Cheltenham Badlands

Featuring rust red undulating topography, the Cheltenham Badlands is part of an area designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and it plays a vital role in geographical conservation.

The Cheltenham Badlands is a landscape of rolling red rock made up of highly eroded and exposed Queenston Shale. Resulting from poor farming practices by settlers in the 1930s, the red hills were slowly revealed as the elements wore away the vegetation over the years. The bright red color is due to a high concentration of iron oxide, while the greenish streaks are a result of groundwater oxidizing the red rock.

While physical access onto the Cheltenham Badlands is no longer possible (foot traffic accounts for up to 10% of its annual sediment loss and shale erosion), you can still view them from boardwalks and trails surrounding the area. The exposed geological processes displayed by the Badlands makes it a popular educational site for geology enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The Cheltenham Badlands is located in Caledon, southeast of the Olde Base Line Road, between Chinguacousy Road and Creditview Road.

For up-to-date information and details on the Cheltenham Badlands, we recommend that you visit its website. To learn more about the Cheltenham Badlands or find other places to explore nearby, keep on reading to see what Destination Ontario has in store for you.

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair accessible

Unobstructed path through public hallways that are wide enough to allow people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices to move easily through the building.

Universal washroom

Separate, individual washroom with adequate manoeuvring room for mobility devices. Includes grab bars, transfer space, accessible door latch, accessible sink with knee clearance, easy-to-use faucets and adult change table.

Support persons welcome

Support persons are welcome to provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or access to facilities. Please check with the organization about entry fees, if applicable.

Service animals welcome

Service animal can be identified by visual indicators (guide dog or other animal wearing a vest/harness); or documentation available from a regulated health professional to confirm the animal is required due to a disability.

Information available in alternative format

Accessible formats (e.g. for menus, brochures, etc) and communication supports are provided in a timely manner upon request at no extra charge in consultation with the person making the request.

Accessible washroom

An accessible washroom stall has adequate manoeuvring room for mobility devices. Includes grab bars, transfer space, accessible door latch, sink with knee clearance, and lever handles or automatic sensor faucets.

Accessible drop-off location

Passenger drop-off is available by an accessible entrance.

Accessible recreation trails

One or more accessible trails with firm and stable surface. All slopes, ramps, handrails, boardwalks and signage comply with the technical requirements of Ontario's accessibility laws.

Accessible parking

At least one identified, reserved parking space with a safe, clearly marked accessible route from the designated parking area to an accessible building entrance.

Accessible entrances/exits

A sufficiently wide, hard surfaced, unobstructed path, no steps or equipped with ramp connecting to a public entrance or exit and identified by signage. Automatic door openers, adequate manoeuvring room in front of door.

More about Cheltenham Badlands

Visitors can enjoy a full view of the Cheltenham Badlands while along the 1,330 metre portion of the Bruce Trail or the shorter 325 metre Badlands Trail. The Bruce Trail traverses the path between Creditview Road and the Badlands parking area on Olde Base Line Road, while the Badlands Trail connects it to the popular shale feature. Learn more about the Badlands through new interpretative signage located along the trails and enjoy the renowned Caledon scenery framing the trails and Badlands.

Make the Cheltenham Badlands part of a fun-filled day trip in the great Caledonian outdoors. There are several conservation areas nearby that are under a 10 minute drive away. Visit the neighboring Terra Cotta Conservation Area, with its gorgeous lakes, forests and nature trails or the picturesque waterfalls, hanging bridges and stunning foliage at Belfountain Conservation Area. Sample the tastiest of Caledon’s ciders at Spirit Tree Estate Cidery. Serving handcrafted artisan hard ciders as well as stone oven breads and pastries on their seasonal, locally-sourced menu, you can be sure to end your day of exploration with a happy fizzle.

Last updated: August 18, 2023