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.

The Fen Ridge trail access is no longer available for use and has been decommissioned effective February 13, 2023. The next closest trail access at the end of Kraemer's Way, intersecting Oak Park Road and Hardy Road. There will be no developments impacting the existing trail, only the access point at the end of Kraemer’s and there is no plans to develop over the natural area of the existing trail. There is rapidly developing land in the open area of that access which poses a safety concern for trail users during construction. Our Parks team is making many improvements to the trail access and parking lot at the end of Oak Park Road. We urge trail users to please use the formal parking lot. Parking in the cul de sac will no longer be permitted for residents safety during construction.
All access to the trail and paved pathways under the Lorne Bridge from Grand River Avenue to Brant's Crossing, is closed due to poor conditions until further notice. For your safety, please avoid this area.
Bridge at the path connecting Jaycee Park to Beaver Crescent: closed due to poor condition
The bridge at the canal from Drummond Street to Greenwich Street: closed due to poor condition
Trestle Bridge (downstream of the Lorne Bridge): closed due to structural condition; an Environmental Assessment is underway

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.