Top Things to do in Elora
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Elora, Canada
Discover the best top things to do in Elora, Canada including Elora Gorge Conservation Area, Wellington County Museum & Archives, Elora Cataract Trailway, Elora Gorge Falls, Elora Quarry Conservation Area, Grand River Raceway, Bissell Park, Veteran's Park, Elora Farmers' Market, Elora Centre For The Arts.
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1. Elora Gorge Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By KathleenR_28 - Port Dover, Canada
Unlike the warm months that bring droves of tourist and sightseers, winter brings out another face of Elora Gorge. Only a handful of people walking their dogs were out on the trails. So really, my friends and I had the place all to ourselves.
We walked alongside the fence erected close to the gorge. Chickadees were flying around looking for food. And the rumbling waters of the river were soothing to the ears.
We were able to walk down to the river banks and enjoy the warmth of the sun. Ice covered portions of the banks. On the Gorge itself were several frozen ‘falls’.
I had hoped that the river was frozen solid ... that would have been phenomenal. But the warmer temps had caused a partial meltdown. Still beautiful, I must say.
Word of caution: ice grips are a must if one is to explore this type of terrain in winter. Some portions of the trails were very icy and slippery.
2. Wellington County Museum & Archives
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
The Wellington County Museum and Archives is housed in the earliest surviving example of a Poor House (later called the House of Industry) in Canada which was built in 1877. Now a National Historic Site, the Museum houses 2 floors of exhibits which tell the stories of Wellington County's people, places and events. The Archives is a state of the art, award winning facility to research local, national and international records.
Reviewed By Padraighenry - Centre Wellington
Very well thought out displays. A WW 1 trench gives a shivery feeling of what is like to experience. A section devoted to the buildings history as "A House of Refuge." Revealing. Many other displays worth seeing. Changing exhibits .
3. Elora Cataract Trailway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
The 47 kilometre (29 mile) Elora Cataract Trailway links the Grand and Credit watersheds and follows the old Canadian Pacific railroad bed. It runs through rolling countryside east of Elora, through the historic community of Fergus and past Belwood Lake to the Forks of Credit Provincial Park at Cataract. The Grand River Conservation Authority and the Credit Valley Conservation Authority own the trail.
Reviewed By KathleenR_28 - Port Dover, Canada
The ECT is an easy trail, flat all the way. It is very picturesque and provides great views of the Grand River. For those who wish to get a good cycling workout, this would be a good option. It is 47 kms. long (one way) connecting Elora and Forks of the Credit.
One will pass by Belwood Lake, a 12-km. Reservoir which resulted from the creation of the Shand Dam. On good weather days, and the many times I went back to do some more exploration of the ECT, I have seen lots of people fishing, swimming, boating, etc., on the lake.
This trail is beautiful at any time of the year. I have done fall and winter hikes here (mind you, though, it can be very, very icy) as well as have cycled portions of the trail.
4. Elora Gorge Falls
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Robby G C - Toronto, Canada
Nearby homes in Elora is a river that goes through a lovely waterfall. Some people use floating raft chairs to fish on the upper river. It’s amazing that they do not fall through the waterfall. At times, they get quite close to it!
As we walked further we could see the waterfall in all its beauty! When we continued our trek, we found another waterfall, a bit smaller compared to the original one. The water reflected the sunlight perfectly. It was gorgeous.
Towards the end we found a unique bridge, painted seemingly by an artist. Right there was even a smaller waterfall as well.
I enjoyed this land of waterfall. Quite worthwhile!
