🚋 Lost Rails of the Gorge: The Trolley Line That Once Danced with Danger

Before there were bus tours, zip lines, or Instagram-worthy overlooks, there was a trolley. Not just any trolley—but one that clung to the cliffs of the mighty Niagara Gorge, skimming along the roaring rapids just feet from the edge.

Welcome to the wild ride that was the Great Gorge Route.

From 1895 to 1935, this electric trolley carried daring passengers on a jaw-dropping journey beside the Niagara River. It was part transportation, part thrill ride, and 100% unforgettable. Tourists from around the world flocked to the line for a front-row seat to one of nature’s fiercest wonders.

But the ride wasn’t all smooth.

On July 1, 1917, after days of heavy rain weakened the tracks, tragedy struck. One trolley derailed and plunged into the river near the Whirlpool Rapids, killing 12 and injuring dozens more. It was one of the most dramatic and heartbreaking days in Niagara’s history—and it brought an end to the route’s most dangerous stretch.

Today, the trolleys are long gone—but their ghost tracks remain.

You can still walk the path they once traveled by heading down to the Great Gorge Railway Trail, starting at the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center. As you hike the trail—now a peaceful route lined with wildflowers and birdsong—you’ll see brick supports, old rail beds, and even the legendary Giant Rock, a landmark that once stood right next to the tracks.

It’s a hidden piece of Niagara history—and the views are still just as dramatic.

Pro tip from Go Niagara Tours:

Make time for a stroll along this historic trail before or after your guided adventure. It’s one of those off-the-beaten-path gems that gives you a real taste of old-school Niagara.

📍Looking for directions?

Ask one of our guides—or stop by our desk at the Comfort Inn. We’ll point you toward the trail… and maybe tell you a few more stories that don’t show up on postcards.