Tours and Tickets
Niagara Falls USA and Underground Railroad Heritage Tour
5

Niagara Falls USA and Underground Railroad Heritage Tour

By Motherland Connextions, Inc.
Recommended by 92% of travellers
92% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
About

Ages 9-99, max of 6 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Guided Underground Railroad heritage tour
  • Guide in period dress
  • 6-passenger minivan
  • Hotel Pick-up
What's not included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Admissions
  • $20 sur-charge for hotel pick-up
  • Entry/Admission - Motherland Connextions, Inc.
  • Entry/Admission - Niagara Falls


Departure details
  • Traveller pickup is offered.
  • Air B&B's Private Residents
  • Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY, NY, USA
  • Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6824FREEDOM

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Please be prepared to be picked up at the location point approximately 15 minutes prior to the tour’s departure time
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • no minimunn required to sign-up for tour
  • Most travellers can participate
  • $20 sur-charge for hotel pick-up
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travellers

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 6824FREEDOM

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Itinerary
  • You'll start at
    Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY
    Or, you can also get picked up
    See departure details
  • 1
    Motherland Connextions, Inc.
    Stop: 3 hours - Admission excluded
    See details
  • 2
    Niagara Falls
    Stop: 3 hours - Admission excluded
    See details
  • You'll return to the starting point
+
About the operator
Motherland Connextions, Inc.
38
Niagara Falls, New York
Joined in March 2020

