Summer Fun in Elora, Ontario

Entry to the river is via the walking trail at the east end of the day use area. Exiting the river is achieved at the low level bridge at the west end of the Area. The total length of the ride between these two points is approximately 3.5 km. or one hour. Life jackets and safety helmets must be worn at all times while tubing in the river.

A wristband must be worn and a liability waiver must be signed prior to tubing in the river. Those under 18 years of age must have a legal guardian sign their waiver form. There is a $2 tubing registration fee that is applicable for all participants. The registration fee includes a valid wristband for the current day. Also keep in mind that you must be a minimum of 42 inches in height.

For those who do not have their own equipment or who may have forgotten to bring it along, not to worry, equipment rentals are available within the Area. Complete packages are offered consisting of a helmet, life jacket, and tube. Or individual pieces can also be rented. There is a refundable deposit required for all rentals and the equipment is available on a first come basis only. Sometimes it’s a good idea to bring your own equipment because the rental place is open all day, but on hot sunny days, the tubes rent out very quickly and since you can keep them all day, people will often get one and keep it at their campsite till it’s time to take it back.

• Tube only $12. Deposit $5
  
• Helmet only $7. Deposit $50
  
• PFD only $7 Deposit $30
  
• Complete Package $18. Deposit $75
  
• Cash or credit card impression for deposit is required with rental
  
• All rentals are for current day only and must be returned by 7pm on date of rental
  

The center of attraction at the Elora Quarry Conservation Area is the excellent swimming opportunities available. This popular spot for cooling off is a former limestone quarry encircled by sheer vertical limestone cliffs. Although the Elora Quarry did not become a Conservation Area until 1976, it has been a popular swimming area for many years.

A one-hectare (2.5 acre) limestone quarry, with a depth of approximately ten meters of clear, cool water provides excellent swimming. There is a beach area and a gently sloping gradient, making it ideal for parents with young children. In both locations, parents are requested to keep close watch over their children, as there are no beach patrol/lifeguards on duty.

Due to insurance regulations, no jumping or diving is permitted and area users shall remain behind the barriers on the quarry rim. Unfortunately, we’ve discovered that this is not a rule very many young people listen to. All of the times we have ever been to the quarry, people have been jumping from the top of the highest cliffs. Sometimes they are caught and thrown out and sometimes they escape. For parents: the jumpers do not go close to the sectioned off swimming area, so no need to worry.

There are numerous shaded areas for picnics and relaxation, however there are no covered picnic shelters available at the quarry. There are two concrete vault type washrooms within the Conservation Area. There is also a small change room available. At the Elora Quarry, a "Carry In - Carry Out" litter disposal program has been implemented. Specially designed bags are given to visitors as they arrive, and we ask that you take your refuse with you when you leave the area.

Pets are allowed, however they must be kept on a two meter leash and controlled at all times plus you must "Stoop and Scoop". Pets are not allowed in the swimming area, but there are two other locations that allow access to the water and if you are in these areas, the dogs can go swimming.

The water is always very warm and clear away from the sandy beach area. Being a contained body of water, I would have been concerned with parasites and "swimmer’s itch" type of problems, but we’ve never heard any stories of this or experienced anything like it. The water seems to be relatively clean and you can have a very wonderful day lounging in and around the quarry.