Join us at Laurier
Becoming a Golden Hawk means more than just cheering on our (really good) varsity teams – it means being a student who cares about your community, who works hard in the classroom, and who takes advantage of all the learning opportunities that can happen outside the classroom, too.
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Explore Our Programs
Small-Town Feel with Big-City Amenities
Shaped by its location on the historic Grand River and proximity to the major industrial and consumer markets of North America, Brantford has a thriving business community that is home to a number of global business operations – but people are drawn to the region for so much more. A healthy arts and culture scene, world-class trails system for walking and biking, and a strong slate of festivals and events make Brantford a vibrant place to call home for residents and students alike.
Brantford is approximately a one-hour drive along the QEW and Hwy. 403 from Toronto and the Niagara region. The city has a population of over 97,000, and feels like a small-town community with big-city amenities.
Embedded within the Community
The Brantford campus has transformed the downtown core of the City of Brantford into a thriving student community home to around 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. With its 20+ buildings spread throughout the core of the city, the Brantford campus is literally interwoven into the downtown. But the strong connections between campus and community don’t end there. The close-knit campus experience Laurier is known for is achieved through community partnerships and opportunities for students.
Best of the City
Activities
- Experience a feast for the senses: the Brantford Farmers’ Market is open on weekends and is just steps from campus.
- Canoe down the Grand River and hike riverside trails.
- Skate on the outdoor rink at Harmony Square.
Entertainment
- Catch a performance at the Sanderson Centre for Performing Arts.
- Listen to live music at the Brantford International Jazz Festival.
- Laugh with some of the biggest names in comedy at the Brantford Comedy Festival.
Experiences
- Check out the art galleries and sculpture gardens at Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant.
- Immerse yourself in cultures of the Brantford community at the International Villages Festival.
- Learn more about local Indigenous communities at the Woodland Cultural Centre.
Dining
- wings at Wingmaster
- poutine at Lonnie’s on Market
- chow mein at Oriental
- crafty favourites at Sociable Kitchen and Tavern
- burgers at Admiral Submarine or The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro
- Boston Pizza or Mother's Pizza
Directions
Where Campus Meets Community
200+ community partnerships between Laurier and Brantford businesses and organizations.
From Toronto/Hamilton
- From Toronto, take QEW to 403 westbound (signs for Hamilton/Brantford).
- Stay westbound on 403 for approximately 44 km.
- From 403, take the Wayne Gretzky Parkway exit.
- Turn left onto Wayne Gretzky Parkway.
- From Wayne Gretzky Parkway, turn right onto Colborne St. (Brant County Highway 2/53).
- Colborne St. becomes a one-way street, veer onto Dalhousie St. (also a one-way street).
- From Dalhousie St., turn right onto George St. The Carnegie Building (73 George St.) will be on the right.
From London
- Merge onto 401 eastbound via the ramp to Toronto.
- Take the 403 eastbound exit (signs for Hamilton/Niagara Falls/Brantford).
- Stay eastbound on 403 for approximately 34 km.
- From 403, take the Paris Rd. exit (County Rd. 2).
- Merge onto Paris Rd. Stay on Paris Rd. for approximately 4 km.
- Follow Paris Rd. until it merges onto Brant Ave.
- Turn left onto West St. (from Brant Ave.).
- Turn right onto Wellington St. (from West St.).
- Turn right onto George St. The Carnegie Building (73 George St.) will be on the left.
Visit Us
It's hard to explain what it means to be a Golden Hawk without meeting us in person.
No matter which of our campuses you tour, once you come you'll immediately feel this "sense of community" we keep talking about.
