After our business was done, John had to head back to Toronto. Stephen and I took some leisure time to take in the sights. We walked south on Metcalf Street.
At the foot of Metcalf Street is Mill Street. Looking west, the road curves around, and the Elora Mill Inn is at the end.
On the east side of Mill Street, there’s an information centre. The lady there gave us a local map. She suggested crossing the Metcalf Street bridge south, and following the river west.
As we crossed the bridge, the scenic Grand River revealed itself.
Past the parking lot off Ross Street, there is a walkway leading to a concrete wall at the edge of the river.
This wall isn’t well maintained, so we had to watch our steps. The Mill Inn is across the Grand River, on the north side.
Walking further west on the wall, we saw the falls right outside the Mill Inn.
The Islet Rock, or Tooth of Time, is a small island in the midst of the falls. In 1902, the mill owner wanted it removed, but the village chose to reinforce the rock so that might last forever.
I stepped as far west as I thought was safe. The wall is overgrown with trees, so I returned the direction from whence I came.
Heading back into the village centre, we would cross back over the bridge.
Our car was parked two blocks north on Metcalf Street.
To prepare for the drive back to Toronto, Stephen stopped by the bakery for coffee … and a dessert.
I’ve lived in Ontario for most of life, and have never had the occasion to go to Elora. I can now appreciate the attraction of the natural beauty in the area.
