Tubing

Tubing down the river is a fun and exciting way to see the wonders of the Elora Gorge. From the rushing white water to the towering cliffs, tubing offers more than just a refreshing ride on a hot summer day.

Hours of operation and general information

Tubing is now open, weather permitting. Please see our Service Disruptions page for more information.
Tubing operates daily in Elora Gorge Conservation Area, when conditions allow, starting mid-June until Labour Day then on weekends only in September following Labour Day and then only on weekends for the month of September. Tubing finishes on September 30, 2024.
The hours of operation from June to Labour Day are: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Following Labour Day, tubing is only available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends until the end of September.
The last registration and equipment rental is at 4 p.m. (NO exceptions).
GRCA-owned equipment must be returned by 7 p.m. on the same day.
We may close down tubing without notice for many different reasons, including times when river levels are too high (i.e. over eight cubic metres per second). River levels can rise rapidly following a heavy rainfall event. You can see water level graphs in our River Flows section.
Please note, all participants are required to walk along the roadway for approximately 1.3 km (each way) when going to and from the entrance and exit points of the river. Appropriate footwear is strongly recommended.

Tickets

No walk up sales of tubing tickets or equipment rentals are available. Tickets for tubing and equipment rentals must be purchased online and in advance.
Tickets can be purchased up to 3 days in advance.
Tubing tickets and rental fees are non-refundable and non-exchangeable after the online order transaction is completed. (The ONLY exception to this policy occurs if tubing is closed by the Grand River Conservation Authority.)
The conservation area day use admission fee is not included in the tubing ticket purchase and must be paid at the gate upon entry to the conservation area.

Registration and equipment

Participants must register with their pre-purchased tickets at the tubing equipment rental building, where they will receive a wristband.
Participants must sign a waiver at the conservation area. Those under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver.
No walk-up sales of tubing tickets or equipment rentals are available at the conservation area. No partial equipment rentals are available. Tickets for tubing and equipment rentals must be purchased online and in advance.
A security deposit is required for rented equipment. Please note that the security deposit required for the rental of tubing equipment is accepted only in the form of a credit card or cash deposit. Debit transactions are not accepted for the security deposit.
For current tubing fees, see Elora Gorge's fee page.
GRCA staff do not hold or store valuables.
Participants must wear helmets and personal flotation devices (PFDs). Participants may bring their own or may rent them in advance as part of the equipment rental package.
For those using their own equipment:
- Helmets must have a chin strap;
- Only one person is permitted per inner tube;
- Pool inflatables are not permitted (e.g. flamingos);
- All equipment must be shown to staff prior to the issue of a wristband at the time of registration; and
- Staff have the right to refuse the use of unsuitable equipment.
Please note, all participants are required to walk along the roadway for approximately 1.3 km (each way) when going to and from the entrance and exit points of the river. Appropriate footwear is strongly recommended.

Safety guidelines

Tubing takes place in a natural river. You may encounter extreme conditions that are beyond our control. Sections of the river are fast-flowing and turbulent. You could be ejected from your tube.
Helmets with a chin strap and lifejackets must be worn at all times. Make sure they are properly fitted and fastened. Ask staff for help if you need it.
Wear secure footwear. Secured sandals or running shoes are best. Don't wear flip-flops.
Walking is required to get to both the tubing entrance and exit points of the river. All participants are required to walk along the roadway for approximately 1.3 km (each way) when going to and from the entrance and exit points of the river.
Competent swimming abilities are required. If you can't swim, you should not participate.
There are no lifeguards or river patrol staff to help you in the event of an emergency. There are no exit points along the route. Once you begin, you must finish the tubing run, which is about two kilometres.
Hazardous rocks may be present below the water surface. Your foot could be caught in submerged rocks if you attempt to stand up in fast-flowing water.
Only one rider on each tube. Don't tie tubes together.
All participants must be at least 122 cm (48 inches) tall. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Wear a head strap or tether with prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses.
Don't take valuables with you as they may become lost in the river. The GRCA does not store valuables. If you are taking keys with you, ensure they are fastened to you securely.
Tubing takes place in a flowing river that is affected by upstream uses and activities. The GRCA is not responsible for water quality related hazards.