13 Fantastic Things to do in Fergus & How to Plan a Day Trip
Perched along the scenic shores of the Grand River, Fergus boasts a unique blend of cultural heritage and outdoor adventures. While often overlooked by nearby Elora, visitors will find a variety of fun things to do in Fergus Ontario.
Best known for the annual Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games, its also full of waterfalls, unique shops and tasty restaurants. With so many attractions and about an hour away from Toronto, Fergus makes for an ideal day trip destination.
In this travel guide to Fergus, Ontario I’m sharing all of my favourite things to do. Plus, I’ll share how you can take the planning out of visiting by introducing you to Grand Trails itineraries. These fun day trip itineraries are free and offer tips on what to do and see as well as where to eat.
Every time I visit Fergus, I also find new hidden gems! That’s another great reason to use one of the free Grand Trails itineraries, each are packed with hidden gems.
So, let’s start planning a day trip to Fergus!
Favourite Fergus Attractions At a Glance
- Elora Cataract Trailway
- Coffee at Vault
- Templin Gardens
How to Plan a Trip to Fergus and Elora
Take the worry out of planning a day trip to Fergus and Elora by utilizing one of the fun Grand Trails itineraries. Grand Trails promotes communities and towns along the Grand River, from the Headwaters region to Lake Erie.
Grand Trail has itineraries for all of the regions along the Grand River. These include destinations like Paris and Brantford as well as Cambridge and in Haldimand County. You can find their full list under their ‘Things to do’ tab here.
They showcase all of the fun things to in and around the Grand River. On their website you’ll find detailed itineraries that combine activities such as hiking, biking and paddling along the Grand River. In addition, each itinerary shares things to do and places to eat located in that particular location.
If you don’t have a bike or canoe, don’t worry, they recommend outfitters to rent them from nearby too.
For Central Wellington, where Elora and Fergus are located, there are a number of different Grand Trails itineraries. During my recent visit I opted for the Elora to Fergus Cataract Trail itinerary for my trip.
While this itinerary is geared towards biking, I chose to hike it. That’s one of the great things about their itineraries, you can customize it to fit your travel style.
Another fun reason to use a Grand Trails itinerary is that each are full of hidden gems. Even if you’ve been to the area before, you’ll discover new places to visit and restaurants to try.
I also love how community focused they are. Each of their itineraries are packed with local shops and family run restaurants. They care about the communities they showcase and want you to have the best experience.
The Best Things to do in Fergus on a Grand Trails Itinerary
Below are a list of all of the fun things you can do during your Elora to Fergus Cataract Trail Grand Trails itinerary. Many, like a few of the food and coffee stops are mentioned within the itinerary. While the others make for ideal additions to fill out your day trip.
Hike or Bike the Elora Cataract Trailway
Save the gas and hike from Elora to Fergus! The Elora Cataract Trailway connects both towns and makes for a fun way to travel between both. It’s one of the best trails along the Grand River!
Hiking or biking the Elora Cataract Trailway is one of the best things to do in Fergus. At relatively flat 5.5 km, the trail between Elora and Fergus takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours to hike. And even less if you bike it.
The Elora Cataract Trailway runs along the old Credit Valley Railway route that was built in the late 19th century. It travels 47 km between Elora and Forks of the Credit Provincial Park.
A popular cycling route, the Elora Cataract Trailway runs east of Fergus, running through Belwood Lake Conservation Area. Plus, it connects other small towns like Erin.
In addition to being ideal for cycling, the trail has a wide stone surface that is also great for strollers.
Insider Tip: If you’re planning to do the Elora to Fergus Grand Trails itinerary with a friend and don’t want to do the hike back, I’ve got a great option for you. Park a car at each end, that way you can hike one way and then drive one car back to the other. This is ideal for more time exploring both towns.
Looking for another great rail trail? Check out this Caledon Trailway guide!
