Brantford Things to Do Tips by lovemycacti

Glenhyrst Art Gallery

This is truly a great place to visit. Their website could certainly use some sprucing up, seems rather dull and boring but I assure you it is not. Specifically if you can get in when a high school is exhibiting there!

A bonus is that admission is free unless there is something "bigger" going on there, and the building is friendly, right down to the squeaky staircase. This gallery is nestled in a picturesque garden-style setting with a rail-path behind that overlooks the river. Be sure to walk down the hill to the trail for some great views afterwards.

Address: 20 Ava Road

Directions: Homedale Area.

Phone: (519) 756-5932

Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts

In all honesty, this is a gorgeous building, gorgeous interior and if you can sneak a show in you'll be more than pleased. Affordable and dazzling, this is a great place to catch an act.

Visit their website for schedules.

Some performances such as George Carlin, Yuk Yuks, Swamparella, Titanic the Musical and more.

Address: 88 Dalhousie Street

Directions: Uptown Brantford

Phone: 1-800-265-0710

Thriving Theatre, Arts & More

In my opinion, many Brantfordonians don't realize the thriving and vibrant events that take place in our city.

We have a population of under 100,000 - but we have so many shows going on it would make your head spin.

Take a look at the link I've provided and book yourself an event - or two or three! When coming in July, the Champions of Champions Pow-Wow is a must.

Address: Various.

Website: http://mail.brantford.ca/brantfordevents.nsf

Museum in the Square

I don't know why more hasn't been done to promote this museum. Perhaps because it is on the smaller side.

However, if you find yourself uptown Brantford take a wander into the former Eatons building (the Market Square) and to this fantastic museum. Most Brantfordians don't even know there it is there, but it is worth a look most definately!

Allow yourself about 20 minutes, and another 10 minutes for parking.

Museum is free, gift shop on site.

Address: 1 Market Square

Directions: On Colborne St, accross from the Brantford Public Library.

Phone: (519) 752-8578

Chapel of the Mohawks

The oldest Protestant Church in Ontario, and the only Royal Chapel outside the United Kingdom, Her Majesty's Chapel of the Mohawks, was built on the banks of the Grand River in 1785. It is a symbolic link between the Six Nations people and the Crown of England, and also acts as the final resting place for Captain Joseph Brant and his son John Brant.

A bummer, but there is no photography allowed inside for reasons unknown to me.

Address: 301 Mohawk Road

Phone: (519) 756-0240

Website: http://www.mohawkchapel.ca/

Woodland Cultural Centre

This is a terrific museum and gift shop that display our areas Iroquois & Algonquin culture!

This is probably THE place I would take someone if they were visiting Brantford, because it is our most exciting museum here. Sure everyone goes to the Bell Homestead, but the Woodland Cultural Museum is interactive and they have done a wonderful, detailed job on displays.

Their library and archives is spectacular, located on the premises in the old 'Mush Hole' a.k.a. former residential school. However, this area is often closed or not available to the public. If you are interested in Native American culture, call ahead and see if you can also book an appointment to use the library. Its fantastic.

Open Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Address: 184 Mohawk Street

Directions: Also located near the Mohawk Chapel.

Phone: 1-866-412-2202

Website: http://www.woodland-centre.on.ca

Kanata Village

Visit a 17th century Iroquoian village and Interpretive Centre, complete with longhouse and palisade. Listen to First Nations guides weave history as seen through our eyes. Half day, full day and overnight programs available. Restaurant and gift shop on-site. Located on Trans Canada Trail.

Address: 440 Mohawk Street

Phone: 1-888-503-5056

Website: http://www.kanatavillage.net/

Chiefswood National Historic Site

The birthplace and childhood home of Mohawk poet and performer, E. Pauline Johnson.

My grandmother used to give tours there as when she was younger - our family is part Six Nations Mohawk. A trip out to the Six Nations Reserve is well worth a stop at this homestead, which is reportedly haunted.

Hours
May to October:
Tuesday to Sunday 10AM to 3PM

October to May:
By Appointment Only

Admission
Adults - $3.00
Students - $2.00
Seniors & Children (12 and under) - Free

Address: Hwy. 54 Chiefswood Road

Directions: On website.

Phone: (519) 752-5005

Website: http://www.chiefswood.com

Alexander Graham Bell Homestead

No trip to Brantford can be really complete without visiting the Bell Homestead. This is the former home of Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone.

Tour the facility with staff who are dressed in 19th Century costumes and have a light lunch in the Homestead cafe, or, bring a lunch as picnic tables are nearby.

Cost: $4 adult
$3.25 students & seniors
Free for children under 6

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday
9:30am-4:30pm

Address: 94 Tutela Heights Road

Directions: Map provided on their website. All area locals will be able to point you in the right direction.

Phone: (519) 756-6220

Website: http://www.bellhomestead.on.ca/

Gorgeous Trails!

Brantford is home to some spectacular wooded trails. Among the best is just past West Brant, in Tutela Heights - also the area of the Alexander Graham Bell Homestead.

Park in the homestead parking lot and at the far end of the lot is an access point to the trail. You will have to walk about 5 minutes on the trail along the road but then you'll quickly find yourself on a lush wooded footpath.

You'll be given two options. You can hike the higher trail which will give you gorgeous views over the Grand River, or the slightly more rugged lower trail that will take you right near the waters edge.

If you're looking for more of a workout the lower trail is your best option. If you want a slightly challenging yet more even walk - the higher trail is your best bet, although children need to be much more supervised on the higher trail as there can be a few very sudden and steep drops.

The trail does not loop so you will be repeating your steps, but there are plenty of access points and maps along the way. This is a long trail that will take you past the Brantford Charity Casino about an hour and a half into the walk, and ends in the beautiful Lorne Bridge Park.

Address: Brantford - Tutela Heights Area