Ready to explore some wide-open spaces this spring? Hamilton Halton Brant’s got a relaxed, rural side you really need to get to know! Whether you opt for a day trip or an overnight adventure, you’ll return home feeling rurally recharged after any of these trips.


Rural Retreat Idea #1:
The County of Brant’s Craft Breweries and Cideries

Whether sipping on a pint on the patio overlooking the acre-long pond at Flux Brewing Co., taking in the spring orchard views at Howell Road Cider Co., or enjoying a flight on the on-site hops farm at Steelwheel Brewery, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Discover ten more reasons to sip the day away in Brant County.

Howell Road Cider Co.

Rural Retreat Idea #2:
A Woodsy Walk Amongst Waterfalls

Melting winter snow and rainy days make spring the perfect time to go off the grid and set out on a waterfall wander. If you’d prefer to have someone else take care of all the details, Grand Experiences’ guided Bruce Trail Waterfall Walks are a great option. Available in both a two-day and five-day option, these packages include the services of an interpretive guide, hotel accommodation, fabulous meals and transportation to and from the trailheads each day.

If you’d rather be your own guide, our Waterfall Walk itineraries are a helpful resource for planning your trip:

The Ancient Gorge Itinerary

The Urban Passage Itinerary

Dundas Valley Itinerary

Great Escape Itinerary

Hilton Falls Waterfall Hike Itinerary

Views & Vistas Waterfall Hike Itinerary

Smokey Hollow Falls

Rural Retreat Idea #3:
Get Garden-Ready

Hamilton Halton Brant’s fabulous greenhouses and garden centres make for a spectacular escape on a sunny spring day. Great options include:

Terra Garden Centres in Hamilton, Burlington, Milton and Waterdown

Harper’s Garden Centre in Ancaster

Walter’s Greenhouses & Garden Centre in Paris

Jade Gardens in Milton

Van Dongen’s Garden Centre in Milton

Turn your green thumb galivant into an all-day adventure with this Halton Hills Gardening Road Trip itinerary.

Jade Gardens

Rural Retreat Idea #4:
Hit The Hay on a Farm Stay

Rural vacation rentals are a great way to unwind and get a taste of what country living is all about. Some Hamilton Halton Brant options to check out include:

Green Acres Cabin and Green Acres Farmhouse in Waterdown

Puddicombe Estate Country Caboose Farm Stay in Winona

Five Star Hay Loft in Milton

Heart’s Content Organic Farmstead in the County of Brant

Green Acres

Rural Retreat Idea #5:
Take Your Pick Of The Patch

Ontario’s strawberry season is short, so plan ahead to know just where to head when those tasty red berries are ripe. A trip to a pick-your-own strawberry patch is a perfect way to spend a country day. Excellent Hamilton Halton Brant options include:

Lindley’s Farm and Market in Ancaster

Brantwood Farms in Brantford

Josmar Acres Farm Market in Lynden

Murphy’s Country Produce in Binbrook

Stonehaven Farms in Campbellville

Andrews Farm Market in Milton

Lindley’s Farm and Market

Rural Retreat Idea #6:
Set Out on a Barn Quilt Quest

Barn Quilts are large pieces of wood painted to look like a quilt block. Some Barn Quilts replicate famous traditional quilt patterns. Other Barn Quilts tell a story about the community, the region’s history, or the property where they hang. Brant County is home to over 30 different Barn Quilts located on private and public properties throughout the county. Exploring country roads while searching them out is a pleasant way to spend an art-filled afternoon. Get tips for packing a perfect picnic to bring along in our Beyond The Basket article.

Download a map of Brant County’s Barn Quilt locations.

Barn Quilt in Brantford

Turn up the spontaneity factor this spring with an afternoon road trip, family adventure or romantic weekend away. Borrow one of our pre-planned trip itineraries, or build your own perfect escape incorporating our latest crop of deals, the season’s best festivals and events, and area tours and experiences. Whether you’re finding fresh air fun, getting a taste of our region’s food and craft beverage scene, catching some live entertainment, or exploring our small towns and urban centres, you’ll quickly discover that Hamilton Halton Brant sparkles in the spring.

Travel Deals View All >>

Experiences & Tours View All >>

May 18 - October 13

Where Cultures Meet: Six Nations of the Grand River

Six Nations Tourism

2498 Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0

Season Dates: May 18th to Oct 13th $70.00/person for a group of less than 20;...

Now thru January 1

Woodland Cultural Centre – Self Guided Museum Tour

Woodland Cultural Centre

184 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON, N3T 5V6

Now thru September 17

Datenight Painting for 2 at Studio K2

studio k2

The Cotton Factory, DyeWorks Building, 9 Landsdowne Avenue, Hamilton

Date & Time: Third Saturday every month, 7:00pm - 10:00pm Workshop Price: $135/couple +HST includes...

Now thru June 26

Trivia Nights at Shawn & Ed Brewing Co.

Shawn & Ed Brewing Co.

65 Hatt Street, Dundas, ON, L9H 0C1

Dates & Times: Every Wednesday (Unless otherwise), 7:00pm - 8:30pm Free but reservations are recommended

Now thru September 17

Expressive Abstract Painting Party with Studio K2

studio k2

The Cotton Factory, DyeWorks Building, 9 Landsdowne Avenue, Hamilton

Date & Time: Third Wednesday each month, 7:00pm - 9:00pm Workshop Price: $50/person +HST

Now thru June 1

Sung Tieu – Civic Floor

Oakville Galleries

Oakville Galleries, 120 Navy Street Oakville, ON L6J 2Z4

Dates & Times: Feb 3rd - Jun 1st, 10:00am to 5:00pm Closed on Sundays +...

July 10 - August 4

Adventures in the Valley Summer Camp

Dundas Valley Conservation Area, 650 Governors Road, Dundas, ON, Canada

Dates & Times: July 10th - 14th July 17th - 21st July 24th - 28th...

Now thru June 30

Winter Staycations in Brant

Brant Tourism

31 Mechanic St, Paris, ON N3L 1K1

Some winter activities but enjoy others all year round!

Now thru December 31

Brant Eats

Brant Tourism

31 Mechanic St, Paris, ON N3L 1K1

For your enjoyment all-year round!

Now thru January 1

Woodland Cultural Centre – Virtual Museum Tour

Woodland Cultural Centre

184 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON, N3T 5V6

Now thru December 31

Road to the Ridge: Taste of the Escarpment

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour is a 4.5 hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips,...

Now thru August 24

Worlds of the Night – Exhibition at Joseph Brant Museum

Joseph Brant Museum

1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, ON, L7S 1C5

Date & Times: Tuesday - Friday, 10:00AM - 4:00PM, included in the cost of regular...

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