I’ve been visiting downtown Elora Ontario, for over 20 years, and even though I only live about a half-hour away, it still feels like a special getaway every time.
Whether it’s a quiet weekday morning or a busy weekend afternoon, there’s something about this small town that makes me happy I’m here. Maybe it’s the stone buildings, the sound of the river, or the way the local shops always seem to have something new tucked inside.
Elora has changed over the years—more restaurants, more visitors, more buzz—but it hasn’t lost its charm.
If anything, it’s grown into itself.
I’ll walk you through some of my favourite things to do in Elora—what to do, where to eat, shop, and wander in one of Ontario’s prettiest small towns.
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Shops in Downtown Elora
There is nothing I love more than strolling through a historic downtown filled with boutiques that are independently owned. Elora’s downtown is such a place.
The beautiful 19th-century limestone buildings that line the downtown streets will remind you of the town of St. Marys.
Each shop offers a wide array of things, new and old, that you didn’t even know you were looking for. Everything from home décor to art, fashion, books, and much more.
I love coming here when I’m trying to find a gift for that ‘hard to buy for’ kind of person.
Don’t miss exploring the main strips of Mill and Metcalfe streets, and watch for tiny side streets too.
Here are a few of my favourite shops in Elora:
- Mermaid – an eclectic mix of unique items that you won’t find anywhere else specializing in paperweight clocks, door knockers, maps, and jewellery. The attractive building was built in 1869 and was once the home of the Elora Observer newspaper and later a tinsmith shop. Walk around the side of the building where you will see the prettiest instagrammable photo op! 📍106 Metcalfe St
- Hanscomb Glass Studio – full of pretty glass creations by a husband and wife team located in a historic house painted a sunny yellow with turquoise trim – you can’t miss it! 📍40 Church St
- Noinkees – a gorgeous lifestyle boutique offering fashion, jewelry, and décor. This is the second store for Noinkees, the other location can be found in the village of Caledon 📍22A Mill St W
- Karger – exceptional one-of-a-kind quality pieces for your home, as well as fine art, jewellery, and fashion, located in an ultra-modern architectural gem that features a luxe Airbnb on the upper level 📍14 Mill St
- Epiphany Apparel – a mix of women’s fashion and accessories with a sister shop called Jammed Lovely, offering cute home décor items. Both of these Elora stores always have such pretty window displays 📍22 and 36 Mill St
- Elora Mews Shops – are tucked behind the iconic limestone wall left standing after a devastating fire destroyed a furniture factory in 1950. Now, it’s a quiet courtyard with tiny shops and eateries, like ReFIND Salvage and Chanticleer 📍45 Mill Street West
The Elora downtown has it all! A strong sense of community, beautiful architecture and endless shopping for those one-of-a-kind items.
Best Places to Eat in Downtown Elora
Elora is teeming with delicious eateries, making it nearly impossible to try them all, but a great reason to return again and again.
The best part is there’s not a fast-food chain in sight. Here are some of my favourites that I’ve tried and highly recommend.
Breakfast and Lunch Spots I Recommend
- Café Creperie – sweet or savoury, take your pick, both are delicious at this popular spot 📍40 Mill St
- Lost and Found Café – is the perfect coffee shop that has some great laid-back vibes. Give in to your temptation and try their freshly-baked goods or a delicious bagel sandwich 📍Elora Mews
- Elora Bread Trading Co. – the only bakery in town that draws people here for their bread alone. Tip: get here early as they often sell out fast, especially on Saturdays 📍73 Metcalf
- The Wild Tart – all it takes is one bite, and you’ll instantly fall in love with this European-style patisserie. Creations are created by Michelin-starred pastry chef Marc Collyer. Enjoy their high tea in the patio garden and you’ll think you are on the set of Bridgerton, hands down it gets my vote for best restaurants in Elora for lunch 📍61 Metcalf
Where to Have Dinner
- The Evelyn – French-inspired menu, delicious food, cozy vibes, no wonder this is a local’s favourite, yes, and mine too! 📍130 Metcalfe
- La Fontana – is known for its wood-burning pizzas, but it’s their delicious homemade pasta made fresh daily that won me over 📍15 Mill
- The Cellar Pub – has one of the best patios in Elora overlooking the lazy Grand River for that casual lunch or dinner 📍13 Mill
- Elora Mill Restaurant – enjoy a refined fine dining experience in their two-story restaurant, where Chef Jonathan Gushue, formerly of Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, creates magic. Nothing is more romantic than dining riverside with views of the Grand River, this gets my vote for the best Elora restaurants on the water! 📍77 Mill
My Favourite Specialty Eateries
- Sweet Distractions – for those that have a sweet tooth, this is an old-fashioned candy shop that is a must stop, also offers ice cream 📍16 Mill St
