This Boardwalk Trail Near Toronto Takes You Over Rolling Red Hills & It Just Reopened

Here's how you can visit!

Cheltenham Badlands in Caledon, Ontario.

Cheltenham Badlands in Caledon, Ontario.

Lead Writer, Travel

Looking for a day trip near Toronto? These spectacular red hills are just under an hour from the city, and you can finally visit them again this season.

The Cheltenham Badlands officially reopened on April 30, and you can take a boardwalk trail through the vibrant landscape. The natural wonder was actually created at the base of a sea over 450 million years ago.


Featuring 91 scenic acres, the Badlands are one of the most visited natural heritage landmarks in southern Ontario. The red hills were formed when the topsoil eroded away due to farming practices, exposing the Queenston shale beneath. Weather conditions then created the "unique ridge and gully landscape" that you see today.

A boardwalk and viewing platform stretches just over half a kilometre across the land. You can take in the scenery and snap some beautiful photos from there. You can also explore the Badlands Trail, which connects the viewing platform to the Bruce Trail and leads through a forest.

It's important to stay on the trails in order to preserve the Badlands. If you're planning on visiting, you'll have to make a reservation first.

Spots can be booked online from $10. This includes a parking space. The area is open through the fall, so there's plenty of time to see it.

There are lots of other natural wonders to be explored in Ontario this season. From underground caverns to turquoise swimming holes, you can enjoy some of the spectacular gems the province has to offer.


Cheltenham Badlands

Price: $10 + per entry

Address: 1739 Olde Base Line Rd., Caledon, ON

Why You Need To Go: Explore these otherworldly red hills which have just reopened for the season.

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Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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