Summer Fun in Elora, Ontario

This is one of the more fun things to do in Elora. We normally camp at the Elora Gorge Conservation Area and they offer tubing gear for rent. Of course, the area is open for day use, which includes the tubing, so if you are not into camping, at least make it up to tube. During the summer, you will also notice people selling tubes on the side of the road — this is exactly the reason why.

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
  

On occasion, due to conditions beyond the park’s control, the river may rise to an unsafe level during periods of very wet weather. During those times, tubing may be prohibited. Tubing is somewhat monitored within the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, but obviously the Grand River is much larger. I haven’t checked this out that much, but tubes are available for rent closer to Elora the town, which sits along the Grand River. It seems hard for me to believe that there would be as many restrictions in the more open areas outside the park, so it may be something to check out further.

Early in the 1900s, a lime stone operation began under the name of The Whitestone Lime Company. For years it continued to flourish until the site contained nine lime kilns, a stone crusher, and a railroad siding. Around 1930, the lime became impure when black streaks appeared in the limestone. Shortly thereafter, the company abandoned the quarry and moved to another site.

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.

Elora Gorge Conservation Area consists of 200 hectares of land fabulous for camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, tubing, picnicking and scenic vistas to view the "Gorge".

As with most campgrounds, there are some good sites and bad sites, we are fond of the sites in the Radio Free area and usually go with an unserviced site (around #270ish) and they are quite large. We have camped at the park on quite a few occasions and have had a great time. The park in general is very clean and if you are reading my other entries for this journal this is the place where you rent the tubes to go down the river.

**The most important thing I feel I should mention is the reservation system, if you are not from Ontario, you may not be accustomed to the demand for campsites. For a good site, you should possibly book months in advance. We have gone camping in as little as a week’s notice, but it can be very difficult to find a good site or sometimes, any site at all. Book a reservation online, where they have descriptions of each of the campsites or phone 1-866-668-2267; there is a $9 non-refundable reservation fee on top of the camping fee and then it will cost another $6 to cancel or change any details about the reservation. As well, they require the full camping fee at the time of reservation. (The prices are a little outrageous, but you can at least tell where the money is going.)**

Facilities available include phones, firewood, washroom facilities, showers, outhouses, laundromat, dumping station for trailer septic systems, garbage containers and bags, recycling depot and safe drinking water taps (potable water) are located throughout the Area.

All modern conveniences are located within a 10 minute drive from the Conservation Area. Grocery stores, liquor store, hospital and banks are all located a short drive away in the Village of Elora. The 42 km Elora Cataract Trailway, perfect for hiking and biking, is located only 10 minutes from the park.

A few rules: Camping is open from the last Friday in April until the Sunday after Thanksgiving in the Fall. Alcohol is allowed only on the campsites, not in the day use area and there is a total alcohol ban during the Victoria Day and Labour Day long weekends. Pets are not allowed in the swimming area. Your valid camping permit or day use receipt allows entry to the Elora Quarry (a much better swimming location). Quiet time is from 11pm until 7am. The park accepts VISA, MASTERCARD and Debit Cards as payment of camping or day use fees. You can check in as early as 2pm and must check out time by noon the day of your departure.