Where can you take your dog in these charming villages in Ontario? Find things to do, where to eat, and where to stay in this guide to dog-friendly Elora and Fergus.
Considered two of Ontario’s most beautiful villages, Elora and Fergus are the most visited areas of the Township of Centre Wellington. They are a popular ‘staycation’ destination located about an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Toronto.
When To Visit
Dog-friendly Elora sees its best weather between May and October. Most seasonal patios and businesses will be open between mid-May and mid-October.
Early October is a great time to visit Elora with your dog. Everything is still open but much less busy, including Elora Gorge Conservation Area. Unique public art is on display and various events are held for Monster Month in October. Your dog won’t overheat thanks to the mild temperatures, and if it does get cold, many patios have heaters.
If you’re set on visiting in warmer weather, the sunflowers are in bloom and many summer events are held in July and August. June usually has great weather but fewer events, and therefore sees fewer tourists.
Getting There
Driving is really the only way to conveniently get to Elora and Fergus with your dog. However, once you’re there, the towns are small enough that you can park your car and walk around to do most of your sight-seeing.
Driving
Elora and Fergus are less than 10-minutes drive apart from one another. Both villages are located within the Township of Centre Wellington.
Driving to Elora and Fergus takes about 1.5 hours from Toronto, 45 minutes from Waterloo, or just 30 minutes from Guelph. Driving directions are relatively straightforward using any GPS app.
Click to enlarge.
(Image source: Township of Centre Wellington)
Parking
Parking along streets is allowed unless otherwise indicated (e.g. if there’s a “No Parking” sign). Street parking is free with a 3-hour time limit between 9:00am and 7:00pm.
In November through March, you are not allowed to park in municipal lots nor on the street between 2:00-6:00am. This is to allow for winter snow clearning.
There are four municipal parking lots in downtown Elora and five in downtown Fergus. Parking in these lots is free for up to 24 hours, making them a great option if you’re popping in for a day trip.
Dog-friendly Things To Do in Elora and Fergus
Elora is a nice place to take your dog because the activities are mainly outdoors. Many visitors go to Centre Wellington to:
- wander through the charming streets of downtown Elora;
- take in views of the Grand River in Elora or from Fergus’ Templin Gardens;
- explore Elora Gorge; and
- attend seasonal events.
Dog owners may also be interested in:
- walking or cycling on the Elora Cataract Trailway; or
- taking their pets to Fergus’ CW Dog Park.
Wander Through Downtown Elora
Enjoy views of the Grand River and quaint 19th-century architecture as you wander through downtown Elora. Many of the historic limestone structures built be Scottish stonemasons have been beautifully maintained and now house shops, galleries and restaurants.
Elora was founded near the top of Elora Gorge Falls with the aim of creating a water-powered settlement. Its origins can best be observed on the Jack R MacDonald or ‘Downtown Bridge’, which offers stunning views of the Grand River and downtown buildings. The Elora Mill is perhaps the most prominent of these, perched at the top of the Elora Gorge Falls. It was originally a sawmill but has been renovated into a dog-friendly luxury hotel.
I highly recommend walking along Mill Street and Metcalfe Street. You can enter Victoria Park via Church Street for views of the Grand River and Elora Falls.
Unfortunately, I don’t believe any stores allow dogs inside except for pet supply store Dreamland Pet, located just outside of downtown. (Check out nearby St. Jacob’s Village if you’re looking for dog-friendly shopping!)
Take in Views of the Grand River and Elora Gorge
From Victoria Park
Elora’s Victoria Park overlooks where Irvine Creek meets the Grand River. It also has some of the best views of Elora Gorge Falls. From downtown, you can enter Victoria Park from Church Street or James Street. Walk along the fence edge to catch views of the waterfall through the trees. On the point, there is a lookout called Lovers Leap (Google Maps) with views of the river.
On the Irvine Creek side of the park, you can take the stairs down into the gorge and explore the riverbed. Walking down to the riverbed from Victoria Park is likely your best option in Elora for photos with unobstructed background views of the gorge. It should also be easier to avoid having people in the background, even in the busy summer tourism season.
