“Elora“—the name itself evokes a mystical vibe. Elora is a small town in Southern Ontario’s heart, one of Canada’s well-known provinces. Anyone can easily reach it by car, as it takes only one and a half hours to drive from Toronto to Elora or by train. If you are wondering about what’s special there; I have to tell you that you will be surprised once you start exploring the place. The town holds a lot for everyone. If you are still not sure, check this out.
1. Wellington County Museum & Archives
Wellington County Museum & Archives is a famed National Historic Site and is appointed as the storehouse of all municipal records like council minutes, tax records, collectors’ rolls, etc. What’s there for you? I’ll tell you this. It is basically a cultural center where you can see a research library along with various historical exhibitions.
2. Elora Festival
How about joining an international festival on your tour? Ellora Festival is one such prestigious music festival in the charming small town of Elora, Ontario. Many Elora singers sing in choirs throughout the three weeks. It lasts three weeks in July and includes solo and combined concerts with guest celebrities. I am sure being a part of this festival would be an exciting experience.
3. Victoria Park
This beautiful Park, located at the termination point of Victoria Street, Henderson Street, and James Street of Elora, is not only a main hub of Elora but also an opening to many other things.
Apart from well-maintained walking paths, this park is rich in natural beauty with super pretty leafy trees and comfortable benches full of lovely couples. I recommend you explore the Elora Gorge. It is one of the most famous sites accessible through Victoria Park. Don’t miss out on the hiking here if you are an adventure freak just like me!
4. Elora Gorge Conservation Area
You can have fun at the Elora Gorge Area, which is rich with many fun-filled outdoor adventures, such as hiking, fishing, and tubing. Tubing is the most attractive activity in the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, which is accessible from the last week of July to September. Booking of tubes is required so as not to miss the joy of tubing.
5. Elora Quarry Conservation Area
Visiting Elora Quarry is one of the most exciting summer activities. I am telling you this because it is full of outdoor adventures, such as hiking trails and swimming, or you can plan a picnic in nature. But believe me, guys, this place is truly amazing, so spend some quality time with your friends or family.
Elora Quarry Conservation Area, also known as the old swimming hole, is 2 acres of a quarry of limestone bounded by 12 m tall sheer cliffs.
6. Twilight Zoo
The show begins downtown Elora and is in between plenty of sweet distractions such as Village Olive Grove, Elora Pottery, Pod Design, etc. After it gained fame, Southern Ontario travellers increased, and more things were added to this event, renaming October as Elora’s Monster Month.
7. Elora Mews Shopping Center
Undoubtedly, nothing can stop you from falling in love with shopping at the 45 West Mill Street shops in Elora Mews. Elora Center at West Mill Street is the home of unique gifts, fashion accessories, and vintage-style home decor. Here are several shops and restaurants, so you can shop without waiting or skipping your meals. I highly recommend visiting the following stores-
- Aria Boutique for women’s accessories and clothing collection
- Aria for Him for men’s gifts, clothing & accessories collection
- Elora Beauty Bar for unique manicure & pedicure experts
- Lost & Found Cafe for its luxurious ambiance and delicious dishes.
8. One Axe Pursuits
People who want to experience something memorable and adventurous simultaneously can step out into the most exciting One Axe Pursuits, which Christa Niravong introduced in 2001.
One Axe Pursuits has been serving several outdoor adventures, such as rock climbing, ice climbing, exploring caves, and climbing down limestone cliffs, for over twenty years, with full-stacked ice climbing guidance for beginners and experts. It has provided a well-secured roping system for toddlers to the professional stuntmen of Hollywood movies over the years.
9. Elora Centre for the Arts
Next on my list is the Elora Centre For the Arts. To avoid misunderstandings, you can pick up a map book of Elora Centre from Pathways Art & Sculpture Garden. This Elora Centre mapbook will guide you through several private and public galleries, outstanding sculptures, and wonderful public artworks. It is such a fun place for art lovers like you and me, so don’t forget to add this one to your list.
10. Shopping Hubs – The Mermaid
It is shopping time now!! Yes, The Mermaid is a remarkable jewelry store with doorknockers and fulfilling stationery, including a wide range of greeting cards for your loved one. It is one of the best shopping hubs in Elora, and people believe it does not exist. People can also browse the other parts of the store, which are not limited to leather bags, clocks, or globes.
11. Riverfest Elora
I must tell you that Elora is also known for interesting festivals. Riverfest Elora takes place for three nonstop days beside the banks of the Grand River in support of the people of the “Centre for The Arts.”
At this outdoor festival, you can enjoy great music, mesmerizing art, delicious food, and dance floors. Also, there is a fascinating variety of authentic local craft beer. You can’t even imagine the popularity of this festival. The Live Music Industry Awards honoured Riverfest with the award of the “Green Operations Festival of the Year.” It’s a partially crowded, friendly festival for people of every age group.
12. Visiting Elora Brewing Company
Elora Brewing Company is located in the beautiful street of Geddes in Elora, Ontario. This Cafe is a hidden gem for foodies. Local craft beer made in an old, authentic way is the most renowned celebrity of Elora Brewing Company. The food is also good but a little expensive. Do not forget to indulge in beef, bacon, pork, and fries. They are simply heavenly delicious, which is what I can say about the foods.
