Elora Gorge Camping

Elora is one of our family’s favourite places to day-trip in the summer. This charming town has tons of great restaurants, unique shops, and absolutely gorgeous green spaces. So if you like outdoor adventure, then you should add an Elora Gorge camping trip to your summer (or fall) itinerary.

Where is the Elora Gorge Located?

Located in Wellington County, the Elora Gorge is about an hour and a half drive from Toronto, or just a half hour from Kitchener. Nestled along the gorgeous Grand River in Southern Ontario, travelling to the area for a camping weekend couldn’t be easier.

Elora Gorge Conservation Area

The Elora Gorge is actually part of the Grand River Conservation Authority. It is one of eight separate conservation areas that make up the Grand River watershed.

Fun Fact: The Grand River watershed is comprised of an area larger than Prince Edward Island!

The Elora Gorge is one of the most incredible natural areas found in the Grand River valley. With 22-metre high cliffs, awesome riverside trails, amazing scenic overlooks, and let’s not forget, the Grand River rushing below, it’s hard not to be impressed by the Elora Gorge’s beauty.

Elora Gorge Campground

Surrounded by all this natural beauty, it’s easy to see why Elora Gorge camping should be on your bucket list. And with many different types of sites to choose from, you should have no problem finding a campsite that suits your family’s needs.

The Elora Gorge is open for camping and day use from May 1 to October 15. Check-in time is anytime after 2 pm, and check-out is at noon.

The campground offers a total of 460 sites:

250 unserviced sites
130 serviced sites with water and 15/30 amp electrical
20 serviced sites with 15 amp electrical
60 fully serviced sites with water, 15/30 amp electrical and sewer

Elora Gorge also offers one group campsite available for registered youth groups, as well as seasonal campsites. Both of these types of campsites must be booked through a separate reservation system.

Alcohol and Cannabis are not permitted at the campground at any time, including on all registered campsites and in day-use areas.

Dogs are welcome on the campground and in the conservation area, providing they are on a leash. However, dogs are not allowed in the splash pad area.

Elora Gorge Campground – Available Facilities

The Elora Gorge Campground has plenty of facilities to make you feel comfortable during your stay.

At the Gatehouse, you will find the community bulletin board, pay phone and a lost and found. This is where you will check in for your camping reservation, get assistance from the staff with any issues, or just get a little more information about the conservation area. Firewood and ice are also available for purchase at the Gatehouse.

Each individual campsite is outfitted with a fire pit and a picnic table. Just be aware, that if there is a fire ban in effect, you may not be able to have a fire at your campsite.

The campsites are mostly wooded lots with some backing right onto the Elora Gorge. There is some noise from the roadway, so if you are a light sleeper, try to book a campsite that does not border the road.

Washrooms and showers are available in the campground area. You can also find washrooms in the picnic area. Vault toilets are located throughout the conservation area.

In the conservation area, you will find a kids’ playground, two baseball diamonds and large green spaces that are suitable for sports, games and family fun.

There are also two picnic pavilions available for rent. These can be booked for family reunions or large group events. One of the pavilions even comes with its own washrooms.

Garbage containers are located throughout the conservation area. Garbage and recycling bins are located in the campground and at the dumping station.

If you are looking for groceries or other forgotten items, the towns of Elora and Fergus are just a short drive from the campground.

Elora Gorge Camping Reservations

You can find the Elora Camping reservation system online at www.grcacamping.ca. The reservation system is pretty easy to follow, but if you have problems, you can also call and speak to someone live.

The booking system is similar to Ontario Parks or Parks Canada sites, in that once you choose your conservation area, dates, and accommodation type (tent v.s. RV), it will take you to a map of the campground. You will then be able to select one of the available sites. Pictures of the individual campsites are also included, so you have an idea of what to expect.

How much does it cost to camp at Elora Gorge?

Listed below are the costs per night for the different types of campsites available. Be aware, that all reservations are subject to an $11.50 non-refundable reservation fee, and do not include HST.

Nightly camping service type	Nightly rate
Unserviced	$38.05
Serviced (electricity only, no water)	$43.36
Serviced (electricity/water)	$45.14
Serviced (electricity/water/sewer)	$54.87

Things to Do While Camping at the Elora Gorge

There are so many family-friendly things to do while camping at the Elora Gorge, especially if you love outdoor adventure. From hiking to swimming, ziplining or having a family picnic, the Elora Conservation Area is packed with amazing things to keep you busy during your camping trip.

1. Explore the Elora Gorge Hiking Trails

Although there are several different hiking routes available, the Elora Gorge Trail is the most popular. At approximately 4.5 km long, this scenic trail will take you about 2 hours to hike the entire length.

The trail is well-maintained and pretty easy to follow as it winds its way through the Elora Gorge. With stunning views of the gorge and the surrounding countryside, as well as several scenic viewpoints along the way, this is one hike that you really don’t want to miss.

We found the trail to be suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities, including younger children. And although hikers can choose to walk along the river or the cliff edge, we would recommend staying along the (fully fenced) cliff edge if you have kids in tow.

2. Go for a Swim at the Elora Quarry

The Elora Quarry dates back to the 1900s. At the time, a company called the Whitestone Lime Company began its limestone operations. However in 1930, the lime became impure, and the quarry was abandoned by Whitestone.

Nowadays, the quarry is operated by the Grand River Conservation Authority. The tree-covered park sports 12 metre (40 feet) high cliff walls, and has places to picnic, swim, hike a short 1km loop trail, or just relax and enjoy nature.

You will even find a sandy beach area, with a roped-in shallow area for kids, along one side of the quarry. The water is usually pretty chilly as the quarry is quite deep and does not heat up, even in summer.

The Quarry is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. Make sure to book early, as the Conservation Authority actually limits guests to a maximum of 1,300 people. This helps to lessen the environmental impact.

