The picturesque and quaint town of Elora, Ontario, Canada, has several claims to fame. It has been named ‘Most Road Trippable Town in Canada’ while others have described it as ‘Ontario’s Most Beautiful Village’. Located on the banks of the Grand and Irvine Rivers in Wellington County, Elora is an excellent weekend getaway. Known for its 19th-century limestone architecture, a stunning gorge, quarry, and rich history, Elora will sweep you off your feet. Its artisanal shops and studios, alfresco restaurants and cafes, and natural beauty will make you fall in love with it the moment you set foot on it. Read on to learn about the things to do in Elora, Ontario.
History of Elora, Ontario
The first to arrive in Elora in the 16th century were Roman Catholic missionaries who tried to convert the indigenous people to Christianity. The first settlers arrived in 1817, primarily from Europe. Captain William Gilkison, a Scottish army man, is the founder of Elora. But why did he name it Elora? The name Elora reminded us of Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, India, a UNESCO World Heritage Site we visited a decade ago. Was it merely a coincidence that the two places shared the same name, or was there more to it?
Well, it turns out that Gilkinson had returned from India after serving in the army. His brother had named his ship Elora, inspired by Ellora Caves, and Gilkinson liked it so much that he decided to give the same name to the community! So, that’s the connection between the Ellora Caves in India and Elora, Ontario, Canada. Soon, the Elora Mill was constructed, and shops and other factories were built. (There is a separate travelogue on Ellora Caves which you can read here. )
How to Get to Elora from Toronto/ Arriving in Elora
A one-and-a-half-hour drive from Toronto brought us to Elora. En route, we passed green fields and expansive pastures, making the journey a visual treat. My husband and children had visited it a couple of weeks earlier while I was in India. They had made video calls to show me various attractions the town. They knew I would love Elora, and I was more than happy to start my exploration of Elora.
Elora Quarry Conservation Area
The first on our list was the Elora Quarry Conservation Area, which is an abandoned limestone quarry. Now, you may wonder what is so fascinating about a quarry. It is a stunning quarry with an emerald-green water body and a sandy beach surrounded by tree-covered cliffs. We had made a booking for the morning four-hour slot. Rafiq parks our car and we walk to the beach, where we see visitors swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. We settle down at an elevated spot near the beach and enjoy a picnic. We walk along the trails of the cliffs, offering a scenic view of the swimming hole and beach. After spending a little under two hours at the quarry, we head to the parking. We drive to Elora town and reach Lower Geddes Street.
Elora Quarry Conservation Area
Knox Elora Presbyterian Church and Elora United Church
We see the Gothic style Knox Elora Presbyterian Church, constructed of grey limestone with a green spire. Close by is the brick-red Elora United Church. My fascination with churches stems from my upbringing in a convent school. I visit churches wherever I go. Unfortunately, the churches are closed, so we are content just seeing them from the outside.
Instagrammable Homes
We pass several homes on the street that are aesthetically decorated, and it has even become trendy to pose with them and click pics. Thanks to Instagram, these homes have now become customary photo opportunities. The proud owners of these homes also make efforts to painstakingly decorate and maintain their homes with artifacts, flowerbeds and myriad knick-knacks.
Gathering Sea Goddess
We see a sculpture of a mermaid or some sea creature. A signage tells us it is the Gathering Sea Goddess sculpture, part of the Elora Sculpture Project. It is an ‘annual juried exhibition of sculptures featured outdoors from May to November in Elora and Fergus.’ You will see several of these sculptures in and around Wellington County.
Mac Donald Square
We drive to Mac Donald Square and park near the Elora Municipal Office Building. We see a World War Memorial/Cenotaph and a signage on Elora’s founder, Captain William Gilkison.
