There’s a moment between matches when the excitement settles and you find yourself wondering what else Canada has to offer. That’s the perfect time to board a VIA Rail train from Union Station and step off in Brantford — a historic city along a UNESCO Heritage River and home to Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone.
Brantford moves at its own pace with heritage architecture, walkable streets, a vibrant arts scene, and a riverfront that rewards those who take the time to explore it. Whether you have an afternoon to spare or you’re looking to turn a game-day detour into an overnight stay, here are 10 of the best things to do while you’re here.
Paddle the Grand River
The serene Grand River, a designated Canadian Heritage River, is a paddler’s paradise, weaving its way through our city along some of the largest stands of Carolinian forests in Canada. Take a guided paddling tour with Grand Experiences or Grand River Rafting. Paddling trips for both outfitters begin and end at Brant Conservation Area, located at 119 Jennings Road in Brantford.
Explore 70 kilometres of trails
As the hub of Ontario Trails, Brantford is home to more than 70 kilometres of picturesque trails perfect for walking or cycling. Explore popular trail access points, including Waterworks Park, Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant, Wilkes Dam, Oak Park Road, and Hardy Road. You can also access the trail system by walking to Jubilee Terrace Park from the Brantford Transit Terminal (9 minute-walk) and take the stairs to access the SC Johnson Trail, which runs alongside the Grand River. If you’d prefer to cycle, you can rent a bike at Heron Head Bikes.
Treat yourself to something sweet
Cool down with some ice cream or a frozen treat from some of Brantford’s favourite dessert spots, including Brantford’s famous 1950s-style ice cream shop, Dairee Delite, OMG Ice Cream & Frozen Treats, D Spot Desserts, and many more. There is something to satisfy every sweet tooth here!
Brantford International Villages Cultural Festival
The Brantford International Villages Cultural Festival will take place Wednesday, July 8 to Saturday July 11, 2026. The Villages Festival is one of Brantford’s most popular annual events and features cultural entertainment including music, dancing, cuisine, and more. Purchase a festival pass at any village location for $10, which will give you access to all villages. Most locations are wheelchair accessible. Please note that all villages only accept cash, so ensure that you have some Canadian dollars with you.
- Chinese Village, Dunsdon Legion, 9 Tollgate Road
- East Coast Canada, Brant Artillery Gunners Club,115 Henry Street (closed Wednesday and Thursday)
- Hungarian Village, Hungarian Hall, 104 Albion Street
- India Village, Brantford Convention Centre, 100 Market Street South
- Italian Village, Rossini Lodge, 140 Grey Street
- Mardi Gras Village, 54 Wadsworth Street
- Muslim Village, Muslim Association of Brantford, 192 Greenwich Street
- New York, New York, Bellview Community Hall, 55 Tom Street
- Palestinian Village, Islamic Centre, 200 Greenwich Street (Closed Wednesday and Thursday)
- Philippine Village, Sydenham-Heritage United Church, 120 Sydenham Street
- Polish Polonaise, Polish Hall, 154 Pearl Street
- Polish Warszawa, Polish Community Centre Brantford, 126 Albion Street (closed Wednesday and Thursday)
- Scottish Village, Brantford Air Force Club, 144 Grey Street (closed Wednesday and Thursday)
- The Great Indian Village, Brant Curling Club, 34 Morrell Street
- The Ukrainian Village, Harmony United Church, 268 Marlborough Street
- United Africa Village, Grace Anglican Church, 4 Pearl Street
Eat local at the Brantford Farmers’ Market
Serving Brantford and area for over 175 years, the Brantford Farmers’ Market offers fresh local produce, meats, dairy products, baked goods and so much more. Support our farmers and vendors and taste the difference local makes. The market is open year-round on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is within walking distance of the Brantford Bus Terminal. Don’t miss Trail Mix Live! at the Brantford Farmers’ Market on select Saturdays this summer.
Catch a show at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts
Located within walking distance of the Brantford Bus Terminal, the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts has been a downtown Brantford entertainment destination since 1919. The Sanderson Centre is excited to welcome some world-class performances to the theatre in July, including The Ultimate Prince Experience, A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift, Elvis Returns, Brantford Beatlemania, and many more. Visit the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts and enjoy a performance on this historic stage.
Sample local spirits and craft beer
Stop by Manns Distillery to try their unique botanically infused spirits. Sit inside in their cocktail lounge or enjoy their outdoor patio. Guided tours and cocktail classes are also available to book. You can also visit Sassy Britches Brewing Co. in the Cordage Heritage District, to enjoy craft beer, great live music, and unique events and workshops.
Visit the Bell Homestead National Historic Site
From 1870 to 1881, this was the Bell family’s first Canadian residence and the place where Alexander Graham Bell discovered the fundamental concept of the telephone in 1874. Visit the Bell Homestead National Historic Site and take a guided tour of the home and see Life on the Line: The Evolution of the Bell Telephone, their newest exhibit. The Bell Homestead does not have a direct transit connection, so we recommend taking a taxi or an Uber from your homebase in Brantford.
Visit Woodland Cultural Centre and His Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks
Since 1972, Woodland Cultural Centre has been a leader of Indigenous arts, culture, and education. Visit this International Site of Conscious and take a self-guided tour of the former Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School, visit their museum, attend a performance, or browse the galleries. Nearby, you’ll also find His Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks. Built in 1785, discover the stories of the Six Nations and learn about the history of the Chapel through the images depicted on its eight stained glass windows.
Discover Brantford’s Sport History
The Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition is a 3,000 sq. ft. space that proudly recognizes our hometown sport heroes through features such as artifact and memorabilia displays, Honour Wall of Recognition, Interactive Inductee Zone, a Wayne Gretzky tribute area, and more. Admission to the Sports Hall is free.
Plan Your Visit
From the riverfront to the arts district, Brantford offers more than most visitors expect — and getting here couldn’t be simpler. Board a VIA Rail train at Union Station, settle in, and arrive ready to explore. Whether you want an outdoor adventure, delve into history or enjoy the culinary flavours of the city, a trip to Brantford is one you’re unlikely to forget!
