WHITEWATER
Elora Gorge
Information for planning a day of canoeing or kayaking through the Elora Gorge.
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This short section of the Grand River provides a rare opportunity to run whitewater in this part of Ontario. Just under three kilometres of paddling from the put-in to the takeout makes this a quick paddle if you cannonball it, but you can stretch it out by stopping to play or practice skills at the many features.
In addition to the rapids, this is a stunning environment. Limestone cliffs with springs trickling into the river below, where kingfishers and herons look for a meal. Forests surround the river for the entire stretch. A pair of Bald eagles nest shortly before the takeout and can often be seen perched next to the river.
The Grand upstream is dam-controlled so it has a pretty reliable flow. There are a couple spots that can get scrapey when the flow is on the lower side, but it's all runnable.
There are a couple of things to note about this stretch of river:
Being a gorge, there are few places to get out before the takeout. Every year, the local fire department has to rescue a few inexperienced paddlers who get stranded after losing their boat or otherwise freaking out.
Being a gorge, the water does not spread out. When there is a dam release, such as after a big rainfall, the extra water forced between the limestone cliffs can become a wild ride. Go with someone who is familiar with the river in these conditions.
Being a popular tubing activity, if you go during the weekend in July and August, you'll be surrounded by hundreds of tubers.
Town of Elora to just past Elora Conservation Area
Key features: It is worth starting your run with a very short paddle upstream to see the Elora Gorge Falls and its midstream "Tooth of Time". A chute half way down the route (marked by obvious metal stairs at river right) provides excitement and an opportunity for less experienced paddlers to stretch their skills (running or portaging). Smaller boats will find waves that are surfable at a few places on the river, depending on the water levels. There is another exciting little rapid under the high bridge to get your blood pumping.
Nights: Nope. This is a short paddle.
Paddling distance: Just under 3 kilometers.
Shuttle distance: It's only 4 km from where you unload your car to where you will take out of the river, so you could even bike or walk it. You will need a conservation area day pass to park at the take-out during the operating season. Use road parking during the non-operating season.
Put-in: You will need to portage from Victoria Park in Elora down a set of stairs to Irvine Creek, then follow the creek downstream 150m to where it meets the Grand. It is rarely paddleable, so you can carry your boat along the trail or get your feet wet.
Take-out: Take your boat out river-right just above the low bridge (you literally won't be able to pass it). Carry up the road and left at the top of the incline to find your parked car.
Water data: GRCA flow data. You can paddle this section of the Grand anytime of year. Add the Shand Dam Discharge and the Irvine Creek numbers to get an approximate flow for this section. Be sure to check the flow data before you go. It is almost always in the neighbourhood of 6cms but the river changes character dramatically during a dam release, after weather events and in spring run-off. You can find Shand Dam reservoir levels here if you are trying to guess at the likelihood of a dam release: GRCA reservoir data.
Video: Check out what the Gorge looks like with high water.
Custom Map
Note: not all river features are marked.
Tubing in Elora Gorge
Note that if you step from the shore into the Grand River within the Elora Gorge Conservation Area in a tube, you'll be charged at least a $21.50 fee and have to sign an extensive rights waiver, even if you don't rent any equipment from them. I (Tim) find this practice unethical, as use of the river is protected by the Canadian Navigable Waters Act. You can use the river to paddle or float down and no one can stop you. However, they can limit and charge for use of the shore to enter the river. Which seems to be a nasty cash grab. I support conservation areas, and I understand their funding is tight, but this practice of selling something that's free isn't the way to raise money.
You can avoid this fee by launching at the spot indicated above. You'll need your own equipment (tube, life jacket, helmet) and can set up your own shuttle. There's a parking area where you can leave your car and pump up your tubes. You'll also add an extra quarter to your float this way and still get out in the same place. Now, to leave your car at the end, you'll need to pay for day access to the park, which I certainly have no problem with. That's a reasonable thing to charge for.
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