The Cheltenham Badlands

Outlandish Landscape

Looking distinctly like Martian topography, the Cheltenam Badlands are a bizarre geographical spectacle that lie hidden in the Caledon Hills. "Badlands" is a geological term for an area of soft rock devoid of vegetation and soil cover that has become molded over time into softly undulating hills and gullies. The reddish hue of the Queenston Shale is caused by iron oxide, while narrow greenish bands show where circulating groundwater has transformed the rock from red to green iron oxide. This distinctive geological phenomena is extremely rare in Ontario, and the Cheltenham Badlands are one of the best examples in the province.

Space Explorer

After being acquired by the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 2000 the Cheltenham Badlands were placed under the care of the Bruce Trail Association. As a part of the Bruce Trail, the Badlands are available for those keen to discover what walking on Mars might feel like. The Caledon Bruce Trail Club offers guided hikes to both members and non-members, and suggested routes can be found on the Toronto Hiking and the Bruce Trail Association websites.