+15 Ultimate Things to do in Elora
If you’re looking for a beautiful village in Ontario, Canada to explore then I highly recommend Elora! Located along the Grand River just north of Guelph, visitors will find a long list of things to do in Elora. Known as one of the prettiest villages in Ontario, a day trip to Elora is ideal for those looking to escape the city.
I love Elora for many reasons. One of which is that it has the perfect blend of historic charm and outdoor activities. Exploring the Elora Gorge is one of the most popular things to do and offers a wealth of possibilities. My favourite way to explore the Elora Gorge is on foot, hiking the trails and wandering the river banks.
For those that are looking for what to do in Elora that doesn’t involve outdoor adventure, there’s plenty for you too! Downtown Elora is full of adorable shops, cute cafes and interesting sights. Plus, there’s a number of great places to stay right in town, like the stunning and historic Elora Mill, for those planning a longer road trip.
With my countless visits to Elora, in every season, I’ve put together a guide to the best things to do in Elora. Read on to discover the top attractions, fun outdoor activities to do, as well as where to shop and eat.
As you can see, with so many fun things to do and see, a day trip to Elora offers the perfect getaway. It will give you a mix of European charm in Ontario and exciting outdoor adventures.
Quick Picks for Things to do on Day Trip to Elora
- Hike the Elora Gorge
- Explore Victoria Park
- Enjoy one of the cute coffee shops
- Browse the downtown shops in Elora
Best Things to do in Elora Ontario
If you’re planning to travel to Elora you’ll find all the best things to do as well as Elora attractions in this guide! This charming small town in the Grand River Valley is a must-visit. And if you don’t believe me, consider that A.J. Casson called it “Ontario’s most beautiful village.”
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Hike the Elora Gorge Conservation Area
The Elora Gorge Conservation Area is one of the best places to hike close to Toronto! There are ample reasons why.
With limestone cliffs soar over 70 feet above the Grand River and the river rushing between them, it’s a stunning natural wonder. The gorge is like a mini Grand Canyon. And every time I visit and stand in the gorge, I’m in awe!
There are 3 kms of hiking trails in the Elora Gorge Conservation Area. Some of the trails take you through the forest and near the campgrounds in the park. While others run right along the gorge for epic views.
Plus, you can access the gorge via stairways that descend down to the river. When the water is low, one of my favourite things to do is wander along the river and gaze up at the towering cliffs.
Along the gorge, you can find various lookouts with spectacular views of this natural wonder. And if you need any more reasons to convince you to hike the Elora Gorge, there is also a little waterfall too!
Insider Tip: The park is only open seasonally, from May 1 to October 15. So, during the summer weekends it can be very busy. My favourite time to visit is during the fall and specifically during the week to avoid the crowds.
Explore Victoria Park
One of the best places to visit in Elora is Victoria Park. This beautiful park is located right in town and full of sights. It’s full of winding forested trails along the gorge
Exploring Victoria Park is one of the best free things to do in Elora. One of the most popular sights in Victoria Park is the sign that’s shaped like map pin and reads ‘Most Road Trippable Town in Canada.’
The park is also home to numerous views of the gorge. A popular viewpoint is known as Lover’s Leap, which is also known as Elora Gorge lookout. A path leading out of the forested trails of the park is a stone staircase that leads to a platform that looks out over the Elora Gorge.
Insider Tip: Please learn from my mistakes. Every time I visit Lover’s Leap to take in the views I visit in the morning. This is not the best time to visit. The best time to visit this viewpoint is later in the afternoon when the sun is behind you.
My favourite view in Victoria Park is of the David Street Bridge. From a break in the tree line this stunning bridge comes into view.
Another fun thing to do in Victoria Park is to take the Irvine River Gorge Staircase. If you’re looking to explore the Elora Gorge for free this is the way!
The Irvine River Gorge Staircase is located near the David Street Bridge viewpoint. Take the stone staircase down into the gorge for free access.
There are a few things to note. There is a bit of a scramble at the bottom as the stairs don’t go down to the river. The stairs are also not open in the winter.
This section of the gorge is so scenic and offers awesome photo opportunities with the David Street Bridge in the background.
Cozy Coffee Shop
Every day trip to Elora should include a visit to one of the cute and cozy coffee shops in town. Off all the coffee shops in Elora, my favourite is Lost + Found Cafe!
