Top 14 Attractions and Activities in Brantford, Ontario

This southwestern Ontario city is renowned as the birthplace of the telephone, named after the significant Mohawk chief Joseph Brant. Brantford is a compact yet historic city teeming with culture.

There is a plethora of activities and sights for a city of its scale, drawing visitors from both local and distant areas. Museums, historical landmarks, recreational options, bustling markets, and a variety of annual events make it a city that caters to diverse interests. If you plan to visit or seek a respite from the larger city of Hamilton, consider these 14 remarkable attractions in Brantford.

1. See where the telephone was invented

The Bell Homestead National Historic Site, the residence of Alexander Graham Bell, is where the telephone was conceptualized. Today, this home serves as one of Brantford’s prominent attractions.

Visitors can explore the four-hectare property and tour Melville House, now functioning as a museum. The spacious 10-room, two-story wooden farmhouse welcomed the public in October 1910.

Additionally, the property features Henderson House, which once hosted the business office of Canada’s inaugural telephone company. This site now operates as a telephone museum displaying early telephone technology dating back to the 1880s.

2. Visit the historic chapel

Specifically, Upper Canada’s inaugural Anglican Church. Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks stands as the oldest surviving church in Ontario.

This Carpenter Gothic church was established in 1785, built by the British Crown for the Mohawk people. Presently, it is a designated national historic site and a Chapel Royal.

Visitors may access the church from May until October, although it remains closed for the rest of the year. However, it accommodates weddings, baptisms, and other religious ceremonies year-round.

3. Explore art galleries

Brantford is recognized as a hub for art, featuring a delightful gallery alongside an array of public artworks. Visitors can stroll through parks to appreciate impressive works by local artists.

The Glenhyrst Art Gallery serves as the central art gallery of the city, situated in a picturesque park along the Grand River. The gallery boasts a collection of 600 artworks, encapsulating both contemporary and traditional pieces.

Another notable location for art enthusiasts is the Robinson Fine Arts Gallery. This private gallery showcases stunning artworks, all available for purchase.

4. Enjoy water activities

If visiting Brantford during the summer, a delightful way to escape the heat is by enjoying the water attractions at Earl Haig Family Fun Park. This family-friendly water park is managed by the city and accommodates individuals of all ages.

The park features a 182-meter-long lazy river, an 18-meter-high water slide, a splash pad, and an 18-hole mini-golf course. Additional amenities include batting cages, picnic areas, and a leisure pool.

Since Earl Haig Family Fun Park operates solely in the summer, alternative winter activities are available throughout Brantford.

5. Ice skating at Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre

Brantford, being the hometown of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, naturally features excellent ice skating facilities. A prominent venue is the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, named in honor of ‘The Great One.’

This facility is more than an ice rink; it encompasses a swimming pool, an indoor track, and a weight room, making it a well-rounded sports destination.

Visitors can easily spend an entire day engaging in skating, exercising, and swimming. For families, day camps and child care services are available, ensuring a fun experience for kids.

6. Camping under the stars

Located along a bend of the Grand River, the Brant Park Conservation Area is the ideal place to camp under the stars. It features over 400 camping sites, including 126 equipped with utilities.

This conservation area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a connection with nature, offering opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and swimming. Furthermore, a trail along the river is available for hiking and cycling.

For those preferring a more relaxed visit, day trips with picnics or barbecues can be enjoyed in this scenic location.

7. Experience entertainment at Elements Casino

Brantford is home to the notable Elements Casino, where a portion of the profits is allocated to the Trillium Foundation for charitable distribution.

Guests can engage in a variety of games including craps, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and three-card poker, alongside an array of slot machines and a poker room for higher stakes.

The casino also hosts live entertainment and features an exceptional dining establishment, with a bar operating until 2 AM.

8. Animal encounters at Twin Valley Zoo

The Brantford Twin Valley Zoo spans 10 hectares located just east of the city, featuring both native and exotic animals with which visitors can interact.

Among the inhabitants are flamingos, zebras, kangaroos, lions, and tigers, as well as peacocks, foxes, wolves, bears, and deer. The zoo provides a fantastic opportunity for children to learn about these animals, and they may even have a chance to pet some of them.

9. Attend performances at the theatre

Located in the heart of Brantford, the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts offers various theatrical performances and concerts by local artists, including shows by the Brantford Symphony Orchestra.

This theatre first opened in 1919 as a venue for vaudeville and silent films, later transitioning to a cinema. In 1986, the city acquired the building, transforming it into a centre for the performing arts.

Today, it hosts shows suitable for audiences of all ages, making it a highly recommended destination for a night out in Brantford.

10. Savor local cuisine

Brantford features an impressive variety of dining options, ranging from upscale establishments to casual eateries. While international cuisine may be limited, numerous choices abound.

For a unique experience, consider dining at The Olde School Restaurant, where you can enjoy escargots, filet mignon, rack of lamb, or Alaskan king crab legs, or opt for a delightful dinner cruise on the Grand River. Other options include Trattoria Giuliana, Cafe Andreou, and The Keg.

For a more laid-back dining experience, establishments like Sociable Kitchen + Tavern, Starving Artist Gallery Café, or Warmington’s Bistro are excellent choices. A visit to Tim Hortons for coffee and doughnuts is also a must.

11. Stroll scenic trails

The 14-kilometer SC Johnson Trail meanders between Brantford and Paris, presenting visitors with beautiful landscapes along the route. The trail traverses farmland, prairie grasslands, and vistas that overlook the Grand River.

The trail begins where River Road transitions into Eagle Avenue, situated just south of the city center on the eastern side of the river. Many individuals choose to start their journey here or at Wilkes Dam, where parking is available. The route can also be accessed at Kraemer’s Way, which marks the midway point.

This trail connects with several others within and beyond the city limits, offering opportunities for hiking and cycling year-round, alongside snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during winter.

12. Fun for kids at Kidtastic Adventures

Kidtastic Adventures offers an engaging indoor play area designed for children. The jungle-themed indoor playground is suitable for kids aged up to 10 years.

Children can climb, slide, bounce, and crawl through the themed sections, making it an excellent venue for them to expel energy and embark on thrilling adventures.

Kidtastic Adventures operates year-round, providing entry rates for both individual children and families. Additionally, they host half-day and full-day summer camps, allowing children to enjoy their time while parents explore Brantford independently.

13. Discover Canadian military history

The Canadian Military Heritage Museum is an essential destination for those interested in military history. The museum focuses on artifacts related to the Canadian military across various wars.

Noteworthy exhibits include an MG 08 Spandau machine gun from World War I, a Ferret armored vehicle, and a replica of a Pfalz DIII fighter plane. Additionally, the museum highlights artifacts from as far back as the War of 1812.

Exhibits also include weapons utilized by the Six Nations long before Confederation and the World Wars. A visit to the museum provides an enlightening journey through time, offering insights into Canadian military heritage.

14. Shop at the local farmers’ market

The Brantford Farmers’ Market operates every Friday and Saturday, serving approximately 3,500 visitors weekly. It serves as a wonderful destination to spend a morning shopping for fresh produce and unique souvenirs.

Established in 1848 to meet the needs of city residents and its surrounding areas, the market has evolved into a popular tourist attraction and a vibrant place to interact with the local community.

Local vendors set up booths offering fresh produce, homemade food, and artisanal crafts. The market features around 50 indoor stalls and an additional 20 stalls outside from May to November.