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.

D'Aubigny Creek Trail Closure
Beginning October 31, 2023 until approximately December 1, 2023, a portion of the D’Aubigny Creek Trail from the Ballantyne Drive River Access Point, to the D’Aubigny Creek Park parking lot, will not be open to the public. A Detour route will be posted for pedestrians and cyclists. This closure is a result of construction that involves the resurfacing, realignment and levelling of sections of the existing D’Aubigny Creek Trail to improve accessibility and safety. Please stay clear of construction areas. We appreciate your cooperation. The photo below identifies the portion of trail closed for construction with a red line and the open pedestrian and cyclist detour route in blue.
Trail Under the Lorne Bridge
We are beginning construction on the Trail Under the Lorne Bridge project. This project involves a trail realignment to improve accessibility and safety concerns, and resurfacing of existing portions of the trail. Construction is slated to begin on October the 10, 2023. Work is planned to be completed by December 1, 2023. While construction is taking place, a portion of the SC Johnson trail between the end of Grand River Avenue and TH&B Bridge will not be open to the public. An on-street detour will be posted during construction for your safety. We appreciate your patience and cooperation.
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.

D'Aubigny Creek Trail Closure

Beginning October 31, 2023 until approximately December 1, 2023, a portion of the D’Aubigny Creek Trail from the Ballantyne Drive River Access Point, to the D’Aubigny Creek Park parking lot, will not be open to the public. A Detour route will be posted for pedestrians and cyclists.

This closure is a result of construction that involves the resurfacing, realignment and levelling of sections of the existing D’Aubigny Creek Trail to improve accessibility and safety. Please stay clear of construction areas. We appreciate your cooperation.

The photo below identifies the portion of trail closed for construction with a red line and the open pedestrian and cyclist detour route in blue.

D'Aubigny Creek Park closure outline

Trail Under the Lorne Bridge

We are beginning construction on the Trail Under the Lorne Bridge project. This project involves a trail realignment to improve accessibility and safety concerns, and resurfacing of existing portions of the trail. Construction is slated to begin on October the 10, 2023. Work is planned to be completed by December 1, 2023. While construction is taking place, a portion of the SC Johnson trail between the end of Grand River Avenue and TH&B Bridge will not be open to the public. An on-street detour will be posted during construction for your safety. We appreciate your patience and cooperation.

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.