Brantford is best known as the Telephone City, taking its nickname from the fact that Alexander Graham Bell concocted the idea of the telephone in 1874 here at his father's homestead. In 1876, he also conducted the first long-distance phone call from Brantford to Paris, Ontario, cementing the city into the history books. Brantford itself is named after Joseph Brant, a Mohawk chief who fought in the American Revolutionary War and later led his people through Upper Canada. With so much history pulsing through Brantford's veins, it's the perfect city to plan a sightseeing vacation.
Brantford's other claim to fame is being the birthplace of legendary hockey player Wayne Gretzky. Local events named after the famous resident include The Wayne Gretzky International Hockey Tournament and The Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament, honoring Wayne Gretzky's father. You can also visit the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre for swimming, fitness, and recreation.
No matter your reasons for visiting Brantford, Ontario, it's important to find the perfect hotel that allows you to explore everything this historic area has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Brantford, ON
Due to its close proximity to the Great Lakes, Brantford's climate is largely influenced by the lake region. August is the warmest month with highs hovering in the low 90s. If you plan to visit Ontario during its brief summer season from June to August, be prepared to pay higher hotel rates and deal with heavier crowds.
To find great hotel deals, try planning your trip anytime between September and November. The warm weather tends to stick around, but tourism declines, leaving attractions less crowded. Special events during the fall include the Brantford International Jazz Fest, the Rotary Charity Airshow, and the Brantford Comedy Festival.
Canada has a long winter season that typically lasts from December to March, but don't let that deter you from visiting Brantford. Hotel rates are at their lowest if you're willing to brave the cold. You'll also be rewarded with local holiday craft shows, bake sales, parades, and light festivals.
April and May bring about a sweet spot temperature-wise, although you'll still need to bring a few layers. Hotel rates remain low during the spring, and the city comes alive with art shows, dance competitions, theatrical productions, and other events.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Brantford, ON:
Brantford, ON: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Brantford, ON. Browse these illustrations to determine the best months to stay in Brantford for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Brantford, ON
While Brantford doesn't offer any luxury accommodations, there is one upscale hotel designed to satisfy even the most discriminating traveler.
Best Western Brantford Hotel and Conference Centre is a modern hotel offering a complimentary continental breakfast, free parking, an on-site American restaurant, a lounge bar, a coffee shop, a sauna, a fitness centre, an indoor pool, a kids' playground, and a ballroom. Guest rooms are well appointed with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, work desks, and balconies. Suites add separate living areas, mini-fridges, wet bars, and microwaves. Fireplaces, bunk beds, and whirlpool tubs are also available.
This hotel is also convenient to Highway 403 and Brantford attractions, the Niagara region, and Toronto. It also boasts the largest conference centre in the city, making it ideal for corporate travelers.
Affordable Hotel Options in Brantford, ON
3 Star Average Prices: $98.00
Finding an affordable hotel in Brantford is easy. Mohawk Motel is a budget-friendly option on Colborne Street just 1.6 kilometers from the Canadian Military Heritage Museum. The property features free Wi-Fi internet access throughout, and on-site private parking is complimentary. Guest rooms are air conditioned and feature flat-screen televisions with DVD players and private bathrooms. Some rooms even feature a separate seating area. Guest amenities include a 24-hour front desk and available room service.
Sherwood Motel is a modest lodging within walking distance of Mohawk Trail Park. Guest rooms are straightforward and feature free Wi-Fi, microwaves, mini-fridges, and cable TV. There's also a Robin Hood-themed restaurant on site, free parking, and an outdoor swimming pool.
2 Star Average Prices: $124.99
Best Discounts in Brantford, ON
If you plan your trip ahead of time, you can take advantage of special rates and packages to help you save even more on your trip to Brantford.
Most area hotels, including Best Western Brantford Hotel and Conference Centre, extend special rates to guests who qualify. AAA/CAA members, corporate travelers, AARP members, senior citizens, government employees, military families, and hotel rewards members can save as much as 20 percent off the best available rates simply by showing their proof of eligibility at check-in.
