elora fergus - Centre Wellington

Make Elora and Fergus your “must-experience destination” this summer.
Find outdoor adventure, nature, fabulous food, heritage towns, overnight escapes, festivals and the arts—all in one place!
www.elorafergus.ca
f—when you think of Elora and Fergus— you think of
the dramatic beauty of the Elora Gorge, world class
festivals, a haven of arts and culture, all with a heritage
river running through it, well, you’d be right. You’d also be
right thinking of summer music festivals on the banks of the
Grand, an outdoor adventurer’s dream, and home to
I
arguably the prettiest farmers’ market in Ontario.
Elora and Fergus are places where the past proudly
meets the present; where our cultural diversity underlies
how we honour past glories and create modern traditions.
Start with our parades—from the gathering of the
ghouls during a hauntingly happening Hallowe’en month, to
the historic Canada Day parade, to the majestic Elora Horse
and Hound parade, with all its pomp and ceremony.
From art to adventure, music to monsters, thoroughbreds
to bread baking, fine food to fly-fishing, come experience
Elora and Fergus for yourself. It really is what you imagine,
and so much more!
&fergus
Getting Around
elora
ONE-HOUR RADIUS
Reasons to Celebrate!
HISTORIC WALKABLE DOWNTOWNS
2016 EVENTS AT A GLANCE
ELORA
David S
tW
Ch
urc
Elora
Gorge
Conservation
Area
W
Ros
sS
t
Ca rlton
h
Pri
c
FERGUS AND ELORA: A CLASSIC COUPLE
18
me
s
eS
t
7
Elora
Community
Centre
eek
a
i
e Cr
tor
Irvin
Vic
Victoria Henderson
St
Park
Ja
Smith St
M
il
St
lS
t
Grand River
Raceway
McNab
David St E
Wellington Dr
Moir St
Colborne St
Kea
ting
Dr
Gourlay Rd
Wilson Cres
Elora Cataract Trailway
us
rg
To Fe
18
Elora
Quarry
Conservation
Area
t
Highland Pines Campground
N
Queen St E
T
walk or drive. Shops, restaurants, festivals and
attractions; the river, the local markets and
farm experiences—they’re all right here.
See the gorge in two downtowns, at
Elora’s Victoria Park and Templin Gardens
in Fergus. The trails and natural waterways
are valued treasures, allowing visitors and
residents to tube, zipline, kayak and swim
whenever their inner adventurer lets loose!
And the Elora Cataract Trailway connects
both downtowns offering a scenic stroll
amid rolling farmland.
Relax in a café or pub, stroll through
the shops offering unique items from local
artists and artisans.
John
Alice St
O
ran
g
ev
s to n
Ferrier
Gu e l p h
Aberdeen
To Guelph
Short reed
McTavish
i n St
Argyll St
E lg
Highland
Park
Highland Rd
Belsyde
ille
W
at
tS
t
18
E
Ave
Centre
Wellington
Sportsplex
Alma
17
16
6
Belwood
Salem
18
Fergus
Inverhaugh
7
26
29
lovers together to build an enclave of talent
with an appreciative audience.
How much time do you have?
There’s a wide variety of dining
experiences that will suit every palate and taste.
Some of Canada’s most celebrated chefs call
Elora home. From riverside picnics to fireside
pubs, relaxing patios to home grown haute
cuisine, you’ll find it all right here.
Enjoy the award winning self-guided
Elora Artwalk, follow the Elora Sculpture Tour
or simply savour the sites that so inspired AJ
Casson. Our downtowns harbour a creative
energy that draws artists, musicians and art
19 Belwood
Lake
18
Elora
21
All rights reserved. Maps © 2008-2016
The Township of Centre Wellington.
CENTRE WELLINGTON
here’s a cultural vibe that radiates through
Elora and Fergus: Historic buildings
whispering tales of yesteryear, natural
surroundings offering beauty second to none,
dynamic festivals and events, charming
downtowns, local produce with fantastic
flavours, brilliant and creative souls, and
enough sports and outdoor adventure to last a
lifetime. Stay awhile and savour an experience
that will pique your interests, engage your
mind, capture your heart and take your breath
away.
Nothing here is far from anything else;
you can get almost anywhere in a 10-minute
Confederation Park
River
r
Towe
ne
dlaba
Brea
St Patrick St E
St Andrew St E
Grand River
W
Union St E
Albert St E
Victoria
Park
Wellington St
Elora St
Grand River
Wa te r
S
W
Fergus
Grand Theatre
Templin Gardens
n St
Quee
Albert St W
6
Prince’s
Braeside
Ferrier
Park
FERGUS
Church St
Bissell Park
St
W
k St
atric
St
avid
en
Maid
ay
St
St P
T
W
St
ost
Prov
railw
ract T
Cata
tW
Hil l S
lora
St
To E
ew
And r
t
St
rS
ai
Bl
W
St D
Elora
e
e org
St G
ener
Kitch
18
n
uhou
Colq
Gow
Park
Arboretum
St
St
East Mill St
Pl
O’Brien
Park
Wa te r St
21
Hig h S
t
io n
Geddes St
Tower St S
Un
St
e
Br
id
g
Angus
St David St S
Athol St
Gowrie
Gowrie St S
Herrick
Hillside Dr
Thistle St
St
M
e
tca
lfe
St
Geddes St
Princess St
Melville St
Chalmers St
North Queen St
John St
Irvine St
Mary St
Mary St
Kertland St
Wellesley St
Cuthbert St
Gartshore
Scotland
Beatty Line N
Learn about living and doing business in Centre Wellington
519.846.9691 • www.centrewellington.ca
you deserve to be here
Centre Wellington
When everyone you meet nods a friendly hello.
Where you can re-invent, create, live, work and play, all in the
same community... When your daily commute is a scenic hike...
That’s when you know you’re in the right place.
Brought to you by the Township of Centre Wellington
www.elorafergus.ca
you deserve to be here!
Come for a weekend,
stay for a lifetime
22
Whether it’s 20 minutes, two hours, two days
or longer, staff at our Information Centre can
answer all your “how-to” questions. From
how to spend an afternoon, to how to find
that perfect place to picnic, we can help with
information, maps, brochures, directions and
local advice. In the end, there may be only
one thing better than visiting Elora and
Fergus. And that would be calling it home.
