Elora is what happens when agricultural and arts communities collide. It’s vibrant and beautiful, with no shortage of events, shops, festivals and places to build your visit around. Here’s what our perfect weekend in Elora looks like.
1. If you’re going to grab a bite to eat, it had better be at The Desert Rose Cafe, a fixture of Elora’s downtown for the past 25+ years, and maybe one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the province. Be sure to call ahead, as their hours change with the seasons.
2. Just across the street you’ll find the recently-opened Elora Bread Trading Co. Elora Bread is a great example of the kind of youthful, creative energy that exists in town, and is quickly becoming everyone’s go-to place for great sourdough. After you’ve picked up some bread for dinner, stop by the Elora Brewing Company for a flight of local brews, including their Lady Friend IPA, or Three Fields Lager.
4. If you’re the outdoorsy type, there’s great camping and hiking at the Grand River Conservation Area, and you’ll also want to visit the scenic (and swim-worthy!) Elora Quarry.
5. If you’re the music festival-going kind, we’ve got great news for you. Visit in the summertime, and you’re within range of the Guelph Hillside Festival, as well as Elora’s very own Riverfest, who last year hosted Blue Rodeo, Metric and Sarah Harmer. If classical music or jazz are more your style, Elora is also home to the internationally-renowned Elora Festival.
