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Red Queenston shale formations at Cheltenham Badlands, Caledon
EscarpmentEasyBest in Summer

Cheltenham Badlands

Caledon·2.3 km·30-60 minutes

Length

2.3 km

Elevation

30 m

Surface

Mixed

Type

Out & Back

One of Ontario's most surreal landscapes, the Cheltenham Badlands features exposed Queenston Shale formations in vivid red and green hues — the result of topsoil erosion on 450-million-year-old rock. A short boardwalk and the Bruce Trail provide access to this nationally significant geological site in the Caledon hills.

Highlights

Red Queenston Shale formations450-million-year-old geologyboardwalk viewpointsBruce Trail accessCaledon hills scenery

Amenities

  • Dog-friendly
  • Stroller-friendly
  • Washrooms

Getting There

Transit

No direct transit. Drive Highway 410 north to Highway 10, then west on Olde Base Line Road. About 50 minutes from downtown Toronto.

Parking

On-site parking requires advance reservation through ParkPass ($6.50/hour or $10 for 2 hours). Limited and restricted to 2-hour maximum. No roadside parking.

View on Google Maps

Seasonal Notes

Best: Summer

Open seasonally May through October only. Reservations mandatory. Stay on the boardwalk — walking on the shale formations is strictly prohibited. Best visited after rain when the colours are most vivid.

Official Trail Page

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