Village Centre
We are now near the village centre and spot some 19th-century historic buildings, such as the Elora Post Office and the iron-shape Dalby House. Built around 1862, Dalby House was originally a hotel known as Gordon Block or The Iroquois Hotel. We walk down Metcalfe Street, lined with restaurants offering alfresco dining, artisanal shops, a bookstore, and even a studio gallery. The Studio Gallery Vernissage by Kreso Cavlovic is a must-visit for art enthusiasts who love paintings. I step into the gallery and am mesmerized by the artwork – the colours, subjects and vibe. I chat with Kreso, who has the most expressive blue eyes that inexplicably speak to you, just as his paintings.
Elora Post Office and Dalby House
Artisanal Shops and Bookstore
The Studio Gallery Vernissage
Mrs. Greenway-One Earth Refillery
I am impressed by Mrs. Greenway-One Earth Refillery, where you can bring your own container and receive a refill of your choice of personal care products, such as shampoos, oils, shower gels, and lotions. I wish that each of us would do our part for sustainability and help make the planet cleaner and greener. The driftwood outside the store, adorned with succulents and plants, is stunning.
Mrs. Greenway-One Earth Refillery
We pass the Elora Brewing Company and Elora Distilling Company, which make their own beers, drinks and cocktails.
Elora Brewing Company and Elora Distilling Company
Green Space
We arrive at the corner of Metcalfe Street and Mill Street, where we see a structure of a Tall Man in what is known as Green Space. It was originally a gas station but was transformed into a Green Space where people could lounge, relax and click pictures with the quirky art installation.
Mill Street on the Grand
Mill Street is lined with some of the best artisanal shops and the famous Elora Mill, which was initially a mill but is now a luxurious resort and spa. We loved the lavender shop, which sold everything with fragrant lavender, a flower shop with stunning flower arrangements, Epiphany with chic clothes, and Jammed Lovely. The display corners in various colour schemes, featuring curios, handmade artifacts, stationery, and other knick-knacks, at Jammed Lovely left me speechless. We pick a mystery bag for our daughter, hoping it contains something worthwhile that she will love. (It had a ceramic bowl, placemat and ceramic doorknob. Definitely worth more than the amount we paid.)
Flower Shop and Epiphany Apparel Store
Jammed Lovely’s Stunning Displays
Elora Mews
We walk further on Mill Street and head to Elora Mews, a street-side courtyard with shops and restaurants. Its limestone exterior, with niches embellished with flowers, is another trendy location for posting Instagram pics. I am amazed at the decorative ornaments hanging from a tree in the courtyard. The shops selling clothes and home décor items are a big draw. As a bohemian artist, I am inspired and awed by the products. Rafiq grabs some ice cream while I admire the artwork in the stores. Lost and Found Café is also very popular at Elora Mews. A beautiful golden Tree of Life is etched on the wall near Elora Mews.
Elora Mews
We stroll on the Jack R MacDonald Bridge, which spans the Grand River. The bridge provides a stunning view of the Mills and the surroundings.
Elora Mill
We walk to Elora Mill, which was initially constructed as a mill but now houses a hotel and spa. Even if you aren’t staying at The Mill, you can stroll around the premises. Its highlight is the spectacular view of Elora Gorge and the Tooth of Time Waterfalls, which gush right next to the building. Having a meal at the restaurant at Mill, which overlooks the gorge, is a sought-after experience.
Elora and Fergus Information Centre
We walk to the Elora and Fergus Information Centre, which, besides providing information to visitors, also has restrooms and water stations. We grab hold of a travel brochure and realise that we could even visit Fergus town nearby. Rafiq and I decide to play it by ear and, depending on how much time we have, explore Fergus after visiting Elora or save it for later.
Karger Lifestyle Gallery
We walk a little ahead and visit the Karger Lifestyle Gallery, which features contemporary furniture, fashion, art, and accessories handpicked and curated. The macrame and bohemian artist in me is having a field day as I see exquisite jewellery, elegant home décor pieces, clothes and gifts. I make similar pieces, which validate my creative and artistic style. Although I am from India, I am pleased that my work also reflects the tastes of people in Canada.
