The Cheltenham Badlands site located at 1739 Olde Base Line Road in Caledon, is owned by Ontario Heritage Trust. The property is stewarded by, and the trails maintained by, the Caledon Hills Bruce Trail Club under an operating agreement between Ontario Heritage Trust and the Bruce Trail Conservancy.
What are the Cheltenham Badlands:
The exposed bedrock at the Cheltenham Badlands is Queenston Shale, and this iron-rich shale was deposited over 445 million years ago. Due to the removal of vegetation during land clearing and livestock grazing in the early 1900s, the shale has eroded into a series of hummocks and gullies, producing the distinctive landscape. The striking landscape of the Cheltenham Badlands is one of Ontario’s geological treasures and is one of the best examples of Badland topography in the province. Today, the Cheltenham Badlands is recognized as a provincially significant Earth Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest.
Over the years, the distinctive landscape of the Cheltenham Badlands has been attracting increasing numbers of visitors, resulting in accelerated erosion of the sensitive red shale surface and permanently changing its unique appearance. Due to the sensitive nature of the site, Ontario Heritage Trust has provided a viewing platform to enjoy the unique topography. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the Bruce Trail through the property, but may not access the badlands topography beyond the viewing platform.
Hours:
May to November, dawn to dusk
By reservation only
Entrance fees:
Entrance fees are charged per vehicle. All transactions must be made through ParkPass. Most bookings are for 90 minutes. Limited spots are available, however, for three-hour bookings.
• Monday to Friday: $10 + HST for 90-minute visit
• Weekends and holidays: $20 + HST for 90-minute visit
• Monday to Friday: $18 + HST for three-hour visit
• Weekends and holidays: $35 + HST for three-hour visit
Portable washrooms available on site
to book your parking! (note: this will open a new tab)