This distinctive and seemingly dead landscape in Caledon (badlands) was formed at the bottom of an ancient sea more than 400 million years ago. The natural site is one of the most visited natural attractions in southern Ontario.
The red colour of the land is due to iron oxide deposits caused by seepage of groundwater, which turns the red iron oxide into green iron oxide.
Cheltenham Badland is located on the southeast side of Olde Base Line Road, between Creditview and Chinguacousy roads, west of Highway 10 in Caledon, and is characterized by the exposed and eroded shales of the Queenston Shale. The formation is located along the Niagara Escarpment.
Cheltenham Badlands is owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust. The Cheltenham Badlands in Caledon (near Terra Cotta) are now accessible only under the rules applicable to reserves.
