Elora Gorge
Experience the dramatic beauty of Elora Gorge's limestone cliffs, swim in the turquoise quarry, and tube the Grand River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace
Elora Gorge
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the dramatic beauty of Elora Gorge's limestone cliffs, swim in the turquoise quarry, and tube the Grand River.
"Crystal-clear waters, limestone cliffs, and a summer escape like no other!"
🎟️ Book Quarry Tickets Online
Elora Quarry requires advance online booking for entry and parking. Don't miss out!
🛟 Tubing Safety Gear
Always wear a helmet and life jacket when tubing Elora Gorge. You will hit rocks!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elora Quarry Swimming
Elora Quarry Conservation Area
Swim in the stunning turquoise waters of this former quarry, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
Elora Gorge Tubing Adventure
Elora Gorge Conservation Area
Float down the Grand River, navigating rapids and enjoying the dramatic gorge scenery.
Scenic Gorge Hikes
Elora Gorge Conservation Area
Explore trails along the rim of the gorge, offering breathtaking views of the river and cliffs.
Lovers Leap Lookout
Elora Gorge Conservation Area
Take in panoramic views of the gorge from this iconic viewpoint.
Planning Your Visit
Book Elora Quarry Tickets in Advance
Tubing Safety First
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Quarry Tickets Online
Elora Quarry requires advance online booking for entry and parking. Don't miss out!
🛟 Tubing Safety Gear
Always wear a helmet and life jacket when tubing Elora Gorge. You will hit rocks!
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Essential for tubing to protect your feet from rocks and slippery surfaces.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking at the gorge can be tough. Consider parking in Elora village and walking or using alternative lots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Quarry Tickets Online
Elora Quarry requires advance online booking for entry and parking. Don't miss out!
🛟 Tubing Safety Gear
Always wear a helmet and life jacket when tubing Elora Gorge. You will hit rocks!
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Essential for tubing to protect your feet from rocks and slippery surfaces.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking at the gorge can be tough. Consider parking in Elora village and walking or using alternative lots.
💧 Check Water Levels
Tubing conditions vary. High water can mean faster currents, while low water might mean more rock contact.
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for Walks
There's a significant walk to get to the tubing put-in and potentially back out.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning cliff faces and river vistas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Elora Gorge and Elora Quarry, highlighting the dramatic limestone cliffs, clear waters, and thrilling tubing opportunities. The hiking trails offer breathtaking views, and the village of Elora provides a charming complement to the outdoor adventures. Some find parking challenging and tubing requires caution due to rocks and currents.
"If you want to see nature at its best, with rivers that wind around this area with all their glory, and see some amazing things such as the Hole in the Rock, and easy trails, this is a place to be. We went there to go tubing however the whole conservation area was full of great areas including picnic areas (bring your own picnic food like we did), camping, tubing, and trails. I would highly recommend it and strong recommend the tubing (make sure to book it 72 hours ahead of time ideally) as I was such an awesome feeling being pulled by the river. There are even waterfalls there!"
Winston Bromley
"only reviewing tubing on the gorge
I went tubing with a few friends and really enjoyed myself! The tubing price was $54 plus the park entrance fee. For the price I likely wouldn't do this again. For the price I'd expect a tube collection service which there isn't. Also due to bridge construction we couldn't park at the finish line to drive back to the drop off so we had to walk 45mins. I don't mind walking but for the price I shouldn't have to walk with all the equipment. However all that said, I really found the gorge beautiful and the (small) rapids were fun! We all had a good time"
Keven Peressini
"*A Natural Wonderland for All Ages
Our recent hike at the gorge was an unforgettable experience! The stunning natural rock formations are a sight to behold, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The well-laid paths made the hike enjoyable and accessible, allowing us to fully take in the beauty of the area without difficulty. The gorge was just that! Gorgeous!
What impressed me most was how incredibly clean the entire park was—it's clear that a lot of care and effort go into maintaining this natural gem. Despite the rugged landscape, Elora Gorge is very kid-friendly, which made it a perfect family adventure. Even with the steep drop-offs, we felt safe knowing that dangerous areas were carefully fenced off, ensuring everyone could enjoy the scenery without worry.
