Elora and the Elora Gorge

There is a medieval look to Elora as you enter it. The whole town sits on a bed of flagstones; next to it, the Grand River flows through a gorge created by erosion. It is no doubt one of Ontario’s prettiest towns. Some of the numerous well preserved 19th Century buildings are spectacular. It is well worth walking and driving around to appreciate its stunning beauty.

If you have not been to Elora lately, you have not seen the great historical preservation that has happened downtown. The splendid Elora Mill and the old stone buildings around it have been restored into a chic hotel/spa and condos. More tourists are coming to Elora from around the world.

But on summer week ends, it is mostly residents and local tourists who are flocking to the old Elora Quarry, where years of excavating created a pond, making it ideal for a swim, a family picnic and sunbathing.

The greatest thing about Elora is the gorge. And the best view of the gorge is from the Elora Gorge lookout, located in the park behind the Elora Mill. It is also accessible by car from James Street. And if you are adventurous, you might be tempted to admire the gorge along the Irvine Creek from above while ziplining. The zipline is located behind the Community Centre on David Street West, just off Wellington Road 7.

If ziplining is not for you, you can still have a great view of the gorge from the bridge on David Street. Park at the Community Centre and walk to it. And if you keep walking to the other side of the gorge and walk along the cliff (don’t worry it’s all fenced) you will find some steps that will take you down to the bottom of the cliff.

Tubing down the gorge is also a popular activity. From downtown, cross the bridge and stay on road 21 at the round about. This will take you to the entrance of the Elora Gorge Conservation Area. Only a few minutes outside of Elora, it is a lot of fun. There is a 10 minute walk from where you pick a tube and the starting point next to a rapid.

There is more to Elora than the gorge though : galeries, microbreweries, pretty boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and patios are all part of its charm.

THE NEARBY TOWN OF FERGUS IS NOT TO BE MISSED

Elora does not stand alone as a pretty town in the area. Nearby Fergus has a lot going for itself as well. Also located next to Grand River, the numerous beautifully restored buildings on its bank make it as impressive. The most spectacular place to visit is Templin Gardens and its steps leading down to the Grand River. It is located behind the buildings on St. Andrew Street East. There is no doubt many wedding pictures have been taken there.

Downtown Fergus is more residential and less commercial than Elora. But the local architecture is as spectacular. The Scottish masons that built it in the 19th Century left a stunning collection of buildings and homes. And there is also an interesting selection of restaurants and shops.

ROUTE 1 : A STOP AT THE STREETCAR MUSEUM

From highway 401 going West past Milton, exit at Guelph Line (road # 1) and drive North. If you are in the mood for a snack, Dar’s Delights at the corner of 15 Side Road and First Line Nassagaweya, West of Guelph Line, will offer fresh donuts, pastries, preserves and more. Back on Guelph Line, drive north past 25 Side Road; a little further north on your right, you’ll see the Streetcar Museum. For years, I just drove by. Believe me, it’s worth visiting especially if you grew up in an urban environment and were a frequent user of public transportation. You will recognize some of the streetcars and buses you took as a child and will get to experience your parents’ and grandparents’ commutes; the old advertisings are still intact in some old buses. An old train station and streetcar shelters are also part of the collection. The buses and streetcars come from several cities in North America.

Back on the road, Guelph Line takes you through farm country, with rolling hills and timeless barns along the way. You might want to stop and visit the beautiful hamlet of  Eden Mills, if you turn left on road 32. Or keep driving and soon you’ll find yourself next to the Rockwood Conservation Area. If you turn right on highway 7, you will get to the pretty village of Rockwood. The antique shop and the bakery on the main road are interesting stops.

Get back to road 44 (by that point road 1 has turned into road 44) and drive until you reach the end of the road. Turn left on road 124 and drive to road 29, go right and drive to road 18, turn left and you will soon be in Fergus. Go across the bridge and start your visit of this beautiful town.

ROUTE 2 : A STOP AT THE CANADA’S OLDEST ANTIQUE MARKET

If you are into antiques, the Aberfoyle Antique Market is an essential stop on the way to Elora. It is Canada’s oldest antique market and one of the biggest. To get to it, take exit 299 on the 401 and turn right. A few kilometers north, right after the restaurant The Mill, you’ll see the Antique Market on your left. It is only opened on Sundays from May to October. There is no need to bring your lunch : there are a few food options. Do wear a hat or use some sunscreen even though there are some shady spots.

From Aberfoyle, get back on Brock Road and drive north to the next main intersection, turn left on road 34 and drive to highway 6, then make it right and drive towards Guelph.

You might want to make another interesting stop : the Donkey Sancturay of Canada. It is opened to the public on Sundays and Wednesdays during the summer. It is a farm that provide shelter to abandoned and mistreated donkeys. This non profit organization survives through donations from the public. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to stop and wander around the farm and pet some donkeys. You will be charmed by those friendly and sociable animals. Some of them will truly be happy to see you!

Get back on highway 6 and stay on it until you reach Fergus. Be careful when you reach the intersection of road 7 in Guelph. You’ll have to turn right on road 7 as there is a little detour to reconnect with highway 6.

SOME GEMS NEAR ELORA

There is an amazing selection of restaurants in Elora and Fergus. But you might want to consider a more affordable and quiet place to stop for lunch. I like to stop at The Spot in Alma. It’s only a 10 minute drive from Elora and it is popular among the locals. And the deserts are amazing! It is easily accessible by turning right on Wellington Road 7 from Elora and driving north-west past Salem.

Also after tubing in the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, there is a beautifully preserved long covered bridge in West Montrose: it is called the Kissing Bridge. It is one of the few remaining covered bridge in Ontario. You can access it by getting back on road 21 going south along the Grand River until you reach Line 86. Cross that road and immediately turn right on River’s Edge Drive; you will see it on your right.

Have a great trip.

Postcards Ontario