10+ Things to do in Brant County – from History to Hiking
My drive into Ontario’s Brant County took me along a picturesque winding road. Running alongside the historic Grand River, and under a canopy lush green trees, I slowed my pace. I was flush with excitement to finally visit Paris – voted Canada’s prettiest small town. But little did I know the wealth of things to do in Brant County.
Beyond the sweet, river-side town of Paris, Brant County is massive. At over 840 square kilometres, Brant County is home to charming small towns, scenic drives, fun and fabulous shops, nature at its finest, and history around every turn. Bursting with old world charm, it’s no surprise that TV shows like Handmaid’s Tale and Murdoch Mysteries have been filmed here
In this post, I’ll be showcasing the best of Brant County, from history to hiking trails. And sharing the 10 best things to do in Brant County!
Top Things to do in Brant County for History Buffs
Sunnyside in St. George
Heritage Driving Tour
Looking for a great weekend trip? Then Brant County is perfect for you! And one of the best ways to experience Brant County and all of its history is by taking their Heritage Driving Tour. Their extensive self-guided driving tour is all laid out for you in a detailed pamphlet. While it is divided up into townships, you can choose to explore one or two, or you can enjoy the whole tour in entirety.
On the Heritage Driving Tour of Brant County, you’ll discover historic buildings and sites, as well as learn about the people behind them. While some lean towards local historic importance, others will wow you with their significance to Canadian history. All of the things to do in Brant County I’ve listed below are a part of the tour.
A few other must stops on the Heritage Driving Tour include; Sunnyside in St. George – originally a doctor’s mansion built in 1888, Permarvian in Paris – built in 1845 by Hiram Capron, the founder of Paris, and the Grand River. A great place to view the Grand River is in Glen Morris. Park along Glen Morris Road W or at the Half-Way Café to wander across the bridge. Here you’ll find sweeping views of the mighty Grand River. It is one of eleven heritage rivers in Ontario.
Related Post: Charming Ontario Small Towns You’ll Fall in Love With
Learn about Telephone History
As we buzz around with our mobiles an extension of us consider a stop for telephone history. And it happened right here in Brant County. On the corner of Grand River Street N & William Street in downtown Paris be sure to stop on the south-east corner. Here you’ll find a plaque. It was here that the World’s first long-distance telephone call was received!
Back in 1876, it was a race to see who would stake their claim on the telephone, between Gray, Edison, and Bell. But did you know that Alexander Graham Bell was staying right here in Ontario at the time? On August 10, 1876 Bell’s first long-distance phone call was received at what was then Robert White Shoe Store in Paris, Ontario. It might not have been the long distance we think of today, as it was received from Brantford, Ontario, only around 10 kilometres. But this was huge and history-making at the time!
Malcolm’s Mills in Oakland
One of the surprising parts of my visit was a stop in Oakland. We stood, in what seemed to be a standard field that is probably used as an event space. But little did I know the depth of the history that took place below my feet.
It was here that the last battle of the War of 1812 took place on Canadian soil by Canadians. It was startling to think that this was where Canada, as a nation, last stood against a foreign invading power. With McArthur and around 700 Americans against the some 150 Canadian forces after a brave fight they were sadly overwhelmed.
But the spirit lives on and there are still re-enactments every year. And for any history buff, a visit to Malcolm’s Mills is one of the top things to do in Brant County.
Cobblestone Houses of Paris
Nowhere else in Ontario will you find this many cobblestone buildings. There are over a dozen structures, from churches to homes and even cobblestone garden walls. This artful masonry work was brought here by the famous New York architect Levi Boughton. He chose rounded, lake washed, cobblestones to create these works of art, of which it would take from 14,000 up to 35,000 stones.
And one of the top things to do in Brant County is taking a tour of these Cobblestone Houses. Part walking and part driving tour, you can pick up one of their brochures that will lead you from one to the next, with write-ups on each one’s history.
A few must-see ones are; Hamilton Court – a three storey Neo-Classical built in 1844, Sowden House – originally a doctor’s apothecary shop with a striking curved corner wall built in the 1840’s, and St. James Anglican Church – built in 1839 it is the oldest of the cobblestone buildings.
Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead
Adelaide Hunter was born in 1857, in Brant County’s St. George. She was a mother, a family woman, socialite, and so much more! She left a lasting legacy in her hometown and across Canada. Addie, as she was known, was a Canadian educational reformer who founded the Women’s Institute, an international women’s organization known. She also helped introduce domestic science teaching into Ontario schools, among other great accomplishments.
And during your Brant County visit you can visit her childhood home, the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead. It is a National Historic Site. A wander around the 19th-century farmhouse, turned small museum, will give you a glimpse into her life, her passion, and her legacy.