- Scoop Ice Cream – made on the premises, this is my go-to ice cream shop in Elora, offering both the classics and seasonal flavours. My favourite combination is Strawberry Buttermilk and Vanilla Bean – so good! 📍58 Mill St
- Sugar Skulls Ice Cream – this fun, Mexican-themed ice cream shop is open from spring to fall only. 70 flavours with unlimited sweet-tooth toppings, or try something new like churros & dip or nachos & ice cream – the menu is just as fun and playful as the vibes of this shop 📍22 Metcalfe
- Elora Mercantile – offers a delicious offering of homemade food, local products, and all the cheese and charcuterie needed for fab grazing 📍58 Geddes
Where to Go for a Cozy Drink
- Elora Distilling Company – giving a nod to the classic cocktail lounge – every elegant detail has been carefully selected. For the undecided, I recommend going with the cocktail flight so you can sip on 3 to discover your favourite. Join a tour or cocktail-making class will be a top fun thing to do in Elora 📍102 Metcalf
- The Friendly Society – Elora’s favourite casual spot serving up all-day pub food 📍102 Mill
- Elora Brewing Company – Just like the town of Creemore, Elora also has its very own local craft microbrewery where you can purchase, sample a flight, or enjoy a meal 📍107 Geddes
- The Porch Light – slowly graze over a charcuterie board while sipping on a delicious cocktail, this is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner gathering, even better, Sunday night is live music 📍82 Metcalf
Art & Creativity Around Every Corner
Downtown Elora has more art than you might expect—and you don’t have to look very hard to find it!
There’s something special about stumbling across art when you’re not looking for it—and downtown Elora is full of those little surprises.
Over the years, I’ve developed a bit of a walking loop that I love to do whenever I visit. It’s nothing official, just a simple meander through the streets that always brings me past murals, sculptures, and riverside views that never seem to get old.
I usually start near the Elora Centre for the Arts, which often has outdoor pieces scattered around the lawn.
From there, I head down Mill Street, where murals peek out from alleyways and building walls—some old, some fresh.
Then it’s over to the pedestrian bridge behind the Elora Mill. The view from here is beautiful year-round, especially with the sound of the river rushing below.
A time of year when the local artists have come together and decorate the downtown is during October’s Monster Month. The local artists transform the town with spooky creatures of ghosts and goblins made out of papier mache hung over the shop doors.
Outdoor Attractions In and Around Elora’s Downtown
Elora is for wandering—and you don’t need to go far from downtown to enjoy the outdoors.
If you’ve never been to the Elora Gorge, you might be surprised to learn that it’s just a short walk from downtown. I always tell first-time visitors: don’t skip it—it’s not just a nature spot, it’s part of the Elora experience.
There’s a paid entrance during the warmer months, but the views are worth it. Also, dogs are not allowed.
The fast-moving Grand River rushes past 22-metre-high cliffs. The entire loop is a little over 5km in length.
If I’m short on time or my dog is tagging along, I stick to the trail loop starting from Victoria Park. It’s well-marked and gives you a great overview of the gorge. You’ll get river views, forested paths, and that feeling of stepping into a different world—all in under an hour.
Another great option starts in Victoria Park, which sits right on the edge of the gorge. Walk along a path until you reach the first lookout point. Next, continue walking until you reach a big staircase heading down to the gorge. From there, you can walk along the river. After admiring the scenery from the lookout, continue walking and you’ll reach a big staircase heading down into the gorge itself. It’s worth it!
A short walk from downtown is Bissell Park. There’s a boardwalk that runs alongside the Grand River. This family-friendly park is now the location for the Elora Farmers Market on Saturday mornings held from mid-May to mid-October. Walk the new pedestrian bridge crossing the Grand River, offering some pretty views.
Final Thoughts
No matter how many times I visit Elora, I always find a reason to come back. Each season brings its own kind of magic—spring has that fresh energy with the river rushing from the melt, summer buzzes with patios and Riverfest in August, fall is a painter’s dream with golden leaves tumbling into the gorge, and winter? Winter might just be my favourite.
In December, Elora lights up—literally—with the Starlight Festival. It’s one of those events that feels like a scene from a snow globe: twinkling lights, warm drinks, music in the streets, and local shops open late. It’s festive without feeling over-the-top, and it always puts me in the holiday spirit.
If you’ve enjoyed this little tour of Elora, you’ll find more like it on my Canada page. I love writing about small Ontario towns just as charming as this one. Visit Stratford, which is less than an hour away, is one of my top picks—and well worth a visit after Elora.
