With a camping trip on the calendar that was several hours away I needed to test our new pups camping abilities. When I planned this out I looked around for a campground that would be close enough that one of us could drive her home in the night if it was going sideways. Hoping of course that she would take to camping like everything else she had already learned.
I choose Elora Gorge Conservation Area https://www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Elora-Gorge.aspx as an ideal location. This campground is great. Just over thirty minutes from Kitchener lots of sites around the Conservation Area and the very scenic little village. It was a perfect getaway.
I bought a new tent for our growing family. I have always been a fan of Coleman for all my camping needs and saw a great 8 person tent on sale at Costco. I bought the Bristol 8 person tent https://www.costco.ca/coleman-bristol-8-person-tent.product.100102786.html and also a new queen blow-up mattress since now we had space!
The Kid and I went to the site early to set up without hubby and the dog. Turns out with just the two of us we could set up camp in less than an hour. I will say hubby and I have a harder time with it! The sites are very large and we had a view of the river behind our site. Also very handy was this campground had electricity sites which can be difficult to get in Provincial parks.
Somehow we had ended up camping during a massive heatwave. After setting up camp we headed to Elora Quarry for a cool down. The entrance fee is covered with your campsite pass. You won't be able to walk there as it is under a ten-minute drive from the Conservation area.
It was mid-afternoon so the Quarry was busy as everyone was trying to cool down from the heat. There were huge floating party islands that were far out from shore. We got into the water, but luckily, my son thought it was freezing, so it was very quick! Early July does not give enough time for the deep water to warm up, heatwave or not.
We got back to the campground in time to get dinner ready for the arrival of hubby and the pup. We walked down to the river after dinner to check out our fishing options. All day people ride the river on innertubes. It's really what this Conservation area is best known for. I have gone tubing in the past and it can be so much fun, but it can also be a bit dangerous for a very light weighted child. We weren't ready for that kind of adventure also the dog wouldn't be able to partake.
Fishing was a bust but the water was clear and cool. This was the first time Bo got to walk into the water. We found out we had a water puppy!
The river wasn't refreshing enough so we headed to the splash pad. The hubby and I also played in the water. Of course, making it look like it was for the Kid but seriously so hot!! Unfortunately, no dogs allowed on the splash pad so Bo had to look on from the grass. We ended both our days at the campground with a good cool down at the splash pad, it was fantastic.
It was such a great day that we wrapped it up with smores at the fire and looking at the stars. The best part about our new tent was you could bring the sides in to be able to stargaze from your bed. That is one of my favorite memories from all our trips!
The next morning after making the best pancakes ever. Hack tip make the mix before going and pour it into a reusable water bottle with an open mouth www.walmart.ca/en/ip/rubbermaid-32oz-reuse-chug-bottle-clear/6000107232335 They were perfect with no hassle.
We headed on a hike that follows the river it was under thirty minutes and does not loop. There were a couple of cool sites on the trail. Some stairs to get closer to the water but you can't get in from the trails as it's a steep fall into the river.
We also headed into the town and got some ice cream and candy. We hit Sweet Distractions and The Village Olive grove for ice cream. The whole main street is great for window shopping and great food.
The weekend can be very busy for tubing so we waited to go fishing until after the last tubers should be gone. Didn't help us catch anything but made it a bit more peaceful!
This was the perfect first camping trip for a pup. She did so well, I think it took her a week to get her energy back. Elora has so much to offer and should not be missed. I do recommend tubing if you are there camping it shouldn't be missed if you have a chance.
If you are looking for more fun camping ideas try these links
Bon Echo Provincial Park
Charleston Provincial Park
Port Burwell Provincial Park/Long Point
Tobermory
Algonquin Provincial Park
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