Elora Gorge Conservation Area
Nestled in the heart of the Grand River Valley is the breathtakingly beautiful Elora Gorge Conservation Area. This spectacular natural area features 22-metre-high limestone cliffs flanking the roaring Grand River. Beyond the views, it also offers visitors exciting outdoor activities that will surely create lasting memories.
The Elora Gorge Conservation Area is open for the summer season, from May to October only.
Easily accessible from the village of Elora, the Elora Gorge Conservation Area is about 25 km north of the city of Guelph. Elora can be reached from Highway 6, which connects to Highway 401 to the south of Elora, and to Highway 400 via Highway 9 to the north. Parking is available at the gorge and is included in the fee to enter the conservation area.
For up-to-date information and details on the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, we recommend you visit their website. For information about other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends.
More about Elora Gorge Conservation Area
Elora Gorge Conservation Area is one of Ontario’s most beloved outdoor destinations with an abundance of activities to enjoy, including hiking, kayaking, tubing and fishing.
Appreciate the area along 3 km of nature trails that follow along the top of the cliffs. From various scenic viewpoints along the trail, you can stand in awe of the landscape that was shaped over thousands of years by the flowing river far below you. Along the trails, there are safety barriers to protect hikers. If you want to extend your hiking adventure, nearby is the Elora Cataract Trailway, a 47 km hiking and bike trail that follows an old Canadian Pacific rail route. It connects the Grand and Credit watersheds and is open year-round.
To really experience the Grand River and to see the drama of the towering cliffs, you need to get on the water. When water conditions are not too high, visitors love to rent a kayak or go tubing. For experienced kayakers, there is the thrill of navigating the white waters of the Grand River. But most visitors prefer to rent a tube and enjoy the excitement of the river and its rapids via inner tubing (safety equipment provided and must be worn).
Another popular activity at the Elora Gorge is fishing. The area is renowned for being one of the best fisheries for brown trout. Swimming is not permitted at the gorge, but you can enjoy a dip at the nearby Elora Quarry Park. And to ensure that kids also enjoy the day, there is a splash pad. This massive 200 square metre water playground allows kids endless possibilities for getting a soaking. There’s also a small playground.
Rather than enjoy the Elora Gorge Conservation Area as a day trip, try spending the night. There are over 350 campsites, both serviced and unserviced, that can be booked in advance.
The conservation area has a number of washrooms throughout the park. Visitors can also clean up at the showers and get some refreshment at the food concession stand. Or bring your own food and eat at one of the many picnic tables and pavilions around the grounds. But be sure to bring your reusablewater bottles, as there are countless water refills stations around the grounds.
Last updated: August 18, 2023