From Wellington Rd 7
The bridge on Wellington Rd 7 (Google Maps) also offers a beautiful vantage point for photographing the Grand River. However, the metal fence and narrow sidewalk make it challenging to get a photo of your dog with the Grand River in the background. There were also a fair number of cars that passed us while I was there to take photos with Sable.
Viewing the Grand River in Fergus
If you’re also going to Fergus, Templin Gardens is an excellent place to get photos with the Grand River in the background. Downtown Fergus has limestone architecture similar to that of Elora, and there is some beautiful photo-worthy stonework in Templin Gardens.
Explore Elora Gorge Conservation Area
The Elora Gorge Conservation Area is a dog-friendly place for low-impact hiking, family gatherings at outdoor pavilions, or overnight camping.
The park is open from May 1st through October 15th. Various admission fees apply for day-use, camping, facility rentals, and season passes.
The Elora Gorge Conservation Area has three kilometres of walking trails, which take under an hour to walk. They do offer views of the 22-metre deep gorge, but there are better spots to get photos of the river and gorge. Similarly, those looking for longer hikes should check out the (free) Elora Cataract Trailway instead.
Why Visit?
It is mainly worth a visit for those who want to go camping, or for groups looking to relax in nature for a couple hours. There are plenty of picnic tables to enjoy food and drinks from home, so even if it is busy you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a spot.
If you don’t mind taking turns to stay with the dog, members of your group can go tubing from late June to early- or mid-September, depending on weather conditions. Riding an inner tube is an exciting way to experience the river and see the cliffs from below, but you must purchase tickets online in advance.
Restrictions: Dogs must be kept on a leash of 2m or less at all times, and are not allowed in the splash pad area.
Important Note: The dog-friendly Elora Gorge Conservation Area is a separate park, with separate admission fees from the Elora Quarry Conservation Area. Dogs are not allowed in the Elora Quarry, which is a shame since the Quarry is a very pretty park with a small beach and a swimming area.
Address: 7400 Wellington County Rd 21, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (Google Maps)
Walk or Cycle with Your Dog on the Elora Cataract Trailway
The Elora Cataract Trailway is a mostly flat, 3-metre wide trail nearly 46km long. It is a former rail bed that has been refinished with stone dust to make it suitable for hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing. The Trailway begins at the eastern fringe of Elora and enters Fergus after about 2km. It resumes at the eastern boundary of Fergus and is otherwise continuous to the community of Cataract (named for a waterfall on the Credit River). There is also a 1-hour side trail loop within Fergus that passes behind the Wellington County Museum and Archives.
The trail is a lovely option for walking, jogging or cycling between Elora and Fergus with your dog. Walking the 2km portion between the two villages takes at least 20 minutes – likely closer to half an hour. I always budget for taking longer than Google’s walking time estimates so we don’t have to worry about our pace as much (and Sable can make as many stops to sniff as she wants). It’s also an additional 20+ minutes to walk to downtown Fergus from the Trailway entrance at Beatty Line/Hill St W.
Parking
Parking is available near the Gerrie Rd trail entrance in Elora, where the trail enters Fergus at Beatty Line, and in the baseball diamond parking lot on Gartshore St in Fergus. Additional lots are available farther along the trail. A map of parking lot locations is available on the Elora Cataract Trailway website.
The Trailway beyond Elora and Fergus
Roughly 5km past the eastern boundary of Fergus, the Trailway passes through the Belwood Lake Conservation Area. This section of the Trailway is about 5km long and crosses over the Shand Dam, offering views of the Grand River and Belwood Lake. There are no fees to use the Trailway, but using Conservation Area facilities is subject to day use fees. Dogs are welcome except on the beach or in the swimming area; they must be kept on-leash at all times and be cleaned up after.
The Trailway then passes several villages before ending in Cataract: Belwood, Hillsburgh and Erin. It ends in Cataract, at the Forks Of The Credit Provincial Park. Pets are permitted in the park but must be kept on leash, cleaned up after, and out of the beach and swimming areas.
