Kandice VincentGrowing up in Brampton, I always enjoyed the perfect balance between urban living and nature. I never felt like I was missing out—until I stumbled across a comment calling our town “sleepy.”
At first, it made me question my own experiences. But then I realized, maybe that person just didn’t have the right guide.
So you can see the best of what our city has to offer, I’ll take you around the lively spots, the hidden gems, and everything in between. I’ll show you the most exciting things to do in Brampton.
1. Tour the Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives
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Website: https://pama.peelregion.ca/
Location: 9 Wellington St E
Operating hours:
- Mon-Wed and Fri, 10 AM to. 4:30 PM
- Thu, 10 AM to 9 PM
- Sat, 10 AM to 5 PM
- Sun, 1 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +19057914055
Admission fee: Adults $6, Seniors $4.50, Youth (5-25 y/o) $4.50
Housed in a 19th-century courthouse and jail, the Peel Art Gallery, Museum, and Archives (PAMA) gives an interesting glimpse into the region’s colorful past.
They have an extensive permanent collection, featuring exhibits spanning from 4,000 BCE to the 21st century. You should at least carve out a few hours of your day to explore everything.
My favorite thing about PAMA is that there’s always something new to see and do whenever I visit. Whether you’re an art lover or simply curious about local history, PAMA promises an enriching experience every time!
Pro Tip:
An appointment is required to visit the Archives. Their hours of operation differ from the main museum as they only allow guests from Mondays to Fridays from 10 AM to 4 PM with an hour closure for lunch.
2. Enjoy the great outdoors at Heart Lake Conservation Park
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Website: https://trca.ca/parks/heart-lake-conservation-area/
Location: 10818 Heart Lake Rd
Operating hours: Sat-Sun 9 AM to 7 PM
Phone: +14166616600
Admission fee + parking:
- Passenger vehicle (1 to 7 people): $24
- Large van (+8 people): $43.70
- Bus/non-passenger vehicle: $312
Occupying 169 hectares in the Etobicoke Creek, Heart Lake Conservation Park is a sprawling natural greenspace, which you can visit for outdoor fun. From hiking and fishing to canoeing—name it, you can most likely do it here!
If you can muster up the courage, sign up for the Aerial Park at Bruce’s Mill. It’s a series of treetop courses, consisting of Tarzan swings, wooden bridges, and zip lines that will take you across the lake.
Even kids from ages 9 and above can join the fun!
Pro Tip:
Get a Conservation Parks Membership Pass. It gives you access to various outdoor entertainment and culture-based activities in Brampton and across the Greater Toronto Area.
3. Spend the day at Chinguacousy Park
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Website: https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/Recreation/Community-Centres/Chinguacousy-Park
Location: 9050 Bramalea Rd
Operating hours: Daily 6 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +19054586555
Admission fee: FREE
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly activity near the city, Chinguacousy Park, a 12-minute drive from downtown, is a great place to start. Admission is free, but the various activities you’ll find around the park aren’t.
What I like the most about this park is that there’s so much to do, which should keep everyone in the family entertained and happy.
They have a petting zoo, pony rides, splash pads, and wading pools, perfect for keeping the little ones. The older kids, and perhaps the grown-ups, can enjoy curling, skating, and even mini golf.
Pro Tip:
There are picnic tables and shelters throughout the park, where you can enjoy snacks or a meal. You can grill meat using propane-powered barbecues as charcoal is not permitted inside.
4. Picnic at Gage Park
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Website: http://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/parks/Pages/Gage-Park.aspx
Location: 45 Main St S
Operating hours: 24 hours
Phone: +19058742820
Admission fee: FREE
Another popular attraction in Brampton that you can visit for free is Gage Park. You can picnic in this urban green space after sightseeing and exploring the many attractions in the city.
In the summer, children can enjoy the play area and splash pad to cool off. But in the winter, the park transforms into a magical wonderland where you can ice skate, admire twinkling Christmas lights, and warm up with hot chocolate.
Throughout the year, the park also hosts several weekly events, such as outdoor concerts, movie nights, and cultural activities. The best part is that you can enjoy them for free.
Pro Tip:
The park can get pretty packed at night from 6 PM onwards. To avoid the crowds, you can stop by in the afternoon.
5. Sign up for a Ghost Tour
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Website: https://afterdarktour.com/home-page
Location: Gage Park 45 Main St S
Tour Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Phone: +14168768588
Ticket fee: $15
The After Dark Tours is an opportunity to explore Brampton in a whole new light. For an hour and a half, you’ll be guided through the city’s most haunted corners—so wear your comfiest shoes!
As you wander around the downtown core, your guide will share chilling tales of local tragedies, which may have tethered these restless spirits to these spots. You’ll also hear eerie stories about the poltergeists that haunt Brampton.
Hopefully, they’ll stay hidden during your ghostly adventure!
Pro Tip:
Check their website for the monthly Ghost Tour schedule. If you aren’t around on the available dates, you can arrange a private tour with them.
6. Go horseback riding in Claireville Ranch
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Website: http://www.clairevilleranch.com/
Location: 3805 Queen St E
Operating hours:
- Mon, Wed-Fri, 2 PM to 6 PM
- Sat-Sun, 10 AM to 6 PM
Phone: +19057940700
Claireville Ranch offers various horseback riding activities that cater to all ages. Even if you have no prior experience, their friendly instructors will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you feel confident as you ride along the scenic trails.
The trails are well-maintained, so you can navigate them with ease. With knowledgeable guides leading the charge, you’re guaranteed a memorable adventure.
Here, younger children also have a chance to experience horseback riding. They have several adorable ponies, which I’m sure all the kids will love.
Pro Tip:
They don’t accept reservations as they follow a first-come, first-serve policy. They do offer trail riding every hour, on the hour, so arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your preferred schedule to secure a spot.
7. Watch a show at The Rose Theater
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Website: http://www.bramptononstage.ca/
Location: 1 Theatre Ln
Phone: +19058742800
Watching a show at The Rose is an opportunity to experience Brampton’s thriving arts scene firsthand. Designed in a unique horseshoe shape, every seat feels like the best in the house.
Whether you’re enjoying a packed performance or an intimate show, you’ll have an exceptional view of the stage, making every visit an unforgettable experience.
Every month, they showcase a new lineup of performances. From cultural shows and theater productions to comedy acts, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy.
Pro Tip:
Visit the Brampton on Stage website to find out the scheduled performances at The Rose Theater. You can also purchase tickets from there.
8. Compete with friends in Activate
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Website: https://playactivate.com/
Location: 25 Peel Centre Dr Unit 01A
Opening hours:
- Mon-Thu, 9:30 AM to 10 PM
- Fri, 9:30 AM to 11 PM
- Sat, 8 AM to 11 PM
- Sun, 8 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +12892981158
Admission fee: $28.49+tax for 75 minutes
Activate is a state-of-the-art facility that brings video games to life. Forget the typical arcade; here, you and your friends will dive into adrenaline-pumping challenges that have you dodging lasers and racing across glowing floors.
Throughout this facility, you will find several rooms, each offering a unique game that lasts for 1 to 3 minutes. All your progress will be tracked through an electronic wristband, which will be provided before the games begin.
If you’re fast and sharp enough, you can score some epic prizes, and of course, bragging rights for the ultimate victory.
Pro Tip:
Walk-ins are welcome but we recommend making a reservation, especially when you’re going with a large group.
