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Elora Quarry Conservation Area
I visited the elora quarry years ago when camping at the Elora Gorge. The area is truly one of my favorites and I need to do a repeat visit very soon. My sister Denise lives in Waterloo just a short distance away and this page and the pictures are thanks to her generous contributions to this site.
The gorge is located between Fergus and the town of Elora just a short driving distance from the Elora gorge, another great place to visit. There are bathrooms, change rooms and a picnic area located at the beach.
There is a short hiking trail which surrounds the quarry and leads you to some fantastic viewing areas of the beach and quarry itself. The Elora Cataract Trail which consists of 42 km of hiking and biking opportunities is also located just 5 minutes from the park.
Early in the 1900's, a limestone operation began under the name of The Whitestone Lime Company. For years it continued to flourish until the site contained 9 lime kilns, a stone crusher and a railroad siding. Around 1930, the lime became impure when black streaks appeared in the limestone. Shortly thereafter, the company abandoned the quarry and moved to another site. This quarry has been a popular swimming spot for many years, although it did not become a conservation area until 1976.
If you are in the area visiting the Mennonite communities, camping at the Elora Gorge, hiking or canoeing the Grand River, The Elora Quarry is a must see. Especially if you are hot and need a swim to cool off.
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