​​The plan for the Canadians to capture Boulogne-sur-Mer would mean that due to the geography of the landscape the surrounding high ground would need to be secured.

​During the build-up to the operation the Canadians needed to secure the high ground that overlooked the town and port. This was done to allow the main attack to then be launched on the 18 September 1944. The town was surrounded in advance prior to the main advance onto the town.

​To the north, the North Shore Regiment would advance in a north to south direction and liberate Wimereux. To the south the North Nova Scotia Highlanders moved from the high ground at St Etienne and then northwards towards Equihen-Plage. This effectively a pincer movement.

​From the east the Regiment de la Chaudiere, Queens Own Rifles of Canada, Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Highlanders and Highland Light Infantry of Canada moved forwarded. All four regiments advanced in a west direction through the German defences encountering differing amounts of resistance from the Germans.

​The North Nova Scotia (NNS) advancing from Equihen-Plage noted that the fortifications were taken one by way as the Canadian forces advanced onto them. On the 21 September at 13:00 the NNS had reached the German radar station, Stützpunkt 262. They were informed by the commander that the German garrison there wanted to surrender.

​With the four main regiments clearing German positions in the town and then the port area, on the 22 September, General Ferdinand Heim communicated with the Canadians. The order for those remaining Germans to surrender was issued by the commander and the town was liberated.

​Prior to that, as the Canadians advanced towards the port area and the forts, reports of large explosions were heard. In some cases, the Germans were demolishing the infrastrure to deny it to the allies.

​In a short period of time, many residents of Boulogne returned to the town. The Canadian civil aid units were present and provided food, water and offered medical aid to anyone who required it.

​Repair work by the Port Repair and Construction Group commenced soon after the liberation. On 10 October 1944 an oil pipeline was laid from Dungeness, England to Boulogne. This was part of Operation Pluto to supply the allies with oil and petrol. On the 14 October the port was reopened to shipping.