Review: Elora Gorge Conservation Area

Estimated Drive time from Toronto: 2 hours

Map:
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Description: Although I have only visited Elora Gorge in early fall, I found it beautiful in this season. The colors of the ever greens mixed with maple sugar reds and yellows give you the feeling that this is one of the most beautiful and spectacular natural area in the Grand River valley.

Activities:

• For children: There is a nice, but fairly dusty playground right next to the picnic area. There are basketball hoops a few meters away. The picnic area is an open area and ball games, frees bees and other children activities are common.

• Hiking: Although there are hiking trails away from the gorge, the most popular and the most spectacular trails are right on the edge of the gorge or even in the gorge. The gorge is high and although it is fenced, extra care is suggested if visiting with children. There are many lookout points where you would feel hanging right on top of the gorge. If you are on the left side of the gorge while visiting (where the picnic area is and the children playground), and you have enough energy to hike to the right side of the gorge then you have to walk down the river until the first bridge, then you could hike back up the river. This could be very rewarding when the water is low, as the trail will take you right into the gorge. The experience is different looking up from the gorge at the vertical cliffs around you, than looking down from the edges of the cliff from the other side. The rapids in some areas are pretty fast, and the edges could be slippery, so keep an eye on the children.

• Swimming: Although the official site cites swimming, I have never been swimming in the area. I would rather expect people to come here for hiking end picnicking than swimming. If you visit one day and think that still have time for swimming then you could drive to the nearby Elora Quarry for swimming.
• Fishing: Fishing is allowed under catch and release program in attempt to preserve the trout population.
• Photography: Elora gorge is great for photography enthusiasts. Whether from the top of the cliff or from the bottom of the gorge the views are spectacular and an avid photographer will not be disappointed. Make sure that the batteries are charged before you visit Elora gorge and that you have enough extra storage just in case you decide to take extra pictures.

• Camping: Elora gorge has many camping sites. I have walked past the campsites in fall and they were all empty. The reason may be that you could have a great time during a one day visit, so there is little reason to camp there. The privacy of the campsites seemed to be really limited as the hiking trail is right next to camping sites.
• Picnicking: There are many picnic places and there is plenty of activities for children right next to picnic places to define this place as one of the best picnic areas.

• Tubing: You could rent tubes from up the river and go for a thrill ride for about 2 km.

Verdict: This is an marvelous place to visit during a weekend. It is best for hiking, photography and picnicking.

• Children: The conservation area picnic area is very good if you visit with children. On the trail, however, parents or guardians must keep a close watch on children at all times.
• Camping: There are other great places for camping close to Toronto.
• Day trip: The conservation area is a good place for a one day trip. It takes 2 hours to drive from Toronto and 2 hours to drive back. To make most of it, you should plan to head to Elora Gorge early in the morning.

Photos



Official website:
For detailed information on pricing, open season or address visit:
Elora Gorge Conservation Area





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