If you're looking for a beautiful, well-maintained place to hike that’s suitable for all ages, I highly recommend visiting!"
nikki Macdonald
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Elora Gorge is about a 90-minute drive from Toronto. You can also take a GO train to Guelph and then a bus or taxi to Elora.
The best way to explore Elora Gorge Conservation Area is by foot, as there are many hiking trails. For tubing, you'll be in the river.
Yes, there is parking available at Elora Gorge Conservation Area and Elora Quarry Conservation Area, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider parking in the village of Elora.
While possible, it's more challenging. You can take public transit to Guelph and then a local bus or taxi to Elora.
Elora Gorge Conservation Area is located at 7400 Wellington County Rd 21, Centre Wellington, ON.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need to purchase admission tickets for Elora Gorge Conservation Area and Elora Quarry Conservation Area. It's highly recommended to book these online in advance, especially for the quarry.
Ticket prices can vary, but it's best to check the Grand River Conservation Authority website for the most up-to-date pricing for Elora Gorge and Elora Quarry.
No, Elora Quarry Conservation Area typically requires advance online booking for tickets and parking. You cannot purchase them at the gate.
Operating hours for Elora Gorge Conservation Area and Elora Quarry Conservation Area vary by season. Always check the official website for current hours before your visit.
Yes, parking fees are usually included with your admission ticket or can be purchased separately when booking online for Elora Quarry.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include hiking scenic trails, swimming at Elora Quarry, tubing down the Grand River, picnicking, and camping.
Tubing can be safe if you're a strong swimmer, wear safety gear (helmet, life jacket), and are aware of the rocky riverbed and currents.
Swimming is permitted at Elora Quarry Conservation Area, which features a beautiful, deep swimming hole. Swimming is not recommended in the gorge itself due to currents.
Yes, Elora Gorge Conservation Area offers numerous hiking trails with stunning views of the gorge and limestone cliffs.
Lovers Leap is a popular lookout point offering panoramic views of the gorge.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The village of Elora offers several dining options, from casual pubs to upscale restaurants.
Yes, picnic areas are available at both Elora Gorge Conservation Area and Elora Quarry Conservation Area.
Popular spots include Elora Brewery, The Shepherd's Pub for casual dining, and The Mill for a more upscale experience.
Food vendors are not typically available within the conservation areas themselves, so it's best to bring your own food or dine in the village.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy at the picnic areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The towering limestone cliffs, the turquoise waters of the quarry, and the winding Grand River offer incredible photo opportunities.
Drone usage may be restricted in conservation areas. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides beautiful lighting for capturing the dramatic landscape.
While there are some small caves, access can be difficult and potentially unsafe. Focus on the main gorge and quarry views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive gorge views, and a waterproof camera or phone case is useful for tubing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For tubing, ensure your children are strong swimmers and comfortable in moving water. Life jackets and helmets are non-negotiable for safety.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for free parking options in the village of Elora if the conservation area lots are full or too expensive, though this may involve a longer walk.
💑 Couples
After a day of exploring, enjoy a romantic dinner in the charming village of Elora, known for its excellent restaurants and cozy atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Tubing the Grand River
Safety is paramount when tubing Elora Gorge. The riverbed is rocky, and while generally manageable, there are sections where the water moves faster. Wearing a helmet is strongly advised to protect against bumps and scrapes.
For those seeking a more controlled river experience, Elora Quarry offers a calmer alternative. While not a tubing destination, its clear, deep waters are perfect for swimming and enjoying the dramatic quarry landscape.
Hiking and Exploring the Gorge
While the main gorge trails offer stunning vistas, exploring the base of the gorge is also possible, though it requires navigating stairs and uneven terrain.
Beyond the main gorge, the Elora Quarry Conservation Area provides a different kind of natural beauty. The quarry itself is a popular spot for swimming, but the surrounding area also offers walking paths with unique geological formations.
Camping and Accommodations
Campers can enjoy the convenience of being close to hiking trails and the river, making it easy to access activities like tubing and exploring.
If camping isn't your preference, the charming village of Elora offers a variety of other accommodation options, including boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts.
Social
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