TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada
The page created by Ekaterina Makarova, Humber College 
| Photo by Vlad Umnov
Set amongst one of Ontario’s most beautiful villages, Elora will host the pomp and circumstance of the Elora Horse and Hound parade. Up to 25 riders in traditional livery along with the Eglinton and Caledon Hounds promenade around downtown Elora.
The parade benefits Groves Memorial Hospital and the Canadian Cancer Society.
There are amazing photo opportunities along the way and a chance to say hello to the miniature, cuddly and chubby donation ponies!
As you explore the town of Elora, you will inevitably find Elora Gorge Falls or how they are often called Ontario’s Grand Canyon.
It is crazy, but just a few minutes away from the Downton main attractions, you can fully immerse into the breathtaking nature of the Grand River. The Grand River rushes past 22-metre high cliffs.
Riverside trails (with safety barriers) and scenic overlooks provide hikers with stunning water views far below, where kayakers and tubers make their way through the rapids.
The Elora Gorge is one of the most spectacular natural areas in the Grand River valley.
Enjoy the mesmerizing nature and views of Elora during a hike around the Elora Gorge Conservation Area. The area is full of breathtaking viewpoints where you can see the whole town.
Also, you can finish your walk on Elora Gorge Lookout —there are many spots to take pictures as well. The area is equipped with picnic tables, maps and parking spots.
Photos: Vlad Umnov, عمرو بن كلثوم, Wikimedia commons
No trip can be complete without visiting a “beating heart” of a town – the downtown, especially Elora’s. Historic stone buildings line along the main street with an authentic mill by the river.
The town centre is full of pubs, restaurants and small local shops.
One of the famous things about Downtown Elora is its scary sculptures and monuments during Halloween.
Photo: Vlad Umnov
A sculpture park on the corner of Mill & Metcalfe streets is an amazing selfie spot.
The sculptures are by local Elora artists. The landscaping of huge rocks and trees represents Elora’s more rugged Elora Gorge close by.
A scene from the famous movie “IT” was filmed in Elora.
The quarry where the Losers enjoy a splash about in their tighty-whities is the ‘old swimming hole, at the Elora Quarry Conservation Area.
This is a two-acre former limestone quarry surrounded by those sheer cliffs which reach up to 12 meters high. It is now a popular swimming area.
The Gorge Cinema is Canada’s oldest continuously running repertory theatre.
Established in 1974, the Gorge Cinema offers from Hollywood blockbusters and award-winning foreign films to the world’s best documentaries to Canadian features and the occasional indie title.
Moreover, you can meet Elora Women’s Film Society here. They promote films for, about, and by women.
The Elora Mill has been the jewel of Wellington County for over 175 years.
The five-storey grist mill was built in 1832. During the 1800s, mills played a pivotal role in the country’s landscape.
In 2018, building upon its century-and-a-half-old foundation and stone walls, the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa opened, giving new life to this iconic building.
Photos/video: Vlad Umnov
Over its 40-year history, the Elora Festival has been recognized as one of North America’s signature choral festivals.
It also presents all forms of classical, jazz, folk and popular music.
The Festival’s ensemble-in-residence is The Elora Singers, one of Canada’s finest professional chamber choirs. The choir performs throughout the three weeks of the festival, both with solo concerts and in collaboration with guest artists and ensembles.
Photos: Mark Heine/Elora Festival
Elora is the home town of George A. Drew, Ontario’s 14th Premiere from 1943 to 1948.
Drew’s childhood house now is a charming B&B. Even though the house was renovated, it continues to hold the historical legacy of its famous family.
Photo: Archives of Ontario, Wikimedia Commons
Elora Distilling Company is famous for its unforgettable craft drinks.
Enjoy a beautiful day tasting locally sourced beverages with great food. Elora Distilling Company is a beloved spot for locals and tourists that offers a great time and a tasty experience.
National Historic Site
The museum is located in a building that stands as the oldest remaining rural House of Industry in Canada. It was built in 1877 as a “Poor House” or place of refuge for the poor, homeless, and needy people in Wellington County.
Photo: Wellington County House of Industry and Refuge ca. 1890
It operated as a Poor House and Industrial Farm until 1947 when it became a County Home for the Aged.
In 1974 it was transformed into the Wellington County Museum and Archives.
Photos, video: Vlad Umnov, User:Saforrest, Wikimedia Commons
Myrtle Alice Cook-McGowan, known as the First Lady of Sports in Canada, was an athlete and journalist who competed mainly in the 100 metres.
Myrtle competed for Canada at the 1928 Summer Olympics held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands where she won the gold medal in the women’s 4 x 100 metres.
In 1955, she was enthroned in Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.
Myrtle lived in Elora till the end of the life in 1985.
Elora Rapids and Adventure tours are some of the most fun ways to explore the town and create unforgettable moments. Enjoy The Grand River Valley and its cliffs while floating along the river. Or rent out a bike for a leisurely tour throughout Elora’s downtown and along its trails and parks.
Photo: facebook.com/EloraRapids/
The David Street Bridge is for those who love a spectacular view. The view shows the depth and raw beauty of the landscape.
This historic bridge was built in 1868 and reconstructed in 2002, with the original pier remaining. It is one of the most popular views in Elora and one of the most photographed from the river below.
Photos: Vlad Umnov
