Elora Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
village in Ontario, Canada
About Elora
It is well known for its 19th-century limestone architecture and the geographically significant Elora Gorge. Roman Catholic missionaries first visited this area in the early to mid-1600s "to Christianize" the indigenous people, particularly the Neutral Nation on the old Attiwandaronk Lands. The first European settlers arrived in 1817. Elora was founded in 1832 by Captain William Gilkison, from Scotland, who was a British officer recently returned from India. He had also served in the War of 1812. He bought 14,000 acres of land on the Grand River and settled on the east side of the river. The plan for the settlement was laid out by Lewis Burwell, in late 1832, when it was called Irvine Settlement. By 1833, Gilkison had opened a sawmill and a general store. The village was renamed Elora when
Top Attractions in Elora
Explore the best things to see and do in Elora:
- ★Elora Gorge
- ★Elora Gorge Conservation Area
- ★Elora Mill
- ★Elora Rapids & Adventure Tours
- ★Grand River Raceway & Slots
- ★Zipline
Where to Eat in Elora
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Desert Rose Cafe
- 🍴Elora Mill Restaurant
- 🍴Gorge Country Kitchen
- 🍴The Cellar Pub and Grill
Where to Stay in Elora
- 🏨Flying Leap Bed and Breakfast
- 🏨The Elora Mill
- 🏨The Village Inn
Elora Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 10 sections including: