Get Outdoors in Brantford This Summer

One of the quiet joys of living in Brantford and Brant County is how easy it is to get outside. With the Grand River running right through the region, a terrific trail network, big parks, and plenty of family-friendly attractions, there is always a reason to put the screens down and head out the door, in every season. Whether you want a gentle riverside walk, a round of golf, or a full day on the water, here are some of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors right here at home.

Hit the trails

Brantford’s trail system is a genuine standout. The SC Johnson Trail and the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail follow the Grand River and tie into the wider Trans Canada Trail, so you can stroll for ten minutes or set out on an all-day adventure toward Paris, Cambridge, or Hamilton. The paths are great for walking, running, cycling, and dog-walking, and they stay beautiful right through the year, from summer green to fall colour to crisp winter mornings. Add in riverside green spaces like Glenhyrst’s gardens and Lorne Park, and you are never far from a good walk.

Play a round of golf

Golfers are well served here. The city’s public course is the Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course & Learning Centre (formerly Northridge, and renamed in honour of Wayne Gretzky’s late father), a welcoming spot with a learning centre and junior rates that make it easy to get the whole family on the green. For a private club, the historic Brantford Golf & Country Club has roots going back well over a century. Just note that the old Arrowdale municipal course has closed, with its land now becoming community parkland and dog parks, so it is no longer a place to tee off. You can find the city course details at brantford.ca/golf.

Cool off at Brant Park

Set on the banks of the Grand just off Highway 403, Brant Park (Brant Conservation Area) is a warm-weather favourite. It is home to one of the largest outdoor pools in Canada, a 1.25-acre pool with a splash pad and a gently sloping entry, alongside serviced and unserviced campsites, boat launches, picnic areas, fishing spots, and easy access to the Trans Canada Trail. Pack a picnic, claim a shady table, and make a day of it. There is a small per-person pool fee on top of the conservation area day-use fee, with details at grandriver.ca. For more places to swim, see our guides to pools in Brantford and water fun in Brant County.

Get out on the water

The Grand River is the region’s natural playground, perfect for tubing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on a hot day. Two long-established local outfitters in nearby Paris run both guided and self-guided trips that drift down to Brant Park: Grand River Rafting Company and Grand Experiences. They handle the boats, gear, and shuttle, the routes are gentle enough for families and first-timers, and the wildlife along the way (herons, turtles, and the occasional eagle) is a treat. Natural water always carries some risk, so check the river conditions, wear a lifejacket, and keep an eye on younger paddlers. The Grand is also a popular spot for fishing if you would rather cast a line.

Ride the Rotary Bike Park

Built by the Brant Cycling Club, the Brantford Rotary Bike Park is a fantastic free outdoor attraction with pump tracks and jump lines for every skill level, from first-timers to seasoned riders. It is a hit with kids and adults alike, and a great way to spend a couple of hours on two wheels. The club’s site has the details at brantcyclingclub.org.

Meet the animals at Twin Valley Zoo

Just outside town in Brant County, the family-run Twin Valley Zoo sits on 25 acres and is home to more than 400 animals across some 70 species, along with picnic areas, a small play area, and a winding forest nature trail. It is an easygoing, affordable family outing, open seasonally from spring through fall, and a perennial favourite with local kids. Hours and tickets are at twinvalleyzoo.com.

A few more ways to get outside

Once you have worked through the highlights, the area still has plenty more to offer:

• Glenhyrst Art Gallery & Gardens, for riverside gardens and easy walking paths
• Brantwood Farms, a family farm with pick-your-own and a busy pumpkin season in the fall
• Mohawk Park and Mohawk Lake, for green space and paddling close to the city
• Apps’ Mill Nature Centre in Brant County, with trails and nature programs along Whiteman’s Creek
• The grounds of the Bell Homestead, where you can pair a bit of history with a pleasant stroll

However you like to spend time outdoors, Brantford and Brant County make it easy, and that connection to trails, rivers, and green space is a big part of what makes living here so appealing. If being close to all of it matters to you in a home, we would love to help. Browse homes for sale in the area or reach out to our team, and get out and enjoy it!