#15 of 42 Tours & Activities in Niagara Falls
  • TheCloos65
    TheCloos65
    0
    0
    Underground Railroad Freedom Seekers Tour
    Had an absolutely fabulous few hours with Kevin, his recital and historical knowledge is just awesome. Stops along the way included the church in St Catherines, Niagara on the Lake historical places and crossing points, a half hour visit to the Inniskillen Winery for a little wine tasting (at our own cost), and various other points of interest on return to Niagara Falls. Anyone booking I am sure will enjoy. Just for info a fuel surcharge for pick up/drop off of $20 is now additional charge.
  • Travel11223344
    Travel11223344
    0
    0
    Great tour!
    We had a great time with Kevin, he's very informative and friendly. We didn't have a great understanding of history prior to the tour and he encouraged questions to ensure we understood the background. We really enjoyed ourselves, appreciated how engaging Kevin was and highly recommend! Book directly through Motherland Connextions - if you're buying through Groupon or Viator, you aren't going direct.
  • KompassionateDr
    KompassionateDr
    0
    0
    My ancestors and I aren’t happy I couldn’t go on this tour!
    My husband and I are in Niagara Falls Canada for his work conference. Before we arrived, I booked this excursion for me to do on 9-5-19 via Viator.com. The representative from Viator did tell me that this tour is one of their top tours that sells out quickly. I soon learned that is a lie. I booked the tour that was on Monday, September 9, 2019 at 3pm. Representative stated that the operator of this tour would reach out to me via email to get my hotel information for pickup. On Saturday, I still had not received an e-mail from the operator so I took it upon myself to call them to give them my hotel pickup information. Glad I called, the guy did tell me that as of right now I was the only one booked on the tour, but hopefully others would book by then or the tour would be cancelled. He said he wasn’t at a computer and told me to text him my hotel pickup information. Fast forward to Monday, September 9, 2019 the operator text me at 11:46 saying that the tour was cancelled due to no one else booked and he could approve a refund if needed. I replied back asking if there’s a tour going on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 and if not then a refund could occur. I received another text at 4:37 saying they have nothing booked and gave me the number to Viator to call for a refund. I am highly disappointed because I was ecstatic to do this tour while my husband was in his conference seminars all day. I love culture and wanted to indulge in something related to my ancestral heritage. I also understand that if not enough people book, then the tour is off. I wish I could really believe the Viator representative’s statement that this tour was their top seller. Clearly the days I was available to go it was not. Advice to those who are interested in this tour, make sure you’re not a solo traveler, or you’ll be left with nothing to do but write a disappointing review.
  • KPMJ1229
    KPMJ1229
    0
    0
    Everyone should take this tour
    Mr. Kevin Cottrell was knowledgeable, courteous, accommodating, pleasant and had a refreshingly delightful sense of humor. It is sad that I am still learning about "My History"; yet Mr. Cottrell shared such jewels of information, we were enthralled and did not want the tour to end. This is a tour that everyone of all races, creed and culture should take. Understanding what my enslaved ancestors endured and hearing about their hardships and torture saddens me. However what Mr. Cottrell shared with us was inspiring and sheds light on the unquenchable human spirit that against tremendous odds and oppression fought for and deserved to be free. What a resounding message even in 2019.
  • LHeska
    LHeska
    0
    0
    A really interesting and informative trip
    Our family took the half day tour in Canada. We loved seeing places in Canada that were important to the history of the Underground Railroad. Very inspiring to see where Harriett Tubman worshipped and to hear stories of freedom seekers. Kevin kept it interesting and showed us a lot of interesting places in addition to the railroad stops. A great half day!
  • TheR2theB
    TheR2theB
    0
    0
    Cell Service (Or the lack thereof) Doomed Me
    One of the activities I planned was for this tour. In fact it was one of the main things I was looking forward to during my visit. However, unbeknownst to me, apparently as soon as I crossed the border from the U.S. I was no longer receiving cell service. As a result, the day of the tour, the operator who had been trying to reach me since the day before the tour was unable to (sigh). Meanwhile, the day of... I'm downstairs in the hotel lobby waiting for the tour bus and it wasn't until 15min later when they hadn't arrived and I decided to call them that I realized I had no cell service (DOH). I ended up using the hotel room phone, leaving them a message explaining the situation and waited for them to call - which they eventually did. Kevin (the owner/operator) couldn't have been more understanding. He provided all the information I'd need to procure a refund. Apparently, the issue was he didn't have the location where to pick us up and neither of us realized that I wasn't receiving his calls. Side note: as soon as I left Canada and hit the airport (BUF) state's side waiting for my flight - all of these messages start showing up on my phone... sheesh, yeah, I know. Anyway, I didn't take the tour. This review however is about the no fuss, professional and great customer service I received from the owner. We all know there are operators who will unfortunately make it difficult when the unforeseen occurs. Many thanks Kevin and yes I'm planning my return visit to take that tour.
  • Sorryrandy
    Sorryrandy
    0
    0
    Great historical and current insights!
    This tour was beyond what we expected. The guide provided so much history as well as current facts about the area. He addressed every passenger's questions and interests.
  • Grace-filledPatriot
    Grace-filledPatriot
    0
    0
    Awful customer service with 25 minute hold times
    The Niagara Falls Canada Underground Railroad Heritage Tour sounded like a great idea for us, given our interest in history and this issue. We called twice and held for over 25 minutes only to have the call disconnected before speaking to a customer service representative. We thought about booking it online, but given the poor customer service via phone, thought the better of it.
  • mmkerrick
    mmkerrick
    0
    0
    informative and entertaining
    The Niagara Underground Railroad tour is worth the time and money. Kevin, the tour guide, is both knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman. We were able to visit the church where Tubman was a member. We learned a great deal.
  • sister-cousins1
    sister-cousins1
    0
    0
    Kevin, the tour guide was very informative and accomodating
    This is an eye-opening experience. I never thought about the African American experience in Canada prior to this tour. Our guide, Kevin, was well-informed and focused. He covered nuances of history that textbooks still fail to cover. His driving was safe, even in the rainy conditions and he was prepared with an umbrella so that we could see sites on and off the van, comfortably. I highly recommend the tour!
  • Y8085RDpatriciam
    Y8085RDpatriciam
    0
    0
    Recommended
    very interesting place! Lots of information to read and you take your time to see things. Highly Recommended
  • P M
    P M
    0
    0
    Wow! I was impressed
    I came across Motherland Connextions while searching for things to do in Niagara Falls. I enjoy history tours but didn't know what to expect. Kevin was professional and personable from the start. Once we got in the van and started the drive he began to educate us on history that I had not studied in school or on my own. My husband and I enjoyed every minute of the tour. Kevin was an outstanding tour guide full of information and good conversation. We truly enjoyed ourselves and learned so much from him. I highly recommend anyone who is interested in history to take this tour with Kevin.
  • Kamell J
    Kamell J
    0
    0
    One word - awesome!!
    Kevin, our tour guide, picked our family up from our USA side hotel, took us through customs and brought us over for the tour. While you are riding Kevin is talking, offering tons of educational tidbits - as to be expected. We visited all the important Underground Railroad key sites, and we even met the great great great granddaughter of a former enslaved man who fled from South Caroline to St. Catherine’s - talk about emotional and spiritual. We visited Harriet Tubman’s church, which really could be a museum in its own right. Not only did Kevin feed our souls with the amazing stories of the Underground Railroad, he also gave us a tour of Niagara. Several of the sites on our list to visit, Kevin took us. He gave us tips for where to eat or not eat. This was our first part of the vaction and so glad it was, as we didnt need to pay for another tour. But the premise of the tour, Underground Railroad was just awesome! Job well done Kevin,
  • ericandkels
    ericandkels
    0
    0
    Great Historical information
    We booked this because we have an interest in history but we learned a ton on this tour! We were the only two people on our tour so we really got a great personal experience! This tour does have a lot of driving, but we learned so much and our guide had such wonderful information that the drives were very quick. We weren't able to go inside the Harriet Tubman church because the people were unavailable, but it was still great to see. We were also able to visit a winery at Niagara on the Lake, and learn more about the area.
  • ashur77
    ashur77
    0
    0
    Awesome Experience!
    We had two days remaining in Ontario and really wanted to go on this tour. All on line bookings were full but I called Motherland Connections and left a message anyway. Kevin returned my call and agreed to take four of us on the tour from 3-6 that day. He arrived at our hotel at 2:45 in full period costume and was a walking and talking book of knowledge of not only the Underground Railroad but took us back to Africa for full understanding of Our history. My favorite part of the tour was the opportunity to meet the descendants of the Freedom Seekers at Salem Chapel. Priceless! In addition to Underground tour we visited a winery, Niagara Falls and general points of history in the area. I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in the Underground Railroad. Thanks again Kevin.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

