Hometown Heroes: Artists and Inventors

Bell Homestead National Historic Site celebrates the history of Brantford, “The Telephone City”. This is where, in 1874, Alexander Graham Bell conceived the invention of the telephone and made the first long-distance call from Brantford to Paris. Take a guided walking tour through three restored historic buildings decorated with many original Bell family artifacts and visit The Phone Booth Museum Store to shop for fun, vintage gifts and souvenirs.
Come to the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre and meet our Visitor Services team, ask questions, and gather brochures to plan your next visit to Brantford. Take time to pay tribute to the memorabilia displays inside the Brantford & Area Sports Hall of Recognition.

Tour Operator Tip: Book Discover Brantford’s complimentary Bus Welcome Program to receive a personalized welcome inside the Sports Hall of Recognition, including fun facts and history of Brantford. Tour guests will enjoy light refreshments and a souvenir gift, plus a special gift for the tour escort and driver.

Treat yourself to lunch nearby at The Sherwood Restaurant, a dining landmark in Brantford for over five decades. Inspired by the English Folklore tale of Robin Hood and his friends in Sherwood Forest, you can order from “Friar Tuck’s List” or “Sheriff Men’s Feast”. Many murals and paintings done by Mr. Ernest Duce, who designed, built, and decorated The Sherwood Restaurant, are on display to admire during your meal.
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 afternoon 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 16-acre gardens. Sit back and delight in English High Tea, Low Tea, or the Royal Kensington Tea at The Golden Teapot Tea Room.
Travel to the heart of Brantford’s downtown for dinner. Restaurants like Nine North, offering authentic Vietnamese & Thai cuisine, and Hudson Public Kitchen & Bar, with a vast food and drink menu, are sure to satisfy your appetite.
Enjoy a baked good with an espresso at Coffee Culture Café & Eatery before crossing the street to be entertained at an evening performance at the Sanderson Centre for Performing Arts.