Adult and child cycling together on trails

Even if it's just for the day, it's important to do your research. Located in the heart of southern Ontario, Brantford is about an hour's drive from Toronto, London, and St. Catharines. Choose from award-winning accommodations at one of the 7 hotel chains located within the Brantford city limits. Explore world-class entertainment options, shop at unique boutiques, taste your way through the city, from low-key pubs to fine dining, and be sure to brush up on our local history at one of our many museums and galleries. While you're staying in the Tournament Capital of Ontario, you may want to catch a tournament, or spend some time in nature admiring our beautiful trails or Grand River.

If you are travelling to Brantford to participate in a meeting or convention, or coming as part of a group tour, familiarize yourself with some itineraries and find out what services Tourism Brantford provides. 

Maps and Brochures

Getting Here

Travel to Brantford easily by car, take the train with VIA Rail Canada, or opt for the bus through GO Transit.

Brantford is easily accessible off Highway 403. If you're coming from the east (Toronto), take the QEW to Highway 403 West and choose from one of six interchanges closest to your destination. If you are coming from the west (London), take Highway 401 East to Highway 403 East. Highway 24 South easily connects Brantford to Port Dover and Simcoe, while Highway 24 North reaches Cambridge, Kitchener/Waterloo and beyond. Visit Brantford on Google Maps to find the best route.

Transportation

Once you are in Brantford, getting around is easy. If you bring your own vehicle you can enjoy free parking at most places. If you didn't bring a car, you can call Brant Taxi, Bell City Cabs, City Taxi Brantford, or get an Uber driver to pick you up.

Visit the Brantford Transit website for bus routes, schedules, and fees.

Travel Checklist

A visit to Brantford isn't complete without seeing or doing the following:

  • Visit the Bell Homestead National Historic Site and see where Alexander Graham Bell first discovered the principle for which his most famous invention, the telephone, would work.
  • Pay homage to ‘The Great One' at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre.
  • See a show at the historic Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts—a crown jewel in Brantford's downtown core.
  • Take a walk along Brantford's beautiful natural trail system and admire the stunning Grand River—a designated Canadian Heritage River.
  • Visit Woodland Cultural Centre the former Mohawk Institute Residential School (currently undergoing renovations), Canada's oldest residential school.
  • Visit Her Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks and take a tour of the first Protestant church in Upper Canada and the oldest church in Ontario.
  • Admire the beautiful gardens and grounds at Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant.
  • Relax in the salt caves or enjoy a signature Beer Soak in the spa at Grand Wellness.
  • Hang out in the heart of Brantford's downtown in Harmony Square, where you can catch live entertainment any day of the week in the summer and enjoy ice skating in the winter.
  • Purchase fresh produce, baked goods, meats, and shop from a variety of unique vendors year-round at the Brantford Farmers' Market, which was established in 1848 and is one of the oldest businesses in Brantford.
  • Taste local craft beer at Mash Paddle Brewing Co. or Bell City Brewing Co.

If you couldn't make your way through this list on your first visit, that's okay. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

Did you know that Tourism Brantford was awarded the #SafeTravels Stamp? The Safe Travels Stamp is an international symbol designed to help visitors easily recognize governments and companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene standardized protocols issued by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). Tourism Brantford has implemented these enhanced health and safety measures to help ensure that visitors will feel comfortable coming into our Tourism Centre to learn more about local activities and attractions.

Tourism Brantford awarded the #SafeTravels Stamp