You deserve to be here. Your adventure starts
now.
April 10
Tartan Day, downtownfergus.com – An afternoon celebration of all things Scottish.
April 16-17 Elora Vintage and Antique Show, www.antiqueshowscanada.com
May 19-22 Elora en Plein Air, www.artscouncil.elora.on.ca – Grand River Painting Festival
May 28
Skyburst Elora, www.eloralions.org – Spectacular annual fireworks display.
May 29
Food Cycle Ride, www.foodcycleride.ca – Bicycle Road Tour (35k or 70k)
May 29
Elora Writers’ Festival, www.elorawritersfestival.blogspot.ca
June 18
Doors Open Fergus Elora, www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/ferguselora
July 1
Canada Day Celebrations, www.elorafergus.ca – Day-long festivities in Elora, twilight
celebrations and fireworks in Fergus.
Summer
Music at the Museum, wellington.ca/museum – Enjoy music on the front lawn or in
the 1877 barn! Bring a lawn chair, sit back, relax and enjoy! July 7,14,21,28, Aug 4, 11
July 8-24 The Elora Festival, www.elorafestival.com – Treat yourself to the world’s finest music.
July 9
Belwood Lake Triathlon, www.multisportcanada.com
July 22-24 Fergus Truck Show, www.fergustruckshow.com
July 30
Film on a Plate, sensationalelora.com – Food, music and a movie in downtown Elora.
August 1 Grand River Raceway Industry Day, www.industrydaycelebration.com
Aug 11
Pipes, Plaid & Pageantry Parade, Downtown Fergus, www.fergusscottishfestival.com
Aug 12-14 Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, www.fergusscottishfestival.com
Aug 19-21 Riverfest, www.riverfestelora.com. Three days of music, food and art, Elora.
Aug 26-27 Grand River Truck & Tractor Pull, www.grandriveragsociety.com
Aug 28
Antique and Classic Car Show, www.wellington.ca/museum
Sept 16-18 Fergus Fall Fair, www.fergusfallfair.ca – Country fun, a midway and more.
Sept 24
Fall Wellington Rural Romp, www.tastereal.ca, Celebrate the Fall Harvest.
Sept 25
Harvest Home Festival, Wellington County Museum, www.wellington.ca/museum
Sept 24-25 Elora Fergus Studio Tour, www.elorafergusstudiotour.com
& Oct 1-2 A unique opportunity to visit working artist studios and meet the creators.
Sep 30-Oct 2 Culture Days, www.culturedays.ca. Be a tourist in your own town.
Oct 1–31 Monster Month, www.sensationalelora.ca – Monster March Parade (Oct 22),
monsters, movies, walking tours, spirit walks, and other ghoulish gatherings.
Elora Horse and Hound Parade, www.elorahorseandhound.com
Sensational Soup-Off, www.sensationalelora.com – Wellington County Museum
Elora Santa Claus Parade of Lights, www.eloralions.org
Fergus Santa Claus Parade, www.elorafergus.ca
Christmas Festival, Wellington County Museum, www.wellington.ca/museum
Christmas in the Village, www.elorafestival.com Elora Festival Singers’ Christmas
concert series is an annual rite of winter.
Oct 2
Oct 10
Nov 26
Dec 3
Dec 11
December
Fergus
FIND YOURSELF IN DOWNTOWN
For a full and complete year-round listing of all festivals and events
in Elora, Fergus and Centre Wellington, please visit
www.elorafergus.ca, or scan the QR code with your mobile device.
Visit us at 10 East Mill Street, Elora. Call toll-free: 877.242.6353
Lure Layout 2016-v5-Final_Final 2016-03-01 3:50 PM Page 1
Make Elora and Fergus your “must-experience destination” this summer.
Find outdoor adventure, nature, fabulous food, heritage towns, overnight escapes, festivals and the arts—all in one place!
www.elorafergus.ca
f—when you think of Elora and Fergus— you think of
the dramatic beauty of the Elora Gorge, world class
festivals, a haven of arts and culture, all with a heritage
river running through it, well, you’d be right. You’d also be
right thinking of summer music festivals on the banks of the
Grand, an outdoor adventurer’s dream, and home to
I
arguably the prettiest farmers’ market in Ontario.
Elora and Fergus are places where the past proudly
meets the present; where our cultural diversity underlies
how we honour past glories and create modern traditions.
Start with our parades—from the gathering of the
ghouls during a hauntingly happening Hallowe’en month, to
the historic Canada Day parade, to the majestic Elora Horse
and Hound parade, with all its pomp and ceremony.
From art to adventure, music to monsters, thoroughbreds
to bread baking, fine food to fly-fishing, come experience
Elora and Fergus for yourself. It really is what you imagine,
and so much more!
&fergus
Getting Around
elora
ONE-HOUR RADIUS
Reasons to Celebrate!
HISTORIC WALKABLE DOWNTOWNS
2016 EVENTS AT A GLANCE
ELORA
David S
tW
Ch
urc
Elora
Gorge
Conservation
Area
W
Ros
sS
t
Ca rlton
h
Pri
c
FERGUS AND ELORA: A CLASSIC COUPLE
18
me
s
eS
t
7
Elora
Community
Centre
eek
a
i
e Cr
tor
Irvin
Vic
Victoria Henderson
St
Park
Ja
Smith St
M
il
St
lS
t
Grand River
Raceway
McNab
David St E
Wellington Dr
Moir St
Colborne St
Kea
ting
Dr
Gourlay Rd
Wilson Cres
Elora Cataract Trailway
us
rg
To Fe
18
Elora
Quarry
Conservation
Area
t
Highland Pines Campground
N
Queen St E
T
walk or drive. Shops, restaurants, festivals and
attractions; the river, the local markets and
farm experiences—they’re all right here.
See the gorge in two downtowns, at
Elora’s Victoria Park and Templin Gardens
in Fergus. The trails and natural waterways
are valued treasures, allowing visitors and
residents to tube, zipline, kayak and swim
whenever their inner adventurer lets loose!
