Adventures
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Adventure Camps
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| Whether it's conquering a white water rapid in a kayak or peddling up the last hill on a ride, C.K. Maggs Adventures truly believe the greatest enjoyment in life comes from taking on nature's adventures. These are experiences they want to share. However, they also know from experience that these activities can be daunting, especially to beginners. That's why they've created C.K. Maggs Adventures! |
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Boating and Sailing
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Belwood Lake Conservation Area offers powerboat and sailboat access. This 12 km-long lake (7.5 miles) offers excellent boating and water-skiing. The Belwood Lake Sailing Club is a small member-managed club operating from a 10 acre site on Belwood Lake.
Get away from it all with punt rides and raft tours on the Grand River in the heart of Elora. With Elora Raft Rides you can choose from bareboat hires you navigate yourself, shared rides with a pilot or custom cruises. Twilight and Moonlight tours also available.
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Canoeing and Kayaking
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The Grand River offers a beautiful location for canoers and kayakers. With access points all along the river, every skill level has an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Adventure seekers can kayak the white waters of the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, while Belwood Lake Conservation Area offers a more relaxed pace.
C.K. Maggs Adventures offers kayak rentals and Tours Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer.
Elora Paddle Co. offers canoe rentals 7 days a week throughout the summer.
Grand River access points, suggested trips, and river flow levels.
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Cycling
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Cycle through the historic streets of Elora and Fergus, take in views of the Grand River, limestone cliffs and the Gorge. Set your own speed, take in the rural scenery provided by the Elora Cataract Trail on your way to the small town of Belwood.
Take a minute to stop and savour the local beauty as well as culinary delights of your very own customizable picnic, featuring fresh and locally grown goods.
For self-guided tours and tips on places to see drop by the Elora Information Centre. We can provide up to date information on trails and treats to sample along the way.
The Bicycle Tailor offers off-the-shelf, semi-custom and fully-custom bicycles, professional service & repairs, bicycle rentals, and a curated collection of parts and accessories to take you on adventures across the city, off the beaten path, or around the globe.
Download full Elora Fergus Trail Map
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Elora Gorge
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The spectacular Elora Gorge has welcomed tourists for over 150 years. Its timeless majesty and beauty keep visitors coming back year after year, savouring the views from its steep limestone cliffs, enjoying the tree-lined hiking trails, paddling the rapids or simply soaking their toes. Every season offers a new and wonderful experience.
Just a short stroll from downtown Elora, the Gorge can be viewed from Lover's Leap in Victoria Park. From here you can overlook the merging waters of the Grand and Irvine rivers some 80 feet below. Follow the stone steps leading into the river – a perfect cool down for a hot summer's day. For a longer walk, hop on the Upper Gorge Trailway and enjoy the gorge from many angles.
Downstream the gorge becomes the property of the Elora Gorge Conservation Area. This 200 hectare park offers trails, scenic outlooks with stunning views of the river as well as tubing, a splashpad and 300 campsites.
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Elora Skyrider Zipline
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| Nothing says "thrill" like zipping 200 feet across a cavernous gorge! And if once isn't enough, you can say it all day long by getting a day pass. Enjoy a bird's eye view of the historic Elora Gorge and enjoy the thrill of your life with One Axe Pursuits' zipline. |
Fishing
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Fly-Fishing
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The stretch of the Grand River between Fergus and West Montrose, which includes the Elora Gorge, has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the best brown trout fisheries in North America. Large enough to challenge the best anglers, many options are also available for kids and first-timers.
In Belwood Lake Conservation Area, a fishing pond for kids 13 years of age and under is stocked with rainbow trout and bass. The lake itself is great for pike (trophy size), smallmouth bass and perch. Belwood Lake includes 1km of Grand River access, downstream of the dam, for excellent brown trout fishing.
Downstream, the Elora Gorge Conservation Area also offers lots of great fly-fishing spots.
Fly-fishing is for anyone, any age. Let our local outfitters guide you to through the world of Fly Fishing whatever your experience level:
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Ice Fishing
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Belwood Lake is excellent for perch and northern pike. Check the Grand River Conservation Authority's Newsroom for winter conditions updates.
