Things to do in Bradford
There is a mix of rich tradition and culture in Bradford, owing to the population’s diverse European ancestry. Residents hail from a mixture of backgrounds including Germany, the Netherlands, Hungary, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Portugal, Italy and many more.
The town grew out of a combination of farmers and businessmen, who were helped in part by the Northern Railway of Canada train station built around 1857. The Village Inn Hotel is a holdover from this time, charting its history back to the early 20th century.
Situated now at the crossroads of Highway 11 and Highway 88, the hotel was a favourite meeting place for locals as well as travellers. Much of the original building still stands today after surviving two major fires.
More modern businesses include Heavy Throttle Powersports, Bare Beaunz Inc. Skateboard Shop and popular chains like Shoppers Drug Mart, Fresh Food Convenient and M&M Meat Shop.
Local businesses like Bradford Smoke Shop have persisted for decades. An imaginative “indoor playground” named Kidergy is one of the most popular businesses in town, hosting birthdays and party events.
Just north of Bradford you can still find farmers on the Holland Marsh tilling the soil to grow fresh produce and agricultural products, most of which are available to purchase at the farm stand on Canal Road.