Elora, a charming little town nestled in the heart of Ontario, offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its picturesque streets, stunning natural beauty, and rich history, spending a day in Elora is an experience to remember. Although once you arrive, I know that you’ll want more than one day in Elora!

I love creating valuable content for you my readers, however, there is a cost to maintaining a website and there may be affiliate links scattered throughout the website. By clicking on the links there is no extra cost to you, however, I may receive a small profit.

In this post, I will provide a recommended itinerary for a short visit to the beautiful village of Elora. With the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and excitement, you will definitely have a day to remember and will want to return to this beautiful village time and time again.

A Day In Elora – The Perfect 1 Day Itinerary

Getting To Elora

With over 10,000 people flocking to Elora every year, it has quickly become a popular tourist town in Ontario, Canada. Being only 2 hours from Toronto, Elora has also become a popluar one day road trip destination among the city folk.

I’m lucky to live only 20 minutes from Elora, so I’ve visited 100’s of times. Since I’ve been so often, I’m able to provide you with the best one day itinerary which will help to make your visit a memorable one. So….let’s get started!

An Adventurous Morning In Elora, Ontario

There is no better way to begin the day with an invigorating workout. Elora offers various magnifant hiking venues, however, my favorite is the beauty of the Elora Gorge Conservation Area. This is one place in Elora that you won’t want to miss, so I recommend that you pack up your day hike essentials and bring themm along for the ride.

Know Before You Go

√ Located at 74 Wellington Road 21, Elora, Ontario

√ open for day use from May 1 to October 15

√ The trails are not accessible

√ Day Use cost is $7.08

√ Camping is available from May 1 to October 15

Hiking the Trail at the Elora Gorge

Take in the beauty of the limestone rock from 22 meters above the gorge, as you wind your way through 3 kilometers of easy, but non-accessible, hiking trails. Hiking the trail at the Elora Gorge is the perfect start to the day for all hiking enthusiasts, nature lover’s, and birdwatchers.

The trail at the Elora Gorge is suitable for couples, families and even solo hikers, however, it is important to follow the safety measures put in place.

Tubing and Kayaking at the Elora Gorge

If you’re an adrenaline junky visiting Elora, you will definitely want to feel the exhilaration of tubing or kayaking the swift moving currents found at the Elora Gorge.

Tubing at the Elora Gorge Conservation Area is just one of many things to do when visiting Elora for one day

Picnicking at the Elora Gorge

After your adrenaline filled morning, you will have worked up an appetite. There are ample spots at the Elora Gorge to laze and soak up your surroundings. You will want to bring a picnic when visiting Elora for the day.

Exploring Elora By Bicycle

If hiking, tubing or kayaking aren’t your cup of tea, not to worry, there are other ways to get a smaller morning workout in.

Bring your bike, or rent a bicycle and take an historic bike tour of the beautiful town of Elora.

One Day in Downtown Elora

Once you’ve completed your morning workout, it’s time to do some more relaxing activities.

The iconic tall man in downtown Elora is one of many things that kids love to see when visiting this magical small town in Ontario

Shopping in Elora

In the afternoon, indulge in some retail therapy by browsing the unique, colourful shops and boutiques that line the streets of Elora. From handmade crafts to antique treasures, there’s something for everyone. While you’re browsing through the shops, don’t forget to make time to chat with the friendly locals who are always happy to share stories and recommendations.

Relax in Elora With a Cold One

Location: 107 Geddes Street, Elora, Ontario

Craft beer lover’s will not be disappointed. The small village of Elora offers one of the best brewpubs in the area. Relax with a cold beer and grab a bite to eat at the Elora Brewing Company.

Just One Tip: Elora Brewing Company can get very busy on weekends. If you plan on making a stop at this brewpub, it’s best to avoid meal time, or better yet, visit during the week.

Stroll Elora’s Hidden Gem

While wondering the streets 5 minutes away from Elora’s main street, you will stumble across Victoria Park. Victoria Park provides visitors the opportunity to stroll along the banks of the Grand River from above (free of charge). For those wanting to “cool off”, head towards the bridge where you will find stairs leading down into the gorge.

The trail looking down into Elora Gorge from Victoria Park is one of Elora's hidden gems

A Memorable Visit to the Elora Mill

Location: 77 Mill Street West, Elora, Ontario

Your day in Elora wouldn’t be as exciting without visiting the Elora Mill. The Elora Mill is a historic landmark that has been transformed into a luxurious hotel and spa.

