Two days to explore Brantford and Brant County

Start your trip at the Artisan’s Village in Brantford. Shop for unique and vintage furniture, clothing, and more made by local artisans. While you’re there, stop at Mash Paddle Brewing Co.’s bar for a fresh pint and friendly story.

Then head over to the Glenhyrst Art Gallery to see local art and works by the home’s one time resident and member of the Group of Seven, Lawren Harris.

Next head to Bell City Brewing Company for a tasting, tour and lunch at their mouth-watering bistro. Brewery tours start at 1 pm and 3 pm on Saturdays. At this brewery you’ll find seasonal delights, one-offs, and four staples: Eureka Cream Ale, Lenoir Belgian Ale, Elijah’s Real McCoy and Edison’s Peepshow IPA. Make sure you leave time to share a pint with the brew master—you’ll want to hear about Brantford’s rich brewing history that dates back to 1845!

After Bell City, check in to your hotel. The area is home to a number of excellent accommodation options.

DID YOU KNOW: Brantford is the birthplace of superstar hockey player Wayne Gretzky? Visit ‘The Great One’—a 12-foot statue of Gretzky located in the front of the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre celebrating this hometown here. Talk about a selfie op!

Zander’s Fire Grill and Brew Lounge serves great brews and is home to one of the best burgers around. Stop here for dinner and take in some live music or head to the Sociable Kitchen & Tavern, a local hotspot that serves craft beers from all over Ontario, for some late-night fun.

Start your morning by experiencing the Carolinian forest like never before on a paddle down the Grand River, a National Heritage River. Local outfitters offer self-guided and guided kayak, canoe and rafting experiences. The crisp air and natural scenery will make you feel miles from home.

Head for lunch at The Exchange Café, located at Bell Homestead National Historic site. After lunch, take a tour and hear the story of the Alexander Graham Bell – and the reason Brantford is known as ‘Bell City’.

In the afternoon, take a drive out of the city to the rural surroundings of Brant County and get a true farm-to-glass experience at the area’s first on-farm brewery. Steel Wheel Brewery is located on the hop farm of long time local residents, and is a fantastic place to learn, gather, and drink. Its unique, fully renovated 1890’s farmhouse features a comfortable tasting room and an adjacent outdoor patio where visitors are invited to try a variety of small-batch brews. In nearby St. George, visit the orchard at Howell Road Cider Co. to try their small batch dry cider, made from a custom blend of fresh apples grown right on their farm.

For dinner, head to Stillwaters Plate and Pour or the beautifully restored Arlington Hotel, located in downtown Paris. The hotel boasts three onsite restaurants, including the elegant Woolf & Wilde, the laid-back-and-charming Library Bar, and the speakeasy atmosphere of an 1851 Public House. Be sure to take a stroll downtown before making your way back home.