Admission Tickets and Parking Permits

Admission tickets are valid for one 4-hour session:

AM Tickets: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (must vacate by 2 p.m.), or
PM Tickets: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (conservation area closes at 8 p.m.)
Note: Parking permits are sold separately.

All tickets must be purchased prior to arriving and must be presented when checking in at the entrance. Unfortunately, no walk-up sales are available.

Admission tickets and parking permits can only be purchased up to one week in advance. The Elora Quarry Conservation Area releases tickets on Friday afternoons for the following week (Monday through Sunday).

It is also important to note that the Elora Gorge Conservation Area is a separate location from Elora Quarry Conservation Area. As a result, Elora Quarry’s parking permits or admission tickets are not valid for admission to Elora Gorge and vice versa.

Can you cliff jump at Elora Quarry?

Unfortunately, there is no cliff jumping allowed at the Elora Quarry.

Address: 319 Wellington County Rd 18, Elora, ON N0B 1S0, Canada
Mon-Sun: 10am-2pm, 3pm-7pm
Admission fee: $10.50 for adults, $5.00 for children.
Parking: $15.00
Website

3. Experience the Thrill of Elora Gorge Tubing

One of the most unique ways to experience the Elora Gorge is to go tubing down the Grand River. From the rushing white water to the incredible cliffs above, this 2-kilometre journey along the river offers more than just a refreshing ride on a hot summer day.

But as much as this sounds like great fun, we would not recommend this experience for younger children. The water really is rough in some places, which may cause riders to be ejected from their tubes.

Not only do you need to wear a helmet, personal flotation device, and closed shoes (water shoes are perfect) to take part in this experience, but you should also be a relatively good swimmer.

The other downside to tubing at the Elora Gorge is that their shuttle bus is no longer in operation. This means a 2 km walk back to the start when you are done riding!

Tubing operates daily at the Elora Gorge Conservation Area starting in early June. Tubing may be closed down without notice if the water levels are too high or too rough.

Hours of operation are from 10 am to 6 pm, with the last registration and equipment rental at 4 pm. All rentals must be returned by 7 pm on the same day.

How much does it cost to go tubing at the Elora Gorge?

All tickets for tubing at the Elora Gorge, as well as equipment rentals, must be purchased online and in advance. There are no walk-up sales or rentals available.

Tickets for the tubing registration only are $17.70 (taxes not included). If you are purchasing the complete equipment rental package (which includes the registration fee), it will cost you $44.25 (taxes not included).

Tickets can be purchased up to 3 days in advance. Keep in mind, that a security deposit of $75 will be required for all equipment rentals, and the conservation area day use admission fee is not included in the tubing ticket purchase. If you are camping at the conservation area, then you will have already paid the admission fee.

4. Go Canoeing on the Grand River

Although parts of the gorge can get a little rough and are better suited to experienced whitewater kayakers, the lower end of the conservation area offers calmer waters. For the best canoe trip, start at the Low Level Bridge and head downstream toward West Montrose (home of the famous covered bridge), Waterloo and Kitchener.

5. Try Your Hand at Fishing

Some of the best fishing in Southern Ontario can be found on the stretch of the Grand River between Fergus and West Montrose. This area includes the Elora Gorge.

So whether you are fly fishing for rainbow trout, trolling for walleye or pike, or dropping a line in search of catfish, you are sure to find what you want in the various rivers, streams and reservoirs of the Grand.

Of course, if you do plan on doing some fishing, Ontario law requires anyone over the age of 18 to have a fishing licence.

Fun Fact: Over half of the fish species in Canada can be found in the Grand River watershed.

6. Cool off at the Splash Pad

Although the Elora Gorge Conservation Area doesn’t have a swimming area, they do have a fabulous splash pad for the kids. The 195-square-metre splash pad has 18 spray and splash features to help keep the entire family cool on a hot summer day.

7. Go for a Bike Ride

If you are looking to go for a bike ride with the kids while camping at the Elora Gorge, you have a couple of different options.

The first option is to make use of the conservation area roads. You will need to be mindful of traffic, but the roads make for a perfect quick ride with the family.

If you are looking for a longer bike ride on a designated pathway, you can explore the Elora Cataract Trailway. This 47-kilometre trail links the Grand River and Credit River watersheds while following the old Canadian Pacific railroad bed.

8. Have a Picnic in the Park

The Elora Gorge Conservation Area has several shaded areas available for picnics, including one adjacent to the campground. You will even find a few tables available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Unfortunately, the conservation area does not have covered shelters available. The park does allow day-use visitors to use barbecues for cooking purposes, but only in designated picnic areas.

9. Push Your Limits with One Axe Pursuits

Experience historic Elora Ontario from a different perspective! Step out of your comfort zone and have a go at ziplining or rappelling at the Gorge.

One Axe Pursuits offers a variety of programs for the beginner to the intermediate adventurer. Leap off their 200-foot zipline or rappel 25 meters down the gorge in Elora Ontario!

No matter which adrenaline-charged activity you choose, it’s sure to be a memorable family experience!

Address: 24 Henderson St, Elora, ON N0B1S0
Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm
Website

10. Spend Some Time in Downtown Elora

Of course, you can’t have an Elora Gorge camping experience without heading into town! Elora is such a charming little town to explore!

Between all the great shops, amazing eateries, a farmer’s market, green spaces, cool festivals and a vintage movie theatre, there are plenty of things to do in Elora to keep the whole family entertained!

Final Thoughts on Elora Gorge Camping

Between the scenic conservation area and the incredible amenities available nearby, we hope to have convinced you that Elora Gorge camping really should be on your summer or fall itinerary!

Elora Gorge Camping – Why Elora Should Be on Your Camping Bucketlist!