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EWelcome to one of 9 the oldest conserâ€" § vation areas operâ€" xz ated by the Grand River & Conservation _ Authority. z The 200â€"hectare Elora Gorge Conservation Area offers opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, tubing, picâ€" nicking and scenic vistas to view the "gorge". Nature lovers delight in Elora Gorge The Elora Gorge is perâ€" haps the singularly most beautiful and spectacular natural area in the Grand River valley. Its preservaâ€" tion was assured in March 1953 when the Grand River Conservation _ Authority gave approval for the establishment of a formal park area. . _ The initial lands, includâ€" ing acreage from the Village of Elora, were acquired by October 1953, and plans were made to transform the area from its previously marginal farmâ€" land use to a fully serviced camping, day use, and hikâ€" ing area for all valley resiâ€" dents to enjoy. Our entrance is located south of the Village of Elora on â€" Wellington â€" County Road #21. CAMPING FACILITIES The â€" Elora _ Gorge Conservation Area offers a total of 555 campsites; ranging _ from _ heavily wooded to more open sites. This total includes 332 unserviced sites and 216 serviced sites. PICNIC AREAS There is a vast day use area which offers ample space to enjoy a picnic or just enjoy the outdoors. There is no need to make a reservation for use of the general day use area, as there is plenty of space for FISHING Over the past several years, the Grand River has quickly become one of Ontario‘s premiere brown trout fisheries. Since the spring of 1989, over 150,000 brown trout have been stocked in the Grand which in turn has created excellent angling opportuâ€" nities. In addition to the brown trout, other comâ€" i)i ROYAL LEPAGE EDpppprooe i) 11111 SCHARF REALTY INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED, BROKER 50 WESTMOUNT RD. N. WATERLOO 747â€"2040 mon species, inhabir the Grand within the conserâ€" vation area. SWIMMING A one hectare (2.5 acre) swimming lake is located within the area. There are two beach areas and a genâ€" tly sloping gradient, makâ€" ing it ideal for parents with young children. As well, within a short driving disâ€" tance is the Elora Quarry Conservation Area which offers a large spring fed quarry which is approxiâ€" mately 12 metres deep. In both locations, parents are requested to keep close watch over their children as there are no beach patrol/lifeguards ori duty. CONCESSION There is a large food concession operating within the area. This faciliâ€" ty offers fast food items, including fresh cut fries, along with basic foodstuffs for campers and day tripâ€" We have approximately three kilometres of walkâ€" ing trails which offer lookâ€" outs of the natural beauty of the 22â€"metreâ€"deep gorge. We ask that all patrons, for safety reasons, please remain on the desigâ€" nated walking trail and behind the safety barriers. SPORT FACILITIES There is a large sports field located in the day use area. This area includes a ball diamond, soccer field, volleyball court, basketball court, playground as well as a large open area for the enjoyment of other pasâ€" times. There is another creâ€" ative playground located in the campground on the north side of the river adjaâ€" cent to the serviced campâ€" ground. PICNIC PAVILIONS There are three picnic pavilions available for rent, on a daily basis, for family reunions or company picâ€" nics. The larger of the three facilities (capacity approxiâ€" mately _ 200 _ persons) includes washroom faciliâ€" ties and a kitchen; the other two smaller facilities (capacity approximately 50 persons each) do not. Call LIFESTYLE For all your real estate needs call Royal LePage â€" Scharf Realty, Ted Scharf, Broker Fishing is just one of the many activities available to those who visit the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, one of the oldest conservation areas operated by the GRCA. well in advance to book your function, as these facilities get reserved early in the season. TUBING Tubing through the gorge on a hot summer day is an increasingly popular pastime. Entry to the river is via the walking trail at the east end of the day use area. Exiting the river is achieved at the low level bridge at the west end of the area. The total length of the ride between these two points is approximately 3.5 kilometres or one hour. Life jackets and safety helmets must be worn at all times while tubing in the river. As well, a wristband must be worn and a liabiliâ€" ty waiver must be signed prior to tubing in the river. Those under 18 years of age must have a legal guardian sign their waiver form. There is a $1 tubing regâ€" istration fee that is applicaâ€" ble for all participants. The registration fee includes a valid wristband for the curâ€" rent day. "The Name Friends Also, keep in mind that riders must be a minimum of 42 inches in height. Along with the rest of the area, alcohol is not allowed at the river, only on your registered campsite. For those who do not have their own equipment or who may have forgotten to bring it along, not to worry. Equipment rentals are available within the area. Complete packages are offered consisting of a helmet, lifeâ€"jacket and tube. Or, individual pieces can also be rented. There is a refundable deposit required for all rentals and the equipment is available on a first come basis only. On occasion, due to conditions beyond our control, the river may rise to an unsafe level during periods of very wet weathâ€" er. During those times, tubâ€" ing may be prohibited. Tubing rental rates: *Tube only $11 (deposit $5) *Helmet _ only {depusit $50) $6 CANOEING Although canoeing through the gorge can be treacherous at times, many canoe enthusiasts "put in" at the lower end of the area and continue downstream on the Grand River towards Kitchener/ Waterloo. «Complete Package $18 (deposit $75). _ As _ well, Rockwood Conservation Area, a short drive from Elora, offers excellent canoeing opporâ€" tunities. WASHROOM FACILITIES Along with the several vault type toilets which are located throughout the area, there are also six facilâ€" ities which have hot/cold running water. As well, four of the facilâ€" ities have coin operated showers. DRINKING WATER Water taps are located throughout the area, as well as a hand pump in the group camping area. °PFD only $6 (deposit Continued on page 11 u a a Ask for details WATERLOO NORTH NMorthfleld at the Parkway < 0.9 11‘ Remember what playâ€" time was like before video games and battery operatâ€" ed toys? The Doon Heritage Crossroads is offering a glimpse of the past with its Playtimes and Pastimes theme on Sunday, Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Playtimes and Pastimes At the exhibition, chilâ€" dren of all ages can have an active look at games, toys and fun from the last turn of the century. Children are invited to come and explore the life of a child in 1914 with a parâ€" ticular emphasis on fun and leisure time. Games and toys, as well as other leisure pursuits such as girl‘s and boy‘s handiwork, will be explored. Visitors will be able to experience firstâ€" hand many of these activiâ€" Regular prices in effect. Epilepsy Waterloo Wellington is once again holding its 16th annual Glad Days for Epilepsy campaign Aug. 16â€"18. Glad Days for Epilepsy The campaign is to help support programs and serâ€" vices to the approximately 11,000 people in the Waterloo and Wellington areas living with epilepsy. The group is asking the public to show its support by purchasing a bunch of Gladiola flowers for $5 at a number _ of _ locations including Zehrs stores at Beechwood Plaza, Conestoga Mall, Waterloo Town Square, Glenridge Plaza and Highland Hills Proceeds raised will support the programs and services offered by Epilepsy Waterloo Wellington, located at 741 King St. W. in Kitchener. %o FINANCING 746â€"1666 admission