Admire Fergus’ Templin Gardens
Templin Gardens is a small park carved into the limestone cliffs along the Grand River in downtown Fergus. It is a favourite of locals and visitors thanks to its beautiful stone walls, walkways, flower beds, sculptures, and photo opportunities.
It’s especially worth visiting if you’re grabbing a bite to eat at either The Goofie Newfie or Brew House on the Grand, since both pubs are just steps away!
On Wednesday nights in July and August, you can listen to live music at Twilight at Templin free outdoor concert events.
Address: 400 Tower Street South, Fergus, ON N1M 1N7 (Google Maps)
Play in Fergus’ CW Dog Park
If your dog needs some off-leash time, they can run around across 5 acres of natural area at the Fergus Dog Park, also known as CW Dog Park.
There are no membership or entry fees to enjoy the Fergus Dog Park. A water tap is available at the entrance to the park. There is also a 9-piece agility course set up.
It is important to note that the park is not fully fenced, so it may not be wise to trust dogs with high prey drive, who are a flight risk, or who are otherwise easily spooked to be completely off-leash there. Instead, it is bordered by trees and wetlands that act as a natural barrier for most dogs.
There is some risk of coyotes in the spring/summer, particularly in the back field area. Since coyotes are primarily nocturnal hunters, they are more likely to pose a risk in the evening or at night. The park closes at 9:30pm.
Restrictions: Dogs must be healthy, fully vaccinated, and have a good temperament to avoid conflicts with other dogs visiting the park.
Address: 840 Glengarry Crescent, Fergus, ON N1M 3W1 (Google Maps)
Attend a Dog-Friendly Event
Elora, Fergus and the County of Wellington host several events throughout the year that draw visitors from the surrounding cities, especially Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at the Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games, nor were they allowed at the last several Riverfest Elora outdoor concert events. (To check if these policies have changed, you can check the Scottish Festival info page and the Riverfest Elora FAQ page, respectively.)
Some events do allow dogs, however, so be sure to check what’s on during your visit.
Two especially good times of year to visit are during the summer sunflower season and in the month of October.
Summer: Sunflower Festival
The Fieldstone Barn‘s Sunflower Festival is not to be missed! This dog-friendly festival runs on weekends while the sunflowers are in bloom, usually from mid-August through mid-September. Get Instagram-worthy photos surrounded in sunflowers and with other cute backdrops such as a ‘LOVE’ sign and vintage couches.
In addition to sunflower fields and photo spots, you (and your dog!) can explore corn mazes, browse the wares of local vendors, and enjoy snacks. Some weekends also feature live music, food trucks, and/or a larger artisan market.
In 2022 and 2023, the admission fees were $15/person aged 13+ and $10/child aged 3-12 (children 2 and under were free).
The Fieldstone Barn is centrally-located near downtown Elora and the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, making it an easy trip if you’re in town.
(Unfortunately, the new glamping accommodations at The Fieldstone Barn were not pet-friendly in the 2021-2024 seasons. See Where to Stay below for options.)
September: Enchanta Forest – September Symphony
The Enchanta Forest is a fairytale-inspired evening of music, giant fantasy art, and a vendor market in September. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but be sure to bring their leash and waste bags!
Enjoy a 1-hour concert by the classically-trained Toronto String Quartet, as well as other musical and immersive acts, magic shows, and more. There’s also a fully licensed bar and more family-friendly activities.
The event is held in the forest behind the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex (Google Maps). Tickets in 2024 are $15 for children aged 3-11, $30 for seniors aged 65+, and $35 for people 12 and older. Parking at the Sportsplex is free.
Enchanta Experiences debuted with their successful Festive Forest event in December 2022, but it is unclear if they’ll host another holiday event.
October: Monster Month & Fall Festival
In October, you can enjoy much less visitor traffic than the summer high season and the beauty of Ontario’s autumn leaves.
