
Join the families, historians and veterans who have travelled these battlefields with us.
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