Finish off your day in Elora by treating yourself to a relaxing massage or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment at the Elora Mill. Bring your bathing suit, as you can enjoy the tranquility of the pool and hot tub over-looking the rapids of the gorge for a full two hours before or after your spa treatments.

Enjoy the view of the Elora Gorge when lazing by the pool at the Elora Mill.  It will make your day trip to Elora a memorable one

Just One Tip: When visiting the Elora Mill, ask the front desk if you can take a look at the kitchen and watch the professional chefs at work πŸ™‚

When visiting the Elora Mill, ask reception if you can visit the chefs in the spotlessly clean kitchen

Once you’ve finished your spa treatments, heading to the elegant restaurant for a romantic dinner overlooking the rushing waters of the gorge, will be the perfect ending to the perfect day in Elora, and will create memories for years to come.

A romantic dinner at the Elora Mill over-looking the gorge is the perfect way to end your one day in Elora, and will create memories for a life-time

Just One Tip: Parking is free when visiting the Elora Mill for a spa treatment. To access the parking lot, you will have to cross the river and turn right on the first street. Drive to the condos where you will access the parking lot. Bring your ticket into the spa and they will validate it for you

Grand River Raceway

Location: 7445 Wellington Road 21, Elora, Ontario

If you aren’t quite ready to call it a day, head to the Grand River Raceway for some heart pumping excitement. You can check the race schedule here.

For a heart pumping ending to your one day in Elora, cheer on the horses as they race around the track at the Grand River Raceway
Browsing the beautifully landscaped shops in Elora is the perfect way to spend the day exploring Elora

One Memorable Day In Elora: In Conclusion …

I hope that the memories made on your one day visiting Elora serves as a reminder that even in our fast-paced world, that moments of serenity, connection, and wonder can be found in the most unexpected places. I know for me, Elora is definitely that place.

Are you in need of the expertise of an experienced travel agent?

Kelly is a licensed travel agent and avid solo travelled located in Canada. She is passionate about ensuring her client’s have the best vacation possible.

Happy & Safe Travels πŸ™‚

Travel Solo Like a Pro!

AIRFARE:

β™₯  CheapOair and WayAway offer flights at a resonable rate. Let CheapOair or WayAway find the cheapest and best flight for your destination

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION:

β™₯Β  I use Booking.com to book all of my accommodations, both domestically and internationally. When booking in the United States, I use Trivago US

ACTIVITIES:

β™₯  Get Your Guide and Viator are the absolute best sites to plan and book any adventures, activities, and all things fun

BIKE AND MOTORCYCLE RENTALS:

β™₯  BikesBooking.com will find the best prices for bicycles, motocyles, and scooter rentals any place in the world.

CAR RENTAL:

β™₯  Economy Bookings will provide rental prices worldwide, which making it a one stop shop for the most reasonable car rentals

AIRPORT TRANSFER AND PRIVATE TOURS:

β™₯  Kiwitaxi is who you want to contact for transportation from the airport or train station.  Why not arrange for a PRIVATE CITY TOUR with Kiwitaxi at the same time.

CRUISES:

β™₯  Cruise Critic not only provides reviews and answers questions, it also offers great cruise deals. If your a cruise lover (like me), I highly recommend that you check it out!

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

β™₯  Travel insurance these times of natural disasters, travel interruption and baggage loss is no longer a place where you can cut costs. essentials.  It has become an essential part of travel. Visitors Coverage will take care of all of your insurance needs.

PIN FOR ONE MEMORABLE DAY IN ELORA

Similar Posts

28 Comments

  1. This was such an insightful post to read on a day trip in Elora. I’ve never visited Canada before but I’d love to one day. If I’m ever in the area I’ll be sure to check out your recommendations. Thanks for sharing all your tips!

  2. Wow, looks amazing! I have super fond memories of Canada because I grew up with great grandparents that lived there and it seemed like a magical place to me. πŸ™‚ Also my dad went to a boarding school by Quakers called Pinkering which I do not think is too far. I lived in Michigan and the Boblo boat was part of my childhood and I still have home movies of visiting Canada. I will definitely put this on my list!!

  3. I had never heard of Elora before your post. Now it’s on my future itinerary for when I make it to Canada! Thank you for all of the information!

Comments are closed.