Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Brantford

"Although officially a part of the neighboring city of Burlington, Ontario, the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) should definitely be included on your list of things to do in Hamilton. Exploring this spectacular attraction, just 10 minutes' drive east of Hamilton, can easily occupy the best part of a day, so be sure to plan accordingly (and take good walking shoes!). Covering a vast area of over 2,420 acres, the gardens are rich in biodiversity and are home to more than 1,100 species of plants, many of them native to the region."

"The RBG is another popular wedding venue that can also be booked for engagement photos. The property features an outdoor garden, pond and lot’s of greenery. There’s also an indoor greenhouse that is beautiful year round."

"You'll have to do a bit of a hike from the parking lot to get to this tiered waterfall, but it's totally worth it. Not only is it scenic, but the falls are sublime. Descending from a height of 17 metres, the flowing curtain peeks out of the woods as you approach alongside Ancaster Creek."

"Sherman Falls is 55 feet (17 metres) high and flows year round into the Ancaster Creek tributary system. It is a quaint waterfall surrounded by trees. There is a wooden bridge in front of it that crosses the creek."

"Albion Falls is easily one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hamilton, rippling over the Niagara Escarpment in Red Hill Valley. This incredible cascade waterfall you won’t soon forget stands 18 metres wide and 19 metres tall with the water tumbling over rock that’s transformed into steps and shelves over time. Although there’s no access to the bottom, Albion Falls is visible from two viewing platforms, so you can admire the gorgeous waterfall while being surrounded by lush greenery."

"The water trickles and falls into natural rock steps and shelves at one of Hamilton’s most popular waterfall. Albion Falls has two observation decks that visitors can use to view the waterfall. The fastest and closest way to get to the waterfall is to park at the Mountain brow Boulevard parking lot."

"At 62 feet (19 metres) Albion Falls is one of the most majestic waterfalls in Hamilton thanks to the steep cliff face and tree coverage. The large boulders on the bottom add to its majesty. In summer many people used to visit the waterfalls and bask in the sun on the boulders."

"777 Upper Sherman Avenue Macassa Park is a large sports park with several soccer fields, an accessible creative play structure, swings, spray pad, multi-purpose court, walkways, and fieldhouse building."

"FirstOntario Centre (originally Copps Coliseum) is a sports and entertainment arena, with a capacity of up to 19,000. Host to nail biting ice hockey championships and a variety of concerts, this center is where all the entertainment and sporting action takes place in Hamilton. Catch one of the exhilarating shows at this arena on your trip to Hamilton."

"589 Greenhill Avenue Greenhill Park is a small playground with a play structure, swings, and spring toys. It is adjacent to open space and is divided by a creek/drainage ditch."

"610 York Boulevard Dundurn Park is a historical park and the former home of Sir Allan MacNab. The property consists of Dundurn Castle, the Hamilton Military Museum, the Coach House Restaurant, and the Cockpit Theatre. The park overlooks Hamilton Harbour and is adjacent to Harvey Park and Dundurn Parkette."

"645 Mountain Brow Blvd. Matt Broman Park is a lookout on the east side of the escarpment. It overlooks King's Forest Park, Rosedale Park, and King's Forest Golf Course."

"This Euro-style coffee house in downtown’s King Street East serves coffee sourced from local roasters: Vintage Coffee Roaster, Signal Coffee Co, and Relay Coffee. You can also find light breakfast and lunch, hot pressed sandwiches, sweets, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options and specialty Dutch treats. Sip on this: Pair the Smokey Caramel Latte (chocolatey espresso by Vintage Coffee Roasters with hickory smoke and caramel syrup) with The Big Dutch hot pressed sandwich topped with beef croquettes, a fried egg and gouda cheese on rye."

"Double smoked ham, spiced gouda, and a fried egg are hot pressed on multi-grain rye for $4.50 at this Dutch-inspired cafe. Besides their breakfast tosti, they also offer a yogurt parfait and protein-filled granola bites for a lighter option. Address: 312 King Street East, Hamilton"

"Great patio, great staff, right across from Big Scoops so desert is always readily available. Cocktails are good and their pizza and wings deal is one of..."

"Restaurant, Portuguese, Seafood, Steak, Fish, Mussels, Charcoal Grilled, Sangria, Restaurant, Pasta, Patio Restaurant, Alcohol Served, Extensive Wine List, Lunch Menu, Online Menu, Restaurant With Catering Services, Restaurant With Party Services, Take-out. I came to this restaurant for my father's birthday and the food was incredible. It is an authetic portuguese restaurant on James street in Hamilton."

"What is it: Get transported to Europe with authentic Portuguese cuisine in a rustic, casual atmosphere. Set on James Street North, Wild Orchid is right in the midst of the city’s Portuguese population and plays off the neighborhood’s history. Why go: Life doesn’t get much better than sharing a platter of shellfish with friends."

"Great patio, great staff, right across from Big Scoops so desert is always readily available. Cocktails are good and their pizza and wings deal is one of..."

"Democracy* is unquestionably one of Locke Street’s favourite coffee shops. Endeavouring to be equal parts cafe, vegan eatery, and community space, Democracy* thrives on being an open, welcoming environment that also happens to serve killer vegan bites. Tofu Banh Mi and Big Mac pizzas are eye-catching offerings, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg in a stacked plant-based menu filled with share plates and sizeable entrees."

"This popular Locke Street coffee shop offers a flavourful lunch and dinner menu of animal-free ingredients. Choose from mains like the chickpea smash melt, falafel pita, and pierogi pizza, plus apps and salads. Must-try: Their most popular item is cauliflower wings: crispy cauliflower tossed in a choice of spicy Sriracha lime sauce, bourbon BBQ, sweet and sour, or sweet apple garlic sauce."

"The vegetarian/vegan menu here includes a section for kids, too, like the kid-sized portion of their famous cauliflower wings and vegan grilled cheese. Dessert options include made-to-order crepes, local craft ice cream, and a rotating selection of baked goods (how good do Oreo stuffed cookie bars sound?). Must-try: The house-made crispy falafel on a warm pita is simply delicious."

"This plant-based, gluten-free eatery is totally vegan and offers a large selection to satisfy comfort food cravings. Planted does a great job reinventing dishes you know and love. Think cashew cream sauce mac and cheese, poutine with vegan mozzarella and bbq jackfruit, and pasta with green-lentil meatballs."

"This is my favourite place to grab some vegan food and some vegan/gluten free baked goods. The food is always banging, fresh, flavourful and appropriate..."