For the first time, the City of Brantford, the County of Brant and Six Nations of the Grand River have come together to host Doors Open Along the Grand.
Come celebrate and explore 10-plus unique heritage buildings and sites across all three of our communities — all free of charge.
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Situated on the beautiful Grand River in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, Brantford has all the major amenities of a big city with the charming feel of a small town.
Sports lovers can enjoy watching Brantford Bulldogs hockey or Brantford Red Sox baseball, depending on the season. Or you can get outside for a round of golf at the Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course in the Tournament Capital of Ontario.
Outdoor adventure enthusiasts will relish in our 70 km (43.5 miles) of natural trails for hiking or biking, with the Hub of Ontario Trails connecting us to Hamilton, Cambridge, Paris and Port Dover. Pick up a paddle and escape to the Grand River, a designated Canadian Heritage River, and explore by canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle board or river raft.
Whether it’s for a special event, a day trip or a weekend stay, we’re excited to welcome you to Brantford, the big city with a small-town feel.
County of Brant
Located in the heart of Southern Ontario, the County of Brant is vibrant and diverse. Each community within the county has its own distinct personality — ranging from artistic charisma to outdoor adventure and country charm. Offering an exceptional quality of life, Brant provides residents and visitors with a wide array of recreational activities — from kayaking and fishing along the Grand River to scenic hiking and cycling trails that showcase the area's natural beauty.
The County is rich in arts and culture, featuring local galleries, heritage sites and community events that celebrate our creativity and history. From small-town fairs to lively music festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Paris, known as the "Prettiest Little Town in Canada" and the "Cobblestone Capital of Canada," offers stunning architecture and charming streetscapes. St. George hosts the annual St. George Applefest, a beloved local tradition. Burford, with its strong agricultural roots, embodies the County’s deep connection to farming and rural living. Throughout Brant, hamlets and towns each have their own unique charm, contributing to the County’s special character.
The County of Brant proudly celebrates the unique stories, places and people that make it a sought-after destination to live, work and play. We invite you to be a part of it!
Six Nations of the Grand River
The traditional homelands of the Haudenosaunee along the Grand River, Six Nations is the largest First Nations reserve in Canada by population with a wealth of history, cultural experiences and more.
History buffs will fall in love with His Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks, located in Brantford along the banks of the Grand River. The carefully crafted stained-glass and wood panel walls tell the story of the first settlers of the Mohawk Village after the American Revolutionary War brought them out of their homelands in what is now New York State.
Chiefswood National Historic Site offers an exciting look into the lives of Indigenous people from Six Nations in the mid- to late 1800s. It was built by Chief George Johnson as a gift for his wife Emily. Explore the beautiful, wooded areas that give Chiefswood its name and learn about the writing methods of Mohawk Poetess E. Pauline Johnson. Stay in luxury accommodation at Chiefswood Park with fully winterized cabins, camping areas and glamping huts along the Grand River.
And explore the downtown core of Ohsweken and visit Indigenous-owned and -operated shops like Iroqrafts
for authentic craft supplies, and Sapling and Flint for finely crafted silver jewelry. The Everything Cornhusk store and gallery showcases the talent and artistry of traditional cornhusk dolls.
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.
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. And see what activities and special events are available throughout the year.
Brantford has a rich sport history. Come and explore this hall of fame, which proudly recognizes hometown heroes — from local athletes to those in supporting roles. 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.
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. With a busy restaurant and sightseeing flights available seven days a week, the airport is a must-see destination in Brantford.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Cockshutt Aircraft Division, formed early in the Second World War, supplied critical military aircraft parts. This building was specially constructed to produce airplane fuselages. Since the war, this building has continued to house manufacturing operations. During Doors Open, join hosts Vince Capotorto (the current owner) and the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre and view interpretive displays and historical artifacts.
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.
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.
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).
The original Howell Block was a series of wooden frame buildings with businesses, replaced by Jonathan Howell in 1891 with stone buildings that were remodelled into a community hall in 1925. In 2006, a plaque was unveiled recognizing war veterans. For Doors Open, take a tour of St. George Memorial Hall or enjoy a walking tour of this community.
St. Paul's Chapel is a rare board-and-batten landmark in the Village of Middleport. Its tower is furnished with a bell — which tolls to this day — cast in New York by Nemeely-Kimberly. The chapel itself, within a cemetery nestled on the banks of the Grand River, offers a remarkable heritage legacy of past generations and beautiful natural vistas.
Adaptive reuse
Guided tours available
Parking
Partial wheelchair access
Self-guided tours available
Washrooms
Photography allowed
Rental opportunities
Contact info
1159 Highway 54
Caledonia, Ontario
Architecture
Year built: 1868 Building type:
Cemetery
Historical landmark
Architect: attributed to John Turner
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.