Arts and Artisans

Drayton Festival Theatre
Elora Centre for the Arts
Wellington Artists' Gallery & Art Centre
Elora Fergus Studio Tour

Attractions

OLG Slots
Wellington County Museum & Archives

Boutiques

Discover Downtown Fergus
I Love Chocolate
Jane's Frames
Karger Gallery
Stÿll
The Crooked Door
The Village of Elora

Visitor Information

Elora Fergus Tourism

Arts, Attractions and Diversions

There is a cultural vibe that radiates through Elora and Fergus, a creative energy that draws artists, musicians and art lovers together to build an enclave of talent with an appreciative audience. Art is alive here. Culture feeds our souls and we invite you to savour the sights and sounds that inspire our vibrant villages.

Some of the most important artists in our nation have been inspired by our landscape. A.J. Casson fell in love with and painted our scenic views. This is the birthplace of the panoramic camera, through John R. Connon’s lens. More artisans followed, wooed by the rustic beauty and historic structures. There was something special here and everyone could feel it.

Artistic Expression in every Form

Today we are home to an eclectic and celebrated creative community: dancers and choreographers, writers and poets, actors, musicians, painters, singers, sculptors, potters and weavers, photographers, designers and craftspeople—all visionaries of culture. 

From this innovative group, organizations and collectives have blossomed, each with its own distinct flavour of artistic expression. Village Idiot Productions bring live music and outdoor art to Elora while independent theatre companies such as Elora Community Theatre and Grinder Productions grace the stage of the newly refurbished Fergus Grand Theatre. Exhibitions hosted at the Wellington County Museum include the annual juried art show, “Insights.”

Through the Elora Arts Council, artists of diverse mediums put together the Elora Fergus Studio Tour, a successful behind-the-scenes tour of the intimate studios of participating artists that has become a southern Ontario “must-see” event over two weekends in fall.

The Finishing Touch

The final spices and finishes for your recipe to experience Elora and Fergus await you in the unique shops, boutiques, galleries and cafés of our community. Like the final details on the presentation of a well-prepared plate, this is where you’ll find the flourishes of your visit that you can take home as a memorable gift, or simply enjoy.

In Elora you’ll discover the artistry and artisan work created at the hands of the creative community living here. Some items are clearly one of a kind, while others are merely uncommon and unusual. In shops housed in centuries-old stone buildings, you’ll find sculpture, glass, soft leather clothing, pottery and antiques: unique items you simply have to stop to admire, and sometimes, make your own.

In Fergus, just five kilometres and mere minutes away, you’ll discover a different, but equally rewarding experience. Walk the streets of this historic Scottish enclave and pop into a fine clothier, gift shop, or browse some books. There are excellent jewellers, pubs, a chocolatier, and a highly-personal and experienced health food store, amongst many others.

In between, soak in the energy, the soothing power and majesty that is the Grand River. It flows through the heart of town in an area known as Templin Gardens—a scenic, not-to-be-missed visit at the walking bridge to the old Fergus Marketplace building.

And when you’ve experienced it all—relax. Let yourself be pampered in any of our peaceful, serene day-spas, whose sole mission in life is to make you feel rejuvenated—just in time to have some fun at the slots and take in live harness racing at the Grand River Raceway.