Explore Elora
For those doing the Elora to Fergus Cataract Trail Grand Trails itinerary, Elora is the perfect place to start your day trip.
Elora has a bunch of adorable coffee shops. A great first stop is the Lost & Found Café, which is one of my favourites. It has a cozy vibe and fabulous baked goods to fuel you for your adventure.
Much like Fergus, Elora is known as one of the prettiest towns in Ontario. This is because of its picturesque setting along the Grand River as well as the stunning limestone buildings throughout town.
One of the most popular things to do in Elora is exploring the Elora Gorge! A great place to start Victoria Park where you’ll find views of the gorge and river. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Grand Trails sign and grab a selfie with it!
Another amazing place that lets you explore the gorge is the Elora Gorge Conservation Area. The park features a number of hiking trails, camping and other cool natural attractions.
While there’s plenty for outdoor adventurers, downtown Elora is full of things to do and see. Wandering around you’ll find a number of sculptures, like the Tall Man that’s one of the many photo stops in Elora.
Along with cafes, there’s plenty of great restaurants, like the Badley, as well as a brewery and distillery. There’s also one of my favourite afternoon tea shops in town, the Wild Tart.
For those starting their Grand Trails itinerary here, after you’ve done a bit exploring head on over to the Elora Cataract Trailway trailhead.
Grab a Coffee at Vault Coffee & Espresso Bar
Always on the hunt for cool coffee shops, when I visited Vault Coffee & Espresso Bar in Fergus, I was in love! It was one of my favourite recommendations on the Grand Trails itinerary.
Vault Coffee is the perfect first stop when you arrive in Fergus. Especially after hiking or biking from Elora.
This coffee shop has all the things I look for in a great café. It serves coffee from a local Ontario roaster. Plus, it’s located in a historic building that maintains its charm.
Vault Coffee & Espresso Bar is set in the Marshall Block of downtown Fergus. The stunning landmark building dates to 1883.
Inspired by the old bank vault, the coffee shop is a fun blend of old-world charm and stylish elegance. The walls are an exposed brick and lined with wooden tables that are topped with reading lights. It’s a great spot for a coffee or to work.
The coolest detail is that they’ve reimaged the old bank vault. With a proper bank vault door, the space within has a cozy, 1920’s cocktail lounge feel.
You’ll find a variety of hot beverages, as well as cocktails, on the menu. They use Zafiato Coffee Roasters, out of Tillsonburg, Ontario. There’s also a number of light fare available, like baked goods, breakfast options and sandwiches.
I enjoyed a seasonal latte, a maple latte with a fresh croissant, and could have sat there all day!
Insider Tip: Check out the Vault Coffee Facebook page to learn about their upcoming events. They run a variety of events that range from live music to paint nights.
Visit the Templin Gardens
Templin Gardens is one of the prettiest places to visit in Fergus in the summer! However, I think it’s a must-visit any time of year. And it’s a must stop on a Grand Trails itinerary for this incredible views of the river!
Sitting along the Grand River, the Templin Gardens was built in the late 1920s into the gorge. While its sprawling gardens are much smaller than when first built, they are still enchanting.
Originally commissioned by J.C. Templin and using the stone from a nearby limestone quarry, the gardens sadly succumbed to time and part of the land was sold. In the 1970s, the town restored the lower level of the garden.
If you’re looking for views over the Grand River, this is a great viewpoint. Plus, standing under the limestone arch with the river in the background, makes for the perfect photo spot!
In the summer, the flowers in the gardens are in full bloom. It makes for a beautiful place to sit on one of the benches and soak in the views or enjoy a book.
Also, during the summer, one of the many fun Fergus events takes place in Templin Gardens. Every Wednesday night in July and August, the gardens host Twilight at Templin. The stairs are lit with candles and there’s plenty of live music to keep you entertained.
Insider Tip: Access to part of the Templin Gardens is gated and closed off during the winter.
