ROMBus

Niagara's Freedom Trail: Exploring the Underground Railroad in Ontario

Beyond the iconic views of Niagara Falls lies a powerful story few visitors ever encounter. This one-of-a-kind tour reveals Niagara’s pivotal role in the Underground Railroad during the 1850s and beyond, when the region served as a key base of operations and as the home of Harriet Tubman, the African American abolitionist and social activist, during her years in Canada. The day’s itinerary provides an unequaled opportunity to experience Niagara through a deeper and more meaningful lens.

Guided by a local expert researcher and direct descendant of Niagara’s early Black settlers, this immersive experience brings history vividly to life. You’ll visit significant, off-the-beaten-path sites not typically included on standard tours, including the town where Harriet Tubman lived, and Salem Chapel, the church where she and fellow freedom-seekers worshipped.

Spanning three centuries of Black history, the tour also includes the story of a determined white abolitionist who challenged slavery in Upper Canada, a visit to one of Niagara’s oldest Black cemeteries and the historic battlefield where Black men fought alongside British soldiers during the War of 1812. This is more than sightseeing—it’s a rare opportunity to stand where history happened and to understand the enduring contributions of Black communities to Niagara’s story.