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Brant

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Brant pool and splash pad

COVID-19 Alert

The GRCA continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in Ontario. The health, safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers and the community remain our highest priority. Please visit our COVID-19 Update page where you will find the most up-to-date information on impacts to GRCA programs and services.

Brant Conservation Area 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.

Conservation area information

  • Season: Open for camping and day use from May 1 to October 15.
  • Hours: Open for day use from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • The gatehouse may not be open during all conservation area operating hours. When the gatehouse is closed, access the conservation area for day use through the automatic gate. You may use your Grand River Conservation Areas Membership or pay using your debit or credit card. 
    • Not all facilities are available during all conservation areas operating hours. 

Activities

Camping 

Campsites: Brant Conservation Area has 365 sites including 126 with electricity and water and 208 unserviced sites. There are also 31 sites with 30-amp electricity, water and sewer connection. 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: Six unserviced group campsites are available. Contact staff to make a reservation.

Seasonal sites: Please see our seasonal camping page for information on seasonal camp sites. 

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 pool 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 campsite on our camping reservation system.

Please read our Camping Reservation Policy.

Canoeing and kayaking

There are river access locations above and below Wilkes Dam. A marked portage is available to pass around Wilkes Dam. For more information on canoeing, please visit our Boating and Paddling page. 

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 conservation area. 

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

Cycling

Cyclists can enjoy themselves on conservation area 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 conservation area and connects to the Brantford trail network. From there you can follow trails to Hamilton and Port Dover.

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, with a splash pad area and a large deck perfect for lounging. There's a change house and picnic tables nearby.

  • The pool has an added entrance fee of $2 for those ages six and older.
  • It is open from June 18 to labour day. The hours are 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 7 days a week. 
  • Note: the pool will be closed June 22-23, 2022.
  • The food concession at the pool will be closed in 2022.

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. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution. 

Events and activities

There are no events scheduled at this time.

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 conservation area 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 conservation area 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 conservation area.

Food stand

The food concession stand will remain closed this season.

Playgrounds and sports fields

The conservation area 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 conservation area 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 conservation area. 

Waste and recycling

Garbage containers are located throughout the conservation area and will be emptied as frequently as possible, however people are reminded to visit responsibly and if garbage bins are full, to take their waste with them and dispose of it at home. 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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