The village of Elora is a one of Ontario’s most picturesque towns, steeped in history and the natural beauty of the Elora Gorge, it is renowned a creative hub for the arts and culture. But for those who call it home, Elora is a collective of neighbourhoods, from the heritage sections to the newer homes, fostering an inclusive community. Pride in place is evident here.

Elora has a thriving downtown, with quaint boutiques, one-of-a-kind shops and unique dining establishments, pubs and can even boast it’s own craft brewery, making it a popular destination in all seasons for both locals and tourists alike.

The Grand River connects the towns of Centre Wellington, and in Elora it flows quietly into town by the boardwalk of Bissel Park, before it roars to life at the Tooth of Time, a landmark waterfall best viewed from the trails of Victoria Park and the soon-to-be reopened Elora Mill development. The natural history comes alive in the depths of the Elora Gorge. This is where the Irvine River and Grand Rivers meet and the waters lead into one of the finest campgrounds of the Grand River Conservation Authority and some of the most scenic trails in Wellington County.

Elora is the ultimate playground in the summer, with the popular beach and swimming at the Elora Quarry, tubing down the rapids of the Grand River in the Elora Gorge, and home to two of the best music festivals in the province, with the Elora Festival and Riverfest. Live horse racing takes place at the Grand River Raceway throughout the summer months too. In winter, there are outdoor community skating rinks in town, fresh trails and always a sport on the go at the Elora Community Centre or a rock to sweep at the Elora Curling Club.

The Elora Cataract Trailway offers 47kms of natural links to neighbouring communities, popular with hikers, cyclists and dog-walkers too. With ample parks, green spaces and a commitment to environmental balance with community growth, the town is invested in ensuring the future maintains the natural elements that draw people here.

The cultural vibe of Elora is renowned beyond the borders of Wellington County, with events that embrace and enhance arts education and celebrate creativity through venues such as the Elora Centre for the Arts and the nearby Wellington County Museum and Archives, in Aboyne.

Surrounded by bountiful agricultural lands, the Elora Farmers’ Market sets up outdoors in Bissell Park each spring until fall, then moves indoors to the Grand River Raceway Paddock Building from late October until the end of December. Friends and neighbours gather each Saturday morning to meet the farmers and enjoy locally sourced treats.

So while Elora may be a small town, it is robust with activity and there is much to explore at every turn. It is the kind of town where your lifestyle can be as involved or as quiet as you wish, but you’ll feel connected to the community around you.