And the Elora Cataract Trailway connects
both downtowns offering a scenic stroll
amid rolling farmland.
Relax in a café or pub, stroll through
the shops offering unique items from local
artists and artisans.
John
Alice St
O
ran
g
ev
s to n
Ferrier
Gu e l p h
Aberdeen
To Guelph
Short reed
McTavish
i n St
Argyll St
E lg
Highland
Park
Highland Rd
Belsyde
ille
W
at
tS
t
18
E
Ave
Centre
Wellington
Sportsplex
Alma
17
16
6
Belwood
Salem
18
Fergus
Inverhaugh
7
26
29
lovers together to build an enclave of talent
with an appreciative audience.
How much time do you have?
There’s a wide variety of dining
experiences that will suit every palate and taste.
Some of Canada’s most celebrated chefs call
Elora home. From riverside picnics to fireside
pubs, relaxing patios to home grown haute
cuisine, you’ll find it all right here.
Enjoy the award winning self-guided
Elora Artwalk, follow the Elora Sculpture Tour
or simply savour the sites that so inspired AJ
Casson. Our downtowns harbour a creative
energy that draws artists, musicians and art
19 Belwood
Lake
18
Elora
21
All rights reserved. Maps © 2008-2016
The Township of Centre Wellington.
CENTRE WELLINGTON
here’s a cultural vibe that radiates through
Elora and Fergus: Historic buildings
whispering tales of yesteryear, natural
surroundings offering beauty second to none,
dynamic festivals and events, charming
downtowns, local produce with fantastic
flavours, brilliant and creative souls, and
enough sports and outdoor adventure to last a
lifetime. Stay awhile and savour an experience
that will pique your interests, engage your
mind, capture your heart and take your breath
away.
Nothing here is far from anything else;
you can get almost anywhere in a 10-minute
Confederation Park
River
r
Towe
ne
dlaba
Brea
St Patrick St E
St Andrew St E
Grand River
W
Union St E
Albert St E
Victoria
Park
Wellington St
Elora St
Grand River
Wa te r
S
W
Fergus
Grand Theatre
Templin Gardens
n St
Quee
Albert St W
6
Prince’s
Braeside
Ferrier
Park
FERGUS
Church St
Bissell Park
St
W
k St
atric
St
avid
en
Maid
ay
St
St P
T
W
St
ost
Prov
railw
ract T
Cata
tW
Hil l S
lora
St
To E
ew
And r
t
St
rS
ai
Bl
W
St D
Elora
e
e org
St G
ener
Kitch
18
n
uhou
Colq
Gow
Park
Arboretum
St
St
East Mill St
Pl
O’Brien
Park
Wa te r St
21
Hig h S
t
io n
Geddes St
Tower St S
Un
St
e
Br
id
g
Angus
St David St S
Athol St
Gowrie
Gowrie St S
Herrick
Hillside Dr
Thistle St
St
M
e
tca
lfe
St
Geddes St
Princess St
Melville St
Chalmers St
North Queen St
John St
Irvine St
Mary St
Mary St
Kertland St
Wellesley St
Cuthbert St
Gartshore
Scotland
Beatty Line N
Learn about living and doing business in Centre Wellington
519.846.9691 • www.centrewellington.ca
you deserve to be here
Centre Wellington
When everyone you meet nods a friendly hello.
Where you can re-invent, create, live, work and play, all in the
same community... When your daily commute is a scenic hike...
That’s when you know you’re in the right place.
Brought to you by the Township of Centre Wellington
www.elorafergus.ca
you deserve to be here!
Come for a weekend,
stay for a lifetime
22
Whether it’s 20 minutes, two hours, two days
or longer, staff at our Information Centre can
answer all your “how-to” questions. From
how to spend an afternoon, to how to find
that perfect place to picnic, we can help with
information, maps, brochures, directions and
local advice. In the end, there may be only
one thing better than visiting Elora and
Fergus. And that would be calling it home.
You deserve to be here. Your adventure starts
now.
April 10
Tartan Day, downtownfergus.com – An afternoon celebration of all things Scottish.
April 16-17 Elora Vintage and Antique Show, www.antiqueshowscanada.com
May 19-22 Elora en Plein Air, www.artscouncil.elora.on.ca – Grand River Painting Festival
May 28
Skyburst Elora, www.eloralions.org – Spectacular annual fireworks display.
May 29
Food Cycle Ride, www.foodcycleride.ca – Bicycle Road Tour (35k or 70k)
May 29
Elora Writers’ Festival, www.elorawritersfestival.blogspot.ca
June 18
Doors Open Fergus Elora, www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/ferguselora
July 1
Canada Day Celebrations, www.elorafergus.ca – Day-long festivities in Elora, twilight
celebrations and fireworks in Fergus.
Summer
Music at the Museum, wellington.ca/museum – Enjoy music on the front lawn or in
the 1877 barn! Bring a lawn chair, sit back, relax and enjoy! July 7,14,21,28, Aug 4, 11
July 8-24 The Elora Festival, www.elorafestival.com – Treat yourself to the world’s finest music.
July 9
Belwood Lake Triathlon, www.multisportcanada.com
July 22-24 Fergus Truck Show, www.fergustruckshow.com
July 30
Film on a Plate, sensationalelora.com – Food, music and a movie in downtown Elora.
August 1 Grand River Raceway Industry Day, www.industrydaycelebration.com
Aug 11
Pipes, Plaid & Pageantry Parade, Downtown Fergus, www.fergusscottishfestival.com
Aug 12-14 Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, www.fergusscottishfestival.com
Aug 19-21 Riverfest, www.riverfestelora.com. Three days of music, food and art, Elora.
Aug 26-27 Grand River Truck & Tractor Pull, www.grandriveragsociety.com
Aug 28
Antique and Classic Car Show, www.wellington.ca/museum
Sept 16-18 Fergus Fall Fair, www.fergusfallfair.ca – Country fun, a midway and more.
Sept 24
Fall Wellington Rural Romp, www.tastereal.ca, Celebrate the Fall Harvest.