5. Elora Quarry Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By lisamtravels003 - Keswick, ON
We arrived around 2pm on a Thursday and waited in line for about 20 or 30 minutes to get in. We were in the area for only the day so wanted to see the quarry. We had gone to the Elora Conservation Area that morning so I used my receipt from that to gain entry. Works for me! Got our parking spot and then had to find our way to the beach. There's no signs up anywhere showing what trails to take to get to the beach and everyone we asked didn't seem to know either. We ended up following a group of girls and they knew where they were going. The beach was packed with people of all ages. A complete alcohol ban is in place. No jumping or diving signs are posted all around. The quarry itself is pretty. There's barriers around the top of the cliffs but you could still see people on the wrong side of them. The "beach" itself is very small and rocky with a smaller sandy section off to the left side. You could hardly find a space to sit. There are only a couple of bathrooms on site and they are not very clean. My kids would not even go in them. The park rangers came around a couple of times to make sure everyone was abiding by the rules. It was ok but I dont think I would go back if I was ever in that area again.
6. Grand River Raceway
Overall Ratings
4 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Nese - Guelph,On
Had attended the murder mystery dinner theatre in the past and enjoyed the evening tremendously thus I suggested that our group of six attend the Johnny Cash event.
Turkey was dry, sides cold (great eggplant but little compensation for a sad meal ) Plenty leftover on the buffet but seconds were not offered.
The play? What kind of murder mystery when no one died? Boring and very embarrassing based on my personal recommendation . Lots of room for improvement- please!!!
7. Bissell Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By rnr636 - Elora, Canada
This park is located on the Grand River. There is a boardwalk along the river which is quite nice. Also a very good biking/hiking trail that starts at the pedestrian bridge over the river. This trail will take you right into Fergus. It is well maintained and peaceful. We have gone kayaking here as well. There is a portage spot that isn't too long.
There are also nice, clean, accessible washrooms. The only problem is that they aren't the easiest to get to if you have a physical handicap. You have to go on a gravel trail up a little slope and then there is a bit of a lip at the top. Could be better thought out.
A covered pavilion for picnics is near the washrooms. There is the damn as well. You can fish here but be forewarned...if you catch a trout you must release it. The MOE has this as a "No Kill" Trout Zone. And you can only use single barbless hooks and artificial lures...no bait is allowed.
At the other end of the park is an area for ball hockey, basketball and hockey in the winter.
For entertainment they hold the Riverfest in August, the Ice Jam in March, Canada Day celebrations and the Farmers Market all summer on Saturday mornings. Also, KIPP, the Kitchen In the Park Project, hosts various culinery events during the year here. You can volunteer to help with their events (if you need community hours for school they have them) and you can even rent their space and use the wood fired oven. There really is a lot of events and activities to choose from here.
8. Veteran's Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By rnr636 - Elora, Canada
If you are looking for a quiet place to relax and contemplate then this is the spot. It is never busy and kind of secluded.
There is a large War Memorial at the entrance to the park. Every Remembrance Day there is a service held here as well.
A large playground and benches are also at the entrance.
When you go down the hill you will find the Irvine River. It is fairly slow flowing at this spot. But if you go in with a canoe or kayak, beware of the dam at the bridge.
You can use the small charcoal bbq if you like. And there is a picnic shelter as well. There are sometimes geese here to feed and swans.
9. Elora Farmers' Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By rnr636 - Elora, Canada
You can get some things you may need but not all. Limited amount of vendors...but the ones that are there are very friendly and helpful. You can chat with them without being bumped into or shoved because it's small. So there are good points too.
It is open Saturdays 9 AM - 1 PM.
When it is being held in Bissell park there is very limited parking, although you can park on Mill street further down or on a side street.
In the off season it is in the Grand River Raceway Paddock building. There it runs Oct 14 to Dec 23...then it is done till the next growing season.
10. Elora Centre For The Arts
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Drew H - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The local artists in Elora and Fergus have an annual studio tour in later September. More than two dozen artists are represented covering a wide variety of the arts: painting, pottery, photography, weaving, jewelry, and more. To lauch the tour, there is an openning night at the Elora Centre for the Arts and the display stays in place over two weeks. The Centre has two large rooms filled with art. Each artists provides one or a few pieces for display. There are some amazing items to see, like glass sculptures, fine jewelry, painting with impressive shadow and light, and more.
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