Just outside Toronto is a rare geological formation unlike anything else in Southern Ontario: the Cheltenham Badlands.
Located along the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Badlands were created millions of years ago by a massive deposit of iron.
The Cheltenham Badlands, owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust and managed by the Credit Valley Conservation, are a group of unique red hills located in the Caledon area. The red rock is Queenston Shale, formed about 450 million years ago when the area was covered by a shallow sea.
Much later, the land was cleared for farming, and essential the dirt was washed away exposing the shale. Rain and melting snow carved the gullies and ridges that give the Badlands their amazing appearance today.
We visited the area recently, and it offers both a short hike to the viewing area as well as an extended hiking option by hooking up with the Bruce Trail.
Visitors must make an online appointment and get a reservation number before entering. There is no gatehouse, only a gate that requires a reservation code.
From there, it is an easy 10-minute walk to the Badlands. It’s not a huge area, it is basically one hillside and a boardwalk from which to view. Visitors are not allowed to walk in the actual site, since it is so rare. In fact, the park sometimes closes completely to the public so be sure to check ahead of time.
There are a number of other parks, great markets and stops such as Goodlot Brewing to fill out a spectacular fall day.
But, seeing the Cheltenham Badlands up close is a fantastic experience. There is nothing else like it in Ontario.