5.0
14 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
1
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Sep. 2021 • Couples
This was a tremendous experience! Kevin Cottrell, the brother who facilitated our tour, is a master teacher, historic interprerer and griot!

During our 3 hour excursion, we were entertained, enlightened and educated. If you are ever in the Niagara Falls area, don't settle for just the natural wonder of the Falls but connect to the extraordinary history of survival and freedom with Kevin's first person interpretive journey into history!!! It will be well worth the time and effort. We literally got to be in the same space our enslaved brothers and sisters were in! It was overwhelming and significant! Highly recommended!!!
Written September 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Greg A
14 contributions
This tour was excellent in many ways. Kevin took us to a number of locations and explained how each place played a role in the underground system. We walked away with a very clear understanding of how the system helped enslaved people gain their freedom. Seeing and standing in places that were actually used by former slaves to escape to Canada gave the tour a powerful historical context and a greater sense of understanding as to their desperation and arduous journey.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gigi honey
7 contributions
This was a great tour. Very informative. Lots of history here. Kevin was extremely knowledgeable and shared some amazing history with me. And we stopped at a great ice cream store by Erie Canal. I highly recommend this tour.
Written September 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Daniela P
3 contributions
Sep. 2021
I usually don't care for tours, but the Underground Railroad topic was compelling. Kevin was outstanding! Not only is he charming and warm, but he is an absolute encyclopedia on the topic of slavery in connection with the Niagara Falls area. He had us engaged and learning in the most captivating 3 hours I could imagine!
Written September 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeremy G
3 contributions
Aug. 2022 • Friends
Kevin was an awesome tour guide. His knowledge and humor were perfect. We had a great time and learned a lot about the history in our own backyard!! Would recommend this tour 100%
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Deniese M
3 contributions
Kevin was very knowledgeable and thorough. Saw many things on tour. Interesting sights and facts. Did not know the hardships
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tours M
I'm glad the client enjoyed the tour and yes, we did not increase our rates but felt compelled to charge a pick-up flat fee of $20 per group (i.e $20 per 4pp =$5 ea.), very modest
Written June 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

happy4travel
Northern California1,290 contributions
Jun. 2019
This was an incredible experience. Our family was so impressed. Coming from California was really an amazing venture. Most of the families came from California they were thrilled and they enjoyed the newness and the visitor center! Really great trip for the kids!
Written December 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

elizabethbW2888NC
Hampton Roads Area, United States2 contributions
Oct. 2019
I agree with all the positive reviews that have been written about Kevin, the tours, and the whole educational experience. I highly recommend this tour to anyone that desires to understand the big picture of the quest for freedom in America.
Think that it would be valuable if he were to partner with the local colleges to train some students to conduct the tours for academic credit. This would be good for students in the hospitality, social sciences and liberal arts fields. It could also bring in more dollars for the city as millenials are more inclined to spend money, share news of their experiences and draw in their peer group. We also took the Niagara Falls Canadian and Underground Railroad Heritage Tour. Thank you Motherland Connextions.
Written October 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hcpberg
East Amherst, NY12 contributions
Aug. 2019 • Family
I cannot say enough about this tour. Kevin our guide was wonderful! I have a 10 year old who loves history and Harriet Tubman. Kevin did the most amazing job explaining the history that lead to slavery and the movement of the Underground Railroad on a level that was appropriate for her and still super informative for the adults. The tour stops at several locations that were relevant to the journey along the railroad, including a farm that was a stop for many formerly enslaved people on their journey to freedom. The tour was informative, enlightening, and emotional, as you followed geographical landmarks that helped former enslaved persons navigate through western NY to freedom in Canada. We finished our tour at the Underground Railroad Museum and then explored the Museum on our own. Perfect way to wrap up our tour with a great interactive museum that reinforced some of the history we soaked up on our tour. My daughter and I can’t wait to do the Canadian tour. Kevin was an absolutely wonderful guide! Thank u Motherland Connextions.
Written August 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Julz H
1 contribution
Our tour guide Kevin was VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE. Traveling the routes of the Underground Railroad was a unique and fulfilling experience. A tour you must take.
Written August 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Niagara Falls USA and Underground Railroad Heritage Tour provided by Motherland Connextions, Inc.