Not far from Toronto is an out-of-this-world-looking landscape that attracts visitors every Spring, Summer, and Fall. Why not Winter? It’s because the red rocks of Cheltenham Badlands in Caledon, Ontario are not visible under a layer of snow.
It looks like a hilly, red desert in the middle of a forested area just north of Toronto. But it’s actually soft rock that has no vegetation on it. The red hue comes from the iron oxide in the Queenston Shale that forms the small rounded hills and gullies.
It’s the Cheltenham Badlands, a rare sight in Ontario.
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Viewing The Cheltenham Badlands Up Close
As of 2019, there is a new boardwalk for visitors to use. But what we experienced was back in 2011, when people were crawling all over the hills.
We checked out the site to take photos and enjoy the view. While some visitors climbed over the hills, I was happy to stay to the peripheries to ensure that I didn’t damage the site.
Photographers love coming here to take photos as the hills and the consistent red colour of the iron-rich soil makes for interesting shots. In black and white, you focus on the smooth, rolling lines and fine grainy rock. It ends up looking like the moon in these kinds of monochrome photos.
The area is delicate and jumping, climbing, digging or sliding down the hills will damage it for future visitors. The Cheltenham Badlands are designated an Earth Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).
Soil erosion from farming can strip away so much it leaves the hard rock exposed. This is what happened here. The slate was exposed and its iron created the reddish hue. Originally, this land was a river bed many thousands of years ago. This is evident from the hills that remain.
Visiting the Cheltenham Badlands is a must if you’re doing a day trip in the Caledon, Forks of the Credit River, or Belfountain area.
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Directions To Cheltenham Badlands
From /Mississauga, take Highway 10 (Hurontario Street) north past Brampton to Old Base Line Road. Turn left (west). The parking lot is located here. There are 33 spots. For more information check out the CVC page for the Cheltenham Badlands.
NOTE: Please stay off of the landscape itself. These photos were taken before the new boardwalk was installed. Parking is available at the parking lot.
Other Places Nearby To Explore On A Day Trip From Toronto
If you’re checking out the Cheltenham Badlands, add these spots to the list of places to
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2 Comments
Margaret – I’ve driven by there and wondered what they were! Now I know – thanks!
Audrey – then my job is done! I hope you’ll take a moment next time you are in the area to check it out on foot. It’s such an unusual landscape.