This enticing, long loop in Brantford follows the Grand River south through Waterworks Park, crosses over at Brant’s Crossing, and then follows the river back upstream. Described as “18k of awesome”, the route has everything — beautiful forest and remnant tall grass prairie, excellent bird watching, and great people watching. It contrasts the buzz of urban hiking with the peace of rural solitude, and features historical sites as well as natural wonders.

Wilkes Dam

Itinerary Highlights

  • Length: 18 kilometres
  • Level of Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length of Time: 4 to 6 hours
  • Points of Interest: Birdwatching, Grand River, Wilkes Dam, Brant prairie, Brant’s Crossing

Download the detailed loop guide to learn more and plan your hike.

Download Loop Guide


Hamilton and Area Hikes Series

The Hamilton region has become known as the “Waterfall Capital of the World”, and hikers have made tracks here only to find that the area provides much more to explore. The waterfalls are just the beginning of what makes Hamilton a haven for hikers, and memorable day hikes in the area can reveal stunning Carolinian forests, abundant wildlife, spectacular vistas, and historic villages.

The Hamilton and Area Hikes series is your “step by step” guide to six different day hikes that explore conservation areas, the Niagara Escarpment, the Bruce Trail and the Grand River. Each loop hike includes a detailed map, precise directions, local lore, information about the flora, fauna, and history you are likely to encounter, and après hike suggestions.

Don’t miss the other loops in the series:

These loops are just the beginning of the scenic walkabouts that await in Hamilton Halton Brant. We’ve got hundreds of miles of paths and trails where you can treat your feet to a few hours of adventure.

Travel Deals View All >>

Experiences & Tours View All >>

Now thru January 1

Woodland Cultural Centre – Virtual Museum Tour

Woodland Cultural Centre

184 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON, N3T 5V6

December 7 - 14

Wreath Workshop with iFiori

Hamilton Farmers’ Market

35 YORK BOULEVARD

Date & Times: Saturday, Dec 7th - 1:00pm to 3:00pm Saturday, Dec 14th - 1:00...

Now thru December 31

Road to the Ridge: Taste of the Escarpment

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour is a 4.5 hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips,...

Now thru January 5

Escarpment Train Exhibit

Royal Botanical Gardens

680 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON, L7T 4H4

Saturdays and Sundays and Dec 27, Jan 2, 3 Time:10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Garden...

Now thru December 31

Explore Paris Like A Local – A Sweet Escape

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour is a 4.5 hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips,...

December 8

Elf Club: A Children’s Cooking Workshop

Dundurn Castle – National Historic Site

610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, ON, L8R 3H1

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Ages: 6 to 12 years Cost: $70.00 for 1...

Now thru January 5

Ride the RBG Express

Royal Botanical Gardens

680 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON, L7T 4H4

Dates: Available December 5, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Date exceptions: December 25, 26, January...

Now thru December 31

Introductory Flight Lesson

Brantford Flight Centre

110 Aviation Ave. Brantford, ON N3T 5L7, Canada

Dates: All year round Cost: $152.55 including HST

Now thru December 19

Trivia Nights at the Arlington

Arlington Hotel

106 Grand River Street North, Paris, ON, N3L 2M5

Dates and Times: every Thursday from 7:00pm to 9:00pm Max 6 people per team, must...

December 7

Santa Claus is Coming to the Hamilton Farmers’ Market

Hamilton Farmers’ Market

35 YORK BOULEVARD

Date & Time: Saturday, December 7th, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm Free Event!

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 December 15

Afternoon Tea at Arlington Hotel

Arlington Hotel

106 Grand River Street North, Paris, ON, N3L 2M5

Dates and Times: every 3rd Sunday from 11:00am to 3:00pm Price: $35 per person, $19...

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