Explore the Laura Secord Homestead: A Canadian Hidden Gem
When most people hear the name Laura Secord, they think of the chocolates. But tucked away in the picturesque village of Queenston, the Laura Secord Homestead offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Canada’s most celebrated heroines.
More than just a historic house, this lovingly restored home tells the story of bravery, perseverance, and the early days of a nation shaped by conflict.
Just a short 10 minute drive from Niagara Falls and 15 minutes from Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Laura Secord Homestead is a worthy stop for anyone interested in the history of the War of 1812, and the story behind Canada’s beloved heroine.
And yes – you can buy chocolate here too!
Who Was Laura Secord?
Laura Secord is a name that resonates with many Canadians, often linked to tales of heroism during the War of 1812. But beyond the famous chocolate brand that bears her name lies the remarkable story of a woman who defied the odds to make history.
In June of 1813, Americans barged their way into her home which she shared with her husband, James. They ordered her to feed them dinner and spoke freely about their plans to try and defeat the British Army.
After overhearing American officers discussing a planned surprise attack on British troops (and not expecting her to know any different and assuming she would have no one to tell), Laura embarked on a grueling 32 kilometre trek through enemy territory, woods, and swamps to warn Lieutenant James FitzGibbon.
Laura was 37 years old and had 5 children at the time, and this unfathomable journey took her 18 hours to do. She set off in her regular clothes to not draw any attention to herself, and struggled through deep brush and exhaution before coming face-to-face with a Chief of an Iroquois tribe. This tribe understood her pleas, and assisted her to her final destination.
It was because of Laura Secord’s bravery that the British forces, along with hundreds of First Nations warriors, made a surprise attack on the Americans before they could carry out their surprise attack, and defeated the Americans at the Battle of Beaver Dams and prevented any further American forces from coming into Canada.
Visiting the Homestead
The Laura Secord Homestead, located just a few minutes’ drive from Niagara Falls and just down from Queenston Heights, is where she lived from 1803 to 1835. The home has been lovingly restored by Niagara Parks to reflect the period and is now open seasonally for guided tours as a living history museum.
Guides dressed in early 19th-century attire bring the home to life with stories of Laura, her family, and the War of 1812 as you tour through the rooms decorated with period furniture and artifacts. It gives you a real sense of what life was like over 200 years ago.
Fun Fact: It Wasn’t Always a Museum
After changing hands several times, the homestead was purchased and restored by the Laura Secord Candy Company in the 20th century (hence the link to chocolate)!
It was later donated to the Niagara Parks Commission and remains one of the best-preserved historic homes in the region, along with another one of my favourites, McFarland House (a fantastic spot for afternoon tea, too)!
Laura’s Efforts Went Unnoticed for Decades
After the War of 1812, Laura Secord wrote to all kinds of important political figures to tell them about her brave journey to warn the British. But for years, no one really listened. In fact, her heroic act went mostly unnoticed for 47 years—until she was 85!
Then, in 1860, the Prince of Wales (who would later become King Edward VII) visited Niagara Falls. He heard Laura’s story and was so impressed that he awarded her £100 for her bravery and her role in helping defeat the American forces.
That £100 might not sound like much today—about $170 Canadian—but back in 1865, it would’ve been worth around $3,676! A decent chunk of change for the time… though still kind of underwhelming considering what she did.
Laura lived a long life, passing away at 93. She’s buried in Drummond Hill Cemetery in Niagara Falls (considered to be one of the most haunted places in Niagara), right beside her husband James.
Nearby Things to Do
If you’re visiting Niagara Falls and planning a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a stop at Laura Secord Homestead is a great way to spend 30-45 minutes on a guided tour of the property.
You can also make the most of your visit to Queenston and the surrounding area by:
- Checking out the MacKenzie Printery just around the corner! It’s home to one of Canada’s oldest printing presses and shows off how printing was done back 500 years ago when ink-stained fingers were the norm and every page was pressed by hand.
- Visiting Queenston Heights Park, home to Brock’s Monument and beautiful views of the Niagara River. There is a ton of history here and a self-guided tour you can take, and lots of spots to picnic at.
- Stopping by the RiverBrink Art Museum, just a short walk away.
Navigating Niagara tip: Not arriving by car? Check out my guide on how to get from Niagara Falls to Niagara on the Lake (the WEGO stops here)!
Follow in the Footsteps of Laura Secord!
Did you know you can follow the same 32 km journey Laura took? It’s called the Laura Secord Legacy trail which leads you from the Laura Secord Homestead and ends at Decew House Heritage Park.
There’s an amazing step by step trail guide found on the Friends of Laura Secord site. I’ve done bits of this trail (as some of it connects with the Bruce Trail) and it’s incredible that she managed to do this trek in nothing more than what looks like ballet flats!
Plan Your Visit
- Open seasonally: Open daily from mid-May to September 1st, then weekends until Thanksgiving.
- Admission: $7.75/adults, $5 for children 3-12, 3 and under free.
- You can also grab a Niagara Parks Heritage Trail Pass which includes admission to 6 historic properties (Old Fort Erie, Laura Secord Homestead, MacKenzie Printery, McFarland House, Fort George, and Brock’s Monument) for $36 adults/$23.50 children.
- If you have the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass Plus, access is included.
- The Niagara Parks Annual Pass also covers unlimited admission (this is my FAVOURITE pass and the best way to experience the Falls if you’re a local or someone who visits multiple times throughout the year!)
- Location: 29 Queenston St, Queenston (Niagara-on-the-Lake). Free parking.
Why You Should Visit
If you’re in Niagara and even remotely into Canadian history, you should add the Laura Secord Homestead to your list of activities. The guides are in costume and make it fun, and you actually get a feel for what life was like back then.
Learning about Laura Secord and her heroic acts during the War of 1812 is something every Canadian should know!
It’s one of those places that makes history feel real, not just something you read in a textbook.
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