Ready to explore some wide-open spaces this season? 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 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

It’s 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 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 picking season is short, so plan ahead to know just where to head when those fresh goodies are ripe. A trip to a pick-your-own farm 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

 

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October 5 - November 2

Ghost Walks: Dundurn Castle and Bus Tour

Ghost Walks

Dundurn Castle, 610 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3E7, Canada

Dates: Oct 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th; Nov 2nd Price: $34.00

Now thru December 7

Oakville Museum Guided Tour

Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate

8 Navy Street, Oakville, ON, L6J 2Y5

Tuesday to Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. General admission by donation (Suggested $7 per...

Now thru December 31

Brant Eats

Brant Tourism

31 Mechanic St, Paris, ON N3L 1K1

For your enjoyment all-year round!

Now thru October 13

Chiefswood National Historic Site Tours

Chiefswood National Historic Site

1037 Highway 54, Ohsweken, ON, N0A 1M0

Dates and Times: May 21st to Oct 13th (Tues-Sun) - 10:00am to 4:00pm Cost: Self...

Now thru October 17

Full Moon Beach Yoga

Ontario Staycation Adventures

1100 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON L7S 1A7, Canada

Dates and Times: May 23rd, Jun 20th, Jul 21st, Aug 19th, Sept 17th, Oct 17th...

Now thru September 29

Wake Up the Wild

African Lion Safari

1386 Cooper Road, Hamilton, ON, N1R 5S2

Available on select dates from Jun to Sept, 2024. Tour subject to availability. Advanced reservations...

Now thru October 28

Bruce Trail Waterfall 5 Day Hiking Package

Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Company

115 Grand River Street North, Paris, ON, N3L 2M4

Dates and Times: Contact for availability Cost: $1,349 to 1,679

Now thru August 29

Paddling in Paradise: Summer Canoe Tours

Royal Botanical Gardens

16 Old Guelph Road, Waterdown, ON, Canada

Dates and Times: Jul 4th - 6pm, Jul 13th - 9am, Jul 18th - 6pm,...

Now thru September 8

Kelso Cove Waterpark

Kelso Conservation Area / Glen Eden

5234 Kelso Road, Milton, ON, L9T 2X7

Waterpark Ticket Price (not including gate admission): $25.00 Open daily from 11:00 am - 7:00...

September 7 - October 5

Yoga at the Gardens: Fall

Royal Botanical Gardens

680 Plains Rd W, Burlington, ON, Canada

Dates and Times: Saturdays, Sept 7th to Oct 5th, 10:00am (1 to 2 hours) Registration...

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 November 30

Grand Experiences: Bruce Trail 2 Day Hiking Package (Guided Trip)

Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Company

113 Grand River Street North, Paris

Dates and Times: Available every day of the week - book in advance! Price: $525.00...

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