The Elora Gorge hike is on my list all summer. But after seeing friends of their visits this summer, among the crowds, I was suspicious. A few weeks ago, in the heart of the fall season, a friend and I made our way to Elora. I was ecstatic, I was waiting. Fall means more comfortable temperatures and much fewer visitors.
We arrived in Elora early and even if I was impatient to hike Elora Gorge, I was immediately charmed by the picturesque rue Main. I was delighted to explore it after our hike. By venturing out of the main city center, we found ourselves to cross a bridge that gave us our first glimpse of the gorges. The light early in the morning shining in the gorges did everything, water with limestone cliffs sparkling. After talking with a few inhabitants, they helped us find the path and we immersed ourselves in the forest that afflicts the throat.
The Elora Gorge trail takes you along a fitted path fenced through the forest, on both sides of the gorges. Our hike started on the northwest side of the gorge. We have not seen another soul for more than an hour. Just we, the rustling of the leaves under our feet and the crisp autumn refreshing our lungs.
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We found a set of metal stairs that took us to the throat. Basically, I climbed on rocks towards the river and I stood there speechless. Standing on the front of the stage among the limestone cliffs 72 feet high and with the Grand river which was rushed, I had to continue to tell myself that I was in the wild of Ontario – not in Iceland! When I look up, I could see a delicate waterfall wet the side of the cliff. And everywhere, the trees seem to hang on the edge of the cliff. Their roots with their own mind looked like tentacles tender their hand.
The Elora Gorge hike was even more magical by the lack of people. We had this magnificent Ontario jewel for ourselves. Our only guests were the occasional crows in the top of trees, a lonely vulture hovering over the head and a gray heron tracking the edge of the river.
After a while, we torn apart with peaceful and dramatic gorges. Returning to the metal stairs, we continued in the Elora Gorge conservation area. Here, we met a paved path taking us to another bridge crossing the throat. Nowhere above the throat was more beautiful than this bridge. Leaves of red, oranges and oranges and the yellow covered the ground. And yet, many surrounding trees still held their leaves – all creating a perfect fall view. And the photo!
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Crossing the bridge, we encountered a choice, continue downwards or go back to the other side of the throat. Realizing that we had already done hiking and exploration for a few hours, so we chose to go along the other side of the gorges from which we had hiking. It would end up bringing us back to town. We realized how lucky we were to start when we did when we started meeting more visitors on this track.
The southeast side of the Elora Gorge path has a few strengths, including some points of the throat. But nothing compares to be deep, below, to feel eclipsed by its greatness. Along this side of the path, you will find the ‘Hole in the wall’. This is where you walk on a piece of the limestone cliff that has a hole in it. By walking on the hole, the path enters the hole, with stairs descending towards a tray just above the throat. Here, one side of the cliff stands with a few more engraved holes. But what captured me was this tree that dominates above me with giant and infinite roots that looked like a work of living art.
Our growled bellies, so we accelerated the pace. After leaving Elora Gorge’s conservation area, we stumbled on another path that we thought could bring us back to town more quickly. We didn’t know where it would take us …
A major construction project was at the end of the path. But on our left, I noticed a sloping path leading to the river. Food should wait! We carefully descended. And before even reaching the bottom, my mouth fell. There, before us, there was an incredible oasis. The limestone cliffs of the throat seemed to kiss the river here, and the trees almost blocked the light. A stone beach brought us back to our throat again. But here there was an extremely intimate feeling. All what I thought was – it was – It would be the best place of meditation. Calm, dark and so zen.
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But alas, our stomach stomachs woke us up and we torn ourselves. Back on the picturesque little band in the city center of Elora, we could not help walking in search of the best place to eat. After a brief conversation with a few local girls, we decided on one of their recommendations. But, we had to wait a little longer, because it only opened at noon.
Where to eat after having hiking Elora Gorge
Navigation on the incredible selection of Elora stores has helped keep our mind out of food. But as soon as Shepherd’s pub Filled, it’s a brilliant blue door, we jumped. This traditional ad has all the work for an excellent place for dinner. Excellent food, with various options, huge portions and a view of the Grand River.
And with our full belly, we had to say goodbye to Elora and head for the next charming city, Fergus.
I loved the Elora Gorge hike, with all its hidden treasures. And Elora herself warmed my heart with her sweet charm.
Track specifications:
Difficulty – Moderate
Time – 2.5 hours +
Parking – Free parking in town or with costs in the Elora gorges conservation area
Facilities – bathroom
Security advice – Stay far from the edges of the cliffs
Other activities – Tubes available during the summer months, the campsite and the zip belt
Have you hiked in Elora Gorge?
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