N43.68070 W80.43047
2.5 km in town (see map below); conservation area: 6.5+ km
3.5 h
Beginner/intermediate
223 m
The terrain of both the in town gorge walk and the Elora Gorge Conservation Area is generally flat with modest slopes and hills and places where you can descend staircases to the gorge floor and the banks of the Grand River
In Town: Free along Mill and nearby streets where allowed and in the municipal lot across the Metcalfe bridge at Metcalfe and Carlton Pl. Conservation Area Parking: Access to the grounds are by paid admission only.
Admission fees- Adults (15-64) $6.50; Seniors $5.50; Children (6-14) $3.00; Preschool (5 and under) free. Prices include HST.
Tubing costs are extra.
Establishments in Elora on Mill St
Many picnic tables throughout the Elora Gorge Conservation Area
20 Apr 2010, 24 June 2017
Not wheelchair accessible
2017: The in town portion of the hike has now been revised and a trail map has been added to this page. The conservation area hike has also been updated with a new trail map, trail log and satellite view
You can do both the in-town and the conservation hike or only one of these as time and energy permits.
High and Low bridges; Hole in the wall; waterfalls; the gorges
X-country skiing; snowshoeing on Elora Cataract Trailway
Elora Gorge
The Elora Gorge hike is set in one of the most picturesque areas of Ontario, surrounded by rolling hills and Mennonite farmland.
Elora is famous for the spectacular Elora Gorge which seems out of place in the middle of this agricultural area. Formed by glacial meltwater, the 2 km gorge is noted for its 24 m (80 foot) limestone cliffs descending into the Grand and Irvine Rivers. Adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers regularly flock to Elora to enjoy some fun and take in the glorious natural beauty.
Many original stone buildings from the 1800’s still make up the downtown village centre. Over the decades, Elora has maintained its old world charm and the century-old buildings have been transformed into unique galleries, gift shops, artists studios and charming restaurants creating a four-season shopping and dining destination. Skiing is popular in the conservation area in winter.
The Elora Gorge Park is governed by of the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA). It is one of the most beautiful natural surroundings of Southern Ontario, Canada. No wonder that the Elora Gorge attracts over a quarter of a million visitors a year!
DOWNTOWN GORGE WALK MAP 2.5 km loop
It should be noted that the whole route is devoid of any trail markers or information of any kind. In fact even on Mill Street, I could find no information or maps on where the best places to view the gorge could be found. Not to worry -we've located them all. Probably the best times to hike this area is in Spring and Fall when it is not packed with campers and picnickers as is the case from May 24 to Labour Day.
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