Elora Raft Rides
Elora Raft Rides
4.5
Cultural Tours • Eco Tours • Night Tours • Gondola Cruises • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
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About
Elora Raft Rides offers bare-boat hires one navigates oneself and guided boat rides such as starlight and musical cruises piloted by chauffeurs and accompanied by local talent. Its boats consist of English “punts”, rowboats, canoes, and kayaks ideal for all ages. Most boats leave from the Boardwalk behind the shops on Mill Street West in Elora. White Water Rafting is also offered from Fergus to Elora using the only RiverBug rafts in Canada. Run 36 white-water rapids, glide under 4 bridges, navigate around islands and pass 3 ruins & 400 million-year-old fossil beds on a RiverBug Adventure Ride.
Elora, Ontario, Canada
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2022
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(13 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
46 reviews
Excellent
38
Very good
6
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Janaina
3 contributions
Sep. 2022 • Family
We had the guided punt ride with Jacob. We had the boat to ourselves which was a plus! Lovely way to spend an hour. Jacob told us about the limestone cliffs and showed us some of the fossils along the way. And he let my kids paddle once were closer to the end! So fun!
Written September 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elora Tourist
1 contribution
Aug. 2022
My party of 9 took a piloted safari tour and unfortunately we were extremely disappointed with the experience.
First off, the ride lasted about 40 min (we left around 3.40pm and were back at the starting point at 4.20pm). I was under the impression that the tour would be one hour long.
Second, the "guide" did not proactively share any information during the ride. The only time he spoke was when we asked him a few questions and his answer was limited to the question we asked..
This was not what we were expecting from a "guided" tour ride. The website advertises that "a knowledgeable guide will pilot your classic punt, tell you about Elora's part, present and future, and introduce you to its wildlife and show you fossils in its limestone cliffs." The only piece of information shared was that there were 2 swans native to the lake, we certainly did not hear about any fossils in the limestone or the past/present/future of Elora.
Ultimately, this led to an unsatisfying experience, and definitely not worth the money.
First off, the ride lasted about 40 min (we left around 3.40pm and were back at the starting point at 4.20pm). I was under the impression that the tour would be one hour long.
Second, the "guide" did not proactively share any information during the ride. The only time he spoke was when we asked him a few questions and his answer was limited to the question we asked..
This was not what we were expecting from a "guided" tour ride. The website advertises that "a knowledgeable guide will pilot your classic punt, tell you about Elora's part, present and future, and introduce you to its wildlife and show you fossils in its limestone cliffs." The only piece of information shared was that there were 2 swans native to the lake, we certainly did not hear about any fossils in the limestone or the past/present/future of Elora.
Ultimately, this led to an unsatisfying experience, and definitely not worth the money.
Written September 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie L
1 contribution
Sep. 2022 • Couples
Our private twilight punt cruise last night was amazing! A relaxing and beautiful tour, with the most knowledgable captain showing us the 400 million year old coral reef and fossils. Highly recommend this awesome adventure for everyone.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yanet D
1 contribution
Aug. 2022 • Family
Relaxing ride. My son 10 and daughter 8 years old enjoyed it very much. Waterfall was amazing. Definitely recommend this.
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie BANNISTER
1 contribution
Aug. 2022 • Couples
Relaxing way to view the river. Saw some swans and different birds. The rock wall on the sides were really neat.
Too bad the water was gross, but that is not their fault.
Too bad the water was gross, but that is not their fault.
Written August 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miki A
1 contribution
Jul. 2022 • Family
We discovered this local gem and had a great ride with Captain Steven. He shared some info along the ride and answered our questions. Grandkids loved the ducks and swans. We even saw a mink(?) Will bring some friends and our family too. Good price for the hour ride. Something fun and different.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roving14001871241
Ancaster, Canada5 contributions
Jul. 2022
Jacob was an excellent guide and gondolier yesterday afternoon for leisurely raft travel - leisurely for us; Jacob worked propelling us against the deceiving current in one direction, and against the warm breeze in the other. He did this expertly, all the while sharing detailed and rich stories about this gorgeous setting.
The natural history of the area is fascinating, and learning about this from the water is beautiful.
Jacob is very knowledgeable and shared excellent information and stories about Elora's ancient past with us.
The river is home to considerable wildlife, ancient rock formations and fossils, and cliff-hanging trees in a peaceful balance.
Look closely, and Jacob pointed out the coral beds and giant clam fossils among the geological time stamps captured in limestone when what is currently now Ontario was submerged.
Approaching the dam, we felt the coolness of the water cascade, and glimpsed a group of young teenagers testing their mettle on the bridge: games of physical challenge, with a few climbing to the top of the bridge girders to jump off on a hot day into the cool water below.
A peaceful, unplugged step back in time on so many levels.
We recommend this stop positively. Our daughter & son-in-law will be visiting Elora / Fergus in a few weeks for a long weekend at Elora Mills and have reserved a raft ride also. We're happy they'll have the chance for this peaceful and fascinating time on the river, too.
We combined this outing with other stops in the area yesterday, including a lovely dinner on the terrace at The BrewHouse on the Grand in Fergus.
The natural history of the area is fascinating, and learning about this from the water is beautiful.
Jacob is very knowledgeable and shared excellent information and stories about Elora's ancient past with us.
The river is home to considerable wildlife, ancient rock formations and fossils, and cliff-hanging trees in a peaceful balance.
Look closely, and Jacob pointed out the coral beds and giant clam fossils among the geological time stamps captured in limestone when what is currently now Ontario was submerged.
Approaching the dam, we felt the coolness of the water cascade, and glimpsed a group of young teenagers testing their mettle on the bridge: games of physical challenge, with a few climbing to the top of the bridge girders to jump off on a hot day into the cool water below.
A peaceful, unplugged step back in time on so many levels.
We recommend this stop positively. Our daughter & son-in-law will be visiting Elora / Fergus in a few weeks for a long weekend at Elora Mills and have reserved a raft ride also. We're happy they'll have the chance for this peaceful and fascinating time on the river, too.
We combined this outing with other stops in the area yesterday, including a lovely dinner on the terrace at The BrewHouse on the Grand in Fergus.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
akashbehl
Vancouver, Canada1 contribution
Jul. 2022 • Couples
Jacob was our guide for the evening and he did a great job in not only steering the boat but also sharing amazing stories about Elora.
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula D
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
Jul. 2022 • Couples
My partner and I really enjoyed our Elora Gondola ride. So cute and relaxing. Rebecca, our driver was so nice and answered all of our curious questions. Plus the other girl took our photo at the beginning of the ride. Would love to do this again with a group of friends! Paula/Bobby
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tere
1 contribution
Jul. 2022 • Family
Our pilot Garett was excellent. He shared with us the history of the rock formation. He went out of his way and our kids truly enjoyed the ride.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie-Jose M
Amherstburg5 contributions
What is the fee for a gondola ride
Kenkonoken T
Elora, Canada4 contributions
Greetings and thanks for your enquiry. Walk-up rates are $20 for an adult, $15 for youth ages 13-17, and $10 for children 7-12; those who are 6 and under are Free. The Ride is one hour long and you can also book a discounted Ride on our website. Trust this answers your question. Cheers - KenT