Situated just a hop, skip, and a jump away from our beloved city of Guelph, the community of Elora is one of the most popularly visited communities in Wellington County.
With so much to offer its visitors and residents alike (most notably in the summer months), you can spend a day out in Elora in a number of different ways, each just as enjoyable as the last.
Whether you’re based in or near Guelph or you’re just passing through the area, we’d always recommend you check out Elora for yourself. No matter if you’ve got half a day or half a week, there’s always something fun for you to do.
To learn about some of our favourite things to do in Elora, and why we love it there so much, read our Elora community guide here!
Where Is It?
There’s a reason so many Wellington County and Guelph residents love to make day trips to Elora. This pretty little southern Ontario paradise is situated conveniently close to a number of sizeable cities and towns in the area, including Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Fergus, and of course, Guelph.
Head about 20km northwest of downtown Guelph and you’ll find yourself in the lovely community of Elora in no time at all.
Do you love Guelph as much as we do? Your passion for our city could be rewarded by entering our We Love Guelph contest. Simply tell us all about your reasons for loving Guelph here, then submit your answer for a chance to win a great prize!
How To Get There
While most residents of Guelph will already know Elora quite well, for those who haven’t been before, the best way to get there from downtown Guelph via car is to follow Highway 6 going northwest until the Wellington Road 7 exit just after Marden. From there, keep going for about 15 minutes until you arrive at the community of Elora.
If you aren’t driving, taking a bus to Elora from Guelph is just as simple. Elliott Coach Lines runs a once-daily bus route starting from the intersection of Norfolk Street and Paisley Street in Guelph that will take you straight into Elora within 45 minutes, dropping you off at the intersection of Kertland Street and Church Street.
Otherwise, you can always hail a cab or take another private car servicing into town, though that will certainly cost more than the $5 fare Elliott Coach Lines will charge you.
Want to know more about Elora and the surrounding community? Read up about the entire Centre Wellington area by visiting our Centre Wellington neighbourhoods page!
What To Do in Elora
No matter how long you plan on staying in Elora, or what your favourite hobbies are, we’re confident there’ll be lots of things that will catch your attention in Elora.
Encompassed by nature, Elora boasts some of the province’s most beautiful natural landscapes and amenities. Among the most popular attractions in Elora is easily the Elora Quarry, a retired limestone quarry filled with sparkling emerald green water where you’re bound to find swimmers and sunbathers on essentially any warm, sunny day.
With steep, tree-topped cliffs surrounding the quarry, the surrounding scenery is just as spectacular as the water. Speaking of the beautiful Elora water, you’re never really far away from it no matter where you go in town, with the Grand River and various other creeks and ponds in the area as well. Canoeing, kayaking, and tubing down the river is a classic Elora pastime in the summer.
You can even watch the river riders from 22-metres above river level from the spectacular vantage points the Elora Gorge provides. Part of the Grand River Conservation Authority, the Elora Gorge features 3km of publicly accessible walking trails that offer spectacular vistas of the gorge and rapids below.
No matter what season it is, there’s always a ton of fun to be had in the Elora and Guelph area. Need some ideas? Simply follow our comprehensive list of 70 Fun Things To Do With Your Family In Guelph.
The Local Economy
Away from all of Elora’s fabulous natural amenities, there are also several attractions within the village core as well. Everything from independent shops and boutiques to art galleries and studios and of course a vibrant food scene are all examples of local businesses that thrive in the town.
Whether you’re in the mood for a fantastic meal, an artisanal shopping experience, or a tranquil escape to pamper yourself, you’ll have everything at your disposal to craft the perfect day for yourself in Elora.
Does the thought of sitting out on a patio and taking in the summer sun instantly make you feel relaxed? Then you should find out our favourite places to do just that by reading our related blog post: Patios That Are Worth The Drive From Guelph!
Where To Stay
Plan on staying the night? Elora’s selection of hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, and private accommodations is well-rounded and ready to welcome visitors looking for all levels of accommodation. With rooms ranging from modest to luxurious, you can make your visit to Elora as simple or extravagant as you want.
Our pick would definitely be a stay at the historic Elora Mill. Just recently refurbished in 2019, the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa is definitely the village’s most premium accommodation. Overlooking a spectacular stretch of the Grand River, this stone 19th-century mill hosts 27 luxurious rooms and some of the best dining and spa amenities in Elora.
If you’re looking to experience Elora in style, you really can’t go wrong with the Elora Mill. Find out when their upcoming room availability is and book your stay here.
The Elora Mill is a beautiful venue for romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day or Anniversaries, but you don’t necessarily need to head over to Elora to do something special. First, make sure to check out our blog post about Fun Date Ideas In Guelph here!
The Elora Real Estate Market
If you plan on making your stay in Elora a little longer, you’ll be glad to know that the local real estate market is as healthy and active as ever.
Due to lots of recent investment in the area and its local economy, Elora has become much more than just a brief holiday destination. Now more than ever, people are investing in properties here and transforming them into their dream small-town getaways. Who wouldn’t want to live in a heritage-driven country house in the picturesque village of Elora?
Don’t wait any longer — see what’s currently up for sale in Elora by checking out our featured listings page here.
Everything from farmhouses to townhouses and large detached homes to smaller, more urban dwellings can be found for sale here, none of them coming with the noise and stress of living in a bigger city.
If you’d like to experience the Elora way of life, let us lead the way for you. With lots of professional insight and experience within the local area, we can help make Elora feel like home for you and your family. All you need to do is let us know what you’re looking to find in Elora by contacting us here.