Sept 25
Harvest Home Festival, Wellington County Museum, www.wellington.ca/museum
Sept 24-25 Elora Fergus Studio Tour, www.elorafergusstudiotour.com
& Oct 1-2 A unique opportunity to visit working artist studios and meet the creators.
Sep 30-Oct 2 Culture Days, www.culturedays.ca. Be a tourist in your own town.
Oct 1–31 Monster Month, www.sensationalelora.ca – Monster March Parade (Oct 22),
monsters, movies, walking tours, spirit walks, and other ghoulish gatherings.
Elora Horse and Hound Parade, www.elorahorseandhound.com
Sensational Soup-Off, www.sensationalelora.com – Wellington County Museum
Elora Santa Claus Parade of Lights, www.eloralions.org
Fergus Santa Claus Parade, www.elorafergus.ca
Christmas Festival, Wellington County Museum, www.wellington.ca/museum
Christmas in the Village, www.elorafestival.com Elora Festival Singers’ Christmas
concert series is an annual rite of winter.
Oct 2
Oct 10
Nov 26
Dec 3
Dec 11
December
Fergus
FIND YOURSELF IN DOWNTOWN
For a full and complete year-round listing of all festivals and events
in Elora, Fergus and Centre Wellington, please visit
www.elorafergus.ca, or scan the QR code with your mobile device.
Visit us at 10 East Mill Street, Elora. Call toll-free: 877.242.6353
Lure Layout 2016-v5-Final_Final 2016-03-01 3:50 PM Page 1
Learn about living and doing business in Centre Wellington
519.846.9691 • www.centrewellington.ca
Make Elora and Fergus your “must-experience destination” this summer.
you deserve to be here
Find outdoor adventure, nature, fabulous food, heritage towns, overnight escapes, festivals and the arts—all in one place!
Centre Wellington
www.elorafergus.ca
When everyone you meet nods a friendly hello.
Where you can re-invent, create, live, work and play, all in the
same community... When your daily commute is a scenic hike...
That’s when you know you’re in the right place.
Brought to you by the Township of Centre Wellington
www.elorafergus.ca
f—when you think of Elora and Fergus— you think of
the dramatic beauty of the Elora Gorge, world class
festivals, a haven of arts and culture, all with a heritage
river running through it, well, you’d be right. You’d also be
right thinking of summer music festivals on the banks of the
Grand, an outdoor adventurer’s dream, and home to
I
arguably the prettiest farmers’ market in Ontario.
Elora and Fergus are places where the past proudly
meets the present; where our cultural diversity underlies
how we honour past glories and create modern traditions.
Start with our parades—from the gathering of the
ghouls during a hauntingly happening Hallowe’en month, to
the historic Canada Day parade, to the majestic Elora Horse
and Hound parade, with all its pomp and ceremony.
From art to adventure, music to monsters, thoroughbreds
to bread baking, fine food to fly-fishing, come experience
Elora and Fergus for yourself. It really is what you imagine,
and so much more!
you deserve to be here!
&fergus
Getting Around
Reasons to Celebrate!
HISTORIC WALKABLE DOWNTOWNS
2016 EVENTS AT A GLANCE
18
Cuthbert St
Irvine St
Kertland St
Wellesley St
Gartshore
Herrick
Highland Rd
Argyll St
Belsyde
Ferrier
E
Ave
16
6
Belwood
Salem
19 Belwood
Lake
18
Elora
21
Inverhaugh
7
Fergus
26
29
22
W
at
tS
walk or drive. Shops, restaurants, festivals and
attractions; the river, the local markets and
farm experiences—they’re all right here.
See the gorge in two downtowns, at
Elora’s Victoria Park and Templin Gardens
in Fergus. The trails and natural waterways
are valued treasures, allowing visitors and
residents to tube, zipline, kayak and swim
whenever their inner adventurer lets loose!
And the Elora Cataract Trailway connects
both downtowns offering a scenic stroll
amid rolling farmland.
Relax in a café or pub, stroll through
the shops offering unique items from local
artists and artisans.
lovers together to build an enclave of talent
with an appreciative audience.
How much time do you have?
Whether it’s 20 minutes, two hours, two days
t
18
Centre
Wellington
Sportsplex
Alma
17
St
Hillside Dr
Highland
Park
here’s a cultural vibe that radiates through
Elora and Fergus: Historic buildings
whispering tales of yesteryear, natural
surroundings offering beauty second to none,
dynamic festivals and events, charming
downtowns, local produce with fantastic
flavours, brilliant and creative souls, and
enough sports and outdoor adventure to last a
lifetime. Stay awhile and savour an experience
that will pique your interests, engage your
mind, capture your heart and take your breath
away.
Nothing here is far from anything else;
you can get almost anywhere in a 10-minute
Alice St
Or
an
ge
vil
le
Scotland
St David St S
Hig h S
CENTRE WELLINGTON
Thistle St
ge
id
Br
Angus
Albert St E
i n St
To Guelph
Aberdeen
Guelph
Tower St S
Union St E
E lg
Athol St
Queen St E
18
All rights reserved. Maps © 2008-2016
The Township of Centre Wellington.
Elora
Quarry
Conservation
Area
Confederation Park
McTavish
Wellington St
FERGUS
John St
Mary St
Mary St
North Queen St
Gowrie
Gowrie St S
Grand River
W
Victoria
Park
St Patrick St E
Shortreed
6
Prince’s
Elora St
18
River
n St
Quee
Albert St W
Ferrier
Park
us
rg
To Fe
Highland Pines Campground
St Andrew St E
Fergus
Grand Theatre
Templin Gardens
St
T
St N
Braeside
avid
io n
St
Wilson Cres
Elora Cataract Trailway
Grand River
St D
Un
W
t
rS
Gow
Park
Arboretum
W
St
i
W
k St
P atric
r
Towe
a
Bl
St
W
ost
un
An
St
ston
uho
Colq
St
ra
To Elod rew
John
18
r
en
ene
Kitch
St
ne
dlaba
tW
Hil l S
e
e or g
St G
Prov
ay
Gourlay Rd
Wa te r
St
McNab
St
Maid
ilw
ct Tra
atara
Church St
Bissell Park
O’Brien
Park
Brea
C
Elora
Chalmers St
East Mill St
t
21
Grand River
Raceway
Melville St
t
Ca rlton
Pl
Wa te r St
Beatty Line N
Geddes St
St
lfe
tca
Me
sS
Colborne St
Princess St
Smith St
St
ce
Pri
Elora
Gorge
Conservation
Area
Wellington Dr
Moir St
T
Kea
ting
Dr
David St E
Geddes St
Elora
Community
Centre
eek
ia
e Cr
to r
Irvin
Vic
Victoria Henderson
St
Park
Ja
me
Ch
sS
urc
t
h
St
W
M
ill
St
Ros
7
April 10
April 16-17
May 19-22
May 28
May 29
May 29
June 18
July 1
FERGUS AND ELORA: A CLASSIC COUPLE
There’s a wide variety of dining
experiences that will suit every palate and taste.
