City: Brantford
Top Things to do in Brantford
10 Things to Do in Brantford That You Shouldn't Miss
Brantford (2016 population 97,496; CMA population 134,203) is a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada, founded on the Grand River. It is surrounded by Brant County, but is politically separate with a municipal government of its own that is fully independent of the county's municipal government.
Restaurants in Brantford
1. Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By Steven B - Westtown, Pennsylvania, United States
I learned the Count Basie Orchestra would be holding a concert at the Sanderson Centre as part of Brantford's jazz festival. I had heard good things about the Sanderson Centre - a beautifully-restored old-time movie house, that is an easy location to access. So, I decided to make a weekend drive from Philadelphia to Canada to see the Count Basie Orchestra and the Sanderson. Both did not disappoint.
The Count Basie Orchestra was great. They delivered a polished, high-energy, two-hour concert that show-cased all of the Orchestra's talent through many solo fiffs. The Sanderson was a worthy venue - great sound, comfortable seats, great stage views, interesting decorations and clean. The location in Downtown Brantford was convenient, and parking cost only one Canadian dollar for the evening.
2. Glenhyrst Art Gallery and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By kla1000000 - Niagara Falls, Canada
Two of us went for low tea on a weekday in November and ended up having the place to ourselves. It's a small, elegantly decorated room in a heritage house (now a museum). Our hostess Linda was simply delightful. She skillfully blended serving us and engaging in conversation, with giving us privacy to enjoy our tea and have some private time. Many different teas to chose from. Food was fresh and tasty with some store bought items. Presentation was very nice. Thank you Linda!
Not far down the road is a trail along the Grand River. We look forward to going again in the warmer weather to combine tea with a nature walk.
3. Brantford Twin Valley Zoo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 218 reviews
4. Bell Homestead
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By Philip C
We arrived shortly before closing, but they let us in and allowed us to do a self-guided tour. There is so much on display and the information is very interesting. The movie in the gift shop is well worth taking the time to watch.
5. Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Lisetteki
His is just a beautiful facility.
The building itself is really cool to look at with circular windows posing as heads of hockey players. A large statue of 99 hoisting the Stanley cup greets you before the entrance. And a natural play space is located next to it with seats carved out of large wood chunks. Just awesome.
Inside is a large arena. Several rinks including one Olympic size rink with plenty of Seating. There is a small shop with hockey gear some clothes and skate sharpening.
A small
Museum is locate by the entrance which is free to view.
The central also offers swimming pool and more.
There is a fully licensed bar / pub inside.
Plenty of parking and a wonderful place for tournaments. One of the top rinks we go to for sure.
6. Canadian Military Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Ivhan R
This museum was a great little find. Received a personal tour and lots of great things to look at and touch. I went with my two boys (ages 5 and 8) and they had fantastic time as they learned more about war.
A couple hours would be sufficient time to check it out, but well worth the time and money.
7. SC Johnson Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
The SC Johnson Trail runs 14 kilometres (9 miles) between Paris and Brantford. It travels through farm fields, rare prairie grasslands and provides several scenic vistas overlooking the Grand River. The trail is finished with stone dust and has some steep hills. A few short sections follow municipal roadways so watch for traffic. The brochure, Explore the Hamilton-Brantford-Cambridge Trails, includes a map and descriptions of highlights along the trail. The SC Johnson Trail follows the abandoned Lake Erie and Northern Railway bed and was completed in 1998 through a generous donation by SC Johnson and Son Ltd. of Brantford to the Grand River Conservation Foundation.
Reviewed By KathleenR_28 - Port Dover, Canada
Another fine trail to be explored by hikers, cyclists and birders and, in the winter, snowshoers. The trail runs a loop, around 16 kilometres, which brings you close to the Grand River.
I accessed this trail recently from Waterworks Park and walked towards Wilkes Dam. Along the way, I heard birds singing. The SC Johnson becomes Waterworks Dike Park at one point.
Those training for a Marathon will find this trail a good place for their practice runs.
It won’t be long before a lot of the birds are back and I will be on this trail again with my camera to get photos of them.
Go explore!
8. Brantwood Farms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
At Brantwood Farm, we grow a variety of fruits and vegetables. Beginning with rhubarb and asparagus in the spring and picking continually through the summer season to apples and pumpkins in the fall. In our market you will find the best local grown fruits and vegetables along with preserves, pickles and fresh baked good. We also offer pick your own strawberries and apples, schools tours, birthday parties and Fall Festival weekends in October.
Reviewed By Janey L
I have been going here for probably 10 years or so. I especially love to go for strawberry and corn season BUT, they have great produce of all kinds all year round. They also have homemade pies, cookies and some other bakery items as well. The staff here is always friendly and helpful as well. If you come for corn, make sure you bring your own bags, you get more corn for the price that way.
9. Lorne Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Mark_S_1957 - Brantford, ON
When we moved in Brantford in 1985, the city was on a downhill slide. For years the downtown was a wreck; when they filmed a big-budget horror film here all they had to do was strew a bit more garbage on the streets. Since then, Brantford has undergone a renaissance. It is now a great place to live.
With all of that said, the Lorne Park Gardens have always been a bright spot in Brantford. It is one of the reasons our city has won its category in the "Best Bloomin' City" competition. The rest of the city has improved so much that the Lorne Park Gardens do not stand out as clearly as they used to. They remain, however, a beautiful place, carefully tended. If I had a dollar for every wedding party I have seen getting their photos taken there I could take my wife on a nice vacation...and have a few more reviews to offer. ;-)
10. Bell City Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By jorgy1347 - Toronto, Canada
I dropped into the Bell City Brewery while out on a day trip. I had never tried their product previously.
Inside tbere is a bar and small reztaurant on one side and a sampling and sales area on the other.
There was a good selection of their draft beers on tap to try out and buy a full pint if you like.
They have a good selection of beer for sale in bottles, cans and growlers.
I picked up some Eureka Cream Ale, great taste and has a bit of a kick at 5.8 abv.
I will be back to try some more.
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