Throughout the month, lantern sculptures can be found all over downtown Elora as part of the town’s annual Monster Month festivities. It’s essentially a free outdoor art exhibit, great for photo opportunities with your dog! There are additional family-friendly events each weekend, as well.
If you’re in town before October 15th, you can explore the forest trails before the Elora Gorge closes for the season. Especially on weekdays, there are fewer visitors but the same views of the gorge and Grand River.
Later in October, there are generally more weekend events as Monster Month approaches Halloween.
The Fieldstone Barn hosts its 1-day Fall Festival & Artisan Market on a weekend in mid- to late-October. The 2021 event charged a $5 admission and featured local vendors, food trucks, farm animals, and several great photo spots for pets and their families. The 2022 and 2023 events added live music and even more family-friendly activities, games, photo backdrops, and food including campfires for roasting marshmallows. Admission cost $10 for kids aged 3+ (2 and under were free) and $15 for adults in both years.
December: The Enchanted Forest of Fergus – Festive Forest Event
Important Note: It is unknown if this event will return. For 2023 and 2024, it was replaced with the “Enchanta Forest” event in September.
On a few magical nights in mid-December 2022, The Enchanted Forest of Fergus came alive for a “Festive Forest” event. Families and their dogs walked through a fantasy-themed winter wonderland!
There were twinkling lights, strolling entertainment, a festive vendor market, snacks and warm beverages including mulled wine. Illuminated art (similar to the pieces set up for Monster Month) and fire pit stations were set up. Children could also enjoy a meet and greet with “Magic Santa.” Guests were encouraged to join in the fun by attending in their favourite fairytale attire.
The event was held in the forest behind the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex (Google Maps). Tickets in 2022 were $15 for children aged 3-11, $20 for seniors aged 65+, and $25 for people 12 and older.
Dog-friendly Places To Eat in Elora
Many of the restaurants and cafés in Wellington County allow dogs on their patios, if they have one. As in the rest of Canada, dogs are generally not allowed indoors for dining or even for placing take-out orders.
Of the dog-friendly eateries in Elora, we have personally tried The Friendly Society, The Wild Tart, The Evelyn, and Elora Brewing Company.
There are also two take-out windows on Mill St W that allow you to walk up and order with your dog! Stop by Elora Coffee Roasters for a cappucino or Scoop Ice Cream for a treat. They have a shared seasonal patio, plus the Elora Art Garden and picnic area (Google Maps) is really close by if you want to sit down and relax.
More dog-friendly places to eat and drink in Elora and in Fergus are listed below. I’ve only included places that are described as dog-friendly online or that have been recommended by other dog-owners. Let me know if I’ve missed any great dog-friendly restaurants!
The Friendly Society
Best for: Sunday Brunch.
Enjoy lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch on a goregous patio in downtown Elora. The Friendly Society‘s dog-friendly patio is equipped with umbrellas for sun protection, and heaters for cold weather.
I recommend booking in advance to snag a table at this trendy restaurant steps from the scenic Metcalfe St bridge. Mention that you’re bringing your pet when booking; dogs are only permitted on the patio.
Brunch is only available on Sundays between 9am and 2pm (last seating at 1:45pm). All-you-can-eat small plates are served tapas style. In 2024, $35 per person includes tea, coffee and juice, while $40 per person also includes two cocktails (either a mimosa, Caesar or half pint). Everything we tried was absolutely delicious, including the mimosas and Caesars.
On other days of the week, stop by for a drink, lunch or dinner. The Friendly Society has plenty of options for different diets!
Address: The Friendly Society, 8 Mill St W, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (Google Maps)
The Wild Tart / The Tartlet
Great for: Desserts, Coffee.
If you have pre-booked a table on the garden patio, you can walk your dog through the café to access it.
The Wild Tart is a European-style patisserie offering light lunch options, an Afternoon Tea service, and delectable desserts.
They have a “hidden garden” patio for which you can pre-book a table online. They even have a couple dog beds available where your pup can rest while you enjoy Afternoon Tea.