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Fishing License
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Fishing licences can be obtained through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
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Golf
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When is it not time for a good game of golf? The picturesque golf courses in and around Elora and Fergus offer you the chance to explore our abundant countryside. Enjoy the great outdoors, get some exercise and spend time with friends. Even if your swing is not up to par, golfing in Elora and Fergus will provide an experience that will leave your vacation bragging rights intact.
Area Golf Courses:
Fergus Golf Club
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Fergus Golf Club is located just outside Fergus among rolling hills and farmers' fields. The Club (formerly Fairview and Belwood Lake clubs) offers 27 holes for all skill levels. With a layout catering to all golfers, it provides an ideal backdrop for tournaments, business outings, or a game of golf with friends and family.
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Wild Winds Golf Club
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Wild Winds Golf Club is situated on one of the highest points in Wellington County. Wildwinds is an 18 hole golf course on a beautiful piece of country property. Set away from traffic, Wildwinds awaits the golf enthusiast who cherishes country settings, good friendship and challenging golf.
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Ariss Valley Golf Club
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| Nestled in the amazing vistas of Ariss Valley are 27 holes of beautiful, yet challenging golf. Ariss Valley Golf Club is truly a journey through wooded landscapes, island greens and a valley creek that meanders through several holes. A must-play Ontario golf course! |
Guelph Lakes Golf and Country Club
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| Situated an easy drive just south of Fergus, Guelph Lakes Golf and Country Club is an award winning, 18 hole championship course. |
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Grand River Conservation Areas
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The waters of the Grand River not only sustain us, they entertains us. Part of the Grand River Conservation Authority, these parks provide endless year-round activities for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're a family of thrill seekers, tweens, tiny tots or a blend of all tastes, these parks offer something for everyone to enjoy.
Belwood Lake Conservation Area
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The Belwood Lake Conservation Area owes its existence to the construction of the Shand Dam. Built in 1942 to protect the Fergus and Elora communities from the spring surges of the Grand River, the upper walkway of the dam forms part of the historic Elora Cataract Trailway offering impressive views of the lake and surrounding area. Families can fish, hike or picnic above or below the dam. Teach the little ones to fish in the well stocked kids' fishing pond or watch them swim in the cool, spring fed quarry with a beach. Explore the lake itself by renting a boat or kayak and let the gentle rhythm of the water accompany your discoveries. Open year-round.
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Elora Gorge Conservation Area
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The Elora Gorge Conservation Area is one of the most beautiful and spectacular natural areas in the Grand River valley. The Grand River rushes through the gorge, which has 70ft high cliffs. Riverside trails and scenic overlooks provide hikers with stunning views of the water far below where kayakers and tubers make their way through the rapids. Rent your tubing gear on site, hop on the shuttle bus and let the Grand River carry you downstream on a ride you'll not soon forget. For the less adventurous, the park is also home to a kids' splashpad and ample fishing spots. The Elora Gorge Conservation Area has over 300 campsites in forested and grassy areas suitable for everything from tents to RVs. Open May – October.
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Elora Quarry Conservation Area
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The eerie beauty of the Elora Quarry Conservation Area merits a visit in itself. Encircled by sheer cliffs up to 40 feet high, the "old swimming hole" is the central attraction. The Grand River flows past along the south side of the park offering more places to drop a line along with great shaded picnic areas and trails. A popular backdrop for Hollywood movies, the quarry has also hosted spectacular summer concerts. Open June to Labour Day.
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Horseback Riding
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Elora and Fergus boast a long history in the equine industry. There are many options for horseback adventures. Be sure to call ahead.
