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Bell Homestead

Brantford is home to many famous faces – including Wayne Gretzky, Alexander Graham Bell and Lawren Harris, to name a few. Get to know these famous faces a little better by exploring Brantford in this action-packed two-day itinerary. Check into one of Brantford’s seven hotels before you begin your trip.

Day One:

  • Start your morning at SkyWay Café, a one-of-a-kind breakfast spot located at the Brantford Municipal Airport. Watch the planes take off while you enjoy their hearty and delicious breakfast options.
  • Visit the Bell Homestead National Historic Site to see where Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1874. See how the Bell family lived and worked and learn about the invention of the telephone through a guided tour of the homestead. Don’t forget to stop in at the gift shop before you head out.
  • Grab lunch at Stan’s Fries, a must-try staple in Brantford for over 70 years. Stan’s Fries is a Brantford institution with fry trucks at Fairview Crossing, 410 West Street and at the Brantford Bus Terminal, 64 Darling Street, in downtown Brantford.
  • Pay a visit to the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre to see “The Great One”, a beautiful public art piece outside the main entrance. You will admire the twelve-foot sculpture of Wayne Gretzky, cast in bronze, hoisting the Stanley Cup over his head in victory and a life-size depiction of Wayne as a child with parents Walter and Phyllis Gretzky standing as a family looking on. The inspirational statues provide an unforgettable photo op to commemorate your trip to Brantford.
  • Inside the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition. Enjoy learning about local athletes who have achieved the highest standards of excellence in their sport and significant people who have contributed to various sports. Swing by our Tourism Information Desk and meet our Visitor Services team, ask questions and gather brochures to plan your next visit to Brantford.
  • Next, head over to the Woodland Cultural Centre where you can take a self-guided museum tour to appreciate the over thirty-five thousand artifacts, including a permanent collection presented in a storyline of Indigenous life from prehistoric dates to the 21st century.
  • Grab dinner at Fume Restobar and treat yourself to a fine dining experience. Specializing in Greek and Mediterranean inspired cuisine with a touch of smoked and Asian flare; Fume is the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion or just to unwind with friends over fine wine and craft beer.
  • Catch an evening show and unwind at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, the “crown jewel” of downtown Brantford for the last century. Take in the beauty of the historic and restored theatre, which was originally designed as a vaudeville and silent movie house, and has been entertaining audiences in an opulent setting ever since.

Day Two:

  • Start the day off at Brantford’s Farmers Market, which was established in 1848. This year-round market offers an array of products, including: fresh local produce, a variety of meats and dairy products, delicious baked goods, seasonal plants and flowers, and much more.
  • Take a driving tour of two of Lawren Harris’ (Group of Seven artist and founder) childhood homes on your way to Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant. Spend the rest of the morning at Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant with contemporary fine art exhibitions and a permanent collection of over 600 artworks. Enjoy a relaxing stroll and beautiful photo opportunities throughout the sixteen-acre gardens.
  • Book ahead for an idyllic lunch at The Golden Teapot Tea Room, inside Glenhyrst Art Gallery where you can enjoy High Tea, Low Tea or the Royal Kensington Tea.
  • Head downtown to pay tribute to Brantford’s military history and view the Brant War Memorial and Boer War Memorial, part of Brantford’s Public Art Collection. A short walk will bring you to Harmony Square in the heart of Brantford’s downtown. Harmony square is home to local restaurants, shops, and several annual events.
  • Stop by Le Chocolat du Savoie, a French country style boutique specializing in a wide variety of premium chocolates, serving Brantford for over 30 years. Choose from a wide variety of handcrafted Belgian chocolates, chocolate dipped licorice and pretzels, peanut butter cups, chocolate truffles, and more. The perfect spot to pick up a treat for later or a unique gift for loved ones!
  • Nearby, you’ll find Dairee Delite is a 50’s style walk-up ice cream shop with an assortment of cool treats and a fixture in the Brantford community. Choose from a long list of frozen treats, from ice cream cones to banana splits, or design your own sundae with all your favourite toppings.