Our Good Nature

View the new Best of Brant Outdoors Brochure and see what's Nearby and Natural!
Contact Us to order a copy via mail

Brant County has some of the most pristine wildlife and natural throughout Southern Ontario! We also have fantastic fast water kayaking and tranquil canoeing. Our variety of trails provide for leisurely strolls or fast-paced mountain biking excursions! A combination of boardwalk, rail trails and groomed wilderness trails make for a great escape to the country!

Trails
There are plenty of excellent trails available in Brant County for outdoor enthusiasts. The trails offer the pristine beauty of untouched forests, the Grand River, rolling farmland and plenty of resident wildlife. Some of the most popular trails are the Trans Canada Trail, the SC Johnson Trail, and the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail. Neighboring communities are linked to the County of Brant by a variety of multi-purpose trails. For detailed information or trails specific to your interests please Contact Us and enter your area of interest in the "Other" field and more information can be mailed to you.

The Cambridge to Paris Rail-Trail is owned and operated by the Grand River Conservation Authority and follows the old railbed of the Lake Erie and Northern Railway between the City of Cambridge to the Town of Paris. When it was opened the trail was one of the first Ontario abandoned rail lines to be converted to recreational trail use. The Cambridge to Paris Rail-Trail was opened in 1994, and was the first section on the Trans Canada Trail built in this part of southern Ontario. For more information on this trail and others visit the Grand River Conservation Authority Website or view the PDF version of the trail brochure including map.

Trails Take Flight
Trails Take Flight is a project of Grand River Country, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and the Guelph Field Naturalist Club. Visit the website to request a brochure in paper form, or virtually zoom in and click on the map to discover detailed trail maps and information about the 20 hottest birding trails in the Grand River Watershed. One of our area's best kept secrets!

The Grand River
Learn more about the Grand River at the Great Canadian Rivers website or the Grand River Country website

Journey The Grand - Our new, colourful brochure is a guide to GRCA parks and nearby communities featuring River Activities, camping, and family activities.

The Grand River, a Canadian Heritage River, flows through Brant County and provides visitors with tremendous venue for canoeing, kayaking, rafting, fishing, and so much more!

A beginner can enjoy aguided canoe or kayak opportunity on the Grand River, or take a raft to drift down as you enjoy the scenery. Between the months of June to September, the Grand is a superb venue for a leisurely trip. Guides can accompany you on your trip and are also available for instruction.

The pro will appreciate the dynamics of the Grand throughout different seasons. As soon as the ice melts, and spring is in the air... the pro kayaker will enjoy the fast water of the Grand River. The Nith River (which meets the Grand in the town of Paris) also provides for fast water experiences.

There are three outdoor adventure companies operating on the Grand river: two in Paris and one in Brantford available to assist you with your trip.

Grand Experiences Canoe and Kayak Outfitters - Paris
Heritage River Canoe & Kayak - Brantford
Grand River Rafting Company - Paris

Grand River Dinner Cruises
For those of you that enjoy luxury on the Grand River, Brant County offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience aboard a Grand River Dinner Cruises! Open throughout the summer for lunch and sunset dinner cruises.

Fishing on the Grand River
The novice or avid fisherman can expect to find a great variety of game fish and other species in the Grand River. Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike, Catfish and Carp will all challenge anglers fishing in these waters.

The coldwater tributaries and groundwater provide a habitat for Brook, Brown and Rainbow trout to spawn and thrive.

For fishing regulations consult the Ministry of Natural Resources website

The County of Brant is proud to showcase the Exceptional Waters area of the Grand River with runs between Penman's Dam in Paris to the Cockshutt Bridge in Brantford. The designation of Exceptional Waters applies to Rivers and Lakes of outstanding quality that are managed as a community resource providing quality outdoors experiences while promoting environmental sustainability.

View a copy of the Exceptional Waters Map with trail, parking, and river access points.

Grand River Rafting Float Fishing Trips - Experience guided drift boats for bass & steelhead floats on the Grand & Nith River near Paris. Fly fishing or spin cast... with four routes to choose from. We have tackle rental, riverside campsites and local guides. A 5-6 hour fishing adventure.

Wilson's Fly Fishing - Discover Fly Fishing! Contact us for fishing gear & accessories plus information on guided float trips, classes, and group events for your Grand River experience.

Long Point Eco-Adventures
Experience a breathtaking adventure on ziplines and suspension bridges on the edge of the UNESCO designated Long Point World Biosphere. Experience spectacular aerial views of protected forests, deep ravines, marshlands, wildlife and all-natural habitats. Only a short drive from the County of Brant! www.lpfun.ca

Flora and Fauna
Did you know that over 120 bird species can be found along the Grand River from Paris to Cambridge? A bird lovers delight!

Long Point Conservation Authority

Grand River Conservation Authority
Visit the GRCA website to learn more about the fantastic conservation areas located within Brant County!

Each area offers 4-seasons of outdoor fun whether swimming, fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, camping… there’s something for everyone!

If you would like to submit your information for consideration on the County of Brant website, please email us.