Brantford

Situated on the picturesque Grand River in the heart of southwestern Ontario, Brantford has all the major amenities of a big city with the charming feel of a rural small town.

Brantford boasts 70 kilometres of gorgeous trails and the scenic Grand River, a designated heritage river, recognized nationally for its outstanding natural, cultural and recreational legacy that is a paddler’s delight for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

Discover Brantford’s stories through its rich history and burgeoning arts and culture community. It was here in 1874 that Alexander Graham Bell first conceived the idea for the telephone and executed the world’s first long distance telephone call in 1876. Brantford is also the birthplace of Group of Seven founder, Lawren S. Harris.

Immerse yourself in a delicious culinary experience and discover something new at one of the city’s many locally-run boutiques. This thriving community is proud to be the hometown of hockey legend, Wayne Gretzky, and the official Tournament Capital of Ontario, hosting teams from around the world at our state-of-the-art facilities.

Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, outdoor adventure, fantastic family fun or culinary delights, you’ll find it all in Brantford.

Eat & Drink

Specializing in Greek and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a touch of smoked and Asian flare, Fume is the perfect spot to unwind with friends over fine wine and delicious craft beer.

Gran Sasso is a down-to-earth mainstay with a folksy feel that specializes in authentic and thoughtfully sourced Italian dishes.

Healthy Rabbit serves wholesome and nourishing plant-focused meals full of fresh vegetables, whole grains and herbs. They also use compostable and biodegradable takeaway containers and cutlery, and sell non-toxic and sustainable products.

With a vast food and drink menu, full-service bar, private event space, and live entertainment, Hudson Public is the newest restaurant addition to the heart of downtown Brantford nestled in beside Harmony Square and across from the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts.

Lettuce Live is a conscious takeaway eatery that offers a delicious plant-forward menu featuring whole ingredients that are fresh, local and nutritious.

Enjoy the convenience of fast food with homemade quality Italian cuisine in an elegant dining atmosphere. This “fast casual” restaurant prepares everything on the menu from scratch using only the finest ingredients available.

Located in downtown Brantford, Nine North serves authentic Vietnamese and Thai cuisine made in-house using only the finest ingredients. Their dining room offers a modern, warm atmosphere for you and your family to enjoy.

Sit in the tap room and enjoy a pint, flight and tasty treats. Catch live entertainment on weekends or pick up cans to take home.

Mash Paddle is Brantford’s biggest, little brewery. It features a rustic taproom, outdoor patio, games, live music and a retail shop, making it the perfect spot to enjoy delicious craft beer in a fun, comfortable atmosphere.

Visit Brantford’s newest micro-distillery, tasting lounge and cocktail bar. Sample their spirits in the taproom or enjoy a cocktail in their lounge. Manns Distillery also hosts cocktail classes, group tastings and competitions.

Places To Shop

Visit Bathtub Bakery in the Cordage Heritage District to browse bakery inspired bath, body and fragrance products that look good enough to eat.

This boutique and DIY studio sells refreshed furniture, artisan-made pieces and home decor, plus offers step-by-step DIY classes.

This unique shop and artisan community features products from over 150 local business owners.

Chat with the friendly staff while you explore rooms filled with unique gifts, coffee, home and garden decor, clothing, accessories, hand-poured candles and soaps.

Lynden Park Mall is the hub of retail shopping in the city, offering more than 80 top-name national retailers, as well as specialty retailers, a food court and popular restaurants.

Take a little piece of Brantford home with you. Visit the Tourism Information Desk inside the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre (254 North Park St., Brantford) and shop a wide variety of merchandise and souvenirs.

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