Camp Hughes

Camp Hughes is a former military base south of the Trans-Canada Highway spanning roughly 420 hectares with training trenches and support infrastructure. The original facility included rifle ranges, artillery observation posts, and various buildings designed to prepare troops for combat operations.

The base was established in 1916 as a training center for Canadian soldiers and quickly expanded into one of the nation's largest military operations. Training methods developed there directly influenced the combat tactics employed in major European campaigns.

The site served as a gathering place for soldiers from across Canada during World War I, bringing together men from different regions who shared training and formed lasting bonds. This convergence shaped how Canadian troops understood discipline and teamwork in ways that extended far beyond the war itself.

The site is located south of the Trans-Canada Highway and is best accessed via Provincial Road 351 east of Carberry. Visitors should allow time to explore the open grounds and wear appropriate footwear and clothing for changing weather conditions.

During its peak years, the camp included leisure facilities such as movie theaters and retail shops, making it feel more like a temporary town than a purely military installation. A heated indoor swimming pool and a prison were also part of the infrastructure supporting daily life for tens of thousands of residents.

Location: North Cypress – Langford

GPS coordinates: 49.88374,-99.55134

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:59