Situated on the picturesque Grand River, the city of Brantford is located in the heart of Southern Ontario, with direct access to Hwy. 403 and close proximity to other major highways, rail lines and three major Canadian ports of entry (Windsor, Toronto and Niagara Falls). For visitors Brantford is an easy-to-find destination for day trips and weekend getaways.
Brantford is known as the Telephone City. Inventor Alexander Graham Bell brought fame to Brantford when he invented the telephone here on July 26th, 1874, and made the first-ever long distance call on August 10th, 1876. The Homestead, which provided the stage for this invention, is a National Historic Site. It has been restored to appear as it was in Bell’s day, and has welcomed visitors from around the world - including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II- since 1910.
Proud to be the hometown of “the Great One,” Wayne Gretzky, Brantford is a city where amateur and minor sports are an integral part of community life.
Brantford boasts over 40 kilometres of natural trails, including a four-season stretch of the Trans Canada Trail. This network of beautifully maintained trails links us to the cities of Cambridge and Hamilton, and provides a great place for hikers, bikers and nature enthusiasts. Also a city known for gorgeous gardens and lush park settings, Brantford is a proud winner of the ‘Best Bloomin’ City Award,’ and is committed to keeping the city in full bloom from spring through fall.
The City of Brantford is host to some of the longest-running festivals in Canada. Visit us each summer and experience the International Villages Festival, a local celebration of various countries around the world, and a Brantford tradition for over 30 years.