Some of Canada’s most celebrated chefs call
Elora home. From riverside picnics to fireside
pubs, relaxing patios to home grown haute
cuisine, you’ll find it all right here.
Enjoy the award winning self-guided
Elora Artwalk, follow the Elora Sculpture Tour
or simply savour the sites that so inspired AJ
Casson. Our downtowns harbour a creative
energy that draws artists, musicians and art
or longer, staff at our Information Centre can
answer all your “how-to” questions. From
how to spend an afternoon, to how to find
that perfect place to picnic, we can help with
information, maps, brochures, directions and
local advice. In the end, there may be only
one thing better than visiting Elora and
Fergus. And that would be calling it home.
You deserve to be here. Your adventure starts
now.
Fergus
FIND YOURSELF IN DOWNTOWN
Tartan Day, downtownfergus.com – An afternoon celebration of all things Scottish.
Elora Vintage and Antique Show, www.antiqueshowscanada.com
Elora en Plein Air, www.artscouncil.elora.on.ca – Grand River Painting Festival
Skyburst Elora, www.eloralions.org – Spectacular annual fireworks display.
Food Cycle Ride, www.foodcycleride.ca – Bicycle Road Tour (35k or 70k)
Elora Writers’ Festival, www.elorawritersfestival.blogspot.ca
Doors Open Fergus Elora, www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/ferguselora
Canada Day Celebrations, www.elorafergus.ca – Day-long festivities in Elora, twilight
celebrations and fireworks in Fergus.
Summer
Music at the Museum, wellington.ca/museum – Enjoy music on the front lawn or in
the 1877 barn! Bring a lawn chair, sit back, relax and enjoy! July 7,14,21,28, Aug 4, 11
July 8-24 The Elora Festival, www.elorafestival.com – Treat yourself to the world’s finest music.
July 9
Belwood Lake Triathlon, www.multisportcanada.com
July 22-24 Fergus Truck Show, www.fergustruckshow.com
July 30
Film on a Plate, sensationalelora.com – Food, music and a movie in downtown Elora.
August 1 Grand River Raceway Industry Day, www.industrydaycelebration.com
Aug 11
Pipes, Plaid & Pageantry Parade, Downtown Fergus, www.fergusscottishfestival.com
Aug 12-14 Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, www.fergusscottishfestival.com
Aug 19-21 Riverfest, www.riverfestelora.com. Three days of music, food and art, Elora.
Aug 26-27 Grand River Truck & Tractor Pull, www.grandriveragsociety.com
Aug 28
Antique and Classic Car Show, www.wellington.ca/museum
Sept 16-18 Fergus Fall Fair, www.fergusfallfair.ca – Country fun, a midway and more.
Sept 24
Fall Wellington Rural Romp, www.tastereal.ca, Celebrate the Fall Harvest.
Sept 25
Harvest Home Festival, Wellington County Museum, www.wellington.ca/museum
Sept 24-25 Elora Fergus Studio Tour, www.elorafergusstudiotour.com
& Oct 1-2 A unique opportunity to visit working artist studios and meet the creators.
Sep 30-Oct 2 Culture Days, www.culturedays.ca. Be a tourist in your own town.
Oct 1–31 Monster Month, www.sensationalelora.ca – Monster March Parade (Oct 22),
monsters, movies, walking tours, spirit walks, and other ghoulish gatherings.
Oct 2
Elora Horse and Hound Parade, www.elorahorseandhound.com
Oct 10
Sensational Soup-Off, www.sensationalelora.com – Wellington County Museum
Nov 26
Elora Santa Claus Parade of Lights, www.eloralions.org
Dec 3
Fergus Santa Claus Parade, www.elorafergus.ca
Dec 11
Christmas Festival, Wellington County Museum, www.wellington.ca/museum
December Christmas in the Village, www.elorafestival.com Elora Festival Singers’ Christmas
concert series is an annual rite of winter.
For a full and complete year-round listing of all festivals and events
in Elora, Fergus and Centre Wellington, please visit
www.elorafergus.ca, or scan the QR code with your mobile device.
Visit us at 10 East Mill Street, Elora. Call toll-free: 877.242.6353
Lure Layout 2016-v5-Final_Final 2016-03-01 3:50 PM Page 1
ELORA
David S
tW
Come for a weekend,
stay for a lifetime
elora
ONE-HOUR RADIUS
Learn about living and doing business in Centre Wellington
519.846.9691 • www.centrewellington.ca
Make Elora and Fergus your “must-experience destination” this summer.
you deserve to be here
Find outdoor adventure, nature, fabulous food, heritage towns, overnight escapes, festivals and the arts—all in one place!
Centre Wellington
www.elorafergus.ca
When everyone you meet nods a friendly hello.
Where you can re-invent, create, live, work and play, all in the
same community... When your daily commute is a scenic hike...
That’s when you know you’re in the right place.
Brought to you by the Township of Centre Wellington
www.elorafergus.ca
f—when you think of Elora and Fergus— you think of
the dramatic beauty of the Elora Gorge, world class
festivals, a haven of arts and culture, all with a heritage
river running through it, well, you’d be right. You’d also be
right thinking of summer music festivals on the banks of the
Grand, an outdoor adventurer’s dream, and home to
I
arguably the prettiest farmers’ market in Ontario.
