This enticing, long loop in Brantford follows the Grand River south through Waterworks Park, crosses over at Brant’s Crossing, and then follows the river back upstream. Described as “18k of awesome”, the route has everything — beautiful forest and remnant tall grass prairie, excellent bird watching, and great people watching. It contrasts the buzz of urban hiking with the peace of rural solitude, and features historical sites as well as natural wonders.

Wilkes Dam

Itinerary Highlights

  • Length: 18 kilometres
  • Level of Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours
  • Points of Interest: Birdwatching, Grand River, Wilkes Dam, Brant prairie, Brant’s Crossing

Download the detailed loop guide to learn more and plan your hike.

Download Loop Guide


Hamilton and Area Hikes Series

The Hamilton region has become known as the “Waterfall Capital of the World”, and hikers have made tracks here only to find that the area provides much more to explore. The waterfalls are just the beginning of what makes Hamilton a haven for hikers, and memorable day hikes in the area can reveal stunning Carolinian forests, abundant wildlife, spectacular vistas, and historic villages.

The Hamilton and Area Hikes series is your “step by step” guide to six different day hikes that explore conservation areas, the Niagara Escarpment, the Bruce Trail and the Grand River. Each loop hike includes a detailed map, precise directions, local lore, information about the flora, fauna, and history you are likely to encounter, and après hike suggestions.

Don’t miss the other loops in the series:

These loops are just the beginning of the scenic walkabouts that await in Hamilton Halton Brant. We’ve got hundreds of miles of paths and trails where you can treat your feet to a few hours of adventure.

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Now thru June 1

Tarik Kiswanson – Prelude

Oakville Galleries

Oakville Galleries at Gairloch Gardens, 1306 Lakeshore Road East Oakville, ON L6J 1L6

Dates & Times: Feb 3rd - Jun 1st, 10:00am to 5:00pm Admissions by Donation Closed...

Now thru December 31

Music Bingo at Flux

Flux Brewing Company

185 Oakland Rd, Scotland, ON N0E 1R0

Date & Time: January 17th (1st bingo night of the year) $5 cover to join

Now thru December 31

A Taste of Paris – Sip, Savour & Shopping

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour includes three tasting locations with timed stops to make your day...

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

Explore Paris Like A Local – A Sweet Escape

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 June 30

MYndful Movement: Stretch, Gentle Yoga, Qigong, Mindfulness

Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre

1086 Burnhamthorpe Rd E, Oakville, ON L6H 7B2

Dates & Times: Every Thursday, 7:00pm to 8:00pm Class Costs: Drop-In: $20 6 class package:...

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...

Now thru December 31

Hamilton Civic Museums Virtual Tours

28 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A1

Now thru May 20

Alex Jacobs-Blum – Living and Lost Connections

Art Gallery of Hamilton

123 King Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 4S8

Exhibition Period: Feb 10th - May20th

Now thru December 13

Art Crawl on James North

James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2L2, Canada

Dates & Times: Second Friday of Every Month, 5:00pm till 8:00pm Free Event

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,...

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