This Heart-Shaped Swimming Hole Near Toronto Has Limestone Cliffs & Aquamarine Waters

It's reopening soon.

Lead Writer, Travel

Get your swimsuit ready! A magical swimming hole in Ontario is reopening soon and you can splash around turquoise water encircled by limestone cliffs.

The Elora Quarry Conservation Area will be welcoming visitors back on June 10, 2023. The popular destination is about is an hour and a half from Toronto and is known for its sandy beach, towering 40-foot high white cliffs and unique heart shape.

You can float around in the turquoise waters of the two acre Elora Quarry or relax in the sun on the shore. Jumping, diving or climbing is not permitted on the cliffs.

In addition to swimming, you can enjoy a 1-kilometre loop trail that leads through forests and has views of the Grand River. There are several shaded picnic areas for visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.

Due to the quarry's popularity, you'll have to book a ticket and parking permit in advance. There are two four-hour time slots available per day, an a.m. time slot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a p.m. time slot from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $10.50 and the parking permit is $15 per session. Both must be purchased online and tickets will be released each week on Friday afternoons for the following week.

The nearby town of Elora is a beautiful place to explore before or after your quarry adventure. You can shop at the local boutiques and fill up at some of the delicious restaurants like the Elora Mill.

The quarry is located next to the Elora Gorge Conservation Area which features beautiful hikes along the Grand River as well as tubing experiences. The Elora Gorge Conservation Area requires separate tickets as it is a different property, so be sure to plan accordingly if you'd like to visit both places.

There are a few other Ontario swimming holes to check out this summer in addition to the Elora Quarry, including the magical Bathtub Island and dreamy Bridal Veil Falls.

Elora Quarry

Price: $10.50 per adult

When: Reopening June 10, 2023

Address: 319 Wellington County Rd. 18, Elora, ON

Why You Need To Go: Take a dip in this magical swimming hole this summer.

Elora Quarry website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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