Black People Escaped From Canada Before They Escaped To It
Slavery in colonial Canada, c. 1629–1834.
Publication date — to be added

Introduction
Canada is remembered as the destination of the Underground Railroad.
But that is only part of the story.
This visual essay follows the evidence slide by slide, from slavery in the French and British colonies that became modern Canada to the point at which the direction of escape reversed.
Digital PDF
Keep this essay.
Explore downloadable Black History 101 Visual Essay learning guides for deeper learning, classroom use, and independent study.
Sources & Further Reading
- Landon, Fred. “The Anti-Slavery Society of Canada.” The Journal of Negro History 4, no. 1 (January 1919): 33–40.
- McCullough, Steve, and Matthew McRae. “The Story of Black Slavery in Canadian History.” Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Published August 22, 2018. Updated February 16, 2023.
- Parks Canada. “The Enslavement of African People in Canada (c. 1629–1834).” Government of Canada. July 23, 2020.
- Riddell, William Renwick. “Notes on Slavery in Canada.” The Journal of Negro History 4, no. 4 (October 1919): 396–411.
- Snyder, Sandra. “Slavery in Canada.” EBSCO Research Starters: History. EBSCO Research.
Related Essays

Black Venezuelans
Fighting for freedom, preserving African heritage
From the early 1500s, enslaved Africans in Venezuela worked in mining and agriculture, escaped to build their own communities, rose up at Coro in 1795, and sustained African traditions that their descendants continue to defend.

She Joined the Cycling League. Then It Drew a Color Line.
Kittie Knox's experience with racial discrimination and her efforts to continue participating in the sport.
Kittie Knox joined the League of American Wheelmen in 1893. When the league restricted new membership to white people the next year, her eligibility was questioned, and she kept presenting her credentials and riding.
Join The 101
The story doesn't end here.
Join The 101 and get the monthly Black History 101 letter—a story worth knowing, the context behind it, and what to read or watch next.
Free to join. Receive the monthly Black History 101 letter plus occasional updates about new resources, courses, and programs. Unsubscribe anytime.
Keep Learning
Classroom-ready Black history resources, courses and teaching materials.
Explore Educator ResourcesFor FamiliesResources for parents and caregivers who want to explore Black history at home.
Learn TogetherFor Curious MindsVisual essays, courses and resources for independent learners who want to go deeper.
Start Exploring