elora quarry

Ontario's most epic swimming hole opens for the summer next month

One of Ontario's most scenic swimming holes, the Elora Quarry, is reopening for the summer season next month.

The swimming hole is a former limestone quarry about two hours northwest of Toronto, and a 30-minute drive outside Guelph.

The Elora Quarry opens for the season on June 7 and will be open to the public daily until Labour Day.

The two-acre swimming area and 12-metre surrounding cliffs make it one of the top quarries to visit near Toronto this summer.

The conservation area features a spacious picnic section where sunbathers and swimmers can take a break to barbecue.

There's also a one-kilometre loop trail that curves around the top of the quarry and overlooks the Grand River.

And while the water may look inviting, jumping into the swimming hole is a strictly forbidden practice, and may get you kicked out of the park.

Advance reservations are required for all visitors, who must purchase tickets and vehicle permits online.

Two four-hour sessions are offered each day: a morning ticket running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and an afternoon ticket that spans from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are released weekly on Friday afternoons for the following week.

The cost of admission is $10.50 for adults, and vehicle permits can be purchased for $15.

Lead photo by

aki.pastelmauve


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Travel

TOOR Hotel opening in Toronto this summer

Shortest flight out of Toronto is so pointless that Google actually suggests a train

Woman alleges Air Canada completely 'chewed' her suitcase

Coast to coast train ride in Canada is an epic adventure you need to try at least once

Belfountain is a small town and conservation area in Ontario for an adventure outdoors

New flight connects Ontario to a picturesque European city for as cheap as $214

Cat lost at Toronto airport finally found after multiple days

Air Canada pilots declare emergency during transatlantic flight from Toronto