Fun Things to do With Your Family That Won’t Break the Bank
If you’re looking to give your family fun things to do year round that won’t break the bank try coming to the Brantford and Brant County area. Brantford and Brant County are just 100 km west of Toronto and 80 km east of London, Ontario and are easily accessible from highways 401 and 403. What makes this beautiful area so attractive is that it is just and hour or so drive from both of Toronto, London and Kitchener/Waterloo. The colorful communities of Paris and St George are located in Brant County and offer some wonderful curiosity shops for browsing or that perfect gift.
One thing this area is noted for is the beautiful and historic Grand River which flows through Paris and Brantford. The Grand is renowned for some of the best fishing and paddling in Ontario, so don’t forget the fishing pole. There are many public access points along the Grand River that offer free parking so you can have a fun day fishing for Bass, Walleye, Rainbow Trout, Pike and Steel Head. Great resource books that are available at most libraries and large book stores like Chapters and Coles Books are Fishing the Grand River and Paddling the Grand River (published by the Grand River Conservation Authority). These books are also available from local canoe, kayak and raft trip outfitters such as Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company. The books have great maps which show the public access points and Paddling the Grand River even has GPS waypoints marked on the map’s to make them even easier to find with a GPS etc. It is good to have the Ontario Fishing Regulations with you as there are some spots with restrictions on them. Guided fishing trips are also available from area canoe, kayak and raft trip outfitters.
The Trans Canada Trail passes through both the village of Paris and Brantford. In fact Brantford is a hub for the Trans Canada Trail system as the trail comes in from Hamilton from the east, Cambridge from the north and Lake Erie from the south. All three trails intersect at Brant’s Crossing in Brantford. In and around Brantford there are almost 40 km of hiking and biking trails offering some fantastic views of the Grand River and the rare Carolinian Forest that the Grand River majestically winds through. The brand new Bodega Inn is located just 4 blocks from Brant’s Crossing and is a great place to spend the night if you are looking for that total Eco adventure and have mountain biked or hiked from Paris or Hamilton or used public transportation such as the Via train or Grey Hound bus. Multi day canoe, kayak and raft trips are available and the Bodega Inn is a great place to rest after an exhilarating day in the great outdoors. Ask about a reduced room rate when booking with a canoe, kayak raft or bike trip outfitter.
Brantford lies on the main Via Rail line from Windsor to Toronto and Montreal so if you don’t have a vehicle you can catch the train or the Grey Hound bus. The train station is approximately 2 km from Brant’s Crossing and the bus station only 1 km.
There are B&B’s and a hotel within a couple of blocks of both the Via train and bus stations as well as the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts. Some canoe, kayak and raft trip outfitters also offer weekend pick ups at both the Via train station and bus station. Arrangements can also be made for group pick up 7 days per week at both the Via station and bus station when booking a trip with them. Contact Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company for more details.
By far one of the most tranquil ways to enjoy the Grand River and Grand River watershed is by canoe, kayak or raft. The Grand River is known as the “highway of the Iroquois” and when you dip your paddle into its waters you really get the feeling that you are paddling with those who have gone before.
The stretch of river between Paris and Brantford has been designated as “Exceptional Waters” and as you paddle this beautiful stretch of the Grand River you will see why. The steep valley that you paddle through is lined with Carolinian Forest which is now very rare to Canada, the largest and one of the last remaining sections can be found between Cambridge and Brantford, Ontario. The banks in summer months are also lined with wildflowers making for a colourful trip. If you like to view wildlife you will not be disappointed. The river banks abound with Whitetail Deer, Fox, Blue Herons, Mink and Beaver to name a few. The Grand is a bird watchers paradise too. From December through April Bald Eagles frequent these waters. Outfitters such as Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company offer nature hikes year round including Eagle watches in January thru March. The Grand River Conservation Authority also operates the Apps Mill Nature Centre which has a wonderful interpretive centre with many of the area’s wildlife and insect life on display.
When the winter is cold and if there is snow on the ground you can cross country ski and snow shoe the area trails. Trail maps can be ordered from Tourism Brantford 519.751.9900 or area trip outfitters.
Spring, summer and fall are great seasons to visit the Grand River watershed with beautiful wildflowers through spring and summer and spectacular Carolinian fall colors in October. The Globe and Mail has written articles on where to view the most scenic fall colours, mentioning the Grand River along with the Agawa Canyon, Halliburton Highlands and Algonquin Provincial Park.
Within Brantford and Brant County there are many hotels, B&B’s and campgrounds for that extended weekend. Some hotels such as the Best Western Brant Park Inn offer discounts when booking through area attractions such Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company. Camping is also available at Grand River Conservation Area run parks such as Brant Conservation Area.
Just outside Brant County located on the Six Nations Indian Reserve is Cheifswood Trailer Park, Cheifswood is also located on the banks of the Grand River and was the home of native poetess Pauline Johnson author of “the song my paddle sings”.
So when you are planning fun things to do this summer with your family and friends that won’t break the bank come give Brantford, Brant County and the Grand River a try and see why we’re one of the best outdoor experiences around.
About the Author
Since 1999, Adam Fernley and his family have owned and operated the Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company on the beautiful and historic Grand River in Southern Ontario, just one hour west of Toronto. Since opening, Heritage River has been able to provide thousands of people with safe, fun and educational canoe, kayak and raft trips on the near wilderness of the Grand River Watershed. They have always provided their customers with the best outdoor experiences possible. Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company offers a full outfitting and shuttle service.
We’re not the largest outfitter on the Grand… Just the best!