Mount Pleasant Historical Walking Tour
On a beautiful day there’s nothing like enjoying a pleasant walking tour around a small town. And Brant County’s Mount Pleasant Historical Walking Tour is a great one. Mount Pleasant was an affluent and very cultured little place in the early 1800s. Home to everything from inns to mills and schools to prosperous farms.
The walking tour takes you around the village and past 23 significant homes, churches and sites. Even the road you follow is part of the Long Point Trail, an old Indian trail stretching from the Grand River to Lake Erie.
A few key places include; the Telephone Test Commemorative Plaque – where the first successful test of a telephone between two communities happened, the Hardy Store/Devlin’s Bistro – the birthplace of Arthur Sturgis Hardy (Ontario’s fourth Premier), built in 1834, and the plaque honouring Dr. Emily Stowe and her daughter Dr. Augusta Stowe Gullen – Emily was the first woman to practice medicine in Canada and her daughter went on to become the first woman to graduate in medicine from a Canadian university.
Experience the Best Trails in Brant County
Beyond the history, there is immense natural beauty in Brant County. But that said, even their hiking trails are full of history. And for any nature addict, one of the top things to do in Brant County is go hiking! Brant County’s trail system offers over 70 kilometres of trails, over 40 parks, and endless opportunities for adventure.
Hike the Rail Trails
Whether you’re looking for an epic hike or a short day one, Brant County is home to a huge swath of the Trans Canada Trail (The Great Trail). Most of the Trans Canada Trail through Ontario runs over old railway lines. And Brant County has a few great segments of these rail trails that follow the old Lake Erie and Northern Railway line.
There’s the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail that runs 18 kilometres. This is one of the best Grand River trails and can be completed by foot or bike. The trail runs along the Grand River, offering spectacular views throughout, as well as through incredible Carolinian Forest.
Another section is the SC Johnson Trial that runs 14 kilometres from Paris to Brantford. This trail will take you through everything from rare prairie grasslands to along roadways. But like the rest of the Rail Trail there are several stunning lookouts.
Make sure you have everything you need for a great hike! Here’s your hiking must-haves packing list!
Hike Mount Pleasant Nature Park
To me, Mount Pleasant Nature Park is the perfect little gem. While there are a historic hatchery and three fish ponds on site, it’s easy to feel a world away from it all. This 23 acre park is home to a plethora of wildlife, from beaver to deer and foxes to frogs, as well as an array of birds, including a resident horned owl.
But the sweet meandering trails will sweep you away into a trance. Hike under a canopy of trees, past the wild raspberries, and just soak it all in. There are three short trails, the Thompson Trail, Haight Mill Loop, and the Racey Ridge Loop. The park even backs onto the Trans Canada Trail.
Related Post: Top Hiking Trails in Canada
Hike Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area
Located in the northern part of the county, Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area covers nearly 500 acres. It’s a great place to spend the day with family or enjoy hiking their 10 kilometres of trails. Home to a large kettle lake, sandy beach, and mature Carolinian forest, Pinehurst Lake is also a birder’s dream park, with over 100 bird species recorded.
With trails winding through Carolinian forest that is rare in Canada, you might spot tulip and coffee trees that can only be found in this part of southern Ontario. Trails are well maintained, with benches along the way, and even lookouts rewarding hikers with stunning views.
The Conservation Area is part of Grand River Conservation Authority and the day use park fee is $7.
BONUS Things to do in Brant County
Get on the Grand River
You can’t leave without getting on the Grand River. It’s one of the top things to do in Brant County! The Grand River, along with four tributaries (the Nith, Conestogo, Eramosa and Speed rivers), in 1994 were designated Canadian Heritage Rivers. It is the largest watershed in Southern Ontario and a hotspot for fishermen with around 80 species of fish. From paddling your canoe to joining a tour to jump on a raft, the adventures to be had on the Grand River are plentiful!
Explore Nearby Small Towns
Brant County is full of charming small towns! And whether you’re looking for a great day trip from Toronto or the perfect destination for an unforgettable Ontario road trip, Brant County is ideal. There’s Paris, the prettiest little town in Ontario, full of history, the Grand River, and great shops and restaurants.
Other charming small towns to visit include; St. George and Glen Morris.
Other counties in Ontario that are full of things to do:
Perth County – Great county for families and those who love the outdoors. There are tons of things to do in Perth County, from parks and hiking trails to charming small towns and plenty of great food options!
Muskoka – This is so much more than a summer destination! There are plenty of great places to hike in Muskoka, fun festivals, charming small towns, and other fabulous things to do!
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