Address: The Wild Tart, 61 Metcalfe St, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (Google Maps)
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For a coffee or sweet treat on-the-go, check out their new secondary location down the street, The Tartlet.
The Tartlet’s patio is prominently located at the corner of Metcalfe and Mill St, in the heart of downtown Elora. There is no need to book ahead — this location offers more standard café fare and has a larger outdoor seating area.
The almond milk latte far surpassed any other I’ve had in small town Ontario, and the almond financiers were delicious!
Address: The Tartlet, 59 Metcalfe St, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (Google Maps)
The Evelyn
Great because: Heated patio, Seasonal menu.
The Evelyn is a charming bistro with a French-inspired menu, gourmet hotdogs and great drinks whether you’re in the mood for wine, cocktails or coffee.
The lunch and dinner menus are generally changed seasonally to highlight fresh, in-season ingredients. Selection tends to be limited, but everything on the menu is well-made and delicious.
The bar menu features a good selection of wine and cocktails, as well as some port, beer, cider, spirits, and coffee.
The dog-friendly patio is usually open from mid-May through late October. Umbrellas offer protection against summer sun and heaters keep patrons comfortable on chilly autumn days.
Address: 130 Metcalfe St, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (Google Maps)
Elora Brewing Company
Best for: Beer, Heated patio.
The Elora Brewing Company is a craft microbrewery that serves tasty pub food and has a dog-friendly patio. The vibe is relaxed, staff are friendly, and they often have live music.
You can also order food for take-out and buy beer from their in-house “bottle shop” to take home. House drafts made right in the pub are available on tap on a rotating basis.
Their beers have become so popular across Ontario that they had to expand beyond the pub location. Of course, all their brewing and packaging is still done within Elora.
Address: 107 Geddes St, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (Google Maps)
Elora Coffee Roasters
In the background, you can see the black awning of Scoop Ice Cream’s order window.
Great because: Sustainable coffee, Order window.
The Elora Café – and it’s dog-friendly patio – closed in April 2024, but their friendly staff and delicious brews can still be found at Elora Coffee Roasters!
Drip coffee, espresso, lattes, iced drinks, bagels and baked goods are all available to order at their convenient take-out window. They source direct or Fair Trade, Organic beans and zero emissions roast them, making it some of the most sustainable coffee available.
It was so convenient to walk up and order coffee with Sable during our visit in September 2023.
They also have a seasonal outdoor streetside patio shared with their neighbours, Scoop Ice Cream, if you want to take a seat and relax.
Address: Elora Coffee Roasters, 56 Mill St W, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (Google Maps)
Scoop Ice Cream
Great for: Ice cream, Order window.
Scoop Ice Cream is a seasonal ice cream shop, usually open from sometime in April until the end of October. They serve small batch, artisan ice cream hand-crafted in Elora. They have 8 varieties they’re “always scooping,” 7 of which are gluten-free and 2 vegan. Plus, they often have 4 seasonal flavours that change every few weeks.
Scoop Ice Cream has a convenient order window where you can walk up to order with your dog. Plus, a seasonal dog-friendly patio they share with their neighbours Elora Coffee Roasters.
Address: Scoop Ice Cream, 58 Mill St W, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (Google Maps)
Other Dog-Friendly Places to Eat in Elora
- Handsome Devil Bistro – casual restaurant and cocktail bar; dog-friendly heated patio – 146 Metcalfe St, Elora (Google Maps)
- The Cellar Pub and Grill – casual restaurant and bar; dog-friendly heated patio with river view – 13 Mill St E, Elora (Google Maps)
- La Fontana – homemade pasta and pizza with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients; dog-friendly heated patio with river view – 15 E Mill St, Elora (Google Maps)
- The Porch Light – restaurant and cocktail bar; dog-friendly patio – 82 Metcalfe St, Elora (Google Maps)
Dog-friendly Places to Eat in Fergus
- The Goofie Newfie Pub & Grill – casual restaurant and bar with some Eastern Canadian emphasis; dog-friendly heated patio with river view – 105 Queen St W, Fergus (Google Maps)
- The Fergusson Room Pub – restaurant and bar with an emphasis on local ingredients; street-side dog-friendly patio – 487 St Andrew St W, Fergus (Google Maps)
- Brew House on the Grand – restaurant serving pub fare with 18 beers on tap; dog-friendly heated patio with river view – 170 St David St S, Fergus, ON N1M 2L3 (Google Maps)
Dog-friendly Places to Stay in Elora
Most accommodations in Elora do not allow dogs. However, there are a few options both within Elora and in nearby towns.