Elora and Fergus are places where the past proudly
meets the present; where our cultural diversity underlies
how we honour past glories and create modern traditions.
Start with our parades—from the gathering of the
ghouls during a hauntingly happening Hallowe’en month, to
the historic Canada Day parade, to the majestic Elora Horse
and Hound parade, with all its pomp and ceremony.
From art to adventure, music to monsters, thoroughbreds
to bread baking, fine food to fly-fishing, come experience
Elora and Fergus for yourself. It really is what you imagine,
and so much more!
you deserve to be here!
&fergus
Getting Around
Reasons to Celebrate!
HISTORIC WALKABLE DOWNTOWNS
2016 EVENTS AT A GLANCE
18
Cuthbert St
Irvine St
Kertland St
Wellesley St
Gartshore
Herrick
Highland Rd
Argyll St
Belsyde
Ferrier
E
Ave
16
6
Belwood
Salem
19 Belwood
Lake
18
Elora
21
Inverhaugh
7
Fergus
26
29
22
W
at
tS
walk or drive. Shops, restaurants, festivals and
attractions; the river, the local markets and
farm experiences—they’re all right here.
See the gorge in two downtowns, at
Elora’s Victoria Park and Templin Gardens
in Fergus. The trails and natural waterways
are valued treasures, allowing visitors and
residents to tube, zipline, kayak and swim
whenever their inner adventurer lets loose!
And the Elora Cataract Trailway connects
both downtowns offering a scenic stroll
amid rolling farmland.
Relax in a café or pub, stroll through
the shops offering unique items from local
artists and artisans.
lovers together to build an enclave of talent
with an appreciative audience.
How much time do you have?
Whether it’s 20 minutes, two hours, two days
t
18
Centre
Wellington
Sportsplex
Alma
17
St
Hillside Dr
Highland
Park
here’s a cultural vibe that radiates through
Elora and Fergus: Historic buildings
whispering tales of yesteryear, natural
surroundings offering beauty second to none,
dynamic festivals and events, charming
downtowns, local produce with fantastic
flavours, brilliant and creative souls, and
enough sports and outdoor adventure to last a
lifetime. Stay awhile and savour an experience
that will pique your interests, engage your
mind, capture your heart and take your breath
away.
Nothing here is far from anything else;
you can get almost anywhere in a 10-minute
Alice St
Or
an
ge
vil
le
Scotland
St David St S
Hig h S
CENTRE WELLINGTON
Thistle St
ge
id
Br
Angus
Albert St E
i n St
To Guelph
Aberdeen
Guelph
Tower St S
Union St E
E lg
Athol St
Queen St E
18
All rights reserved. Maps © 2008-2016
The Township of Centre Wellington.
Elora
Quarry
Conservation
Area
Confederation Park
McTavish
Wellington St
FERGUS
John St
Mary St
Mary St
North Queen St
Gowrie
Gowrie St S
Grand River
W
Victoria
Park
St Patrick St E
Shortreed
6
Prince’s
Elora St
18
River
n St
Quee
Albert St W
Ferrier
Park
us
rg
To Fe
Highland Pines Campground
St Andrew St E
Fergus
Grand Theatre
Templin Gardens
St
T
St N
Braeside
avid
io n
St
Wilson Cres
Elora Cataract Trailway
Grand River
St D
Un
W
t
rS
Gow
Park
Arboretum
W
St
i
W
k St
P atric
r
Towe
a
Bl
St
W
ost
un
An
St
ston
uho
Colq
St
ra
To Elod rew
John
18
r
en
ene
Kitch
St
ne
dlaba
tW
Hil l S
e
e or g
St G
Prov
ay
Gourlay Rd
Wa te r
St
McNab
St
Maid
ilw
ct Tra
atara
Church St
Bissell Park
O’Brien
Park
Brea
C
Elora
Chalmers St
East Mill St
t
21
Grand River
Raceway
Melville St
t
Ca rlton
Pl
Wa te r St
Beatty Line N
Geddes St
St
lfe
tca
Me
sS
Colborne St
Princess St
Smith St
St
ce
Pri
Elora
Gorge
Conservation
Area
Wellington Dr
Moir St
T
Kea
ting
Dr
David St E
Geddes St
Elora
Community
Centre
eek
ia
e Cr
to r
Irvin
Vic
Victoria Henderson
St
Park
Ja
me
Ch
sS
urc
t
h
St
W
M
ill
St
Ros
7
April 10
April 16-17
May 19-22
May 28
May 29
May 29
June 18
July 1
FERGUS AND ELORA: A CLASSIC COUPLE
There’s a wide variety of dining
experiences that will suit every palate and taste.
Some of Canada’s most celebrated chefs call
Elora home. From riverside picnics to fireside
pubs, relaxing patios to home grown haute
cuisine, you’ll find it all right here.
Enjoy the award winning self-guided
Elora Artwalk, follow the Elora Sculpture Tour
or simply savour the sites that so inspired AJ
Casson. Our downtowns harbour a creative
energy that draws artists, musicians and art
or longer, staff at our Information Centre can
answer all your “how-to” questions. From
how to spend an afternoon, to how to find
that perfect place to picnic, we can help with
information, maps, brochures, directions and
local advice. In the end, there may be only
one thing better than visiting Elora and
Fergus. And that would be calling it home.
You deserve to be here. Your adventure starts
now.
Fergus
FIND YOURSELF IN DOWNTOWN
Tartan Day, downtownfergus.com – An afternoon celebration of all things Scottish.
Elora Vintage and Antique Show, www.antiqueshowscanada.com
Elora en Plein Air, www.artscouncil.elora.on.ca – Grand River Painting Festival
Skyburst Elora, www.eloralions.org – Spectacular annual fireworks display.
Food Cycle Ride, www.foodcycleride.ca – Bicycle Road Tour (35k or 70k)
Elora Writers’ Festival, www.elorawritersfestival.blogspot.ca
Doors Open Fergus Elora, www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/ferguselora
Canada Day Celebrations, www.elorafergus.ca – Day-long festivities in Elora, twilight
celebrations and fireworks in Fergus.
