ACTIVITIES
Camping
Campsites: Brant Conservation area has 401 camping sites including 126 with electricity and water, 31 with electricity (30 amp), water and sewer connection (mainly occupied seasonally), and 244 unserviced sites. A radio-free zone has 30 sites in a forested area. Up to six people are permitted per campsite. Check-in is after 2 p.m. and check-out is before noon.
Reserve a site: Sites can be booked online or by calling toll-free 1-877-558-GRCA (4722).
Maps showing the campground area and location of the campsites can be found by clicking the 'online' link above. Please review our Camping Reservation Policy prior to making your reservation.
Group camping: Seven group campsites can be booked for supervised youth groups or large gatherings that exceed 10 camping units. Group sites are available only by reservation through area staff.
Monthly & seasonal campers: Please call the conservation area directly to reserve your monthly or seasonal site.
Fees: Daily, monthly and seasonal rates are available. Click here for fee information.
Firewood: Firewood can be purchased at the gatehouse.
Alcohol: Alcohol is permitted on registered campsites, except for a total alcohol ban on the Victoria Day and Labour Day long weekends.
Waste: Recycling bins are provided in the campgrounds and at the dumping station. Garbage containers are placed throughout the campgrounds and garbage bags are provided to campers upon arrival. Please deposit refuse in the bins as there is no collection directly from campsites.
Canoeing
Brant Conservation Area is a popular spot with canoeists and kayakers. Many people who travel down the Grand River spend a night camping here. There are several locations to put your canoe into the water above and below Wilkes Dam. A marked portage is available to pass around Wilkes Dam.
Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the area. For more information inquire at the gatehouse or at the canoe concession.
The Brant Conservation Area canoe concession is operated by a Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company, Brantford. Phone 519-758-0761 or toll free 1-866-GO CANOE (1-866-462-2663) or visit www.heritageriver.com.
For more information on canoeing in the Grand River watershed,
please click here.
Fishing
Anglers can fish from shore or a canoe. Downstream from Wilkes Dam is a popular spot. Whitemans Creek,
which offers great fly-fishing opportunities for rainbow and brown trout, is a short distance away.
Pike, pickerel and bass are some common species.
Click here for more information on fishing in the Grand River
watershed.
Hiking
Grass trails along the river bank and through natural areas offer a chance for wildlife viewing inside the conservation area.
The S. C. Johnson Rail Trail, linking Paris and Brantford, runs beside the conservation area.
For more information on Grand River trails, including the S.C. Johnson Rail Trail, please click here.
Cycling
Cyclists will be interested in the trail network including the S.C.
Johnson rail trail.
Swimming
Brant Conservation area is home to one of the province's largest swimming pools. The supervised and treated 1.25-acre pool
is ideal for children. It is open between the second weekend in June and Labour Day. Hours vary through the season and lifeguards
are on duty at all times. The pool is closed during inclement weather.
A life-jacket loaner program is available.
Picnicking
Picnic tables and waste containers are available throughout the day use area.
Visitor Services
Throughout the summer, visitor services offers programs for families and children.
These include crafts, movie nights, campfires, garage sales, corn roasts, colouring contests and various open games.
Activities are posted at various locations throughout the conservation area.
FACILITIES
Gatehouse
Please visit the gatehouse for information inquires, lost and found articles, purchasing firewood or ice, pay phone and to report problems or concerns.
Group facilities
Brant Conservation Area is a popular spot for group events, such as family reunions, corporate picnics and weddings. The Area offers two picnic pavilions and five picnic areas. These facilities can meet the needs of groups as small as 40 to several hundred people. Please contact park staff directly to reserve for your event.
Please click here to view pictures and read more about these and other group rental facilities in our conservation areas or call conservation area staff directly.
Washrooms
There are three main washrooms with flush toilets and showers, and the Hawthorn washroom is handicap accessible.
Vault type toilets are located throughout the conservation area for your convenience.
Concession
The food stand, located near the pool, offers French fries, hamburgers, ice cream, pop and candy. It is open from mid-June to Labour Day and hours vary. The concession is closed during inclement weather.
Sports and fun
The conservation area offers areas for family picnicking, games, baseball, kite flying, an open games area
and play areas for children.
Boat Launch
There are several locations to launch your canoe into the water above and below Wilkes dam. The depth of the Grand River at Brant Conservation Area varies and the operation of power boats is not recommended. Jet skis are not permitted to launch at Brant Conservation Area.
The "Exceptional Waters" launch located off the entry road, offers access to the Grand River below Wilkes dam without admission fee. This launch is only available when the conservation area is open.
OTHER
Events calendar
Many conservation areas and nature centres host special events and family fun. Click
for our online events
calendar.
Dog Policy
Pets are allowed in the conservation area, but not in the swimming area and they must be kept on a 2-metre leash
and controlled at all times. 'Stoop and Scoop' applies. Pit bull owners must contact the City of Brantford
regarding pit bull by-law restrictions.
Tourism/Services
Brant Conservation Area is central to the historic communities of Brantford, Brant County and the two
First Nations communities of the Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the New Credit.
All services including shopping, hardware stores, gasoline, grocery and pharmacies are in Brantford.
The closest hospital emergency room is Brantford General Hospital, approximately 10 minutes from the conservation area at 200 Terrace Hill Street, Brantford.
Links:
Brantford Tourism
Brant County Tourism
Six Nations Tourism
Grand River Country
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