Brantford
Around Brantford
Photo: Mhsheikholeslami · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Metro area · Ontario · 144k people
Brantford
Locals say Brantford-Brant · “Telephone City”, “Gretzky's Hometown”
Where the Grand River meets innovation and hockey heart.
Brantford Bulldogs redWhiteDeep blue
Welcome to Brantford-Brant, where the Grand River runs through our story. From hockey rinks to historic sites, there's always a friendly face around. We're glad you're here!
Clubs for Brantford
No clubs for Brantford yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Brantford. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Brantford. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Bell Homestead Where Alexander Graham Bell made the first telephone call.
- Grand River Popular for paddling, fishing, and riverside trails.
- Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts Historic theatre hosting concerts and shows.
- Brantford Civic Centre Home of the Brantford Bulldogs hockey team.
- Glenhyrst Art Gallery Exhibits in a historic estate overlooking the river.
- Harmony Square Downtown gathering spot with events and a splash pad.
- Outdoors Kayak or canoe on the Grand River
- Outdoors Hike the Grand Valley Trail
- With kids Bell Homestead and gardens
- With kids Splash pad at Harmony Square
- Evenings Live music at the Sanderson Centre
- Evenings Brewery taprooms
- Locals love Riverside trails
- Locals love Farmers markets
Through the year
- Paris Fair September Agricultural fair with midway and exhibits.
- Brantford Dragon Boat Festival July Races on the Grand River.
- Brantford Canada Day July 1 Fireworks and events at Harmony Square.
- Brantford Christmas Parade November Downtown holiday parade.
- Brantford Winterfest January Outdoor winter activities for families.
Brantford has four distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to be out is late spring or early fall. Best: Late spring and early fall are ideal for being outside.
Getaways
- Norfolk Beaches and farmland.
- Hamilton Waterfalls and the escarpment.
- Waterloo Region Markets and tech hub.
- Woodstock Small-town charm.
Local flavour
Teams
- Brantford Bulldogs OHL
Also rooting for Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Blue Jays (MLB), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL), Toronto FC (MLS)
Eat and drink
- Poutine A Canadian staple widely available in local diners and chip trucks.
- Butter tarts A classic Ontario dessert, often found at local bakeries and farmers' markets.
- Peameal bacon sandwich A Southern Ontario favourite, served in many casual eateries.
Where people go
- Grand River waterfront Scenic riverfront with parks, trails, and canoe launches.
- Bell Homestead Historic site where Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.
- Six Nations of the Grand River
- Hockey arenas Community rinks and the Gretzky Centre, reflecting the city's hockey identity.
Heritage and traditions
Brantford-Brant is proud of its rich Indigenous heritage, being the home of the Six Nations of the Grand River, and its legacy as the birthplace of the telephone. Locals also take pride in their strong hockey culture and the natural beauty of the Grand River.
This time of year in Brantford
- Fall fairs Fall Agricultural fairs and harvest celebrations in September and October.
Say it like a local: “chesterfield” — Couch or sofa.
Festivals
- Six Nations Fall Fair September Agricultural fair with Indigenous crafts and performances.
- Brantford International Villages Festival June Multicultural celebration with food and performances from various ethnic communities.
- Brantford Kinsmen Ribfest August Barbecue rib competition and family entertainment.
- Paris Beer Festival September Craft beer tasting in historic Paris.
- St. George Apple Festival September Apple-themed community fair with treats and activities.
- Burford Fall Fair September Traditional fall fair with livestock, midway, and local exhibits.
Landmarks with a story
- Mohawk Chapel Her Majesty's Royal Chapel of the Mohawks, the oldest Protestant church in Ontario (1785).
- Chiefswood National Historic Site Home of poet E. Pauline Johnson, built in 1856.
- Woodland Cultural Centre Museum and cultural centre preserving Six Nations history and art.
- Brantford Armoury Historic military building from 1905.
- Paris Plains Church Historic stone church from 1845.
Food traditions
- Maple syrup season Local sugar bushes open in early spring for pancake breakfasts and syrup tasting.
- Indigenous corn soup and fry bread Traditional dishes from Six Nations, often served at community events and pow wows.
- Sugar bush breakfasts A spring tradition of visiting a sugar bush for pancakes and syrup.
Music and arts
- Indigenous beadwork and traditional crafts Six Nations artisans produce intricate beadwork and other crafts.
- Brantford Symphony Orchestra Classical music performances in the region.
- Brantford Art Walk Community art event showcasing local artists.
- Local country and rock music scene Various venues host local bands.
A little history
- 1784 Six Nations of the Grand River were granted land along the Grand River for their loyalty to the Crown.
- 1874 Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in Brantford.
- 1876 First long-distance telephone call was made between Brantford and Paris, Ontario.
- 1961 Wayne Gretzky was born in Brantford.
- Game day Minor hockey
- Game day Lacrosse at Six Nations
- Outdoors Watch a race at Ohsweken Speedway
- With kids Woodland Cultural Centre
- With kids Chiefswood National Historic Site
People in Brantford speak with a typical Canadian accent, using 'eh' and 'pop' for soda. The local pronunciation of 'Brantford' rhymes with 'ant' (short 'a').
Only here
- The telephone was invented here.
- Home to the largest First Nations reserve in Canada (Six Nations of the Grand River).
- Wayne Gretzky's hometown.
- The Grand River is the longest river in southern Ontario.
New here? A few tips
- Winters can be cold and snowy; invest in warm clothing and a good winter jacket.
- The Grand River is central to recreation—try canoeing or kayaking in the summer.
- Hockey is a big deal; learn about the Brantford Bulldogs and consider catching a game.
- Explore the Indigenous heritage at Six Nations, including the Woodland Cultural Centre.
- Try local maple syrup in the spring—visit a sugar bush for pancakes.
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Nearby
Every areaNorfolkOntarioWhere the land meets the lake and the sky opens wide.HamiltonOntarioWhere the escarpment shades a hard-working, friendly city.Waterloo RegionOntarioWhere old-world charm meets new-world innovation.WoodstockOntarioFriendly dairy country, where neighbours wave helloGuelphOntarioA royal city with a river running through it.TillsonburgOntarioA warm welcome in Ontario's tobacco heartlandIngersollOntarioWhere the cheese trail meets friendly farms.StratfordOntarioWhere culture and farmland flourish
Brantford. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.