Two towns, one amazing place to live. Where picture perfect summers are celebrated with festivals and attractions. Where fall showcases vibrant colours along the endless trails and banks of the Grand River. As the seasons change, there’s so much to see and do in the Fergus/Elora area. Read on to discover five things we love most about this popular community.
Beautiful Belwood Lake
1. Grand Experiences
The Grand River is the largest river that is entirely within southern Ontario’s boundaries. It winds its way through Fergus and Elora, connecting the two points with its power and natural beauty, offering residents and visitors a choice of many adventures. Here are a few of the options to choose from:
The iconic Elora Gorge is one of the most beautiful and spectacular natural areas in the Grand River valley; the Elora Gorge is popular for tubing, kayaking, swimming and fishing.
The Elora Quarry is a former limestone quarry turned into a picturesque swimming hole with clear, turquoise waters. The quarry’s deep water and sandy beach make it a popular swimming spot throughout the summer.
Connecting Fergus and Elora, the 4 km Trestle Bridge Trail offers amazing views of the Grand River from the historic rail bridge.
Along the beautiful Riverwalk in Fergus, the Templin Gardens stand out as one of Ontario’s most photographed landmarks, with a stone staircase leading to three landing points that offer a close-up view of the river’s edge.
Summers are made for swimming in the Grand River
2. Community Spirit
Fergus and Elora host various cultural events and festivals throughout the year that celebrate music, arts, and local heritage.
Fergus is well known for the annual Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games. This annual three-day event features Celtic musicians, highland dancers, whisky tasting and Scottish wares. The festival celebrates local Scottish heritage and features world-renowned talent and entertainment in the beautiful town of Fergus.
Riverfest Elora (summer) & Ice Jam Elora (winter) are Elora’s annual celebrations of
of music, art, food and community. These events, often referred to as Elora & Fergus’ annual backyard bash, has welcomed an impressive array of musicians to the small town.
The Elora Festival, known as Canada’s international choral festival, takes place over three weeks in July, featuring world-class choirs and vocal groups.
Twilight at Templin offers local musicians the opportunity to play. The event includes a Handmade Night Market from 5pm to 9pm, food truck and of course, live music every Wednesday evening throughout the summer.
Photo courtesy of the Fergus Scottish Festival
3. Historic Downtown
With Victorian architecture, the charming main street of Fergus is nestled on the banks of the Grand River. The historic downtown reflects its rich Scottish heritage through its natural limestone buildings, parks and public gardens, unique shops, and excellent restaurants.
A.J. Casson, member of the Group of Seven artists, called Elora “Ontario’s most beautiful village.” This quaint downtown, perched atop the Grand River has many shops and dining establishments housed in beautiful 19th century stone buildings made of locally quarried limestone now home to cafés, restaurants, galleries and boutique stories.
Glimpses into the scenic downtown of Fergus and Elora.
4. Sports
Residents have access to a variety of sports and recreational activities. Here are some options available in the area:
Team Sports: Fergus and Elora support various team sports through local leagues and clubs, such as baseball, soccer, hockey, basketball, and volleyball.
Golf: According to GolfLink there are 75 golf courses within 20 miles of Fergus, including the Belwood Golf Club.
Hiking and Cycling: Scenic trails like the Riverwalk Loop and Elora Cataract Trailway are popular spots for running and cycling enthusiasts.
Canoeing and Kayaking: The Grand River provides many opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, either for a leisurely afternoon or more adventurous outings. It’s a beautiful location for novice and experienced paddlers alike.
Fishing: Both the Grand River and Belwood Lake are ideal spots for fishing, offering boat launches and shoreline fishing locations.
There are over 75 golf courses within 20 miles of Fergus.
5. Proximity to Larger Cities:
Despite the peaceful setting of Fergus|Elora, it’s conveniently located near larger cities. It’s ideally situated approximately 20-30 minutes from Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo, and just 90 minutes from Toronto.
This provides residents with easy access to additional amenities, within a short drive, while still enjoying the tranquility of small-town living.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning to stay for a lifetime, Fergus and Elora offer the perfect balance of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and small-town charm.