Set along the banks of the Grand River and surrounded by lush natural beauty and an impressive river gorge, Elora is often referred to as Ontario’s most beautiful village.
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The community is undoubtedly breathtaking, but it is the region’s outdoor adventures and historical landmarks that have made Elora one of my favourite small towns in southern Ontario to visit.
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And while Elora can be visited along one-day road trips from both London and Toronto, I suggest spending at least a weekend in town. There is simply too much to experience in a single day.
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From tubing down the Grand River to exploring historical buildings within the downtown community, these are the top 15 things to do in Elora, Ontario.
A Quick Look at the 15 Top Things to Do in Elora, Ontario
- Admire the Views at the Elora Gorge Lookout in Victoria Park
- Hike Through the Elora Gorge Conservation Area
- Go River Tubing Down the Grand River
- Go Cliff Jumping at the Elora Quarry Conservation Area
- Explore Local History at the Wellington County Museum
- See What’s Happening at Bissell Park
- Hike the Elora Cataract Trailway
- Enjoy Boutique Shopping in Downtown Elora
- Unwind at the Elora Brewing Company
- Enjoy a Spirit at the Elora Distilling Company
- Take a Picture with the Tall Man in the Green Space
- Treat Yourself at the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa
- Visit During the Elora Festival
- Check Out the Elora Mews Shopping Nook
- Catch a Show at the Gorge Cinema
The 15 Best Things to Do in Elora, Ontario
1. Admire the Scenic Views at the Elora Gorge Lookout in Victoria Park
Your first stop when arriving in Elora should be at Victoria Park. Located just at the edge of the downtown area, Victoria Park provides one of the best vantage points for admiring the natural beauty of the region.
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A short walk from the park’s entrance will bring you to the Elora Gorge Lookout, which promises some of the most breathtaking aerial views of the natural landmark.Â
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If you follow the trail a little deeper into the park, you will come across a small set of stairs that’ll lead you directly down to the Grand River, where you can spot the David Street Bridge as it spans the high cliffs of the gorge.
2. Hike Through the Elora Gorge Conservation Area
While Victoria Park provides a beautiful window into the beauty of the region, the Elora Gorge Conservation Area is the best spot to fully immerse in the natural environments of the natural landform.
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The conservation area promises plenty of outdoor activities, including its famous Riverside trails. Following the river, these trial networks weave their way along 22-metre-high cliffs, promising beautiful lookout points of the rushing water below.
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Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to outdoor fun in the conservation area. Other exciting activities within the region include rock climbing, kayaking, and camping.
3. Go River Tubing Down the Grand River
While this is technically another activity that can be experienced within the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, it really deserves its own spot on this list of things to do in Elora, Ontario.
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This is because no visit to this charming small town is complete without first getting on the waters of the Grand River to go river tubing.
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Tubes can be rented from Elora Rapids Inc, just on the other side of the David Street Bridge from town, or they can be brought from home as long as it is not a pool inflatable. Once you have your tube, you can head over to the tubing launch in the conservation area.
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From there, you simply lean back and relax as you float 2 km down the river while admiring the towering cliffs and lush forests.
4. Go Swimming Elora Quarry Conservation Area
Swimming in the Elora Quarry is easily one of the most unique things to do in Elora. Operated during the early 20th century, the old limestone quarry was abandoned during the 1930s and later filled with water, leaving behind a picturesque pool surrounded by towering 12 metre high limestone cliffs.
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While the quarry was once a popular spot for cliff jumping, a series of fatal accidents have resulted in the town prohibiting cliff jumping altogether. With that said, swimming is still permitted, and the quarry is a great spot to cool off during a hot summer day.
5. Explore Local History at the Wellington County Museum
Located just a short drive from town, the Wellington County Museum is a must visit attraction in Elora for exploring the vibrant and rich history of the region.
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Built in 1877, the museum operates out of Canada’s oldest surviving Poorhouse (House of Industry, and contains several permanent exhibits and rotating exhibits.
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Permanent exhibits include a history of the building’s Poor House heritage, a classic movie theatre, a WWI gallery, and a traditional log cabin. Along with these permanent galleries, the museum features a great collection of rotating exhibits, so be sure to check what is on display before visiting.
6. See What’s Happening at Bissell Park
Set along the banks of the Grand River, Bissell Park is a scenic green space in the heart of downtown Elora. While the park is a great spot to visit during the summer months for a picnic or a quick stroll along the boardwalk, it also plays host to several events throughout the year, including Riverfest Elora.
