Let’s face it: as much as we love Toronto, there are certain summer days when the concrete feels like a giant frying pan, and the thought of another afternoon in a crowded park makes you sweat just thinking about it.
If you are looking for an escape that is part natural wonder and part water-park thrill, look no further than Elora Gorge. Located just 90 minutes west of the GTA, it is home to one of Ontario’s most thrilling summer traditions: grabbing an inner tube, launching yourself into the Grand River, and floating through a breathtaking glacial canyon.
Found within the scenic Elora Gorge Conservation Area, this natural wonder opens up each summer from mid-June until early autumn for river tubing. The journey takes you on an unforgettable ride down a 2 km stretch of the Grand River through 22-metre-high limestone cliffs lined with cedar canopies, a stunning landscape formed by glacial meltwaters thousands of years ago.
The two-kilometre run takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, and while parts of the water are calm and gentle, thrill-seekers can also get their fair share of adrenaline as they navigate through swirling white-water rapids.
Because the entire run takes you through a deep natural canyon, keep in mind that there aren’t any exit points once you launch your tube and begin the adventure.
The Details
The one-of-a-kind experience caters to most ages, though children must be at least 122 cm tall and accompanied by an adult. Safety is a top priority on the river, meaning participants are limited to one person per tube and everyone must wear a helmet and life jacket in the event you get ejected in turbulent waters.
The gorge is open for tubing daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors are welcome to bring their own approved equipment, but if you don’t own any, full rental packages are available directly onsite. Tickets for river access start at $21.50, with the complete equipment package running for roughly $55.50. Just be sure to check conditions before you head out, as tubing can close unexpectedly if river levels rise too high after a heavy rainfall.
Be prepared for a 1.3 km walk along the roadway from the registration area to the launch point, and another 15-minute trek back at the end. You’ll be doing this in wet shoes, so plan accordingly!
While you’re spending the day in the area, you can also check out the nearby Elora Quarry for a refreshing swim. The stunning, abandoned limestone quarry is a wildly popular swimming hole during the summer months, boasting a sandy beach, striking cliffs, and even a scenic hiking trail that loops around the perimeter.
You can find out more about opening dates and equipment rentals here on their website.
