- HikeType Loop
- PaceTypes Medium
- TerrainTypes Moderate
- PaidOuting No
Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps):
Queenston Heights Park, Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hike Leader(s): Karen Couch Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)
Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 7-8 kms
Description
On March 14, 1793, Chloe Cooley, was an enslaved Black woman living in Niagara, who fought for her freedom, and the freedom of thousands like her. On that date, her brave act of resistance led to the enactment of the first piece of legislation to limit enslavement in Great Britain AND the gradual abolition of enslavement in Canada. It also set the stage for the great freedom movement of enslaved African Americans known as the Underground Railroad. We will hike to where her powerful act of bravery is thought to have taken place and is marked with a plaque.
This hike will take us along the General Brock Side Trail (GBST) and on then on the Niagara Parkway (NP). The GBST's terrain is hilly/moderate. After stopping at the plaque, we will partially retrace our steps, then climb a long set of metal stairs to take note of another plaque before returning to our cars.
The terrain may be icy and/or snow covered. Hiking poles and icers are advised, depending on the conditions. The main parking lot will be closed for the winter so park near the washrooms. A parking fee applies.
PLEASE NOTE: This hike counts as 1 of the 3 required hikes towards the Black History badge. If you have completed 3 hikes, and are interested in receiving a badge, please let me know.
For much more information about Chloe Cooley and Ontario's Black history, open the link below. There are several very interesting videos embedded within the TVO Today 2023 article.
https://www.tvo.org/article/enslavement-is-part-of-our-history-understanding-chloe-cooleys-act-of-resistance