Despite growing up in a rather small city and writing about villages and towns in Ontario, I am a Toronto girl through and through. That said, when the chance came up to visit one of the province’s most beautiful villages for the opening of a brand-new pizzeria, I was very interested. What sealed the deal was not just an evening of pizza eating, but getting the chance to ride a helicopter all the way there. So yes, I took a helicopter to Elora, Ont., to eat pizza. And not just any pizza. I was headed to Tony’s Sourdough Pizzeria, the newest spot shaking up the local food scene with wood-fired pies and a whole lot of flavour.
Here’s how it went.
How my day started
It was one of those gorgeous Saturday afternoons in the city. Sun blazing, skies totally clear, the kind of day that makes you want to be anywhere but inside. Instead of hitting a patio or park like everyone else, I was heading somewhere a little more… unexpected. I made my way to Billy Bishop Airport.
I was about to embark on a random journey I never thought I’d be on.
First time at Billy Bishop and the Pedestrian tunnel
This was my first time walking through the Pedestrian tunnel. Maybe it was the moving walkways or perhaps the fact that I was running late, but I managed to get to the other side in about six minutes.
I had never been to Billy Bishop, so naturally, I managed to get lost. Thankfully, it wasn’t long until I found our meeting spot — Stolport FBO.
Blasting off on the helicopter
Stolport FBO is known for having the best takeoff view of Toronto, and I can attest to that.
I got onboard the helicopter after a few safety instructions, and we were off. It was also my first time on a helicopter. Needless to say, I was terrified.
After a couple of deep breathing exercises and a few prayers, I finally found the courage to peek out the window just as we lifted off the ground. And wow, what a view.
The flight itself was incredible. We soared over the city, heading north past Milton and all the way to Elora. It was smooth, surprisingly peaceful, and having great company on board definitely helped me forget how nervous I’d been just minutes earlier.
After 30 minutes, we finally arrived at Elora and landed at Juergensen Field Airport.
Ontario’s most beautiful village
By the time we landed, I had one thing on my mind: pizza. Thankfully, that part was already taken care of because the entire trip was planned around visiting one of Elora’s most exciting new spots.
Tony’s Sourdough Pizzeria, located in the heart of the historic Elora Mews, is the latest venture from Chef Tony Bish. A fine dining chef who also happened to be on The Next Iron Chef and a Master Chef judge. Now, he’s channelling that culinary fire into something more casual, but just as passionate: woodfired sourdough pizza made from a family starter that’s been passed down for generations.
Tony doesn’t just make pizza, he makes art. Obsessed with quality over quantity, he only fires up 100 pies a day. No shortcuts, no compromises. It’s all about that perfect crust, bold flavours, and ingredients that speak for themselves.
Elora may be a small village, but it’s got big food energy, which the locals and tourists agree on. Since opening, the demand at Tony’s has been high, and after one bite, it’s easy to see why.
Time to eat at Tony’s Sourdough Pizzeria
I tried each one of the pies on the menu.
We kicked things off with the “Basic Bish,” a deceptively simple classic topped with tomato sauce, wild oregano, garlic confit, sea salt, fresh basil, and a drizzle of small-batch EVOO. It was the kind of pizza that proves less really can be more. It was light, fragrant, and packed with flavour.
From there, it was a delicious blur: the Margot, Donna Summers, Bufala di Campagnia, Farmboi, and the Umami Pie. Each one had its own vibe, with bold, thoughtfully layered flavours that seriously delivered.
I wouldn’t judge you one bit if you took one down solo. They’re that good.
We enjoyed a couple of other bites, including the Panzanella, and the Meatball aka “The Don”.
And of course, no proper food adventure ends without dessert. Tiramisu was on the menu, and let’s just say… I blinked and it was gone. Light, creamy, and not too sweet, it was the perfect way to wrap things up.
I left full, happy, and already thinking about my next trip back to one of Ontario’s most beautiful little villages.
Until next time, Elora
Eventually, it was time to head back. We made our way to the airfield and hopped back into the helicopter, full from the meal and still buzzing from the experience.
Flying over the countryside with the sun starting to dip was the perfect way to end the day. There’s just something cool about being able to explore a place like Elora by air and on the ground. It felt like a mini escape, the kind you wish lasted just a little longer.
Until next time, Elora.
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