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.

Heavier than usual foot and cycling traffic is expected on a section of the SC Johnson Trail on Saturday, September 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. due to the Culture Days on the Trails event taking place. The affected section is 2.6 km along the trail beginning at the Hardy Road parking lot and ending at Lafayette Ave.

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.

Fordview Trail

The Fordview Trail between the Brantford Railway Truss Bridge and the TH&B Bridge will be closed for tree maintenance, Tuesday, September 19 to Thursday, September 21. Please avoid this area.
Fordview Trail map

Temporary closure of TH&B Crossing Bridge for upgrades

Starting the week of July 17, 2023, TH&B Crossing Bridge will be undergoing rehabilitation for approximately 8 to 10 weeks. As a result, the bridge will be completely closed to accommodate this upgrade. Please be aware that Fordview parking lot and the Fordview-Gilkison Trails (Fordview Park to the Veterans Memorial Parkway) will also be closed to the public.

TH&B Crossing Bridge is a well utilized pedestrian crossing over the Grand River. In Fall 2021, an Environmental Assessment recommended that TH&B Crossing Bridge undergo minor rehabilitation to the bridge deck to extend its service life.

We understand that this work may cause some inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation during this restoration phase. We are committed to building a better Brantford, and we thank you for your understanding.

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.