The Best Things to Do in Brantford, Ontario

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Best Things to Do in Brantford: Adventures on the Grand River

It wouldn't be a trip to Brantford without getting up close and personal with the Grand River. We've had the chance to go tubing and kayaking on the Grand River now with Grand River Rafting. They make exploring the river both easy and accessible, even if you don't have much paddling experience.

Choosing Your Adventure

First, select your boat type. There are 9 different kinds of rafts and watercrafts to choose from: kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards, tubes, and larger boats to accommodate groups.

There are tandem kayaks, an eight person stand up paddle board, and a 12 person raft! Justin and I have tried turbo tubing (we each had our own floatie) and kayaking (each in our own kayak).

Next, you'll want to choose the length of your trip. There's a 5km, 11.5km and 13km tubing trip. On both occasions, we've opted for the 5km trip from Five Oaks to Brant Park.

This takes approximately two hours by tube and and a little less by kayak. Meet the Grand River Rafting crew at Brant Park, and they'll transport you to Five Oaks. Then, float or paddle your way back down to Brant Park to be back at your car.

Turbo Tubing on the Grand River

Turbo tubing on the Grand River is an absolute blast. The Grand River acts as a natural lazy river.

There aren't any intense rapids, and you can simply float down the river as you please. For the most part, gently drift and let the river carry you. You'll also have a paddle in case you feel like picking up the pace.

The Five Oaks to Brant Park journey is great for children of all ages, adults, families, and couples like us. If you have small children, you can tie all of your tubes together so you don't get separated as you float down the river.

Kayaking on the Grand River

Much like the tubing trip, paddle down the Grand River in a single kayak or a tandem kayak. This is a really relaxing journey with calm waters.

Since the Grand River Rafting team drops you off upstream, the kayaking is never terribly intense. You'll paddle down the river with the current.

Even if you paddle really slowly, you'll eventually be carried with the current back to the starting point. I loved drifting quietly and listening to the birds chirping all around.

At one point, I opened my Merlin bird app and it gathered the sounds of several different species of birds. I spotted quite a few in the marshes alongside the river banks and up in the trees, too.

More About the Grand River

The Grand River was designated as a Canadian Heritage River in 1994. This means that the river must have outstanding recreational opportunities and heritage values. It's also southern Ontario's largest watershed.

In terms of human heritage, the Grand River valley has been home to Indigenous Peoples for more than 10,000 years, including Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation. The Mohawk name for the Grand River, O:se Kenhionhata:tie means "Willow River," because there are many willow trees growing along the river.

This watershed also has many historic sites, like mills, canals, bridges, dams, archaeological sites, and historic homes. There are so many activities that people can experience on the Grand River.

You can enjoy boating, wildlife viewing, water sports, and winter activities in the region. The Grand River flows through many communities, such as Elora, Paris, Cambridge, and more.

It's a great birding destination, too. The Grand River is one of the largest inland wetlands in southern Ontario.

You might spot bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and green herons. You'll be able to see even more birds during migration seasons.

Exploring Brantford's Trails

Why not explore some of Brantford's hiking trails and walking paths? Brantford is known as the Hub of Ontario Trails because three sections of the Trans Canada Trail intersect in Brantford.

With many great paths along the Grand River and scenic forest trails, you'll need to plan your hiking trip to Brantford, stat. Here's one of my favorite places to go hiking in Brantford.

S.C. Johnson Trail

The SC Johnson Rail Trail is a 14km path connecting Paris and Brantford. A section of the trail follows the LE & N Railway (now the LE & N Rail Trail) and another portion comprises the Gordon Glaves Pathway.

I suggest starting your trek at Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant. Park your car at Glenhyrst and walk down to the Gordon Glaves Memorial Pathway.

You'll walk on a paved path that follows the banks of the Grand River. Keep walking and you'll be able to admire the beautiful scenery at Wilkes Dam. You can continue walking (or cycling!) on the Gordon Glaves Memorial Pathway for one large 19km loop.

Where to Rent a Bike

Interested in biking the Gordon Glaves Memorial Pathway on the Grand River but didn't bring your bicycle? No worries, Heronhead Bikes has got you covered.

