Here in Ontario, we are so blessed to have so many diverse landscapes to discover, from the mineral-rich Canadian Shield to sparkling freshwater lakes, grassy lowlands, and beyond.
One especially unique destination is found just a short drive from Toronto in Caledon, named the Cheltenham Badlands.
With a very distinctive reddish-tinged terrain of ridges and gullies, the area is almost reminiscent of Mars, spanning 36 hectares surrounded by forest.
The Cheltenham Badlands are a prime example of Queenston Shale, a soft, iron-rich rock that dates back over 450 million years to the Ordovician period. Over time, human activity and natural erosion exposed the shale, giving rise to the striking red and green rolling landscape seen today.
This landscape is not just beautiful – it’s also ecologically sensitive. The vibrant red color comes from iron oxide, and the unique undulations were formed due to poor farming practices in the early 20th century, which led to the topsoil being stripped away.
While visitors could once actually walk on the formations up until 2015, the area has since been preserved as a natural heritage landmark to reduce sediment loss and shale erosion. Trespassing is now prohibited.
Luckily, you can still view the breathtaking landscape from surrounding trails and viewing platforms between mid-May and October.
Reservations are also required, along with an entrance fee charged per vehicle starting at $10. All transactions must be made through ParkPass, which you can find here!
The park will officially open for the season on May 9 until November 17, 2025, daily from dawn to dusk. You can find the Badlands located at 1739 Olde Base Line Road, Caledon.
Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or simply looking for a unique day trip near Toronto, the Cheltenham Badlands should be on your bucket list.