Lost + Found is located in the Elora Mews. In the heart of downtown, the Elora Mews is a must visit for many reasons. The café and shops are surrounded by limestone walls and will make you feel like you’re in old world Europe!
The café is always my first stop in Elora every time I visit! In the morning, I love grabbing a coffee and one of their tasty baked goods and sitting at the window with the rays of sun shining through.
If this little café is full, there are a number of other cozy cafes to visit. For a taste of European baked goods and coffee, pop into E and G Bakery.
Another popular spot is the Elora Café. They use locally roasted Elora Coffee Roasters, which has a fabulous blend called Tooth of Time.
Behold the Tooth of Time and Elora Gorge Waterfall
For those who don’t know, the Tooth of Time is one of the top things to see in Elora! Sitting in the middle of the Grand River where the Elora gorge waterfall is, there is a section of rock.
This rocky islet is known as the Tooth of Time. It sits amongst the rushing waters of the waterfall.
There are two main places to view the Tooth of Time and the Elora Gorge falls from. One place is on the Jack R. MacDonald pedestrian bridge that’s located across from the Elora Mews.
My favourite view of the Elora waterfall and the Tooth of Time is from the trails in Victoria Park. Follow the trail into the park at the end of Church Street and just around the corner there’s a break in the trees.
Hike the Elora Cataract Trail
If hiking is your jam then you’re in luck! There’s another major hiking trail in Elora. The Elora Cataract Trailway is a 47 kilometre trail that will take you through forests and rolling countryside.
The Trailway travels between Elora and Cataract and runs through three Ontario parks. It runs through Elora and Belwood Lake Conservation Area as well as Forks of the Credit Provincial Park.
Plus, the trail also takes you through a few charming small towns beyond Elora, like Fergus, Erin, and more. The trail runs along the old Credit Valley Rail line between the Grand River and the Credit River. It’s one of the best trails along the Grand River and is also part of the Trans Canada Trail.
Tip: You can also cycle the Elora to Cataract Trailway! Between Elora and Fergus the ride takes about two hours there and back.
Go to the Wellington County Museum
If you’re looking for a little history and culture head to the Wellington County Museum & Archives. Sitting atop a hill just outside Elora, you’ll find the museum which is also a National Historic Site.
The building was built in 1877 to home the poor and homeless people from the area. It’s now a museum with a variety of exhibits. There’s one on the people who called this building home as well as other fun ones.
Whether you’re looking to learn more about the area, or in search of a rainy day activities in Elora then the Museum is what you’re after.
Insider Tip: If you’re planning to hike or bike the Elora Cataract Trail you can access the Wellington County Museum. Terrace Trail links the trailway to the museum.
Enjoy Elora Gorge Activities
For those looking for a grand adventure during your day trip to Elora, you’re in luck! Some of the best things to do in Elora in summer take place in the gorge.
There’s a number of fun Elora Gorge activities. Two of the top activities are tubing along the Grand River and zip-lining across the gorge.
One Axe Pursuits offers extreme ziplining. Strap in and soar 80 feet above the bottom of the gorge for a thrilling adventure with epic views.
If you want to look up at those incredible cliffs instead of down on them, tubing the river is a fun alternative. As you float along the Grand River in a tube take in the views and watch the birdlife along the river’s edge and soar above you.
Enjoy a Punt Ride Tour
I still remember my first punt ride in Germany! But did you know you can enjoy a punt ride along the Grand River in Elora?
Climb aboard a 20 foot English gondola, also known as a punt, and see Elora from a different perspective. Explore the river and learn all about Elora from your guide, the area, and you might even see hidden within the limestone cliffs a fossil or two.
It’s the perfect reason to make Elora one of your Ontario summer road trip destinations.
Hunt for Art
No matter where I go I’m always on the hunt for art. It truly says something about a place when street art, in whatever form, can be seen throughout. And Elora is full of art. There are a number of statues and sculptures scattered around town.
You can enjoy a self-guided walking tour of Elora’s art including retail galleries and the Elora Centre for the Arts. You can find the downloadable map and guide here.
Every year the Elora Sculpture Project puts on an outdoor exhibition of pieces from May through October and they’re even available to purchase from the artist. I was charmed by a fox piece I saw across from the Elora Brewing Company a few years ago.
