Elora Gorge Conservation Area
Elora Gorge Conservation Area
4
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
448 reviews
Excellent
183
Very good
179
Average
45
Poor
17
Terrible
24
LookingForReasonable
Newmarket, Canada202 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We stayed here 4 nights in the campground mid week in the summer. Compared to booking campgrounds in provincial parks, this place was a breeze. Piles of open serviced sites. That may be because there is a strict no drinking/cannabis policy that is readily enforced but it also keeps the rowdy crowd out.
Campsites were super clean, washrooms a little tired but ok. Showers take 25 cents. Campfire wood was $8.50 for a good sized bag of nice dry wood. Staff all seem to be fairly friendly. A very good place to camp.
We did the river tubing which was decent, no lines (mid week) although the lack of solenoid of a shuttle was taxing on small kids. Make sure you bring your reservation for tubes with you as mine didn’t make it to the system but I had emails to show I had paid.
I have read here that the conservation tubes are old and maybe ret outside the park, but it appears they have all new tubes this year and they have nice back rests and water bottle holders. The tube run is 50 minutes; I read “2 hours” quite a bit here but that’s probably including the walk and launching time but you can run as many times as you want.
All in all worth a stay.
Campsites were super clean, washrooms a little tired but ok. Showers take 25 cents. Campfire wood was $8.50 for a good sized bag of nice dry wood. Staff all seem to be fairly friendly. A very good place to camp.
We did the river tubing which was decent, no lines (mid week) although the lack of solenoid of a shuttle was taxing on small kids. Make sure you bring your reservation for tubes with you as mine didn’t make it to the system but I had emails to show I had paid.
I have read here that the conservation tubes are old and maybe ret outside the park, but it appears they have all new tubes this year and they have nice back rests and water bottle holders. The tube run is 50 minutes; I read “2 hours” quite a bit here but that’s probably including the walk and launching time but you can run as many times as you want.
All in all worth a stay.
Written 16 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CanadianVagabonds
Ontario, Canada136 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We booked three days in advance for the tubing (with rentals $50/pp plus entry into park) which was simple to do online. But worrisome only being able to plan three days in advance as sometimes sells out quickly. We were only in the area on one specific date so increased booking dates would have been easier.
Got our required dates, arrived around noon on a Saturday and zero lines which was nice. Check in was smooth. All staff on site super friendly and helpful. Parking is very limited in day use area. Bathrooms/change rooms on site. Walk to gorge launch area 1-2km, tube is light to carry, not an issue for us. Floating through gorge was super fun, rapids enjoyable, our group of 4 easily and often separated.
Walk back to day use area to return equipment easily 1–2kms again. Be substantially cheaper if you bring your own equipment. Picnic tables (limited) available and we enjoyed lunch before leaving area. Glad we went! Had a great time. Certainly recommend.
Got our required dates, arrived around noon on a Saturday and zero lines which was nice. Check in was smooth. All staff on site super friendly and helpful. Parking is very limited in day use area. Bathrooms/change rooms on site. Walk to gorge launch area 1-2km, tube is light to carry, not an issue for us. Floating through gorge was super fun, rapids enjoyable, our group of 4 easily and often separated.
Walk back to day use area to return equipment easily 1–2kms again. Be substantially cheaper if you bring your own equipment. Picnic tables (limited) available and we enjoyed lunch before leaving area. Glad we went! Had a great time. Certainly recommend.
Written 24 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rickachete Rose
Clinton, Canada24 contributions
Jun 2020
I really liked the shallow water of the gorge, we walked across to see the caves. It was very exiting.
To get down there is a nice walk to get to the stairs, lot of trees and great look-out points.
Lots of rocks to sit on. Steps are very steep, so you have to be pretty careful where your stepping! We went in spring, the water was very cold, but it warms up in the summer!
Lots of people on weekends!
Super pretty!!
To get down there is a nice walk to get to the stairs, lot of trees and great look-out points.
Lots of rocks to sit on. Steps are very steep, so you have to be pretty careful where your stepping! We went in spring, the water was very cold, but it warms up in the summer!
