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Elora Gorge |
| Elora Gorge Conservation Area | |
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| IUCN Category II (National Park) | |
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| Nearest city | Guelph |
| Coordinates | Expression error: Unexpected < operatorExpression error: Unexpected < operator |
| Area | 145 hectares (360 acres)1 |
| Established | 2006 |
| Governing body | Grand River Conservation Authority |
The Elora Gorge is a popular tourist attraction located at the western edge of Elora, Ontario, Canada, which is 25 km from the city of Guelph through highway 6.
As the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, it is one of many conservation areas maintained by the Grand River Conservation Authority.
The Grand River flows through the bottom of the gorge, approximately 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) long, with limestone cliffs reaching 22 metres (72 ft) high2. It was formed from glacial meltwaters from the previous ice age. The area includes a park with camping sites, hiking trails, and is also popular for kayaking and tubing. The cliffs themselves attract many divers despite cliff diving being strictly prohibited at the site.
Located near by is the "old swimming hole", at the Elora Quarry Conservation Area, a 0.8 hectare (two acre) former limestone quarry encircled by sheer cliffs up to 12 metres (39 ft) high. Elora Quarry did not become a conservation area until 1976, but it was a popular swimming area long before that.
Popular activities at the site include: camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, cycling, swimming, picnicking, and tubing.