Eat at One of the Fab Restaurants in Fergus
One thing I suggest is that you come hungry to Fergus! There are so many great food shops and restaurants.
When it comes to where to eat in Fergus for lunch during the week, the Grand Trails itinerary suggested Underground Kitchen. Tucked behind Joe’s Butcher shop and Deli, it sells some of the best, and healthy roti around. I might not have discovered it if it wasn’t on the itinerary!
Chef Matt serves a variety of roti options, from chicken to vegetable. Plus, they come in a mini portion size, which I found to be the perfect size for lunch.
Underground Kitchen has a small seating area inside the shop. But I loved that it’s close to the river where you’ll find a number of picnic tables overlooking the Grand River. I think it’s the perfect spot to enjoy an order of roti!
Another fun spot to eat in Fergus is the Goofie Newfie. Also along the Grand River, you can sit on the riverside patio or inside their colourful dining room. Inside you’ll feel transported to Newfoundland with the Jelly Bean Row Houses painted on the wall, flags hanging from the ceiling and more.
Grab an order of fish and chips. Or if you’re looking for something smaller, I recommend the Newfie poutine, which comes and a small portion size.
For a taste of classic pub grub in a historic setting, head into the Brew House. Located along the Grand River, the Brew House is set in a stunning stone building that dates to 1851.
Along with having over a dozen beers on tap, they feature daily specials. Plus, they are said to have the best wings in town.
Get some Chocolate
If you’re like me and always on the hunt for the best chocolate shops, then I recommend popping into I Love Chocolate in Fergus. Grabbing a few chocolates for the hike or bike back to Elora will make it that much sweeter of an experience.
I Love Chocolate had me licking my lips as soon as I walked in thanks to the sweet smell of fresh chocolates. At the front of the shop, you’ll find a counter full of their truffles that are made in the shop. I love their mint and cinnamon truffles.
All of their truffles are made with fine Belgian chocolate. In addition to chocolates, the shop also sells fresh fudge and a wide assortment of candies and other sweets.
Another fabulous treat they sell is ice cream, which comes from a local ice cream maker from London Ontario. They have a variety of fun flavours, like root beer, which tastes just like a fresh root beer float!
Insider Tip: If you’re visiting Fergus in the summer, I highly recommend packing a cooler. With so many great food stops full of treats, you’ll want to bring some home with you.
Visit the Wellington County Museum
An easy detour on your way from Elora to Fergus along the Elora Cataract Trailway is the Wellington County Museum. Take the Terrace Trail, which is located roughly halfway between Elora and Fergus. It will take you down to the museum.
The Wellington County Museum is one of the many historic buildings in Fergus is now home to a museum. For those looking for things to do in Fergus with kids, consider visiting the Museum.
During my visit they had a fun dinosaur exhibit. Kids were in awe as these prehistoric creatures appeared to come to life as they moved. Plus, there were a number of interactive things to do for the kids, like a puppet show and crafts.
Even if you don’t have kids, a visit to the Wellington County Museum is a must. Perched atop a hill, the building was built in 1877 as a Poor House. It’s a National Historic Site because it’s the oldest surviving example of a Poor House in Canada.
The museum features a number of exbibits that share the history of the area. One of the most striking is ‘If These Walls Could Speak,’ which shares the stories of the people who called this building home.
In addition to the exhibits within, I recommend spending some time exploring the grounds. There are a number of trails. One leads to the cemetery of the those who passed during their time here.
Enjoy Shopping in Downtown Fergus
Strolling along the main street of Fergus, St. Andrew Street, you’ll find plenty of unique shops. There’s a diverse mix of clothing boutiques, food shops and other fun local stores.
Shopping in Fergus, Ontario is one of my favourite things to do in town. It’s home to one of my favourite bookstores, The Bookery.
As soon as you walk into the Bookery, it feels like you’re transported to an old bookshop on the British Isles. The shop is home to over 20,000 used books. Shelves continue into the back and are lined with everything from fantasy to kids’ books.