Lots of people on weekends!
Super pretty!!
Written 12 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liza Stinton
Toronto, Canada22 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
If you are tubing - On a busy day, be prepared to wait TWO HOURS in line, even if you paid in advance online and already have your equipment! They have one girl checking you in while 2-4 others literally wait around. They are completely disorganized and know it and don’t care. Then you walk 15 min for a 40 min tube that’s on a river so lazy you spend half the time kicking and paddling to get yourself out of stagnant water.
Written 29 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie D
Saint Thomas, Canada2 contributions
Aug 2022
Careful when you go tubing, the campground was ok, the sites were big, no part of it is accessible, I have a mobility issue and it is ridiculous for accessibility. Even the washrooms aren't accessible (neither are the showers). Also the map is confusing, we tried to book so we were near the exit of the gorge thinking my family could bring me down to the entrance and I wouldn't have far to go when we got out, there is a fence up so you cant get through. As for the tubing, it was terrible, we brought my husband and my two sons who are 17 and 22, they said the river was up but we spend most the time stuck on rocks, and going super slow, it was not fun at all, 4 of us went, the cost was $200 (PLUS the campsite) and the boys really didn't want to go again, they were so bored going down. We tried to make the best but it just wasnt fun. There are not many signs, its a lot of walking, I brought my scooter thinking they could pick it up after but in order to go get it you have to actually go out on the highway and go all the way around (my hussband said it was crazy). There was one guy down at the launch but that was it. we were really surprised on the disorganization, if/when the water is higher, it could be made alot better if they actually put some effort in instead it just seems like a huge money grab.
Written 12 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Talitha S
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Family
Beautiful bit of scenery. I love Elora and the gorge is a beautiful place to relax and take a breather from the outside world. However, the site lacks some information that I think would greatly help guests who are interested in staying for longer than a day.
You have to pay for the showers here. When I booked for a full week of camping the site told me that there was washrooms with showers that were available to use nowhere did it say that we would have to pay for access to said showers. 25c for 5 minutes is absolutely ridiculous if I'm already paying to be here then I should be able to use the showers on site without shoveling more out. Not to mention said showers are frankly gross with mold and mildew growing up the walls.
Another thing I will mention there are outhouses located around the property which is great! If they were well taken care of but they are not clean.
Security loops around multiple times a day which is odd and I've never seen that happen at a campsite before.
You have to pay for the showers here. When I booked for a full week of camping the site told me that there was washrooms with showers that were available to use nowhere did it say that we would have to pay for access to said showers. 25c for 5 minutes is absolutely ridiculous if I'm already paying to be here then I should be able to use the showers on site without shoveling more out. Not to mention said showers are frankly gross with mold and mildew growing up the walls.
Another thing I will mention there are outhouses located around the property which is great! If they were well taken care of but they are not clean.
Security loops around multiple times a day which is odd and I've never seen that happen at a campsite before.
Written 8 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike11M
Toronto, Canada200 contributions
Jul 2020
the perfect cure for COVID - the gorge is a nice easy drive from the St Jacob's farmer's market if you want to make a day's outing from it. Madelaine at the front gate was very happy to see us, we picked an overcast day so that we were not swamped by anyone and everyone, and as a result, we had the place pretty much to ourselves. It was nice to see the gorge, walk the trails, smell fresh air and hear birds, not people. There is currently no day camping there, but you can definitely picnic and enjoy a small gathering with your favourite 10 people!! Although it was officially closed for tubing in the river, that didn't stop the die-hards. And for those who like raspberries/blackberries, they are ripe for the picking.
Written 13 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John P
4 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
Went for a hike planning on circling the entire gorge following the trails.
Unfortunately the bridge was closed and had to turn back.
Tubers were really upset that there was no notice entering the park to the tubing area.
We met up with some that had to walk back over 20 minutes with their tubes to return to the station.
We mentioned this to management who stated "it's located on our website under interruptions".
Please tell me who goes on vacation or day trip and specifically looks for interruptions to their destination?