Devonshire Stables
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| Horseback riding, horse breeders and dealers. Call 519.787.9310 |
Glenarden Farms
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| Glenarden Farms is offering boarding, lessons, training, eventing and dressage. Quality horses available for part board. Train with Philippa, an Advanced Level Event Rider, or Jay an FEI "I" International Cross Country Course Designer at a 3 Star level. |
Kestavalon Farm
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| Safe and fun English riding lessons, carriage driving lessons, and therapeutic lessons. Certified instructor in all 3 areas. Summer camps are available. Call 519.498.1431. |
Lookout Farm
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| Lookout Farm is an equestrian facility offering boarding, training, lessons and sales. |
Riverview Stable
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| Riverview Stable is offering full service board, lessons, training and game-ready treatments for your horse. Over 30 years experience. |
Oakesmuir Farm
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| Oakesmuir Farm is the world's first hypo-allergenic riding facility featuring Bashkir Curly Horses. Curly horses are gentle and great to work with for any age. Ride indoors year-round. |
Travis Hall Equestrian Centre
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| Dave and Judy Johnson take special pride and joy in providing their stable with a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. Whether you are a beginner rider, or an advanced competitor, Travis Hall Equestrian Centre has something for you. |
Willow Wood Stables
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| Specializing in beginners and adult Lessons. Boarding, day camps, and training are also available. Call 519.787.9384. |
Off to the Races
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| Get into the action at Grand River Raceway and Elements Casino Slots. Located on Wellington County Rd 18 in Elora, Grand River Raceway features live racing from June to October. |
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Lookout Points
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Elora and Fergus are home to some spectacular vistas. From cliff edges to farmers' fields, surging waters to heritage architecture. Experience the dramatic colours, scents and sounds of our great outdoors by pausing awhile at one of our scenic lookout points.
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Summer Activities
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When the hot summer weather arrives, cool off at one of our natural or man-made watering holes.
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Trails
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The Township of Centre Wellington has lots of trailways to spend an afternoon walking, running or cycling on. It's a great way to travel and see the picturesque countryside.
Here are a few to choose from:
| Trestle Bridge Trail |
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Trestle Bridge Trail
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| Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex |
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An old farm hardwood bush trail also used as a campground.
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| Elora Cataract Trail |
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Elora Cataract Trail is located along the former Credit Valley Railway line. This trail totals 47 km touching historic trail links parks, watersheds and communities along its route. From Fergus the trail runs along the top of Shand Dam to beautiful Belwood Lake Conservation area. The Elora-Fergus loop of this trailway offers a relaxed and varied 9k hike or bike through open farmland and picturesque pathways with spectacular views of the Grand River. This trail also links both towns to the majestic Wellington County Museum and Archives
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| Elora's Upper Gorge Trailway |
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Elora's Upper Gorge Trailway system offers visitors a self-guided historic tour of the gorge. Follow it through tree-lined streets and along cliff-tops. Discover spectacular views, hidden beaches and historic ruins all within a stone's throw of the village.
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| Discover Downtown Fergus |
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The historic Elora Cataract Trailway zig-zags its way across the north end of Fergus. Download this Discover Downtown Fergus guide to explore the charm and majesty of picturesque downtown Fergus. Shop, dine, explore and rest, then hop back on the trail and continue on your journey.
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Building on the success of the Elora Cataract Trail, the Township has created a Trails Master Plan which explores the trails and open spaces in the township and their uses.
Download full Elora Fergus Trail Map
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Tubing the Grand
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Enjoy a classic inner tube adventure of a life time while savouring the scenery and wonder of the cliffs of the Elora Gorge at the Conservation Area.
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Winter Activities
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Experience the great outdoors this winter in Elora and Fergus. Whether you want to pluck a pike out of a lake, ski through the forest on a snowy day, skate like a pro or blaze a trail, we're living proof fun can be had whatever the weather!
Cross Country Skiing
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| The Belwood Lake Conservation Area feature a network of cross-country and snowshoe trails along with winter hiking. Please bring own equipment, no rentals provided on-site. |
Ice Fishing
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| Belwood Lake is excellent for perch and northern pike. Check the Grand River Conservation Authority's Newsroom for winter conditions updates. |
Snowmobiling
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| The Fergus Elora Belwood Snowmobile Club maintains 150 km of trails that form the 494 km trail network of the South Grey Area. Enjoy lunch, shelter and great company at their heated clubhouse. |
Snowshoeing
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| Enjoy the great winter site at Wellington County Museum and Archives. Explore the museum grounds and trails by snowshoe - bring your own or rent onsite. It's the perfect winter outdoor activity for the whole family. |
Skating
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| When the winter winds come, we don't stay inside, we build outdoor skating rinks! |
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