The Tall Man is the most popular and famous of Elora’s art pieces. Created by Scott McNichol and titled “Who’s in Charge”, it can be found in the small park at the corner of Metcalfe and Mill Street.
Visit the Elora Quarry Conservation Area
Ok, I know what you’re thinking, Steph, why would I want to visit some random quarry? Well, this is a magical quarry. The Elora Quarry Conservation Area is the old limestone quarry where all of the limestone was procurred to make up the incredible stone buildings of Elora.
This quarry is now a popular swimming hole in the summer with its Caribbean-like green water. And all around are limestone cliffs that are topped with picture-perfect trees that make for a beautiful stop in the fall too!
Attend a Festival
Beyond the gorge, one of the top things Elora is best known for is its festivals. The two big ones are Elora Festival and Riverfest.
Elora Fest features an incredible array of top performers from a range of styles, from jazz to pop, and is held over the course of a few weeks every July.
Riverfest is noted as one of the premier boutique festivals in Canada. It showcases everything from music to crafts. The festival is every August in Bissell Park, along the banks of the Grand River.
Browse the Shops
There is definitely something enchanting about shopping in Elora. Full of limestone colourful storefronts I love browsing the shops in Elora. Many are full of interesting and unique pieces, from statement clothing to one-of-a-kind gifts. I always find something I want!
One of my favourite shops in Elora is Epiphany Apparel for great clothing pieces. Plus, I love the cool vintage letter art installation that’s just inside the door.
Another fun shop is reFIND Salvage. Inside you’ll find quirky and interesting vintage pieces. For more unique and fun pieces that range from jewellery to home decor is Mermaid in Elora. I love exploring the different rooms and nooks and crannies of this shop, I always find something new.
Colourful and full of fabulous finds for book lovers is Cordial Cove Books. Every visit I pop into to browse their awesome selection of second-hand. If you’re looking for a new book, I highly recommend picking up one of their blind date books!
Another fabulous shop to visit is the Karger Gallery. This boutique shop sells a range of unique home decor, gift ideas, and clothing.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Wild Tart
There are so many great places to enjoy afternoon tea in Ontario and one of those is right in Elora. Created by an international team who are passionate about afternoon tea, the Wild Tart is located right downtown.
Wild Tart offers a sophisticated afternoon tea experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the classic afternoon tea at Wild Tart and think it’s a fun spot to go with your girlfriends or mom!
Their afternoon tea pairs fine teas with tasty sandwiches and the most delectable desserts. The desserts, which change regularly are almost too pretty to eat.
Visit Fergus
I highly recommend adding a visit to Fergus to your day trip to Elora! Best known for the annual Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Fergus is much like Elora in its limestone architecture found throughout its downtown.
Located 10 minutes east of Elora, Fergus also has the mighty Grand River running through town. And just like Elora, there’s a variety of things to do and see.
You’ll find everything from fab food shops like I Love Chocolate to unique shops like One and Only Handmade Marketplace. Fergus also boasts a number of great restaurants and a cool coffee shop. But there’s so much more!
One of my favourite things to do in Fergus is visit Templin Gardens. This enchanting limestone garden area has awesome views of the Grand River and hosts a number of events.
More Elora Things to do during your Visit
Bissell Park
One of the best parks in Elora is Bissell Park. Located downtown, the park winds along the Grand River and is also home to a cute little boardwalk trail.
Bissel Park hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the famed Elora’s Riverfest. If you’re looking for things to do in Elora in summer check out the Elora Farmer’s Market, which is held in the park. And for those looking for things to do in Elora in winter, Bissel Park is home to a skating rink.
Aboyne Trail
If you’re looking for places to hike near Elora then set your feet on the Aboyne Trail. This approximately 2 trail is located close to the Wellington County Museum and Archives.
The Aboyne Trail leads you by various cool sites like Lime Kilns, a cemetery, and even a view of the Grand River. You can find a free parking lot just east of the Museum.
Elora Farmer’s Market
For those visiting during the weekend another Elora attraction is the Elora Farmer’s Market. The Market takes place every Saturday morning in Bissell Park in the summer.