With properties like Days Inn Brantford, you can start to earn rewards points by signing up with the hotel brand's rewards program. Not only can you enjoy discounted room rates, but you can also earn perks such as gift cards and extra amenities.
Other area hotels, including Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Brantford, Ontario, feature a number of special offers throughout the year. HHonors members can save up to 25 percent by booking during Hilton's annual sale, but you can always book early to save as much as 15 percent off the hotel's regular rates.
Best Value Options in Brantford, ON
Brantford offers many mid-range accommodations that give you extra value for the money. Comfort Inn is a mere two-minute walk from the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre and offers breakfast in a trendy café. Guest amenities include free parking, a computer, and modern rooms with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, work desks, and coffee makers. Some rooms even feature pull-out sofas, microwaves, and mini-fridges.
Located within walking distance of Lynden Park Mall, Days Inn Brantford is a straightforward hotel offering a complimentary breakfast buffet, an on-site fitness centre, free parking, and a business centre. Guest rooms are classically decorated and feature TVs, free Wi-Fi access, and coffee makers. Microwaves, mini-fridges, and suites with whirlpool tubs and separate living areas are available upon request.
Situated less than 9 kilometers from both the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts and the Northridge Public Golf Course, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Brantford, Ontario is a chic hotel with all the amenities. Guest rooms feature custom-designed beds, free internet access, work desks, coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Upgraded rooms and suites add whirlpool tubs, pull-out sofas, or kitchenettes. The hotel offers guests a free hot breakfast, including weekday breakfast bags to go, an indoor pool, a convenience store, a business centre with meeting space, free parking, and a fitness centre.
Must-See Attractions in Brantford, ON
With so much to explore in Brantford, you may be wondering where to start. As you're driving around Brantford sightseeing, be sure to stop at the Bell Telephone Memorial on West Street. The memorial was unveiled in 1917 after more than a decade of planning. It consists of a massive white granite base completed with a bronze casting that was the largest of its time. The memorial's park-like setting features a central walkway flanked by colorful flowers and park benches, making it a wonderful place to sit and retrospect.
For theatrical performances and concerts, check out what's playing at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts. This historic theatre complex in the heart of downtown was open to the public in 1919 under the name Temple Theatre. During its early days, it was a silent movie house and vaudeville theatre, but it was purchased and renamed The Capitol during the 1930s. The city itself purchased the property in 1986, transforming it to its former glory. Today, the theatre seats 1,125 people and is home to the Brantford Symphony Orchestra and other local performing arts organizations.
History buffs will want to visit the Canadian Military Heritage Museum. This impressive 13,000-square-foot facility houses more than 10,000 artifacts, including military medals, uniforms, full-size World War I airplane replicas, fully restored military vehicles, small arms, artillery pieces, rare documents and photographs, and a resource library. There's also an on-site gift shop for those looking for souvenirs.
One of Brantford's most off-beat attractions, the Personal Computer Museum is unique in the region, featuring more than 45 interactive computer displays, over 25,000 artifacts, and over 1,000 computers in total. The museum is only open on select dates and periodically runs special exhibits. If you've ever tried to explain to your kids what a computer mouse or green screen was, this retro museum is an educational and eye-opening place to visit.
The Brantford Twin Valley Zoo is a wonderful attraction for families. The zoo is home to camels, zebras, foxes, flamingos, tigers, lions, deer, kangaroos, and many other species. The facility offers a short but picturesque nature trail that meanders through five acres of woodland, giving visitors the chance to spy some wildlife. And if you come during one of the zoo's educational animal programs, you may just get a chance to see baby animals and other interesting creatures.
There's a lot to explore in Brantford, Ontario. No matter what your itinerary includes, you can find the perfect hotel designed to meet your needs and budget.
FAQs about hotels in Brantford