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If you visit during the weekend between May and December, you will also find the park filled with local vendors every Saturday for Elora’s Farmers Market. At the market you will find tons of local produce, including meats, cheese, baked goods, and artisan crafts.Â
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Even if you aren’t making a purchase, the market is simply a perfect place to connect with the local community of the Wellington County region.
7. Hike the Elora Cataract Trailway
There is no shortage of amazing hiking trails around the town of Elora, but one of its most monumental treks is the Elora Cataract Trailway. The trail was once a part of an old Credit Valley Railway Line but has converted into a popular hiking route following its abandonment in 1988
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Spanning 47 kilometres from Elora to the Forks of Credit Provincial Park, the trail passes through several communities, including Fergus, Bellwood, Hillsburg, and Erin. However, beyond being a great route for exploring the various towns of the region, the Elora Cataract Trailway promises plenty of natural beauty, making it one of the most rewarding things to do in Elora.
8. Enjoy Boutique Shopping in Downtown Elora
Another of the best things to do in Elora is to immerse in the region’s small-town charms within its downtown area. Several boutique shops can be found along both Metcalfe Street and Mill Street West, including the Half Moon Boutique, Epiphany Apparel, and the Mermaid in Elora gift shop.
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However, even if shopping isn’t your thing, Downtown Elora still promises plenty of draws, from mouthwatering restaurants along the gorgeous Grand River to a great selection of local galleries.
9. Unwind at the Elora Brewing Company
Speaking of inviting restaurants in downtown Elora, be sure to stop by the Elora Brewing Company to sample some of the region’s best craft beer.
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Located at the corner of Colborne and Wellington, Elora Brewing Company features a great selection of craft beers best enjoyed after an outdoor adventure through the nearby conservation area.
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The restaurant also features a great food menu, so you can either stop by for a pint or order a full flight while enjoying traditional bar foods.
10. Enjoy a Spirit at the Elora Distilling Company
For those who prefer a nice spirit to a cold beer, the Elora Distilling Company is a great spot to stop for a relaxing cocktail.Â
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While you can simply drop by to sample some of the complex’s delicious drinks within the Royal Room, the Elora Distilling Company also offers more comprehensive experiences, including cocktail classes, distillery tours, and private event bookings.
11. Take a Picture with the Tall Man in the Green Space
Also known as Harold Chamberlain Park, the Elora Green Space is just a small park at the corner of Metcalf Street and Mill Street West. However, it does have one attraction that makes stopping at the park a must do when visiting Elora, and that’s the opportunity to take a photo with the Tall Man.
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Once a gas station, the park is now filled with beautiful local sculptures, none quite as famous as the Tall Man. Officially named “Who’s in Charge,” the Tall Man is a little more suitable for explaining this popular statue at the park’s centre and makes for the perfect photoshoot for your visit.
12. Treat Yourself at the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa
The Elora Mill Hotel & Spa is another landmark in Elora that you have to visit. Built in 1859, the iconic Elora Mill served as the town’s gristmill, sawmill, and wool factory for over a century and was later converted into an inn in 1975.
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The property changed ownership numerous times and was in a state of deterioration until a $27 million renovation gave new life to the complex, reopening as the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa in 2018.
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While I highly suggest staying in the historical hotel if you get that chance, you can also make a brief visit to experience the historic building at the onsite restaurant or spa.
13. Visit During the Elora Festival
If you have some flexibility, try to plan your visit to Elora in July for the Elora Festival. The annual event lasts for a three-week period and includes a variety of musical performances across numerous genres, including classical, folk, jazz, and international.
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Along with featuring notable Canadian talent that varies from year to year, the festival also features an annual performance by the Elora Singers.
14. Check Out the Elora Mews Shopping Nook
Even if you don’t want to explore the rest of the downtown area, you should at least plan to stop by the Elora Mews. This quaint shopping area is found in a lantern-lit courtyard and contains some of the town’s most inviting boutiques and diners, including ReFIND Salvage and the Lost and Found Cafe.
15. Catch a Show at the Gorge Cinema
If you are looking for something fun to do in Elora on a rainy day, be sure to check out the Gorge Cinema. While catching a movie may seem like a boring way to spend your visit to the community, the local cinema is a historical experience in itself.
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Built in 1974, the art house cinema is the longest running repertoire cinema in Canada and plays a fantastic selection of films across numerous genres, including new and classic movies.
