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Brant

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Boys walking along edge of pool at Brant Park on sunny day.

Brant Park is nestled in a bend of the Grand River amid the historic communities of Brantford and Brant County, and just a few minutes away from the First Nations territories of the Six Nations and Mississaugas of the New Credit.

It makes a great home base for campers who want to explore this historic part of Ontario. It is also popular for anglers, hikers, bikers and canoeists. Swimmers can enjoy sun and fun at the 1.25-acre swimming pool.

Park info

  • Season: Open daily from May 1 to October 15 for day use and camping.
  • Hours: Open for day use from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Not all facilities, including the gatehouse, are available during all park hours. Call the park for info.)

Activities

Camping 

Campsites: Brant Park has 401 sites including 126 with electricity and water and 246 unserviced sites. There are also 31 sites with 30-amp electricity, water and sewer connection, mainly occupied by seasonal campers. Radio-free sites are available. Up to six people are permitted per campsite. Check-in is after 2 p.m. and checkout is before noon.

Group camping: Seven group campsites are available for supervised youth groups or large gatherings that require a minimum of five camping units. Contact park staff to make a reservation.

Seasonal sites: Please contact the park directly to inquire about seasonal site availability. 

Alcohol and Cannabis: Alcohol is permitted only on registered campsites. Cannabis is permitted on campsites and in open spaces. Smoking of cannabis is not permitted near playgrounds or in the beach area. A total alcohol and cannabis ban is in effect on the Victoria Day and Labour Day weekends (Thursday at noon to Tuesday at noon).

Radio free areas: Campsites 164 to 167

Book a site online or call 1-877-558-GRCA (4722)

Please read our Camping Reservation Policy.

Canoeing

There are river access locations above and below Wilkes Dam. A marked portage is available to pass around Wilkes Dam.

Rental canoes are available at the canoe concession operated by Grand River Rafting Company. Rentals are available daily until the park closes. They will also handle longer trips between communities along the Grand. Visit their site in the park or call 519-442-2519. 

Fishing
Anglers can fish from shore or a canoe for pike, pickerel and bass. 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.

Hiking

Grass trails along the riverbank and through natural areas offer a chance for wildlife viewing inside the park. The map in the park brochure shows the trails.

The S. C. Johnson Rail Trail, linking Paris and Brantford, runs beside the park and connects to the Brantford trail network.

Cycling

Cyclists can enjoy themselves on park roads. Please obey the rules of the road and, for your safety, wear a helmet.

The S. C. Johnson Rail Trail, linking Paris and Brantford, runs beside the park and connects to the Brantford trail network. From there you can follow trails to Hamilton and Port Dover.

Swimming

Brant Park is home to one of the province's largest swimming pools. The supervised and treated 1.25-acre pool is ideal for children, with a splash pad area and a large deck perfect for lounging.

It is open mid-June to Labour Day. In 2019, the hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (June 15-28), and 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (June 29 to Labour Day). The pool entrance fee is $2 for those ages six and older.

The pool closes during inclement weather. Lifeguards are on duty whenever the pool is open.

A life jacket loaner program is available. Use of the life jackets is free. Ask at the pool house for information.

 

Pool Admission and Supervision Policy

To ensure that children have a safe and enjoyable swimming experience, Brant Park has implemented a Pool Admission and Supervision Policy. This policy is based on the age of the child, and a facility swim test that is administered by a lifeguard. The swim test consists of swimming 30 metres continuously.

 

Red wristbandsClick to see the pool sign

  • Children five and under must wear a red wristband, and must be within arm's reach of a supervising caregiver at all times. The caregiver must be at least 16 years old.
  • Six- to nine-year-olds who do not take the facility swim test or who do not pass it, must also be within arm's reach of a supervising caregiver at all times. The caregiver must be at least 16 years old.

Green wristbands

  • Children six to nine years old who pass the 30 metre facility swim test may swim without direct supervision; however, a caregiver who is at least 16 years old must be in the pool or the pool viewing area.

Supervision

  • Children 10 and up are not required to take a swim test or wear a wristband. However, all children under 12 years of age must be accompanied in the pool or pool viewing area by a caregiver who is at least 16 years old.
  • More information is on this sign that is posted by the pool (pdf).

Picnicking
Picnic tables and waste containers are available throughout the day use area. Day-use visitors may use barbecues for cooking purposes in designated picnic areas. Visitors are reminded that conditions remain very dry. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution. 

Events and activities
Brant Park offers campers and day use visitors the chance to participate in fun activities, ranging from movie nights to nature hikes. For information, see posters in the park or check the online Events Calendar.

Facilities

Gatehouse
Buy ice and firewood or use the payphone at the gatehouse. It is the place to go to get further information about the park and report any problems or concerns.

Group facilities
Two picnic pavilions and five picnic areas are suitable for groups ranging from 40 to several hundred for family reunions, corporate picnics, weddings and other events. Contact park staff to reserve a group facility. More information is available on our Group Facilities page.

Washrooms
There are three main washrooms with flush toilets and showers. The building in the Hawthorn area is wheelchair accessible. Vault toilets are located throughout the park.

Food stand

The food stand near the pool offers fast food, ice cream and snacks. It is open from mid-June to Labour Day. Hours vary. The stand closes during inclement weather.

Playgrounds and sports fields
The park has three playgrounds as well as large fields suitable for baseball, group games, kite flying and other activities.

Boat launch
There are several places to put a canoe or kayak into the river within the park above Wilkes Dam. There is also a launch located off the entry road, which provides access to the river below Wilkes Dam. The river is too shallow for powerboats. Jet skis cannot launch from the park. 

Waste and recycling
Garbage containers are located throughout the campgrounds. Recycling bins are located in the campgrounds and at the dumping station. Please use the bins, as there is no collection from the campsites.

Dog policy 

Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than two metres and under control at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the pool area. Please clean up after your dog. Dog owners can be fined if these regulations are not followed.

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