Summer
Music at the Museum, wellington.ca/museum – Enjoy music on the front lawn or in
the 1877 barn! Bring a lawn chair, sit back, relax and enjoy! July 7,14,21,28, Aug 4, 11
July 8-24 The Elora Festival, www.elorafestival.com – Treat yourself to the world’s finest music.
July 9
Belwood Lake Triathlon, www.multisportcanada.com
July 22-24 Fergus Truck Show, www.fergustruckshow.com
July 30
Film on a Plate, sensationalelora.com – Food, music and a movie in downtown Elora.
August 1 Grand River Raceway Industry Day, www.industrydaycelebration.com
Aug 11
Pipes, Plaid & Pageantry Parade, Downtown Fergus, www.fergusscottishfestival.com
Aug 12-14 Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, www.fergusscottishfestival.com
Aug 19-21 Riverfest, www.riverfestelora.com. Three days of music, food and art, Elora.
Aug 26-27 Grand River Truck & Tractor Pull, www.grandriveragsociety.com
Aug 28
Antique and Classic Car Show, www.wellington.ca/museum
Sept 16-18 Fergus Fall Fair, www.fergusfallfair.ca – Country fun, a midway and more.
Sept 24
Fall Wellington Rural Romp, www.tastereal.ca, Celebrate the Fall Harvest.
Sept 25
Harvest Home Festival, Wellington County Museum, www.wellington.ca/museum
Sept 24-25 Elora Fergus Studio Tour, www.elorafergusstudiotour.com
& Oct 1-2 A unique opportunity to visit working artist studios and meet the creators.
Sep 30-Oct 2 Culture Days, www.culturedays.ca. Be a tourist in your own town.
Oct 1–31 Monster Month, www.sensationalelora.ca – Monster March Parade (Oct 22),
monsters, movies, walking tours, spirit walks, and other ghoulish gatherings.
Oct 2
Elora Horse and Hound Parade, www.elorahorseandhound.com
Oct 10
Sensational Soup-Off, www.sensationalelora.com – Wellington County Museum
Nov 26
Elora Santa Claus Parade of Lights, www.eloralions.org
Dec 3
Fergus Santa Claus Parade, www.elorafergus.ca
Dec 11
Christmas Festival, Wellington County Museum, www.wellington.ca/museum
December Christmas in the Village, www.elorafestival.com Elora Festival Singers’ Christmas
concert series is an annual rite of winter.
For a full and complete year-round listing of all festivals and events
in Elora, Fergus and Centre Wellington, please visit
www.elorafergus.ca, or scan the QR code with your mobile device.
Visit us at 10 East Mill Street, Elora. Call toll-free: 877.242.6353
Lure Layout 2016-v5-Final_Final 2016-03-01 3:50 PM Page 1
ELORA
David S
tW
Come for a weekend,
stay for a lifetime
elora
ONE-HOUR RADIUS
Lure Layout 2016-v5-Final_Final 2016-03-01 3:50 PM Page 2
The Grand River
Cultural Appetites
Arts & Music
Fairs & Festivals
FROM PASTORAL TO WET ‘N WILD
HERITAGE COMES ALIVE
EXPERIENCES THAT INSPIRE
WORLD-CLASS CELEBRATIONS
D
iscover the joys of this quiet, gentle
place, or the rip-roaring good times
delivered by the spectacular Grand
River. Renowned for its trout fishery, tubing
and kayaking sections, it’s the only white
water river in southwestern
Ontario. The ancient limestone cliffs
of the Elora Gorge Conservation
Area are a natural wonder. And in
spring and fall, when water levels
rise, the crescendo of the river at
Templin Gardens, the Tooth of Time
and Shand Dam at Belwood Lake
is a reminder of nature’s unbridled
power.
Rush hour on the
Grand River!
O
ur spirit of place is strong, and the
telling of it can be found in the
Wellington County Museum
and Archives. Standing like a hilltop
sentinel between Elora and Fergus, it is
the jewel of our heritage crown. It is
also a welcome rest stop on the Elora
Cataract Trailway: the perfect
interruption to a pre-brunch stroll. Our
historic downtowns date back more
than 175 years, to the founding Scots,
who constructed these heritage
buildings from the surrounding natural
limestone. Many feature fascinating
historic plaques, citing the year built,
occupation and name of the original owner.
Trail Blazing
Come savour the dramatic colours,
scents and sounds of the outdoors.
Whether you have an hour, a day
or more, there’s a trail or nature
walk you’re sure to enjoy.
A picturesque stroll along the
cliffs at Victoria Park will take you
from Lover’s Leap to the Tooth of
Time, past a zipline adventure, and
down the stone steps to the
confluence of the Irvine and Grand
Rivers, where you can cool off in
the water, explore small caves and
admire one of Ontario’s most photographed
bridges. In Fergus, don’t miss the walking
bridge and nightly lighting of the falls.
There are culinary walking tours each
Saturday, free guided and self-guided
Historical Walks through our historic towns,
and, of course the Elora Cataract Trailway—
a 47 kilometre rail trail that’s ideal for
biking and hiking.
Foods & Flavours
From farm to fork, Fergus and Elora have
fabulous local food experiences. The
“taste•real” brand is the promise of local food
at its best, and when you take a trip off the
beaten path you’ll see why our farmers have a
passion for their products.
Annual events open farm experiences to
all visitors, and highlight local food at
restaurants and tastings. Pick up some fresh,
hyper-local produce at the Elora farmers’
market, by the river every Saturday morning
throughout the summer and fall.
What to do while you’re here
What to do while you’re here
•
•
•
•
•
•
• Take a historical walking tour of Elora & Fergus
• Experience the Grand at dusk under the
floodlights of Fergus
• Visit Fergus’ Templin Gardens
• Join the Elora Culinary Walking Tour
• Savour the Elora Farmers’ Market
• Sample hand crafted sour dough bread at
the Elora Bread Company
• Sip a microbrew at the Elora Brewing Co.
