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 >>

Now thru October 29

Grand River Experience (Guided)

Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Company

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

4 hour guided trip, available on Tue Thu Sun Sat Fri Wed Mon.

July 31 - August 4

Summer Camp (Ages 7-12): July 31 – August 4

Art Gallery of Burlington

1333 Lakeshore Road , Burlington, ON, L7S 1A9

AGE: Child, START/END: July 31 to August 4, TIME: 9 AM to 4 PM, MEMBER...

June 1 - October 1

Garden Explorers Program

Lucy Maud Montgomery Children’s Garden for the Senses

477 Guelph Street, Norval, Ontario L0P 1K0, Canada

Programs run June through September (weather permitting). Programs are age and ability appropriate. Programs last...

Now thru December 31

Collective Arts Hamilton Brewery Tour

Collective Arts Brewery

207 Burlington Street East, Hamilton, ON, L8L 4H2

45 Minutes Saturdays, hourly from 12-6PM, $25 per person for ages 19+, $415 for Private...

Now thru December 31

Kick Start Experience

iFLY Toronto

2007 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, Ontario, ON, L6H 6P5

2 Flights x 1 Flyer From 1 to 13 flyer(s) per session From $59.99, ''super...

June 7 - September 29

Full Moon Beach Yoga

Burlington Beach Rentals

1084 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S1A2

Now thru November 1

Bee Beard Experience

Backed By Bees

6214 Appleby Line, Burlington, Ontario L7M 0P7

$199.99

July 24 - 28

Afternoon Mixed Media Camp (Ages 7-12): July 24 – July 28

Art Gallery of Burlington

1333 Lakeshore Road , Burlington, ON, L7S 1A9

AGE: Child, START/END: July 24 to July 28, TIME: 1PM to 4PM, MEMBER COST: $135.00,...

Now thru December 31

Barn Door Studio Private Workshops

The Barn Door Studio

158 Main St E #156, Milton, ON L9T 1N6

A booking is needed prior to the workshop. To book a private party all they...

Now thru June 1

Brant County Beer Tour

The Beer Tour Company

All patrons must be 19yrs of age or older. By booking you are accepting our...

September 28 - 29

Fall Planter Workshop

Centro Garden

437 Brant St, Burlington, ON L7R 2G3

Workshop time: 7:00-8:00 pm, Workshop fee: $25 / person - Order Online or Call the...

July 17 - August 24

AGH Summer Camp 2023

Art Gallery of Hamilton

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

REGISTRATION DEADLINE JUNE 24 Pre-Registration is required. Space is limited. All classes are subject to...

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