While Toronto might currently be in the midst of a frigid late-May cold snap, the official start to summer is just a month away and we’re SO ready for all the warm-weather plans to begin!
The city has plenty of public outdoor pools to cool off in, but if you’re looking for a more unique place for a dip, how does floating around in an abandoned quarry sound?
While it might sound questionable, the Elora Quarry is actually a super popular spot to swim at for locals and visitors alike, after being designated as a conservation area in the 1970s.
Located just an hour away from Toronto, the not-so-secret swimming hole spans two acres and is surrounded by breathtaking limestone cliffs, some of which reach 40 feet tall.
Surrounding the quarry’s perimeter, you can get some exercise along a 1 km-long hiking trail while taking in the views. There’s also a small sandy beach area to sunbathe and relax on, as well as a shaded picnic area you can barbecue at.
Due to its popularity in recent years, visitors now have to reserve admission tickets and parking permits to access the Elora Quarry, which helps reduce the number of people who tend to flood there on hot summer days.
Tickets and parking permits must be reserved in advance, which you can book on the Grand River Conservation Authority’s website here.
Your admission is good for a 4-hour session, with two time slots to choose from each day: either from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
The Elora Quarry is set to open for the summer in early June, and will remain open until September.
Be sure to book your passes well in advance, as the swimming spot can fill up quickly especially on weekends!