Along the Grand

Adelaide Hunter was born in this farmhouse and lived here until she married John Hoodless (1881). Hunter Hoodless was known for establishing several organizations – including the Hamilton YMCA, the second branch of the Hamilton Victorian Order of Nurses, and the world's first Women's Institute. Today, the homestead is owned by the Federation of Women's Institutes and operates as a museum.

The Woodland Cultural Centre was established in 1972 by the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians on the closure of the Mohawk Institute Residential School. Their focus began with research and artifacts, expanding to include art in 1975 and a language program in 1984. With over 50,000 artifacts, it is one of the largest Canadian facilities managed by First Nations.

The Syl Apps Community Centre is named for professional hockey player, businessman and politician Charles Joseph Sylvanus “Syl” Apps (1915-98). A provincial plaque was unveiled here to commemorate the man in 2012. Today, the Paris Museum & Historical Society operates from the Centre. They collect and preserve artifacts about the rich cultural and historical heritage of Paris and area.

Since 1929, the Brantford Flying Club has been providing quality flight training. One of the oldest flight training schools in Canada, they have successfully helped thousands of students get their pilot licences over the years. Visit the Centre where club members will provide a guided tour of the airport and its history, and explain what is happening there today.

The original wood-frame buildings were replaced by Jonathan Howell in 1891 with stone buildings. For Doors Open, check out the plaques recognizing local war veterans, tour the St. George Community Memorial Hall, visit the St. George and Area Museum and Archives or enjoy a walking tour of the building and street. Also home to the South Dumfries Historical Society.

A Methodist mission was established here in 1822, attracting both white settlers and Indigenous residents. In 1830, a wooden structure was built. Over time, the congregation grew and a brick building replaced the wooden one in 1860. The current structure dates from 1902. Of interest is the simple wooden furniture and the adjacent cemetery (containing many early settlers).

Built in 1874, this Italianate-style building was designed by John Turner, a well-known architect who created several buildings throughout Southwestern Ontario. The hall has served as a focal point and hive of activity in the Onondaga community, including as a school for two years and a council chamber until 1976. In 2016, it was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

St. Paul's Chapel is a Middleport landmark. Its tower is furnished with a bell that tolls to this day. The chapel itself, within a cemetery on the banks of the Grand River, offers a remarkable heritage legacy of past generations and beautiful natural vistas. Now a community centre and wedding venue, it is also home to the Middleport Heritage Society.

Creek View Acres is home to a growing nursery and orchard. The farmhouse was built in 1902 and is of simplified Italianate architecture featuring original large glass windows. The main barn foundation dates back to 1880. The property features a mixed orchard and a professionally landscaped botanical garden. A historical walking tour uses landmarks to tell the stories.

In 1992, the main branch of the Brantford Public Library moved into this former department store. Today, the busy, three-storey location offers approximately 5,600 square metres for visitors (60,000 square feet) — featuring a local history room, a makerspace, children and youth areas, and multiple murals. Staff will offer tours and activities that showcase the library’s history and its many resources.

During the Second World War, the Cockshutt Aircraft Division supplied critical military aircraft parts. This building was constructed to produce airplane fuselages. During Doors Open, join hosts Vince Capotorto (the current owner), the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre and Brant Theatre Workshops and experience interpretive displays, music, historical artifacts and a reading of a play about the time period.

This restored home was the first Canadian home of Alexander Graham Bell. It provided the stage for the invention of the telephone in 1874. See how the Bell family lived and worked. You will also learn about how Bell invented the telephone. Explore how telephones have changed since. Pre-book your tour by email or telephone (519-756-6220). Space is limited.

This hotel was erected by O.D. Bradford. It was, at one time, one of 17 drinking establishments in Paris. Its next owner, John Ealand, expanded the hotel, adding a yellow brick addition with Romanesque arcades. It was at this time, too, that it was renamed The Arlington. Come and explore this timeless and historical boutique hotel.

Brantford’s Parks & Recreation Department has a storied history of horticultural excellence, which has long been a source of community pride. For 75 years, these greenhouses have played an integral part of the city's horticulture operations, program and reputation — providing approximately 500,000 plants annually that are used in horticultural displays, annual and perennial beds, and community gardens throughout the city.

Brantford has a rich sport history. Come and explore this hall of fame (located within the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre), which proudly recognizes hometown heroes. Explore features such as inductee artifact and memorabilia displays, a wall of recognition, an interactive inductee touch-screen zone, a trivia game and broadcast booth as well as a mini-theatre and Wayne Gretzky tribute area. (Photo: Sherry Smith)

His Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks is the last surviving building of the Mohawk Village and the oldest surviving Protestant church in Canada. The chapel features eight stained-glass windows that tell the history of the Six Nations people. They continue to hold special services here — like Easter, Thanksgiving, Indigenous People's Day and Christmas. They can also host weddings.

Chiefswood was given by Mohawk Chief George Johnson as a wedding present for his English bride Emily Howells. It was also the birthplace and childhood home of famous Mohawk poetess E. Pauline Johnson, who travelled throughout Canada celebrating her Mohawk heritage. Chiefswood offers a glimpse at the lives of the Johnson family, and life on Six Nations in the mid-1800s.