The Elora Cataract Trailway is more than just a path through nature; it's a journey through our history. Established to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region, the trail connects various towns and showcases the area's unique stories.
A Brief History
“The [branch line to] Elora was built in 1879 by the Credit Valley Railway Company providing passenger and goods service to rural communities of north Wellington, south Dufferin, and west Caledon in south central Ontario. This 47 kilometre rail line offered the first opportunity for major economic expansion to many of the communities of the region. The line was eventually acquired by Canadian Pacific in 1883 and became part of their expanding network of rail lines. The expansion and improvement of roads in southern Ontario resulted in the discontinuing of passenger service in 1957. Rail traffic on the line declined steadily through out the 1970’s and by the 1980’s the line was used very little. As a result Canadian Pacific applied to the Canadian Transport Commission to have the rail line officially abandoned. The application was approved in 1988 and Canadian Pacific authorized the removal of the railway tracks and other support facilities along the corridor.” Elora Cataract Trailway Management Plan, December 1995
In 1989, Wellington Rails to Trails was formed by local citizens along the route to develop a multi-purpose recreational trailway and green corridor. Their efforts led to the province, Credit Valley Conservation, the Grand River Conservation Authority, several municipalities and local community residents pooling their monies to purchase the rail corridor in September 1993 from the CPR.
The two conservation authorities became the landowners, assuming the responsibilities of land ownership, and in partnership with Wellington Rails to Trails (now incorporated as the Elora Cataract Trailway Association) created the 1995 Elora Cataract Trailway Management Plan to convert, maintain and supervise the trailway.
The Management Plan specifies that the Elora Cataract Trailway will be a co-operatively managed recreational trail that encourages safe use for a variety of recreational activities while ensuring the protection of natural and cultural heritage values for future generations.
Its four supporting objectives are:
Protection: To protect the greenway function of the corridor and the integrity of associated natural heritage features and the rights of adjacent property owners.
Appreciation: To create opportunities for understanding the cultural and natural heritage of the Trailway as a greenway, including the diverse range of natural processes occurring along the Trailway and historically significant features associated with it.
Recreation: To provide opportunities and facilities for a variety of trail uses that are accessible to all genders, ages, and abilities, high in quality, and environmentally sustainable; promote four-season use and link with local recreation initiatives.
Tourism: To support economic growth by encouraging local initiatives to supply trail users with goods and services.
Today, the Elora Cataract Trailway serves as an active transportation corridor connecting the various communities along its path.
Click the Conservation Authority photo to visit their website.
Who We Are
At Credit Valley Conservation, we create connections between people and nature, knowledge and action.
We lead the protection, restoration and enhancement of our local natural environment and inspire a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping us connected, healthy and happy.
Who We Are
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) manages water and other natural resources on behalf of 38 municipalities and close to one million residents of the Grand River watershed.
The GRCA is a partnership of watershed municipalities, and provides an avenue to work together, addressing environmental issues and opportunities that serve to benefit the entire Grand River watershed. Headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario the GRCA is the oldest water management agency in Canada and one of the oldest in the world.
Incorporated under the Conservation Authorities Act, the GRCA is one of 36 conservation authorities in the province, the GRCA is a member of Conservation Ontario.
Who We Are
The Elora Cataract Trailway Association promotes opportunities to connect people with their natural surroundings and an active, healthy lifestyle.
Through collaboration with our conservation partners, public and private sectors of our neighbouring municipalities, and our membership; we protect, restore, and enhance our trailway, greenway corridor, and active transportation connections for the benefit of all.
Fundraising for capital improvements on the trailway
Advocating for connected active transportation networks
Monitoring trail use via trail counters and visual surveys
Promoting volunteer activism and events in support of our trailway
Promoting wayfinding signage and trailside amenities
Promoting safety awareness and trail etiquette
Listening to trail users through annual surveys
Protecting the environmental integrity of the greenway
Commemorative Benches and Kilometre Markers: The Grand Valley Conservation Authority promotes commemorative benches and kilometre sponsorships to recognize a favourite spot along the trailway. Your sponsorship helps maintain the trailway and is recognized on the bench and kilometre marker. The bench sponsorship covers a 10 year period with an opportunity to renew and the kilometre sponsorship covers a 5 year period with an opportunity to renew. Donation receipts are issued as well.
Donations: Donations help fund trailway improvements and capital projects such as re-widening and re-surfacing sections and replacing culverts. Donations specifying the Elora Cataract Trailway can be made to the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation or the Grand River Conservation Foundation. Both foundations will issue tax receipts. For more information, please contact:
Credit Valley Conservation Foundation:
Grand River Conservation Foundation:
Membership: Become a member and help support the Trailway Association. Memberships are $25 / year or $100 for 5 years. Payment can be made by cheque or e-transfer to payment@trailway.org. When using e-transfer, please also email a completed membership form to payment@trailway.org and advise us of your e-transfer.
Sponsorship: If you would like to be a sponsor for our newsletter, trailway brochure map or event please email info@trailway.org and we will contact you.
Volunteer Opportunities: If you would like to volunteer to assist us with our events, trail surveys, fundraising and other activities, please complete the attached form and we will be in touch.
Sarah Thompson
"Walking the Elora Cataract Trailway is like stepping into a living history book. The stories embedded in this land inspire every step!"
“Great trail connecting our communities. Love having it near where we live.”
Josh C
Who We Are
We promote opportunities to connect people with their natural surroundings and an active, healthy lifestyle.
Through collaboration with our conservation partners, public and private sectors of our neighbouring municipalities, and our membership; we protect, restore, and enhance our trailway, greenway corridor, and active transportation connections for the benefit of all.
