Elora Rapids Inc. — Local services in Centre Wellington

This was my mother's wish to go down the Elora Rapids, she is 85 years old and has been thinking of doing it for some time. At this point in our lives, it is about the experiences and creating memories. We chose Elora Rapids Inc. as the tubes had handles and a bottom (seemed more secure.) When we went to pick up the equipment, I declined two tubes as they were not inflated enough. They felt "squishy". You have to deflate the tubes then pump up at the registration site in the park (as they are too big to fit in the car. ) All went fine, until we got to the launch site. My tube must have had a slow leak as it felt squishy like it had lost a bit of air. I checked that the black screw plug was tight and it was, so away I went. 3/4 of the way down the river, my tube had lost quite a bit of air, the back rest was keeping me afloat. My legs and part of my body was dragging in the water and against the rocks. I flipped out in the last big rapid and was very difficult to get back in with the rushing water, slippery rocks and the unstable tube. This is not the company's fault, but just a word of caution...at the end, the current pulled us against the " Dangerous Waters" buoys that were strung together with chain. Thank God for the young fellow that stepped in to pull my mother and myself to safety. My legs were so shaky I had a difficult time standing up. Maybe from the tumble in the rapids earlier. The company offers a guarantee, if unsatisfied they will offer a free weekday, but no mention of faulty equipment, (I noticed when returning the equipment there was a repair patch on mine.) It's not about the money or getting a refund, it's about having a great adventure and creating memories. My mother had a nice time and that is what is important. I feel like I dodged a bullet, and would...

Elora Rapids Inc.

This review is a two parter and both parts are a 5 out of 5!

Part 1: Our original ride down the Grand River Lazy Float was excellent, start to finish. The website provided all the details necessary to prepare for our watery adventure including the need to be a swimmer of course! The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly assisting us at every stage, answering questions and providing necessary reminders about everything from water safety to directions including always going right (right is always right). The trip was relaxing yet fun filled including temporarily letting go of each other’s tubes and paddling back to grab ahold again (“Wilson I’m sorry!”) and so very beautiful (thanks Mother Nature). I highly recommend this activity as a wonderful way to enjoy this gem of a river in the heart of Elora!

Part 2: Upon arriving at the end of our float I discovered I had dropped a set of keys along the way and discussed options with the staff who were more than supportive. Against slim odds, we decided to try and look for them at a low point in the river where we had stepped out of the tubes for just a moment. So off we went to the beginning and were completely surprised to find the owner of the company paddling down the river behind us. Andrew was incredibly understanding and offered to tow us the entire length of the run AND help in the search. Despite not finding the keys we were so grateful for the genuinely calm and kind assistance. Another reason why we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this experience with this company. Top notch...

Rented tubes, helmets, lifejackets, and pump for my family and friends. Kids were between 10-14, all know how to swim. Staff are polite and helpful, thank you to Mya. The air pump (connects to the cigarette lighter port) was very fast to inflate the 6 tubes we rented. Tubes were very comfortable as they have a back support and also the hole has the fabric which to help with protecting your bum from hitting/scuffing rocks. The tubes you rent onsite at the gorge are basic donuts and lack these small but important features. Tubes deflated quickly and easy to fold into any SUV.

On to the ride. We all had an amazing time. Some parts of the rapids were a little scary but that is part of the fun. Most of the ride is very calm and requires hand paddling. The day we went (on a Friday before long weekend) was a little cloudy and cool in the morning but it turned out to be a beautiful day by mid morning. We had a moderate head wind going down the river. Elora park was pretty empty, we had the river pretty much to ourselves. Overall, it was an outstanding day of adventure! Some tips: highly advisable you know how to swim before going on this ride as it is possible to fall out of your tube if you don't hold on to the tube handles. Stay in the river current, otherwise, you could get stuck going in circles. Use your feet to push away from rocks/walls. Do not wear flip flops, get slip-on...