- A meandering river steeped in Canadian history ✔️
- Endless stretches of Carolinian forest in the flashiest of fall colours ✔️
- The freshest of fall produce ✔️
If you’ve been looking for an ideal fall day trip destination, the search stops here. Exploring the communities located along and beyond the banks of the Grand River, including Six Nations of the Grand River, Brantford, Paris, St. George, Burford, Mount Pleasant and Scotland, is the perfect way to brighten up a fall weekend.
Take It Outside
Temperatures may be dropping, but it’s not too late to squeeze in a Grand River paddle. Outfitters like Grand River Rafting and Grand Experiences will look after all the details and equipment. You just have to show up ready to paddle!
Try Something New
Thanks to the area’s extensive woodlands and wetlands, over 300 bird species flock to the Grand River area. Fall is a particularly active time as the birds prepare to migrate for winter. You can expect to see more than your average backyard Blue Jay when you spend an hour or two scanning the skies here. According to the Grand River Watershed’s Bird Checklist, you could spot feathered friends like Peregrine Falcons, Bald Eagles, a wide variety of owls, and more. This beginner’s guide to birding blog post shares some of the best spots for birding in and around Brantford.
Stock The Trunk With Fall Flavours
The crunchiest of fall apples await in the orchards of Brant County. Pick-your-own orchards like Brantview Apples and Cider in St. George and Orchard Home Farm are great options for spending some time outside. If you’d prefer to skip the picking, stop by Elberta Farms Country Market in Paris.
Score One-of-a-kind Finds
From handcrafted cornhusk dolls to beaded jewelry, arts and unique gifts, Everything Cornhusk has a fascinating collection of items that make the store a must-stop shop in the Six Nations of the Grand River territory.
Visit Shop Local in Brant for an up-to-date directory of local shopping or explore Brantford’s shops and businesses.
Sip Something New
Brant County’s craft beer scene is really brewing. Don’t miss the country hospitality at Scotland’s Flux Brewing Co. Housed in a former horse stable, the brewery has a cozy vibe with ten taps that include four dedicated to rotating seasonal brews. For lovers of local, Flux beers are made with hops grown just 7 km down the road! The large patio, which overlooks a pond, farm fields and a rustic barn, offers a perfect place for enjoying a sunny fall afternoon pint!
Settle In For A Tasty Meal
If there’s ever been a time to enjoy a meal that leaves you feeling like you’ve been transported to another place, 2021 is it! Juniper Dining Co. isn’t just in downtown Paris (Ontario!), dining there will make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to France. The delicious food you’ll enjoy here reflects the fact that the chef and owner of this French-Lyonnaise-inspired bistro was born and raised in Paris. Not too far away you can discover more dining options in Brantford.
Explore A Little More
Round out your Grand River country itinerary with additional ideas from Brant Tourism, Discover Brantford, Downtown Brantford, Downtown Paris, Six Nations Tourism and St. George Business Improvement Association. While you’ll have no problem filling an afternoon discovering all the corners and communities around the Grand River, stretch out the fun with some urban exploring. Hamilton and Burlington are great options!