Rent a bike from Heronhead Bikes, located near Waterworks Park. Access the trails from Waterworks Park and go for a spin on the SC Johnson Trail.

Also, on your way back from your bike ride, stop at the Shack Bar in Waterworks Park for a drink or a snack. There are picnic tables, cornhole and lawn games, and it's fully licensed.

Grand Wellness Centre

Pamper yourself at Brantford's day spa, the Grand Wellness Centre. They have an assortment of spa treatments, massages, a healing salt cave, and a yoga studio.

There are complimentary beverages near the front entrance and relaxation area. Sip coffee, tea, iced tea or water. There's also the opportunity to order a pint of beer during their unique beer spa experience.

Soak in the Beer Bath

There's no need to travel all the way to Prague! Enjoy a beer bath experience right here in Brantford. This is one of my favourite things to do in Brantford. It's not very common to find a beer spa experience!

The treatment room has two cedar tubs, so you can soak in the beer bath alongside your partner or a friend. The bubbly water includes hops, barley and yeast, which is actually quite beneficial.

The hops help exfoliate your skin and the yeast contains B vitamins that are excellent for hydration and purifying blemished skin. Not only is the bath super relaxing, but my skin felt fantastic afterwards.

Plus, sip on a pint of locally brewed beer while you soak. The beer comes straight from Ramblin' Road Brewery Farm in nearby La Salette, Ontario.

Salt Cave (Halotherapy)

We love a good salt cave! Brantford's Grand Wellness has an invigorating salt cave experience, an optimal place to rest, relax and breathe in all the benefits.

They've recreated an old world salt cave with just the right amount of salt and humidity that's perfect for your respiratory system. Breathe in the purified air and let your mind water.

They have these zero gravity chairs that are beyond comfortable. Get cozy underneath a snuggly blanket. We both fell asleep for a little nap because it was just so relaxing.

Woodland Cultural Centre

When you visit Brantford, you must plan a trip to the Woodland Cultural Centre. It's one of the best things to do in Brantford.

The Woodland Cultural Centre is a museum, art gallery, cultural centre and library that preserves and promotes Indigenous history, language, art and culture.

The Woodland Cultural Centre was established in 1972, just two years following the closure of the Mohawk Institute Residential School. The Mohawk Institute Residential School operated in Brantford for 142 years.

During this time, First Nations children were taken from their families and forced to attend a boarding school that was designed to assimilate them into a European Christian society, thus eliminating their culture and heritage.

Save the Evidence Campaign

The site of the former residential school is currently undergoing a massive restoration, as part of the Save the Evidence campaign. The building will become a national historic site and interpretive centre about the history of residential schools, the experiences of Survivors, and the overall lasting impact of residential schools.

It's important to fully excavate this site, as well as repair and repurpose this building to ensure that this dark chapter of Canadian history is never forgotten.

On September 30th, 2025, the former Mohawk Institute Residential School will be officially unveiled as an Interpretive Historic Site and Educational Resource. This takes place on our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Museum Exhibits at the Woodland Cultural Centre

The Woodland Cultural Centre is located inside a separate building near the old residential school. You can take a self-guided tour of the Woodland Cultural Centre simply by following the arrows on the floor.

The museum begins with a portrait collection of prominent First Nations figures in Canada. Then, you'll move through rooms that showcase a history of Canada's First Nations and the impact of European settlers.

There's a collection of over 35,000 artifacts in the museum, making it one of the largest facilities in Canada managed by First Nations. There's historic materials, archaeological artifacts, sculptures, paintings, drawings, crafts, documents, and contemporary installations. You'll walk through the storyline of the prehistoric past right up to the 21st century.

There's a display featuring historic artifacts found at the Mohawk Institute Residential School. I imagine that even more items will be uncovered during the renovations. There's also an image on the wall demonstrating the staggering amount of residential schools in Canada.

In the section devoted to the 20th and 21st centuries, there's a display that details how Indigenous Peoples have been stereotyped by the rest of society. Then, there are celebrations of important public figures that are First Nations.

