Elora Gorge Tubing 2026: Dates, Tickets, Rules
Written by Ethan Crawford • Published August 29, 2026 • Last verified August 29, 2026
What you need to know:
Tubing runs June 26 to September 7, 2026, daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last rental at 4 p.m.
Tickets must be bought online in advance; walk-up sales are not allowed. Tickets available up to 3 days ahead.
Mandatory gear: approved tube, helmet with chin strap, and PFD. Rentals cost $55.50 per person (includes registration fee).
A $75 security deposit is required for equipment rentals.
Tubing can close without notice if river flow exceeds 8 cubic metres per second; check river levels before you go.
Tubing at Elora Gorge Conservation Area opens Friday, June 26 and runs daily through September 7, 2026. That's the window. Tickets go on sale online up to three days in advance, and walk-up sales are not allowed. The Grand River Conservation Authority runs the operation, and the river's popularity means you should plan ahead.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with the last registration and equipment rental at 4 p.m. sharp. No exceptions. If you rent gear from the GRCA, it must be returned by 7 p.m. the same day. The tubing route itself involves a 1.3 kilometre walk along the roadway from the entrance to the exit point, each way. Wear proper footwear, not flip-flops.
Safety gear is mandatory. Every tuber needs an approved tube, a helmet with a chin strap, and a personal flotation device (PFD). You can bring your own or rent all three as a package. The complete rental package costs $55.50 per person, which includes the registration fee. If you bring your own gear, the registration fee is $21.50 per person. On top of that, you pay the conservation area's day-use admission fee when you enter the gate. A $75 security deposit is required for all equipment rentals.
River conditions can change fast. Tubing may close without notice if water levels rise above eight cubic metres per second. Heavy rain can push levels up quickly. Before you head out, check the GRCA's River Flows webpage for the latest reading at Elora (West Montrose). If the river is high, don't assume your booking stands. The GRCA doesn't guarantee a run.
All participants must complete an online waiver before arriving. The waiver is part of the online ticket process. If you're booking for a group, make sure everyone has signed. The GRCA's website has the full details on fees and the waiver.
Elora Gorge is one of 11 GRCA conservation areas. The Grand River cuts through 22-metre-high cliffs, and the trails along the rim offer views of tubers and kayakers below. The gorge is deep and steep, and the GRCA stresses staying on marked trails. Hiking off-trail is dangerous.
One thing to know: the tubing route is not a lazy river. It's a natural river with rapids and rocks. You need to be comfortable in moving water and able to handle the conditions. Children under a certain age or height may not be permitted; check the GRCA's rules before booking.
Getting there from Guelph is straightforward. Elora Gorge Conservation Area is about 20 minutes northwest of the city, off Wellington Road 7. Parking is available, but on busy summer weekends it fills up. Arrive early.
If you're planning a trip, book your tickets as soon as they become available. Popular time slots go fast. And remember: no walk-ups. The online system is the only way in.
For the most current information on closures, river levels, and fees, visit the GRCA website. Also check their social media for updates. Tubing is a summer highlight, but it's weather-dependent. A little planning goes a long way.
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