Trails

Most trails within Brantford’s city limits are open. The public is reminded that ATV's, e-bikes and motorized bikes are not permitted on trails. Motorized wheelchairs and scooters used for accessibility are allowed. Bicycles and leashed dogs are also permitted.

Our trail system connects Brantford to other nearby cities including Port Dover, Hamilton, Paris, and beyond. Trails are paved or have a stone surface and are great for running, biking, or hiking. Please note that our trails are not maintained in the winter months and must be used at your own risk.

Trail map

Check our trail map for an overview of our trail system and washroom locations.

Trail closures

Sometimes we have to close our trails to ensure everyone's safety.

Gilkinson Flats Trail
Closed due to water levels; closed under the Veterans Memorial Parkway to the picnic shelter on Mt. Pleasant Road.
Waterworks Riverside Trail
Closed due to water levels; closed from the stairs at Wilkes Dam up until the accessibility ramp at Waterworks Park.
S.C Johnson Trail and Dike Trail closures
Beginning March 5, 2025, until approximately October 31, 2025, the following Trails and Parks will be closed for construction: Brant’s Crossing Bridge over the Grand River Fordview Park including a portion of the Dyke Trail from Fordview Court to the Lorne Bridge/Colborne St W Brant’s Crossing Park between the TH&B Bridge to the Lorne Bridge/Colborne St W including the S.C. Johnson Trail and a portion of the Dike Trail – the Skate Park remains open The public is asked to avoid construction areas for their safety during the trail and park closures and follow the posted detour routes for pedestrians and cyclists. The map below identifies the areas of parks and trails that are closed for construction as well as the detour routes for pedestrians and cyclists. Both the Lorne Bridge (Colborne St W) and TH&B Bridge will remain open for pedestrian and cyclist traffic impacted by the trail closures. Additional information can be found on the project page for the Brant’s Crossing Bridge Replacement. Thank you for your patience during construction.
Canal Bridge (Drummond Street to Greenwich Street)
The bridge at the canal from Drummond Street to Greenwich Street is closed due to poor conditions.
Bridge (Connecting Jaycee Park to Beaver Crescent)
The bridge at the path connecting Jaycee Park to Beaver Crescent is closed due to poor conditions.

Gilkinson Flats Trail

Closed due to water levels; closed under the Veterans Memorial Parkway to the picnic shelter on Mt. Pleasant Road.

Waterworks Riverside Trail

Closed due to water levels; closed from the stairs at Wilkes Dam up until the accessibility ramp at Waterworks Park.

S.C Johnson Trail and Dike Trail closures

Beginning March 5, 2025, until approximately October 31, 2025, the following Trails and Parks will be closed for construction:

Brant’s Crossing Bridge over the Grand River
Fordview Park including a portion of the Dyke Trail from Fordview Court to the Lorne Bridge/Colborne St W
Brant’s Crossing Park between the TH&B Bridge to the Lorne Bridge/Colborne St W including the S.C. Johnson Trail and a portion of the Dike Trail – the Skate Park remains open

The public is asked to avoid construction areas for their safety during the trail and park closures and follow the posted detour routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

The map below identifies the areas of parks and trails that are closed for construction as well as the detour routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

S.C Johnson Trail and Dyke Trail Closures

Both the Lorne Bridge (Colborne St W) and TH&B Bridge will remain open for pedestrian and cyclist traffic impacted by the trail closures.

Additional information can be found on the project page for the Brant’s Crossing Bridge Replacement.

Thank you for your patience during construction.

Canal Bridge (Drummond Street to Greenwich Street)

The bridge at the canal from Drummond Street to Greenwich Street is closed due to poor conditions.

Bridge (Connecting Jaycee Park to Beaver Crescent)

The bridge at the path connecting Jaycee Park to Beaver Crescent is closed due to poor conditions.

Trail rules

Respecting the following rules and etiquette on trails will help avoid conflicts or injuries so everyone can enjoy trails equally and safely:

Bicycles are permitted on all shared use trails unless otherwise noted.
ATV's, motorcycles, e-bikes, motorized bikes, or snowmobiles not permitted on trails.
Motorized wheelchairs and scooters used for accessibility are allowed.
Call out or use a bell before passing someone on the trail.
Pedestrians should move to one side (preferably the right hand side) to allow cyclists to pass.
Use a light and wear bright clothes at night
Wear a helmet while biking
Camping, hunting and fires are not allowed.
Always be prepared to stop; trail conditions may change quickly
Respect all posted signs and laws
Stay on the trail
Keep your pet on a leash and pick up after them.
Use the trash cans for your garbage
Smoking and vaping on City trail property is prohibited

Giant Hogweed

Giant Hogweed is an Asian plant that was introduced to North America over the last century ago and is now spreading throughout southern Ontario.

It can be hazardous to human health. Giant hogweed sap will make a person's skin extremely sensitive to sunlight. Contact with a plant, followed by exposure to the sun, can cause severe burning and blistering. The sap is toxic and eye contact can lead to blindness.

If any sap touches your skin:

wash the affected area immediately with soap and water
keep the affected area out of the sun
see your doctor if you have a reaction

Watch out for lookalikes

Giant hogweed is part of the carrot family and can sometimes be confused with other common plants such as cow parsnip and angelica.

Giant hogweed on City properties

Giant hogweed has been found on City property in a few locations.

The City has a removal protocol to eliminate giant hogweed from its property, but it is a persistent species that is difficult to remove. Options for removal include spraying a herbicide or digging it out. City staff take strict safety precautions when addressing with hogweed.