Trip Rating: 5 / 5
I was offered the chance to tag along on a whitewater trip through the Elora Gorge, and being the adventurer I am, I jumped at the opportunity. I have been coming to Elora ever since my wife and I started dating. We spent our first vacation here together, camping in the park. It is a deeply special place for us, so much so that we named our daughter Abbey Elora.
This trip log follows a slightly different format than most. I would not run this section of river alone, and for that reason, I would not feel comfortable detailing it in a way that could encourage others to do so. If you are interested in paddling here, I strongly recommend joining the Guelph Kayaking Club or going with an experienced guide who knows the Gorge well.
This is a legitimate whitewater run. In the fall it typically sits in the Class II to III range, and in spring conditions it can challenge even very experienced paddlers. Do not underestimate it, and do not paddle it alone.
The Tooth of Time
The group gave me a quick overview of the Gorge before we headed upstream to warm up at what they casually referred to as “the waterfall below the Tooth of Time.”
A waterfall. The Tooth of Time.
Yes. It was every bit as good as it sounded.
The Tooth of Time
The Tooth of Time is the rock formation at the centre of the waterfall.
Once I had spent some time getting comfortable in the strong current, it was time to start running rapids.
Getting ready to head downstream.
And we’re off.
Waiting for the group to regroup.
Getting tips from a pro.
Mike is 83 years old and still going strong.
How did a canoe get in here?
From there, we headed toward Curtis’ Corner.
I was told the story behind Curtis’ Corner involves a serious accident involving a long-time paddler in the Gorge. After running the section myself, it is easy to see how things could go wrong. It was a sobering reminder of how quickly consequences can escalate in moving water.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent the day with such a skilled and generous group of paddlers, learning both the river and the discipline of whitewater kayaking. I am already looking forward to the next invitation.
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