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Brant

Conservation Area Status

The total number of daily visitors to our conservation areas is limited and access may be restricted. Get real-time capacity information, including whether the conservation area, or an activity, is open or has reached its operating capacity.

Brant Conservation Area is nestled in a bend of the Grand River amid the historic communities of Brantford and Brant County, and just a few minutes away from the First Nations territories of the Six Nations and Mississaugas of the New Credit.

It makes a great home base for campers who want to explore this historic part of Ontario. It is also popular for anglers, hikers, bikers and canoeists. Swimmers can enjoy sun and fun at the 1.25-acre swimming pool.

Conservation area information

  • Season: Open daily from May 1 to October 15 for day use and camping.

Activities

Campsites: Brant Conservation Area has 342 sites including 121 with electricity and water and 190 unserviced sites. There are also 31 sites with 30-amp electricity, water and sewer connection. Radio-free sites are available. Up to six people are permitted per campsite. Check-in is after 2 p.m. and checkout is before noon.

Group camping: Six unserviced group campsites are available and can be booked through our camping reservation system.

Seasonal sites: Please see our seasonal camping page for information on seasonal camp sites. 

Alcohol and Cannabis: Alcohol is permitted only on registered campsites. Cannabis is permitted on campsites and in open spaces. Smoking of cannabis is not permitted near playgrounds or in the pool area. A total alcohol and cannabis ban is in effect on the Victoria Day and Labour Day weekends (Thursday at noon to Tuesday at noon).

Radio free areas: Campsites 164 to 167.

There are river access locations above and below Wilkes Dam. A marked portage is available to pass around Wilkes Dam. For more information on canoeing, please visit our Boating and Paddling page.

Anglers can fish from shore or a canoe for pike, pickerel and bass. Downstream from Wilkes Dam is a popular spot. Whitemans Creek, which offers great fly-fishing opportunities for rainbow and brown trout, is a short distance away.

Grass trails along the riverbank and through natural areas offer a chance for wildlife viewing inside the conservation area. 

The S. C. Johnson Rail Trail, linking Paris and Brantford, runs beside the conservation area and connects to the Brantford trail network.

Cyclists can enjoy themselves on conservation area roads. Please obey the rules of the road and, for your safety, wear a helmet.

The S. C. Johnson Rail Trail, linking Paris and Brantford, runs beside the conservation area and connects to the Brantford trail network. From there you can follow trails to Hamilton and Port Dover.

Brant Conservation Area is home to one of the province's largest swimming pools. The supervised and treated 1.25-acre pool is ideal for children, with a splash pad area and a large deck perfect for lounging. There are picnic tables and a change house nearby.

  • The pool is open from June 15 to Labour Day. The hours are 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 7 days a week. 
  • Everyone aged 4 and older must purchase a wristband for $2.75 to enter the pool area.
  • The total number of daily visitors to the pool is limited and access is not guaranteed if capacity is reached. For real-time pool capacity information see our Conservation Area and Activity Status page.
  • For your safety, the pool will be closed if there is lightning, thunder or heavy rainfall. The pool will remain closed until staff see the last bolt of lightning or hear the last sound of thunder. Refunds will not be issued if you choose to leave due to light rain or cool weather. Closure details will be posted on our Conservation Area and Activity Status page.
  • No floaties, puddle jumpers or water wings are allowed. Only Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriter Laboratories of Canada (ULC) approved floatation devices are permitted in the pool.
  • Swimmers can borrow lifejackets at the pool and gatehouse. They are for pool use only and must not leave the pool area. 
  • Pool wristbands can be bought at the front gate or at the lifeguard house when the pool opens.
  • All pool visitors must follow our Pool Rules and Regulations (180 KB PDF).

Picnic tables and waste containers are available throughout the day use area. Day-use visitors may use barbecues for cooking purposes in designated picnic areas. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution.

There are no events scheduled at this time.

Facilities

Buy ice and firewood or use the payphone at the gatehouse. It is the place to go to get further information about the conservation area and report any problems or concerns.

Two picnic pavilions and three picnic areas are suitable for groups ranging from 40 to several hundred for family reunions, corporate picnics, weddings and other events. Contact conservation area staff to reserve a group facility. More information is available on our Group Facilities page.

There are three main washrooms with flush toilets and showers. The building in the Hawthorn area is wheelchair accessible. Porta-potties are located at the Public Boat Launch B and the Day-Use areas.

A food truck is available on site near the pool and the Outfitters boat launch (Launch A) .  There are available on weekends starting June 15 and seven days a week in July and August until Labour day Monday.   Availability may change due to weather conditions. 

The conservation area has two playgrounds located in the campground.

There are several places to put a canoe or kayak into the river within the conservation area above Wilkes Dam. There is also a launch located off the entry road, which provides access to the river below Wilkes Dam. The river is too shallow for powerboats. Jet skis cannot launch from the conservation area. 

Garbage containers are located throughout the conservation area and will be emptied as frequently as possible, however people are reminded to visit responsibly and if garbage bins are full, to take their waste with them and dispose of it at home. Recycling bins are located in the campgrounds and at the dumping station. Please use the bins, as there is no collection from the campsites.

Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than two metres and under control at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the pool area. Please clean up after your dog. Dog owners can be fined if these regulations are not followed

  • Grocery, hardware, drug and other stores are in Brantford.
  • Medical services are available at the Brantford General Hospital, 200 Terrace Hill Street, Brantford.
  • Visit the Brantford, Brant and Six Nations tourism websites for information on the area.

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