13. Downtown Elora
Downtown Elora is a place not to miss if you want to feel the real vibe of Elora City. The main attraction is its stone buildings lined up near the Elora Mill at the bank of the Grand River. This is also the main hub of several pubs, shops, and restaurants.
ByDowntown Elora gained its fame from the horrifying setup made up of multiple scary sculptures and buildings during the week of Halloween. The Downtown also witnesses everyone’s favorite Santa Claus Parade every year. Elora Green Space is a tiny park that serves as the oxygen to Downtown Elora’s hustle and bustle. I am sure you will love the place.
14. Elora Distilling Company
Since the late 1900s, Elora Distilling Company, situated at Metcalfe Street in Elora, Ontario, carries the crown of the most heavenly part of the Elora tours. You will like their liqueurs and that’s their specialty. Before you ask what’s special, I’ll tell you that. These are the result of the journey from local grain to customer’s glass, including the various processes of mashing, fermenting, and distilling local grains obtained from the flowers grown on the garland owned by the company.
They offer several tours, tastings, and fancy cocktails. The star liqueur of Elora Distilling Company is the Sugar Maple Liqueur, so don’t forget to try it whenever you visit here.
15. Elora Farmer’s Market
I must tell you about this market. It’s different as it is a farmer’s market. Yes, the Elora farmer’s market takes place at Bissell Park every Saturday from 7 May to 8 October every year. After October, the market moves to the paddock building at Elora Grand River Raceway until 17 December. You can easily feel the glow and magnetic nature of this weekly Elora farmers market, from its location along the Grand River to the vendors and local goods such as fruits, vegetables, wine, cheese, eggs & meat, etc. Some delicious dumplings from Ugly Dumpling Elora and Gelato derived from sheep’s milk will satisfy your hunger during the long shopping hours at Elora Farmers Market. There were also a bunch of baked snacks.
16. Churches in Elora
If someone wants to experience a pure mind, refreshing experience, nothing is better than a visit to a beautiful church. I’ll tell you about the mesmerizing architecture of some famous Florian churches:
- Elora United Church was first called the Elora Methodist Church. It has very minute details carved on its red bricks and a strange bell tower that was hit by a thunderbolt several years ago. It is still the same.
- St. John’s Anglican Church is situated on Henderson Street in Elora. Its popularity comes from its well-known coir, which unknowingly hides the beauty of the church’s infrastructure.
- Knox Elora Presbyterian Church is one of the most loved and fame gained churches in Elora, established near Church Street in Elora in 1873.
- St. Mary’s Church is a Catholic church with glass windows from Germany. It was built in 1871 near Geddes Street in Elora. Visitors can also visit other churches, as each is unique and beautiful.
17. Elora Cataract Trailway
Exploring this trail is so much fun. It is a more than 10-hour trip with exciting activities like backpacking, hiking, and skiing across the country in a peaceful environment. You should visit this between May and October for an overwhelming experience. Dogs can be brought along with the family only on a leash.
18. Elora Mill Hotel And Spa
I strongly recommend you visit this lavishing hotel with a heavenly spa facility. It is seated on the corner of the Grand River. Apart from the spa experience, you can enjoy their yoga sessions, steam and sauna facilities, and the most exciting pool experience overlooking the Grand River.
After the delicious dining experience at the Elora Mill Hotel, head towards one of the 27 well-maintained apartments to release the tiredness of the tour. You can take your dog here, as this is a pet-friendly hotel, but only until the leash is put on.
19. Bissell Park
Bissell Park is spotted near Elora Mill Street on the periphery of the Grand River. This is one of the family-perfect spots comprised of green grassplots with long-legged shady trees. It also offers playful activities such as basketball, an outdoor rink, and a free parking lot. Several paved trails and historic locations surround Bissell Park. The park has also been appointed to organize several events. Steal some time from the busy tour and enjoy a cup of afternoon tea with your family at this beautiful park. Just a few steps away, you can opt for locally baked snacks at Elora Bread Trading Company.
20. The Wild Tart
Do you want to miss the peaceful garden ambiance of Wild Tart while enjoying the aroma of afternoon tea seated on a beautiful glass table with a red umbrella attached to its top? Obviously, not!! Wild Tart serves 12 types of afternoon tea, including black tea, green tea, herbal tea, caffeine-free tea, and more. A famous tea company in Ontario, Pluck Teas, fulfills Wild Tart’s tea demand. The side snacks and sweets served with afternoon tea have very few options. Only four types of sandwiches and cakes are served with afternoon tea. You can choose a finger sandwich or just a delicious cake.
Although Ellora is a small town, whenever people visit, there is a never-ending list of things to explore. Apart from this list, there are more refreshing things, like watching a movie at Gorge Cinema, grabbing snacks from food trucks, or spending a night at the Fergus Scottish Festival. So, one thing is guaranteed: once you plan your trip to this village, it will not disappoint you!
Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