My opinion is signs are not posted to purposely prevent you from deciding not to tube since it is their main attraction.
They could have easily mentioned it upon arriving at the park since it is such a big deal and inconvenience.
Don't waste your time. With an unlimited pass you won't be motivated to do the extended trek for a second ride down the river.
Unfortunately the bridge was closed and had to turn back.
Tubers were really upset that there was no notice entering the park to the tubing area.
We met up with some that had to walk back over 20 minutes with their tubes to return to the station.
We mentioned this to management who stated "it's located on our website under interruptions".
Please tell me who goes on vacation or day trip and specifically looks for interruptions to their destination?
My opinion is signs are not posted to purposely prevent you from deciding not to tube since it is their main attraction.
They could have easily mentioned it upon arriving at the park since it is such a big deal and inconvenience.
Don't waste your time. With an unlimited pass you won't be motivated to do the extended trek for a second ride down the river.
Written 30 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CdnGoldy
Kitchener, Canada987 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
This campground has friendly staff, flush toilets in the washroom, and (at our site) both electricity and water.
However we visited during Covid-19 and were shocked that the washroom ran out of soap, and that washrooms had no limit posted. If you were already using the facilities and another 3 people entered there isn't much you can do since no limits are posted.
The campground has the beautiful Elora Gorge in it, but that doesn't overcome the small, overcrowded campsites with out privacy.
However we visited during Covid-19 and were shocked that the washroom ran out of soap, and that washrooms had no limit posted. If you were already using the facilities and another 3 people entered there isn't much you can do since no limits are posted.
The campground has the beautiful Elora Gorge in it, but that doesn't overcome the small, overcrowded campsites with out privacy.
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMsays
Thornhill, Canada4,905 contributions
Jul 2021
There is lots to see and do here. There's camping, picnicking, hiking, a splashpad, swimming, tubing and even fishing and boating in the Grand River. We were here for the day enjoying a picnic in one of their prime areas. I've been here before for camping and can say that the sites are large and serviced if you like. The splashpad is convenient for parents because it comes with a walkway around the perimeter that gives them some assurance. If you want to swim, you can do it at the nearby Quarry Park. The hiking trails are not strenuous and lead to scenic lookouts and the "Hole in the Rock". A very pleasant few hours spent here.
Written 5 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there bathrooms in the parking lot / main area? Looking to change post hike
Written 30 July 2024
Was going to head up to do trails in April can we still access park even though it's closed til may
Written 24 March 2021
NorthStar59616735179
Mount Forest, Canada
Can we get in to walk your trails Even though it says your closed for the season?
Written 17 October 2020
There is an entrance in Elora that is a park that you should be able to walk in as you don't go through the park entrance, it's also free.
Written 18 October 2020
How do i get to the bridge everyone takes photos of?
Written 14 October 2019
You just walk along the trail that starts at the Hole in the Rock. You will come to it after a 10-15 minute walk.
Written 23 October 2019
I have no idea what you are asking. Why don’t you just check the campground’s website or call them?
Written 10 August 2019
Hi, I want to know where can we sit at the bank of the river and enjoy the camping. any other suggestion.
Written 10 August 2019
I didn’t notice any campsites right at the bank of the river. Perhaps look at the campsite map or inquire with the campground if they exist.
Written 10 August 2019
Our son is 5, he meets the height restrictions but wondering if he'd be able to share a tube with myself or my husband?
Written 29 July 2019
Sharing tubes is not permitted.
Before you go read and ensure you read their guidelines. Water levels were very low when we went and there nothing really scary but a little higher and stronger flow it can go badly.
Don’t use the park’s tube for your 5 year old, rent instead. They have a bottom, handles and smaller, not a tractor tube.
Written 30 July 2019
Is the tap water safe to drink at the Elora Gorge campground or should we treat it first? Also, are there hot showers available?
Written 26 July 2019
Wes O
Cambridge, Canada
Yes the tap water is safe to drink as it is from a treated municipal source.
Written 27 July 2019
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