Another one of my favourite shops in Fergus is One and Only. I love finding stores like this that feature local and other Canadian artisans. The shop is full of a wide range of items like candles, clothing, fun greeting cards, and so much more. Plus, at the back of the store is a refill station.
Step into the Scottish Corner Shop and find a variety of fabulous UK and Ireland imports, like my favourite Cheese & Onion crisps! This fun shop sells things like Harris Tweed bags, clan tartans, and various traditional Scottish food.
I love antique shops and every time I visit Fergus I pop into Iron Bucket Antiques. Inside you’ll find so many vintage treasures that include glassware, retro toys and some interesting Wellington County memorabilia.
A hidden gem not to miss is Local Pieces Gallery. This is the perfect blend of art gallery meets artisan shop. The gallery showcases local artists with a variety of items including paintings and jewellery.
Visit the Kissing Stone
Also known as the Kissing Stane, if you’re looking for unique things to do in Fergus then make a visit to the Kissing Stone. The massive stone is located in a small hillside park that’s located just south of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
This little hillside park was a popular spot during Victorian times. During this time, legend says that stealing a kiss while sitting on the stone will bring you luck.
While I didn’t steal any kissing when I climbed up on the stone. I was charmed by its story.
Fun Fact: If you’re curious why this large stone is called a stane, it’s a Scottish word for stone.
The park is also home to an iron sculpture that shows two lovers holding a large heart. It’s covered in love locks.
So, if you’re looking for romantic things to do in Fergus then be sure to bring a lock. Write your names on it and add it to the other. And don’t forget to steal a kiss on the stone!
More Unique Things to do in Fergus
Enjoy a Show at the Theatre
I love the theatre and if you do to then check out the Fergus Grand Theatre! For those looking for unique things to do in Fergus, attending a show at this stunning theatre is a must. Since 1928, the Grand Theatre has been entertaining locals and visitors alike. In addition to live theatre, they also host live music and other fun events.
A few shows to attend this year include Peter Pan and Pride & Prejudice.
Attend the Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Taking place every August, since 1946, is the Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games. It’s the perfect Fergus event to attend if you’re want to experience Europe in Ontario!
The 3-day event is the largest Highland festival in Canada and takes place at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex.
See St Andrews Mill Cascade
One of the many hidden gems in Fergus is St. Andrews Mill Cascade. This beautiful waterfall and view of the Grand River can be accessed via Confederation Park. There’s a small parking lot off of Gartshore Street, just south of the bridge, and a trail leading to the water.
Hike the Trestle Bridge Trail
Another great trail between Elora and Fergus is the Trestle Bridge Trail. This 4 km trail offers scenic views of the Grand River. It’s named for one of the old railway bridges that cross the river, featuring piers that sit on 1869 original foundations.
Wrapping up a day trip to Fergus with a Grand Trails Itinerary
In conclusion, whether you’ve never visited Fergus before or have a number of times, I highly recommend using one of the Grand Trails itineraries to help plan your day trip! The itineraries are easy to follow and come with handy maps with a number of suggestions on what to do and where to eat. Plus, for those who have visited the area before, they offer a unique way to experience it from a different perspective whether on foot or bike.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fergus Ontario
Is Fergus Ontario worth visiting?
Yes, Fergus Ontario is worth visiting! Fergus is full of things to do, natural sights, as well as great shops and restaurants.
What is Fergus Ontario known for?
Fergus is best known for the annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games as well as the scenic views of the Grand River.
What river is in Fergus Ontario?
The river that runs through Fergus is the Grand River.
What is the history of Fergus Ontario?
In 1833, Fergus Ontario was founded by Adam Ferguson, originally from Scotland. The first home, a hotel, grist mill and more were built over then next few years. Fergus is now the largest community in Centre Wellington.
Disclaimer: I was hosted by Grand Trails during my visit but as always, all opinions expressed are my own.
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