Cheltenham Badlands

Ontario is home to many geological delights, from the Peterborough petroglyphs to the Bonnechere caves. But perhaps one of the most unique wonders is the Cheltenham Badlands located in Caledon, Ontario. 

Formed at the base of a 450-million year old ancient sea, the 91-acre land has become a distinctive landscape with its unique red colour, due to iron oxidation in the soil. The many grey lines across the soil were caused by a chemical reaction with the acidic groundwater which flowed over the shale. 

When I first visited the Badlands, visitors were freely able to roam the geological wonder. However, this further eroded the landscape and since there have been many protective fences preventing visitors from walking on the delicate formations. Visitors can now walk the constructed boardwalk to view the Badlands. You not only can follow the boardwalk to see the Badlands, but you can also continue to walk the 1.33km section of the nearby Bruce Trail through the forest if time and weather permit. 

Note that if you plan to visit the Badlands, they are closed for the winter beginning at the end of October and re-opening in May. Additionally, you must reserve a timeslot which can be found on their website (I have linked it below). 

If you do go visit the magnificent Cheltenham Badlands, be sure to stay on all marked trails and boardwalks so that the Badlands remain preserved for future generations.