Toronto 
Cheltenham Badlands in Caledon is the perfect day trip from the Golden Horseshoe to see a provincially significant Earth Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).
The Cheltenham Badlands were formed over 400 million years ago by erosion and deposition, and their unique red colour is a result of the oxidation of iron.
The area was once fertile farmland, as settlers grew various crops, but farming practices caused erosion of the shallow topsoil, exposing the underlying Queenston shale. The changing seasons further accelerated shale erosion, resulting in this unique landscape. The gray streaks on the badlands are caused by chemical reactions with acidic groundwater that streamed over the shale.
Credit: Credit Valley Conservation
Earlier, this distinctive landscape was open fully, allowing visitors to walk over the formation. This resulted in accelerated erosion of the sensitive red shale surface and caused permanent changes to the Badlands’ unique appearance.
To protect the Badlands from further erosion, the Ontario Heritage Trust and its partners at Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and the Bruce Trail Conservancy closed the site in 2015 and developed a boardwalk that closed off physical access to the Badlands.
The site reopened in 2018 and is now managed by the Ontario Heritage Trust.
WHAT TO DO & SEE AT CHELTENHAM BADLANDS
Credit: Credit Valley Conservation
Taking pictures of this Mars-like geological feature isn’t the only activity you can do at the Cheltenham Badlands. You can also walk the accessible boardwalk section. Remember, there is no physical access to the badlands (i.e., you can not walk on them).
The 60 m boardwalk and viewing platform connect to 0.32 km Cheltenham Badlands Trail. If you want to hike more, walk the 1.33 km section of the Bruce Trail that traverses through the forest.
The region boasts stunning Fall colours, and the brick red coloured badlands, backdropped by golden autumn hues, provide a fabulous experience.
TRIP PLANNING – Cheltenham Badlands
Credit: Credit Valley Conservation
Why go:
The Cheltenham Badlands is one of Ontario’s most recognized geological treasures. Connect with nature and learn about this unique geographical feature against the beautiful backdrop of nature.
When to go:
May 8 to November 16, dawn to dusk
Winter (Nov – May/June )
Closed
Reserve the date and time of your visit.
How much to go:
Entrance fees are charged per vehicle. All transactions must be made through ParkPass. The majority of reservations are for 90-minute slots, but there are a few limited openings for three-hour bookings.
- Monday to Friday: $10 + HST for 90-minute visit
- Weekends and holidays: $20 + HST for 90-minute visit
- Monday to Friday: $18 + HST for three-hour visit
- Weekends and holidays: $35 + HST for three-hour visit
Where to Go:
Cheltenham Badlands is located in Caledon, approximately 1 hour from downtown Toronto, 440 kms from Ottawa (4 hrs 30 minutes drive) and 350 kms from Windsor.
Address: 1739 Olde Base Line Road, Caledon, ON L7C 0K6
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