Within Elora, you can enjoy a luxurious dog-friendly stay at The Elora Mill, a cottage retreat at The Wright’s Coach House, or bring your gear and go camping at the Elora Gorge Conservation Area. You can also find pet-friendly Airbnbs and VRBO rentals by adding pets under the “add guests” filter.
Nearby dog-friendly accommodations include the Bristows Inn in Elmira, and hotels in Waterloo and Guelph. You can browse options on BringFido or refer to Dog-Friendly KW’s Community Guides for options.
The Elora Mill
The Elora Mill is a premium hotel and spa offering luxurious stays in the heart of downtown Elora. In addition to its main building, the neighbouring Coach House offers three pet-friendly rooms with no size/weight restrictions for dogs.
Both buildings were originally constructed in the mid-1800s and demonstrate the 19th-century limestone foundations and stone walls that make Elora’s buildings so charming. They were stunningly renovated and re-opened as a luxury hotel in July 2018. Dog-friendly rooms at The Elora Mill to cost upwards of CAD $700/night.
The three Lower Coach House Terrace Rooms each feature their own fully-enclosed walk-out terrace with an outdoor fireplace, making them ideal for guests with dogs to enjoy the utmost comfort and privacy.
Address: 77 Mill St W, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (Google Maps)
The Wright’s Coach House
The Wright’s Coach House is a 2-bedroom vacation rental that can accommodate up to 8 people, plus 2 dogs of any size. There is a pet fee of $45 per dog per night. Cats are not permitted. Access to a fenced-in area is available for an additional charge.
The average nightly rate was $213 in 2023 and there is a 2-night minimum stay.
Elora Gorge Conservation Area Campsites
As mentioned above, Elora Gorge Conservation Area offers overnight camping. Dogs are permitted but must remain on leash, may not make excessive noise or otherwise distrub other visitors, and must be cleaned up after. Dogs are not allowed in designated swimming areas including pools, splash pads or on the sand portion of beaches.
Elora Gorge is open for camping and day use from May 1 to October 15. There are a total of 450 sites including 250 unserviced, 140 partially serviced with electrical and/or water, and 60 fully serviced with electrical, water and sewer. You can book a site on the Grand River Conservation Authority website.
Camping fees range from $50-66 per night for 2024, including parking for one vehicle. All bookings are subject to a non-refundable reservation fee. Additional fees apply for any changes to the reservation and if you need parking for a second vehicle. There is a minimum 2-night stay on weekends in June through August.
Address: Elora Gorge Conservation Area, 7400 Wellington County Rd 21, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 (Google Maps)
Dog Care Services in Elora
Unfortunately, the only dog-sitting business in Elora is exclusively for small dogs.
Elora Doggy Daycare
Elora Doggy Daycare is exclusively for dogs under 30lbs and offers drop-in services on select weekends May through September. This is an option for small dog owners who don’t want to leave their pet alone while enjoying a non-pet-friendly activity in Centre Wellington.
They also offer personal dog handler services for weddings, which I assume is not subject to a weight limit.
The owner is a veterinary nurse and licensed K9 First Aid trainer, so you can rest assured that your pet will be safe in her care. The business primarily focuses on half and full daycare programs Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Have you been to dog-friendly Elora and Fergus?
Let us know in the comments or connect with us on Instagram! You can find detailed dog-friendly travel information on our @dogandsuitcase account. Sable’s main account is @sable_adventuredog.
We have visited Elora on three half-day trips with Sable so far: two in October 2021, and in September 2023.
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