Elora
One of my favorite small towns in Ontario. It is also one of the prettiest towns in the province! The cobblestone streets and historic buildings are so charming. It is most famous for the beautiful Elora Gorge.
🏠Stay
Elora Mill Hotel & Spa
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đź“ŤElora
This charming hotel is a refurbished mill that overlooks the gorge and “Tooth of Time” waterfall.
Hotel guests have access to the spa outdoor pool and hot tub, without having to book a “robed treatment”.
The on-site restaurant is one of the best in Elora. The menu is locally inspired and changes with the seasons.
BOOK IN ADVANCE for your spa treatment and dinner reservation (ask for a window table)
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đź‘Ł Explore
It’s quite easy to walk to most amenities and attractions in Elora. So ditch the car for the afternoon and get those legs moving!
Here is a list of my favorite spots you can visit within a short walk around town.
NOTE - these follow a specific order based on their location. You can add or skip places to make it fit for you 🙂
Every adventure needs a cup of coffee and fuel for the road…
Lost & Found Café is THE place to do it.
Lost + Found Café
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The go-to café for locals ❤️ It’s the kind of place where the baristas know your name.
I can’t speak for their coffee, but their sandwiches are delicious!
🍽Menu Favorites: (Besides everything)
-Apple and Brie croissant
-Grilled veggie sandwich.
-Smoked salmon bagel
There is seating space but it is limited, as it’s a small quaint space.
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Take your coffee “to go” and walk back towards the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, turning right on Price St. and to Victoria Park.
Victoria Park
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Only a few minutes walk from the Elora Mill & Spa, you’ll come across Victoria Park.
The gentle trails give you a few vantage points from the top of the cliffs and over the gorge.
It’s a free activity. Parking is also free! ✅
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When you’re ready, continue your walk down Henderson St., which has a historic church and old houses, including the old McClean House.
The Old McLean House 17 Henderson St
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Walking down Henderson St. you’ll notice some historic buildings.
đź“™Brief History:
The old McClean House is known for its significance of its historical architecture. It was built in 1853 for Rev. John Macgregor, Headmaster of Elora Grarrunar School. It was eventually sold to the McClean sisters who kept it until 1975.
Now it’s a historical landmark and privately owned, so you can’t go inside. But it’s still a nice sight for a walk by.
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Walk for about 5 minutes and you’ll stumble across the E&G Bakery. Be sure to grab some treats while you’re here!
E&G Bakery
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A very cute local bakery. Everything here is so delicious! Try the baklava and macarons ❤️
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Just a 1 minute walk down the street you’ll stumble on Elora’s local distillery. Browse the boutique or even better, try a private tasting.
Elora Distilling Company
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What I love about this distillery is that they source ingredients locally as much as possible.
Stop by for a private 1-hour tasting at Elora’s only distillery 🍹
It’s $30 and you’ll get a complimentary cocktail while you learn all about the “grain to glass” journey, followed by a tasting at the bar. This was a highlight of a trip I took with my mom! She loved it.
Reserve before you go using the link below 👇
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In Elora, the shopping is plentiful. If something catches your eye, go in! Here’s one you’ll find interesting and it’s only 20 meters away from the distillery.
Mermaid in Elora
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Mermaid in Elora’s “Instagram-worthy” shop exterior deserves a mention.
But what’s inside is even more intriguing. The owners at this shop travel the world to find unique treasures that you can’t find anywhere else. You never know what you’ll find!
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Walking back towards Mill St. you’ll be welcomed by the famous “Green Space” on the corner. Make sure you get a photo with the tall man who’s looking right down at you.
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If you’re looking for some adventure you might consider renting a canoe 🛶
Elora Paddle Company
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The new kid in town! A recently opened small business with canoe rentals, so you can enjoy a scenic paddle down the river.
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Or, if you’re up for a drive visit the nearby Conservation Areas ➡️
Elora Gorge Conservation Area
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A visit to the Elora Gorge will be a highlight of your trip.
One of the most fond memories I have growing up is a tubing down the Elora Gorge. You need to get your tickets in advance! See link below ⬇️
Note - there is an entry fee for day use (even for tubers).
There is also an option to camp overnight if you’d prefer to stick around longer.
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Elora Quarry
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A beautiful swimming spot with cliffs for jumping at the Elora Quarry Conservation Area.
‼️Note that it is a different entrance fee from the Elora Gorge Conservativation Area. You cannot use the same pass for both parks.
Space is limited. Tickets must be purchased in advance online (link below).
Pro tip - go early, it’s a very popular and busy spot.
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Fergus
Less than 10 minutes down the road you’ll discover Fergus, a neighboring small town. It’s lesser visited than Elora and not AS charming, but the food scene is pretty good here.
🛍 Shop
I Love Chocolate!
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This chocolate store will light up your life. It’s all made in-house.
They have a big selection of different treats to choose from. Try the fudge!
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Made In Holland
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Are you curious to know what Dutch sweets taste like? Here’s your chance!
Try the Stroopwafels or the chocolate flakes/sprinkles (they love putting this on bread).
(They also carry other products from Holland)
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🍽 Eat
Vault Cafe Bar
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Cozy cafe vibes! You’ll love the coffee and breakfast here ❤️
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Underground Kitchen
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The best Roti EVER. If you like spicy, you might fancy some jerk chicken.
Pro tip - Take it to go and have a picnic in the Templar gardens. There’s a couple of picnic tables and a bench.
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