Cheltenham Badlands

Photo Credit: Day Trips Canada

The Cheltenham Badlands are a bizarre geographical spectacle that lies hidden in the Caledon Hills. This area consists of bare, windswept red hills and gullies that are very similar to that of the Alberta badlands. What makes them so bizarre is that they are found in Ontario.

The reddish hue of the Queenston Shale is caused by iron oxide, while narrow greenish bands show where groundwater has transformed the rock from red to green iron oxide. The cause of this phenomenon was poor farming practices in the 1930’s which caused overgrazing of this land and the resultant exposure of the Queenston shale that supports little or no vegetation.

Although the Cheltenham Badlands span a vast area, the best location for visitors is along Old Base Line Road, just east of Creditview Road. Care should be taken as this area is very fragile. Visitors should not climb on the hills after a rainfall or when the ground appears soft. Bring your camera in the afternoon for some fantastic "Mars" like shots.