Elora Gorge

Campsites:

• Book a site on our camping reservation system.
• Please read our Camping Reservation Policy.

Elora Gorge offers a total of 450 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

Group camping: One group campsite is available for registered youth groups only. The group campsite can be reserved through our online camping reservation system.

Seasonal sites: Please see our seasonal camping page for information on seasonal camp sites. 

Alcohol and Cannabis: A total alcohol and cannabis ban is in effect for the entire season. Alcohol and cannabis are not permitted at any time, including on all registered campsites and in day-use areas. 

Book a site on our camping reservation system. Please read our Camping Reservation Policy.

The gorge offers a challenge to experienced whitewater kayakers. Canoeists like to start at the lower end of the conservation area and the Low Level Bridge for a trip downstream toward West Montrose (home of the famous covered bridge), Waterloo and Kitchener.

The stretch of the Grand River between Fergus and West Montrose, which includes the Elora Gorge, has attained a well-deserved reputation as one of the best brown trout fisheries in North America. Fishing enthusiasts generally wade in the river, although it is rocky and slippery in some areas. Wading cleats are recommended. Special fishing regulations are in place along some sections of the Grand River.

Go to our Fishing page for more information on fishing in the Grand River watershed.

There are two kilometres of walking trails in the conservation area, offering views of the 22-metre deep gorge.

The gorge is deep and the walls are steep. For your safety, only hike on marked trails. Stay away from the edge of the gorge. Do not climb over fences or attempt to climb down the gorge walls.

Nearby is the Elora Cataract Trailway, a 47-kilometre trail linking the Grand and Credit river watersheds.

Cyclists can explore the Elora Cataract Trailway, a 47-kilometre trail linking the Grand and Credit river watersheds. Cyclists can also enjoy themselves on conservation area roads. Please obey the rules of the road and, for your safety, wear a helmet.

Riding an inner tube through the Elora Gorge is an exhilarating way to experience the river and the cliffs above. Tubing may be closed due to high flows or other conditions. For more information about tubing, status updates and to purchase tickets online, please visit the Tubing page. 

The shuttle bus for tubing is no longer in operation.

The 195-square-metre splash pad has 18 spray and splash features to keep kids cool on a hot summer day. 

Elora Gorge Conservation Area doesn't have a swimming area.

A multi-use picnic area is adjacent to the campground. Picnic tables are scattered around the conservation area and near the splash pad. For cooking purposes, day-use visitors may use barbecues in designated picnic areas. Never leave barbecues unattended, and please use extreme caution.

There are no events scheduled at this time.

This is the location of the community bulletin board, pay phone and a lost and found. It is the place to go to report any problems or concerns, to get further information about the conservation area. Firewood and ice is available to purchase.

There is one picnic pavilion available for rent for family reunions, company picnics and other events:

• The full Kay Marston Pavilion accommodates about 200 people and has washrooms. The pavilion can also be split into two sections and rented out separately, each half accommodating about 100 people. 

More information is available on our Group Facilities page.

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

The food concession stand offers hot food (hamburgers, french fries etc.), soft drinks and snacks.

There is a playground for children, two baseball diamonds and large green spaces suitable for group games.

Garbage containers are located throughout the conservation area and will be emptied as frequently as possible. However, people are reminded to visit responsibly and if garbage bins are full, to take their waste with them and dispose of it at home. Recycling bins are located in the campgrounds and at the dumping station. Please use the bins, as there is no collection from the campsites.

Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash no longer than two-metres and under control at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the splash pad area. Please clean up after your dog. Pet owners may be fined if these regulations are not followed.

• Grocery, hardware and drug stores are in Elora and Fergus.
• Medical services are available at Groves Memorial Hospital, 131 Frederick Campbell Street, Fergus.
• Visit the Elora & Fergus Tourism website for more information about the area.

• The Kay Marston pavilion has an accessible access route, accessible picnic tables and an accessible washroom.
• The Northside washroom has an accessible exterior washroom and an accessible shower (no power-operated doors).
• The Pines washroom has an accessible exterior washroom and an accessible shower (no power-operated doors).