Go home with a story
Hike through the towering limestone cliffs of the dramatic Elora Gorge and explore its hidden pools. Paint a picture of what you find. Sing along to your favourite artist at one of Canada’s premiere boutique music festivals. Stand at the convergence of the Grand and Irvine rivers and learn the tale of Lover’s Leap. Discover the majesty of Elora’s Tooth of Time.
There are so many ways to enjoy the beauty and splendour of Elora and its surrounding area. From our awe-inspiring natural beauty to our heritage architecture; from our internationally-acclaimed musical events to our multitude of artistic and cultural festivals; from outdoor adventures to galleries, shops and delicious restaurants, it’s no wonder that National Geographic and Destination Canada have named Elora “Ontario’s Best Small Town Escape”.
Dining
Elora’s downtown boasts a wonderful selection of restaurants and pubs, many of which are housed in one of the Village’s lovely preserved, heritage buildings. Take a stroll through our quaint historic core and explore the delicious array of culinary experiences Elora has to offer; or, take a short drive to explore even more gastronomic delights in nearby historic Fergus.
Sip & Savour
Let your senses explore the small lot, artisanal and craft breweries, cideries, distilleries and wineries of Wellington and Waterloo Counties! Stay local here in town or opt for a short drive to experience our own unique variety of award winning, unpretentious, high quality, and down to earth craft beverages.
Events
Plan your trip to take part in one of the multitude of renowned, internationally acclaimed and to-be-discovered festivals and events that are hosted by Elora and Fergus each year. With more than a hundred cultural, artistic and musical events throughout the year, there is always something going on!
From art festivals, to live music; from kilts and bagpipes to monsters marching through town, you’re sure to find your kind of fun here, whether out in the sun or in unique venues big and small.
Eco Tourism
Cool off with a swim in a historic swimming hole at the Elora Quarry - a dramatic and beautifully rugged landscape where 40-foot limestone walls encircle a stunningly beautiful pool of water and a warm sandy beach nestled amongst the trees.
Experience the thrill and majesty of the Elora Gorge with its 72ft high limestone cliffs as you zipline over the river; or, hike down into the bottom and explore its hidden caves. Test your limits by learning how to scale the cliffs with certified rock and ice climbing lessons.
Hike, bike or snowshoe the extensive network of trails that meander through the beautiful landscape of Elora and Fergus .Take a wild ride ride down the rapids, or opt for a more sedate experience and enjoy a private cruise on a classic English Punt boat - and make sure you go home with a story.
Galleries
Artists of every medium and aesthetic live, work and exhibit in Elora and Fergus: our historic and natural setting truly inspires art and speaks to the creative soul! Showcasing boutique galleries, studios, exhibitions, juried competitions, outdoor shows and behind the scenes tours, Elora is a welcoming haven for artists and art lovers alike.
Watch local artists at work as they create stunning original pieces; wander through the galleries; search out the sculptures that grace the streets as part of the Elora Sculpture Project; or take a behind the scenes look and meet our artists where they live and work with an intimate studio visit.
Classes & Workshops
Unleash your artistic spirit and participate in one of Elora’s many fine art, crafting and DIY experiences and classes! Hone an existing skill, learn a new craft, find your passion or just have some creative fun with a dynamic variety of class and workshop offerings throughout the Village to feed any creative soul.
Get ready to feel inspired!
Pamper Yourself
Hit the reset button and treat yourself to a luxurious spa visit at one of Elora’s beautiful spas, or nurture your soul with a wellness experience at one of the Village’s several healing and meditative yoga studios.
Alone, with friends or with a partner, get ready tor relax, rejuvenate and recharge!
Shopping
Spend an afternoon seeking out the perfect treasures to take home with you to remember your time in beautiful Elora!
Explore the many boutique and one-of-a-kind shops that make up Elora’s heritage downtown core, and browse through racks of bespoke clothing and accessories, unique home decor items, handmade crafts, fine art items, vintage treasures, antiques and collectibles, books, aromatherapy, tasty take-home treats and more!
Enjoy the laid back old world vibe of pedestrian-friendly weekends throughout the summer and fall months.