Karger Lifestyle Gallery
Bohochic Products at Karger Lifestyle Gallery
Mermaid in Glass
We return to Metcalfe Street and pass another gift store called ‘Mermaid in Glass.’ It’s on the corner of Church Street. We see several visitors posing for photos with the beautiful façade of the store, featuring a mermaid cutout and exquisite floral decorations.
Hanscomb Glass Studio
We walk further on Church Street and see a clock installation. Next to it is the Hanscomb Glass Studio, decorated in yellow with hints of turquoise blue. As I step into the studio, I am awestruck by the glasswork on display. Birds, insects, fish, cartoon characters, and numerous other objects — all vying for your attention. The glasswork is creative and artistic expression at its best!
Hascomb Glass Clock Installation
Beautiful Artefacts at Hanscomb Glass Studio
Elora Bread Company
We walk back to Metcalfe Street and see Elora Bread Company. It is an artisan bakery that makes sourdough in small batches. When we reach the bakery, its products are all sold and closed for the day. ‘The early bird gets the worm,’ as they say, so make sure you go earlier in the day to avoid disappointment.
Victoria Park- The Elora Gorge
We then walk to Victoria Park, where a sign by Chevrolet declares Elora as the ‘Most Road Trippable Town in Canada.’ The park’s highlight is the sweeping view of the Elora Gorge. There are several trails that you can take to explore the Elora Gorge. We walk to the Lovers Leap, which offers a stunning view of the Elora Gorge. Legend has it that a heartbroken Indigenous princess leapt to her death from Lover’s Leap when news about her beloved’s death reached her.
Victoria Park and Signage of Most Trippable Town in Canada
Grand River and David Street Bridge
Rafiq climbs down a flight of steps that take him to the Grand River bed. On the earlier trip to Elora with the kids, the water levels were low, and he had crossed the river, wading through the waters and exploring the caves on the opposite side. This time, he was content just capturing pictures of the river with David Street. It was built in 1868 and reconstructed in 2002, retaining the original pier. If you don’t want to climb down and go to the river bed, you can see the David Street Bridge from a clearing in the woods. For adventure lovers seeking an adrenaline rush, tubing, boating, paddling and kayaking on the Grand River are options to explore.
Steps Leading to Elora Gorge and David Street Bridge Visible From Tree Foliage
Other Things to Do in Elora
The annual Elora Festival and the Elora Singers Event are also famous. You can even check the Elora Farmers Market every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm at Bissel Park. There are also sunflower farms, corn mazes, and alpaca farms that you may want to check out.
Final Word on Elora
Our trip to Elora has ended, and we are smitten by the natural beauty of the limestone quarry, which has a swimming hole, a spectacular gorge, and a cascading river. Elora’s artisanal shops, art galleries and studios are another feather in its cap. The cafes, restaurants and drinking holes ensure your taste buds are tingled and satiated. It’s a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, where you can experience the laid-back and slow pace of a quaint town.
Since we have the time at hand and it’s summer, with longer days, we have the advantage of daylight, so we decide to visit the neighbouring town of Fergus. But that is another travelogue which you can read here.
GETTING THERE
Nearest Airport to Elora:
Pearson Airport in Toronto is the nearest airport with connectivity to major cities around Canada, the US, and other international destinations. From Toronto, you can drive to Elora. Distances: Toronto to Elora: 115km or 1 hour 20 minutes Elora- Fergus: 5.8 km or 7 minutes
Where to Stay in Elora:
The Mills Resort and Spa is the most popular hotel in Elora. It costs upwards of 500 Canadian Dollars per night. You can do a net search for hotels depending on your budget and comfort level. We did not stay in Elora, but we made a day trip from Toronto.
Elora Travel Tip:
Prebook tickets to Elora Quarry Conservation Area. Two 4-hour sessions are offered each day: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (A.M. Ticket) 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm (P.M. Ticket) We paid $11 for admission tickets and vehicle permits.