In the winter, the farmer’s market is held in the Highland Rugby Club Field-House in Fergus. You’ll find a variety of goodies from local farms and artisans. Don’t forget to pack a cooler to pick up some tasty treats and fresh local farm produce.
Elora Distilling Company
Whether you’re looking for a good time out or fun things to do in indoors in Elora then consider grabbing a drink! Set in a beautiful red-bricked building downtown, you’ll find the Elora Distilling Company.
The Elora Distilling Company is a great place to enjoy a cocktail flight with friends. Be sure to grab some tasty treats to pair with your drinks like their charcuterie board that’s made with local cheeses and meats. If you’re more of a beer fan then head over to Elora Brewing Company.
Best Restaurants in Elora
This quaint village is home to some great places to eat!. A couple of my favourite restaurants in Elora are the Shepherd’s Pub for all your delicious pub grub and Café Creperie for light and tasty crepes.
A few other great places to eat in Elora include The Bradly Steakhouse and Bar, The Evelyn, Elora Mill Restaurant, and The Friendly Society.
If you’re looking for something light or a sweet treat, there’s a number of tasty spots to pop into. For awesome baked goods and bread, visit the Elora Bread Trading Co.
Where to Stay in Elora
While it’s small there are a few great places to stay in Elora. One is the newly renovated Elora Mill Hotel & Spa. The Elora Mill Hotel & Spa is set within a structure has been towering above the Grand River for over 175 years.
It’s now it’s a five-star hotel with nearly 30 rooms that range from rustic to modern and many have a wood-burning fireplace.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly places to stay consider the adorable Cheshire Cat B&B, the Cellar Suite – a lovely apartment located above the Cellar Pub & Grill or The Village Inn.
When is the Best Time to Visit Elora
I’d dare to say that it’s always a good time of year to visit Elora. But I do suggest visiting in the summer and fall.
Summer – Elora in the summer is abuzz with festivals. You can enjoy the summer adventures like tubing along the Grand River and Zip-Lining across the Elora Gorge. And even pop over to the Elora Quarry in the heat of the summer for a refreshing swim.
Fall – Fall in Elora is, in my opinion, the best time to visit! It’s one of the best places to see fall colours in Ontario. Fall colours are at their peak, the summer crowds have died down, and there are monsters running amuck!
What? Monsters? October is Monster Month, where you’ll find monsters lurking around every corner, in parks, and on buildings. There’s also a monster parade and other events going on all month long. Visiting Elora during Monster Month is one of the best things to do in Ontario in October!
Winter – During the holiday season, the town is dressed in Christmas décor and shops are having big sales. Plus, winter hiking in Elora is always magical!
Frequently Asked Questions about Elora
If you’re planning a road trip you may have a few questions about visiting Elora. Below you’ll find some frequently asked questions about visiting including when to visit, parking, and what it’s known for.
Is Elora Gorge worth it?
Yes, the Elora Gorge is worth visiting! This stunning natural wonder features towering cliffs, scenic trails and there are plenty of fun ways to experience it that range from hiking to zip lining.
Do you have to pay to hike Elora gorge?
Yes, you have to pay to hike in the Elora Gorge Conservation Area. Day use admission fees are $8.50 per adult.
Do you have to pay to get into Elora Quarry?
Yes, you have to pay to get into the Elora Quarry Conservation Area. Tickets for the Elora Quarry are $11 for adults and must be purchased online in advance. You can book them online here.
Can you swim in Elora Quarry?
Yes, you can swim in the Elora Quarry. There is a large beach where you can access the water from.
What is Elora Known for?
Elora is most popular attraction and draw is the Elora Gorge. But other things that Elora is known for is its renowned Riverfest, the Elora Quarry, and it European charm.
Where is Elora?
Elora is located in Wellington County. A day trip to Elora from Toronto is ideal. Toronto to Elora is only an 1.5 hour drive west of the city.
Where should you parking?
There is plenty of free, time-limited, on-street parking throughout downtown Elora. You’ll also find a few free parking lots for extended visits. One large lot can be found beside the LCBO at Metcalfe and High Streets. Another smaller one can be found at East Mill and Geddes Streets.
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Midland – located in Simcoe County (2 hours north of Toronto)
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Tobermory – located in Bruce County (3.5 hours north-west of Toronto)
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