The Cheltenham badlands was a place I’d wanted to visit since last year but had never made active plans to go to.

As someone who doesn’t own a car, visiting a lot of places that aren’t nearby or accessible by bus can be quite challenging.

So when my friend said she wanted to visit I was super happy because:

#1 She drives

#2 I do love spending time with her, she’s one of my bestest besties

#3 I’d finally get to see the badlands

So what exactly are these badlands you may be wondering.

Well “Badlands” is actually a geologic term used for an area of soft rock that has zero vegetation and the soil cover has become molded into a rolling landscape of rounded hills and gullies.

Sounds pretty neat, right.

We made plans to see the badlands and then go for a hike on one of the trails nearby.

A guide to visiting the Cheltenham Badlands

Getting there

The badlands are located in Guelph, about 45 mins away from Toronto.

There’s a small 33 car parking lot on Old Baseline Road with a steep $10 fee that grants you 2 hours of parking privilege. 

2 hours really is all you need as there is not that much to see if you’re just going to visit the badlands.

There is also an accessible parking space adjacent to the viewing platform.

If you plan on hiking one of the shorter trails, 2 hours is still a decent time frame.

Some things to know before going

Over the years, because of the number of visitors trekking over the badlands, damage was caused  to them, with people leaving their garbage over the natural wonder and not treating it respectfully.

It was also causing erosion at a much more rapid rate than normal.

Therefore, you can no longer walk on the badlands. (I know, wipe that tear away now)

There are boardwalks and a viewing platform that was built for visitors to walk on.

Bring bug spray.

If you are sticking to the badlands and the viewing platform, you don’t need to worry about this.

If you are planning on hiking the trails, prepare for the mosquitoes. You should be okay if you use insect repellent, I recommend using a Deep woods Off or Muskol Insect repellant lotion.  I like to using both (not at the same time though) when embarking on these outings where bugs can be expected to be lurking around.

Now there are two formal trails, the Bruce trail spanning 1330 m and the much smaller Badlands trail which is just 325 m.

You can choose to park and take the trail or walk around on the sidewalk along the main road straight to the boardwalk.

My experience at the badlands

The trip to the Badlands was definitely worth it. I was a little sad that we couldn’t walk on the Badlands and get right up and close with this natural beauty but I totally understand and respect why they closed it off to the public.

I still enjoyed walking along the boardwalk and taking in the view.

Walking part of the Bruce trail was an experience.

I think we got about 20 mins or so in when we decided to turn back because there were just too many mosquitoes. Aackk.

The beginning of the trek was okay, but as we crossed some streams and got into deeper wooded territory, we found lots of groups of mosquitoes and decided not to continue.

We actually decided to hike on a trial nearby that was lovely and pretty much mosquito free. You can read about it here.

If you haven’t made it to the Badlands yet , I definitely suggest heading there to experience this area that is so rare in our very own Ontario.

Until next time, stay blessed ♡

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Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.

-John Muir

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This is the 3rd post from my summer of fun series. Click here to read my summer of fun blog post and here to read about my trip to Terre Blue Lavender farm. Make sure you’re making the most of your summer!