115km (71 miles) W of Toronto
Scotsman William Gilkinson put Elora on the map in 1832 when he purchased 5,591 hectares (13,816 acres) on both sides of the Grand River and built a mill and a general store. He named the community Elora, after his brother’s ship, which was inspired by the Ellora Caves in India. Most of the houses that the settlers built in the 1850s stand today. You’ll want to browse the stores along picturesque Mill Street.
Fergus was founded by Scottish immigrant Adam Ferguson and has a population of only 7,500 people. The towns of Elora and Fergus are 6km (4 miles) apart, about an 8-minute drive.