• Sample home-made fudge at Fergus’ I Love
Chocolate
• Lock in your love at the Fergus Kissing Stane
•
•
•
•
Stroll the Upper Gorge Trailway
View Lover’s Leap and the Tooth of Time
Zipline with One Axe Pursuits
Soak your toes in the Irvine River
Float downriver with Elora Raft Rides
Tube the Grand at the Elora Gorge
Conservation Area
Cool off with a swim in the Elora Quarry
Conservation Area
Bike or hike the Elora Cataract Trailway
Take a boat out on Belwood Lake
Sign up for a fly-fishing lesson
E
lora and its surrounding area has long
been a magnet for creativity of all kinds,
and this is especially evident when it
comes to the arts. Artists in a wide variety of
media have clustered here in their studios,
galleries and workshops. Throughout the year,
Elora is the vibrant home to courses and
classes for all ages—from “One-Hot-Date”
glass blowing to hot metal and mayhem
blacksmith workshops, fine art to fly-tying, pot
throwing to bread-baking—all designed to
invite visitor participation and expression.
For two weekends in the fall, artisans
throughout Centre Wellington open their
studios for the Elora Fergus Studio Tour. One of
the largest and most diverse tours of its kind,
this is a rare chance to get a look behind the
creative scenes, meet the artists in their work
environments, and possibly pick up a one-of-akind gem to take home and enjoy.
What to do while you’re here
Year-round
• Elora Farmers’ Market; summer market at
Bissell Park, Saturdays 9am to 1pm. Winter
market at Grand River Raceway.
www.elorafarmersmarket.com
• Historical Walking Tours; throughout the
year, explore our rich past led by lively
costumed characters. www.elorafergus.ca
• Elora Cataract Trailway; a scenic walking,
hiking or biking trail. www.trailway.org
• Fergus Grand Theatre; your place for live
entertainment. Your space to stage events!
www.fergusgrandtheatre.ca
• Fergus Elora Bed & Breakfast Association;
experience outstanding breakfasts and beds
served by our welcoming hosts. www.febba.ca
• Elora Culinary Walking Tour, (book ahead!)
www.eloraculinarywalkingtour.com
What to do while you’re here
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sign up for a creative workshop.
Listen to home-grown live music
Take the award-winning Elora Artwalk.
Visit artists’ studios.
Contemplate the creations of the Elora
Sculpture Project.
Enjoy Wellington County Museum and
Archives’ summer drop-in programme every
Wednesday afternoon in July and August.
Take in a show at Fergus Grand Theatre.
Discover local “haunts” on the Fergus Ghost
Walk.
Pick your favourite festival and make a
weekend of it.
Tilt yer kilt at the Fergus Scottish Festival
and Highland Games.
Hear the Grammy and Juno nominated Elora
Festival Singers.
Toast the riders at the Elora Horse and
Hound Parade.
Book your trip, reserve your room.
T
he seasons are chock-full of
memorable festivals and events you
just won’t see elsewhere. From the
world-class Fergus Scottish Festival–featuring
Highland Dancing, competitive Heavy Events,
music and more–to the annual mid-summer
and pre-Christmas musical celebration that is
the Elora Festival, there is something here for
everyone. The Fergus Truck Show is a great
summer family event, with a show-and-shine,
live music, tractor pulls, plenty of chrome and
roaring engines.
In October, the monsters come to town
in an annual celebration of all things spooky.
Merchants adorn their storefronts with larger-than-life, lit sculptures, there’s a Monster
March parade as well as Spirit Walks and
guided Lantern Walks throughout the
month.
You’ll find renowned musicians, fabulous
chefs, art, unforgettable stories, all of which
add up to an experience to remember. Pick
your favourite time of year—then come
spend the weekend.
Sleep Overs
• Fergus Bridal Tour; everything for your
wedding. www.fergusbridaltour.com
• Skyrider Zipline; zip across the Grand
River! June to Sept.
www.oneaxepursuits.com
• Wellington County Museum & Archives;
galleries, exhibits, events, classes & gardens.
Music can be heard throughout the
towns, like at the Elora Acoustic Café—home
to the singer-songwriter scene and many
celebrated musicians. Music at the Museum
and the Grassland Summer Concert series offer
the perfect musical backdrop to any visit.
Elora’s Riverfest is an annual celebration of
music and community where you can enjoy
energizing song-filled summer days on the
banks of the Grand River.
Visit
www.elorafergus.ca
MOBILE-FRIENDLY
There are plenty of options when it comes to settling down for the night. Elora and Fergus offer the
perfect getaway with quality accommodations that are as diverse and interesting as the buildings
and hosts themselves. Each location has its own unique charm, and our hosts and innkeepers take
pride in setting a high standard for quality and service in their hospitality and accommodations, from
comfortable beds, special amenities and fabulous food. There are family-friendly camp, cabin and
outdoor spaces too. Highland Pines has cabins, campgrounds, hookups and family amenities, and
the Elora Gorge is a popular, well-known site for camping, trailers and tubing. Whether it’s for a
week or a weekend, you can restore body and soul in Elora and Fergus.
HOTELS & INNS
Best Western
Breadalbane Inn
Brewhouse on the Grand
Village Inn
www.bestwestern.com
www.breadalbaneinn.com
www.brewhouseonthegrand.ca
www.villageinnelora.com
BED & BREAKFASTS
MEMBERS OF THE FERGUS ELORA B&B ASSOCIATION
After the Ceilidh
B&B on Keating
Dream Corners
Drew House
Fergus Fly~In
Flying Leap
Gardener's Cottage
Groves House
London House
Jagra Vacation Rental
Maryhill Country Inn
Maplecrest Farm
Riverwood
St. George's
Stonehurst
www.febba.ca/afterTheCeilidh
www.bandbonkeating.com
www.dreamcorners.com
www.drewhouse.com
www.fergusflyinbandb.com
www.theflyingleap.com
www.gardenerscottage.ca
www.febba.ca/grovesHouse
www.londonhouse.ca
www.jagrarental.ca
www.febba.ca/maryhill
www.febba.ca/maplecrest
www.riverwoodretreatbb.com
www.febba.ca/stgeorges
www.stonehurstbb.com
CAMPGROUNDS
Elora Gorge Conservation Area www.grandriver.ca
Highland Pines Campground www.highlandpines.com