Weekend getaway from Toronto · #6 of 10
Elora & Fergus
Twin stone villages on the Grand River. Hike or tube the limestone Elora Gorge, swim the old quarry, and browse galleries and patios around the 19th-century Elora Mill, now a luxury inn and spa.
Imagine 22-metre limestone cliffs, historic stone villages hand-carved by Scottish masons, and the rush of the Grand River. It is the ultimate escape from Toronto: tube the gorge, float in a quarry, and end with patio pints.
Getting there
Elora sits roughly 20 km northwest of Guelph. Once you snag a parking spot, ditch the keys: the whole village is completely walkable.
Saturdays and holiday Mondays from April to October. It leaves Carlton St around 8:15 AM and heads back mid-afternoon. Bonus: your ticket covers the conservation area entry!
Day 1 - Gorge, quarry and stone villages
Dizzying canyon views, wild river floats, and postcard-perfect historic streets- 18:30 AMDrive
Drive out through Guelph
Hit the 401 west, then head north on Hwy 6 through Guelph. Soon, rolling farmlands give way to the spectacular, rugged valley edges of Elora.
📍 Guelph, Ontario
Tip · Beat the crowds! On hot summer weekends, both the gorge and quarry parking lots get packed by late morning, so rise and shine early.
- 210:00 AMActivity
Hike the Elora Gorge cliffs
Hike the scenic cliff-top trails and peer down at the Grand River rushing between massive 22-metre walls. Take the stairs down to the gorge floor to really feel its scale.
📍 Elora Gorge Conservation Area, Elora
Tip · If you want to wade at the bottom, pack sturdy sandals. Trust me, those river rocks are sharp!
- 311:30 AMActivity
Tube the Grand River rapids
Ready for a splash? Rent a tube and drift down the gorge's wild whitewater. It is one of Ontario's best summer floats, and Elora Rapids will handle the gear and shuttles for you.
📍 Grand River, Elora
Tip · Set aside around $30 for your tube rental and the park entry fee. Keep an eye on the weather, as water levels determine if the river is safe to ride.
- 41:00 PMFood
Lunch on a riverside patio
Warm up with classic pub grub on The Cellar's lovely riverside patio, or snag a window table right where the historic mill buildings hover directly over the rushing water.
📍 The Cellar Pub and Grill, Elora
- 52:30 PMActivity
Swim the Elora Quarry
Take a dip in the Elora Quarry, a stunning former limestone quarry that is now a vibrant emerald swimming hole. It is surrounded by tall cliffs and lush grassy picnic spots.
📍 Elora Quarry Conservation Area, Elora
Tip · They limit daily entries during the summer rush, so double-check the Grand River conservation website and book ahead before you show up.
- 64:00 PMSight
Browse Elora's stone village
Explore the charming shops at Elora Mews and the Mill Street galleries, housed in beautiful 1800s limestone. Spot the iconic Tooth of Time rock right in the falls by the grand old Elora Mill.
📍 Elora Mews, Elora
- 75:30 PMSight
Follow the Grand to Fergus
Take a quick five-minute drive or bike ride downstream to Fergus. Walk its historic downtown, where gorgeous stone buildings with a distinct Scottish vibe look right over the water.
📍 Fergus, Ontario
- 86:30 PMFood
Early dinner before the drive
Grab a table at a cozy gastropub or a scenic riverside spot in either village. For their small size, both Elora and Fergus boast a seriously impressive food scene.
Tip · Patio spots sell out fast in the summer. If you want that perfect view of the water while you eat, book a table in advance.
- 98:00 PMDrive
Drive home
Head back through Guelph and hop onto the 401. You will be back in Toronto in about ninety minutes, ready to plan your next escape.
📍 Elora, Ontario
Where to eat
Hearty pub fare served on a gorgeous riverside patio. It is the absolute best spot to unwind and refuel right after your river tubing adventure.
This historic 19th-century mill is now a stunning luxury inn. Enjoy top-tier steaks and pasta while looking straight down at the rushing waterfall and gorge.
Wander down Metcalfe and Geddes streets to discover sweet bakeries, fresh vegetarian eats, and a cool gastropub bottle shop to stock up on road trip snacks.
When to go
The ultimate summer vibe with tubing and swimming in full swing. This is peak season, so get here early to beat the daily capacity caps.
The canyon leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold. Don't miss the free studio tour, where local artists open their workspaces for two weekends.
Music fills the air! The village comes alive with classical, jazz, and folk artists performing for the annual Elora Festival.
The frozen gorge is incredibly beautiful under a blanket of ice. While water activities are closed, it makes for a perfect day of cozy boutique shopping and a warm lunch.
Good to know
- Grab your conservation-area passes online before you go, especially in summer. The gorge and quarry have separate entries, and they sell out fast on sunny weekends!
- Tubing runs depend entirely on the river's water level. Give the conservation area a quick ring before you promise the kids a float.
- No car? No worries! Hop on the Saturday Park Bus from downtown Toronto: it includes your park entry and drops you off right at the village and the gorge.
- Pack some water shoes, a big towel, and a dry bag. You will be spending half the day on, in, or right next to the river!
