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Despite the many bad reviews, we had a terrific experience at the Elora Quarry.
I believe your experience will depend on what day of the week you go, what time of day, the weather, and how prepared you are.
Our family of four, including a 7 & 8 year old, went just after opening on a Friday morning. The weather was overcast, cool (only high of 20 degrees for the day) and a bit windy. Not an ideal beach day, unless it's at the Quarry because then you get it all to yourselves.
There were no line ups, and it was not busy at all. There was plenty of space on the beach and in the water. The water was clean and did not smell.
Google maps took us to the Elora Gorge instead of the Elora Quarry, which apparently happens often, BUT that was a good thing because admission is cheaper at the Gorge than the Quarry and Gorge admission gets you into the Quarry for free as well. Gorge prices were $3/child & $7/adult. Quarry prices $5/child & $10/adult.
The Quarry and the Gorge are just a 5min drive away from each other (too far to walk though). Do the Quarry first, then you must check out the Gorge afterward as it's a great experience too.
Washrooms...yes, they are gross. Basically a hole in the ground with a seat. Dirty & smelly. So drink as minimally as possible. BUT there is ONE hidden washroom that flushes and has running water right behind the parking lot entrance staff's booth. A white trailer type thing. We just used that, and made the kids get changed in the car because washrooms are too gross.
Also, there are what we called "Quarry Rangers" supervising from up top to make sure no one jumps off the cliffs or is smoking. We saw two girls get escorted off the premises for smoking marijuana. A dumb choice in my opinion as there are children all around, and there are explicit signs that say no smoking no vaping.
Tips.... ✔Bring your own fun floatation devices and/or lifejackets. While apparently you can rent lifejackets...I have no idea where...there weren't any booths for that around. ✔Don't bring your dog. They are not allowed. ✔Bring an umbrella or tent for shade...theres no shade on the beach (as with most beaches) ✔Sand is pretty rocky. Water shoes may help protect tiny feet. ✔Go first thing upon opening on a weekday to avoid crowds, and DONT go on the hottest day of the year or after noon on a weekend or you're asking for a bad...
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Beautiful spot for a few hours of fun with the family. Time slots can be booked online, check weather and book in advance, no refunds, no walk-in bookings once max parking permit limits have reached capacity no matter if people show up or not as advised.
Beach is well groomed, narrow, get there early and enter from the main road as signage indicates as lines to enter can be long. Drive to the last lot closest to beach area if arriving early. Bring all you need, no stores close-by for water or snacks for the kiddies, bring a floaty, ideally above water dry floaty. This is a water hole, bacteria levels can rise to high levels, as advised bring hand sanitizer and use after exiting water.
Do not stand on the opposite side of fencing for pictures, it is monitored by staff with a full view of area, jumping was permitted off the centre rocky area that cascades into the middle of quarry, maybe 12 foot jump, not as seen in the Adam Sandler Movie, you will get kicked out of the park. Kids were jumping all day from the smaller cliff and swimming past designated area is permitted at your own risk.
Water may be clearer earlier in the season, it was pretty dirty Labour Day Weekend fyi, many people didn’t enter the water but played on the beach, walked the trails around the Quarry, it’s a beautiful site, nice washrooms at main entrance and signage to explore the few trails.
After your time slot check out Fergus, restaurants along The Grand River, the trails in the area or lil waterfall by the mill with no pay parking. Lots of cute shops to explore or nature trails with...
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I would have rate - 50 star if i could. 1.the place for sitting was way over crowded, all you.can see is people lying on the beach, the beach is small, very less shades. 2. It does not allow any dogs or pets, even if u have already brought with u here & on leash, you have to leave right away. This is non sense and unbelievable that a huge park does not allow a dog to go in. 3. The manage of entering is a disaster of stupid, it had a limited cap that understandable if u were here. closed for rest of the day, and i cant even wording how stupid their policy were(a party of 4 small family purchased ticket but first two group came in first and last group came little later, they ask how many people are coming, and they gave u all the wrist bands to the first group, and ask the first group to send bands to the entrance when the last group arrives. ) I really really seriously strongly recommend people not to come if u don't wanna be disappointed and waste ur time, money, with ur manner. If u have ever been to other parks, u will absolutely be surprised how trash is this park. And one thing i wanna say to the management team, don't treat the park as somehow a luxury thing that people longing for. Ur not, stop deceive people, this park, is a HUGE INCOMPETENT TRASH. PS. This park is not family friendly. The water area is crowdy and tiny. There is only one washroom in the park, and it is always lining, and awful and disgusting. I will never ever come again, there...
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