Art Gallery at the Woodland Cultural Centre

At the end of the tour, you'll be able to wander through the art gallery. When Justin and I visited, the gallery was devoted to the works of Thomas V Hill.

While Hill is most known as the first Indigenous art curator in Canada, visitors have a unique opportunity to view his own personal collection of paintings.

The next art gallery will display works as part of the annual Indigenous Art 2021 Juried Exhibition. This was established in 1975 and it's a long running multimedia exhibition where artists have the opportunity to display and sell their art. This exhibition is open to all emerging and established artists of Indigenous ancestry.

Visiting the Woodland Cultural Centre was an enlightening experience. I definitely learned a lot, and it helped me gain a better understanding of the past and present experiences of southern Ontario's First Nations.

This museum and gallery is impactful and thought-provoking. When you plan your trip, you need to check out the Woodland Cultural Centre as it's one of the top things to do in Brantford.

Brantford Farmers Market

Don't miss the Brantford Farmers Market! A trip to the market is one of my favorite things to do in Brantford.

It's open every Friday (9:00am - 2:00pm) and Saturday (7:00am to 2:00pm), and it's open year round. Plus, this is a historic market that opened way back in 1848!

You'll find all sorts of goodies at the Brantford Farmers Market. There's fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, homemade crafts, candy, treats, flowers, freshly prepared meals, and so much more.

In addition to all of the locally grown produce, I loved the Catering by Chris stand, an Indigenous owned stall specializing in vegan and gluten-free desserts. I also couldn't resist the Original Kettlecorn & Gourmet Popcorn stand as most of their delicious flavored popcorn is vegan.

Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant

Glenhyrst has an art gallery, public gardens, and a tea room. You can admire the permanent collection or temporary exhibits at the gallery.

It's possible to stroll around the gardens at your leisure to view pretty flowers and floral displays. The Golden Teapot at Glenhyrst has English high tea and low tea if you're looking for a treat.

Bell Homestead National Historic Site

The Bell Homestead National Historic Site is a beautiful historic home that was once where the Bell family lived. This was where Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1874.

The home is now a museum where you can learn about the history of the telephone and how the telephone has dramatically changed over the years.

Her Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks

Her Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks was the first Protestant church in Upper Canada, and it's now the oldest surviving church in the province.

The Mohawk Chapel is operated by Six Nations Tourism, and you can take a tour or attend an event. There are also educational programs for local children through their schools.

Canadian Military Heritage Museum

For the war history buffs in the crowd, a trip to the Canadian Military Heritage Museum is one of the top things to do in Brantford.

There are exhibitions about Canada's involvement in World War I, World War II, the War of 1812, and more. There are also restored military vehicles and full size replicas of WWI airplanes.

Manns Botanical Spirits

Brantford has a brand new craft distillery! Manns Botanical Spirits is a micro distillery serving up unique varieties of gin, vodka, rum, whisky and brandy. The distillery has a tasting room, a cocktail lounge, and there are always special events happening.

When you visit Manns Distillery, you can order unique cocktails from their menu or try a sampling flight of their spirits. We tried three kinds of vodka and three kinds of gin.

Our very favorite one was the strawberry rhubarb gin, but the watermelon vodka and the guava rose vodka were close contenders. Manns Botanical Spirits has new rotating varieties of gin and vodka depending on what's in season.

For instance, they recently added new haskap products using haskap berries from a farm just 5km away. They also sell a variety of bitters and other things that will help you to become an amazing bartender at home.

Sassy Britches Brewing Co

More of a beer drinker? Brantford has its very own craft brewery, Sassy Britches Brewing Co. It's a woman-owned brewery with delicious beer for every taste.

It's located inside an old rope factory, and they've left the charming exposed brick and old beams. The service is friendly and welcoming, and there are always fun events taking place.

Enjoy live music throughout the summer, trivia nights, drag performances and so much more. If beer isn't your jam, try one of their refreshing seltzers that will totally hit the spot.

Beats & Eats Festival in August

We attended the first annual Beats & Eats Festival at the beginning of August. While it only happens once a year, be sure to plan your trip to Brantford around the festival if you can.

