Capture your wedding memories aboard a charming gondola cruise along Elora’s Grand River. Discover why this unique experience is a highlight for couples seeking scenic, personalized photos.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
30-60 minutes
Fitness Level
No fitness required; suitable for all guests
Wildlife
History
Elora’s gorge has been a favorite local spot since the 19th century, originally used for milling and transportation.
Conservation
The area emphasizes sustainable tourism, protecting water quality and the natural landscape for future generations.
Elora Raft Rides
Capture your wedding memories aboard a charming gondola cruise along Elora’s Grand River. Discover why this unique experience is a highlight for couples seeking scenic, personalized photos.
Elora Raft Rides operates from Elora, Ontario, offering a variety of water-based experiences on the Grand River and nearby waterways.
The business provides private captained cruises in English gondola-style punts, shared piloted safaris, BareBoat Escapades for self-steered 20-foot punts, and stand-up paddle board (SUP) rides. Signature offerings include the Commodore's Cruise, Romantic Cruise, Starlight Cruise, wedding portrait rides, Piloted Safaris, SUP 1-Person 60 minute rides, and BareBoat Escapades that launch from Elora's Boardwalk.
Trips pass notable local features such as Bissell Dam, the Elora Quarry, waterfalls at Bissell Park, and the Tunnel of Time, which exposes 400-million-year-old fossils beneath limestone cliffs. Captained options are led by experienced captains who tailor outings for celebrations, photography sessions, family outings, and romantic experiences. Piloted Safaris accommodate up to eight passengers and operate on select days from June to October. SUP rides travel upstream past islands and a beaver lodge and include an optional portage at Bissell Dam toward Elora Quarry.
Elora Raft Rides emphasizes memorable on-water experiences that highlight local geology, cliffs, white-water sections, and scenic waterfalls. Guests seeking wedding photos, private time on the water, guided fossil viewing, or self-steered adventures can reserve specific trips or inquire about customization and scheduling. Reservations are recommended to confirm trip types and availability.
Location
Elora, ON
Launch point at Elora Boardwalk
Tours Offered
7
Private, shared, and self-steered trips
Fossil Age
400M years
Seen in the Tunnel of Time
Group Size
Up to 8
Piloted safaris seat up to eight
Book a captained cruise, SUP ride, starlight tour, wedding portrait session, or a self-steered BareBoat Escapade to explore Elora's geological highlights.
Book in advance for peak seasons
Secure your spot early, especially during wedding season in spring and summer.
Check weather conditions
Choose a clear day to ensure the best lighting and water conditions for your photos.
Bring your photographer
For the most stunning shots, have your photographer join you on the cruise.
Coordinate flower decorations
Work with the captain to personalize your gondola with floral arrangements.
Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable footwear suitable for boarding and walking around the boat.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Dress in layers to stay comfortable during your cruise, especially if temperatures vary.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the memorable moments with your preferred photography device.
Sun Protection
Bring sunscreen, hat, or sunglasses for daytime cruises in sunny weather.
summer