Doors Open Haldimand

Canfield Black History Walking Tour

Enjoy guided and self-guided walking tours through Canfield exploring the community's Black History. Learn about the families that sought freedom through the Underground Railroad and set down roots in Canfield where they lived, worked and worshipped. Guided tours will begin at Canfield Hall at 10:15 am and occur every hour.

50 Talbot Road, Canfield

Canfield Cemetery

Dating back to the 1880s, the Canfield Cemetery is the final resting place for many community members and Black settlers. Explore the cemetery's rich history with self-guided tours to learn about the family names and stories of Black settlers who sought freedom in Canfield via the Underground Railroad.

1 Raglan Street, Canfield

Canfield Community Centre

Drop in throughout the day with an Emancipation Day Gathering featuring guest speaker Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon, an assistant professor of African-Canadian History at York University, presenting: Black Enslavement and the Possibilities of Freedom in the Niagara Peninsula from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. reflecting on the history of slavery in Canada, acknowledge the contributions of Black Canadians, and address ongoing systemic anti-Black racism.

50 Talbot Road, Canfield

Caledonia Grand Trunk Railroad Station

Learn about local train history and explore this station and museum, built in 1908, now an event and rental space. The museum hosts a historical water tower and a restored caboose

train car that is being transformed into a museum exhibit that displays the massive restoration project that took place in 1996.

1 Grand Trunk Lane, Caledonia

Cayuga Grand Vista Trail

This award-winning trail guides pedestrians and cyclists on a loop from the historical courthouse (built 1851) over the Canadian National bridge to King George Street and Maple Road, and back to the courthouse via Talbot Street East and Munsee Street North. See picturesque views of the river and learn about local natural and built heritage from the storyboards.

55 Munsee Street North, Cayuga

Cayuga Library + Heritage Site

Explore Haldimand County's Black history with a guided tour of research and primary source documents in the archive. Enjoy a self-guided exploration of the gallery exhibition celebrating the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario. The building itself has several  interesting design features, including chain waterspouts, standing rib metal roofing, and a "Big Bang" light by Foscarini.

19 Talbot Steet West, Cayuga

Cottonwood Mansion Museum

Step into the 1860s at Cottonwood for guided tours that will be running daily, as well as a chance for families to participate in a scavenger hunt through the mansion. View the Italianate and Georgian architecture, and use the stereoscopes — a popular Victorian pastime that you now have the chance to try. 

740 Haldimand 53, Selkirk

Nicholas Log Cabin

Explore this fine example of one of the few remaining early pioneer timber-constructed log cabins in Haldimand County. The cabin was built circa 1835 by Thomas Nicholas for his family of 13. Enjoy guided and self-guided tours to learn more about Haldimand's pioneer history.

8 Echo Street West, Cayuga

Ruthven Park National Historic Site

Explore Ruthven Park National Historic Site, with free exhibits and activities including an agricultural display, a 19th‑century hygiene exhibit, guided tours of the 1840s Greek revival-style Thompson Mansion, scenic walking trails and a visit to the ghost town of Indiana. The park spans 598 hectares (1477 acres) of forest, wetlands, sloughs, open fields and an island.

243 Haldimand Hwy 54