Taking place in downtown Brantford, this is a celebration of Brantford's music, art and food scene. There's live music happening across two stages.

Take a stroll down the Art Alley to watch art being created before your eyes. There was a chalk muralist, painters, and other performers throughout the day.

There are local artisans selling their wares, plus you can always wander into the downtown shops. Farther up the street were several food trucks selling ice cream, boba lemonade, sandwiches and more.

It's completely free to attend. We spent all afternoon at Beats & Eats because there was entertainment happening all day long, and we thoroughly enjoyed the festival.

Where to Eat in Brantford

Brantford has a thriving vegan scene, and we were overjoyed to try so many amazing plant-based options when visiting Brantford.

From mostly vegan menus to delectable vegan and vegetarian options, you should run, not walk, to Brantford as soon as possible. Here are some of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in Brantford.

Healthy Rabbit

The Healthy Rabbit serves whole foods, plant-based meals using the highest quality ingredients that are local where possible. The menu is actually 96% plant-based with only a few animal products.

The dressings and desserts are all made in house, too. It's a great place for gluten-free meals, too!

It was a difficult decision to decide what to order as every meal sounded delicious. We chose the vegan nachos, a bean burrito, and a hulk bowl without the animal products. We paired our meals with two smoothies: the orange creamsicle and the chocolate monkey.

There's a really spacious and pretty patio at the Healthy Rabbit. You can dine right out front or there's a secluded section of patio at the side of the building. Justin and I savored our healthy vegan dishes in the bright sunshine. Talk about a perfect lunch spot!

Sociable Kitchen and Tavern

Trust me, you will LOVE the Sociable Kitchen and Tavern. It's a popular spot, so make sure that you book a reservation ahead of time.

The Sociable Kitchen and Tavern has an expansive separate plant-based menu with lots of comforting favorites. There's a vegan pad Thai, burgers, faux fish tacos, and so much more.

There's always unique local beers on tap, so make sure to order some pints if you love beer like we do. We love their plant-based chicken burgers, nachos, Caesar salads and truffle Parmesan fries.

There's a big patio, the servers are really friendly and helpful, and you'll have a great time. Make sure you return for their weekend brunch that has an entirely different menu.

Hudson Public

Located in downtown Brantford and right beside Harmony Square, Hudson Public is an excellent choice if there's an event happening downtown or you're going to a show at the nearby Sanderson Centre.

This is a casual restaurant serving up craveable comfort food. I love that they offer plant-based chicken and can substitute it within so many dishes in place of the meat.

I tried the Spadina Street Sesame Chicken and subbed in the plant-based tenders. This dish was so tasty with its citrus-chili Thai sauce. I'd order this one again in a heartbeat!

Dairee Delite

You can't visit Brantford without making a stop at Dairee Delite. It's practically an institution in Brantford!

Dairee Delite is a 50s style ice cream stand that's simply iconic. The ice cream stand was actually won in a poker game decades ago! Visiting Dairee Delite is one of the best things to do in Brantford.

While the majority of the menu is not vegan, Dairee Delite proudly carries one vegan soft serve ice cream that rotates each week. They also state the vegan toppings on their website.

They'll typically have a vegan vanilla soft serve or Dole whip. When I visited, they had the vanilla soft serve. I asked them to make an Oreo Flurry and it was incredibly good.

Where to Stay in Brantford

To get the full experience, you'll want to spend at least a couple of days in Brantford. Justin and I have spent the night at a couple of Brantford hotels. We're pleased to recommend either of them for your stay.

Both the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Brantford Conference Centre and the Home2Suites by Hilton Brantford are luxurious apartment hotels. The rooms are massive and include all the amenities you could imagine.

Each of these hotels includes its own kitchenette, living space and separate bedroom. They also offer a complimentary breakfast, fitness room and indoor swimming pool. You really can't go wrong with either option.

The Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton is on the far west side of the city near Oak Park Road, whereas the Home2Suites by Hilton is on the east side of the city near Garden Avenue. This might be the only factor to consider, but both options work fine if you have your own car.