Before the school work begins to pile up to your ceiling and the weather is too frigid to wander around the city, you may want to spend your weekends visiting some impressive but perhaps lesser-known locations in Brantford.
Brantford Twin Valley Zoo – Did you know that there is a zoo in Brantford? I am not referring to African Lion Safari located in Cambridge, Ontario, but instead the Brantford Twin Valley Zoo. Located on approximately 25 acres of land including nearly 5 acres of woodland, the zoo is home to animals from different areas of the world including the black swan, baboons, flamingos, lions, zebras, tigers, jaguars and wolves. In addition, nature trails run through the woodlands, giving the chance to make a day at the zoo.
84 Langford Church Road
Phone: (519)-752-0607
Brantwood Farms – Since 1981, this local farm has provided locals with fresh produce and baked goods. On site they grow and sell about 20 different fruits and vegetables, many of which are available during the autumn when students are returning to Brantford, including fall favourites like apples and pumpkins. They also have a homemade bakery in their country market, which includes 10 different types of pies, dumplings, bread and donuts. Once October rolls around, they host a fall festival that includes activities such as hay rides, a corn maze, a haunted hay maze, obstacle course, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin putt, a chance to pick your own apples or pumpkins. Oh, and some tasty autumn cooking, of course.
251 Powerline Road
(519)-759-4383
The Bell Homestead – Considered by Alexander Graham Bell to be his ‘thinking place’, Brantford is the place where he imagined and planned the first ‘speaking telephone’. The homestead pays tribute to one of history’s greatest inventors. The house has been renovated to its 1870-style appearance and tours are provided to the general public by guides dressed in 19th century-style costumes and who recreate what life was like during that period.
94 Tutela Heights Rd
Phone: (519) 756-6220
Blue Dog Coffee Roasters – Already tired of Tim Horton’s coffee and William’s sandwiches? Decorated by local art and located in Brantford’s historical Dufferin district, the Blue Dog offers a soothing yet friendly environment, a superb assortment of hot drinks, delicious food and frequent events.
199 Brant Avenue
Phone: (519)-512-0022
Wilkes Dam – A great spot for hiking, canoeing or kayaking, picnicking, taking photographs or fishing, this spot is a must for outdoor enthusiasts. This section of the Grand River is also known for its array of water wildlife including smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, rainbow trout and brown trout. Parking can be found off of Powerline Road.
Woodland Cultural Centre – Located on the Six Nations Reserve in Brantford, it was established in October 1972 as the Mohawk Institute, a residential school for aboriginal children. It now functions as a First Nations educational and cultural center which includes a museum and gallery.
184 Mohawk Street
Phone: (519)759-2650
