Amelie CameronIt was in the beautiful countryside of Caledon amidst wide fields of flowers and rolling hills did I discover my quite extreme allergy to flowers. Despite the relentless sneezing the entire time, I found myself tearing up for happier reasons.
Caledon’s natural scenery can be overwhelmingly beautiful. Known to be less urbanized than its neighbors, this town has a treasure trove of nature conservation areas, farms, and areas for exploration that make the itchy eyes and runny noses worthwhile.
Curious to unravel the secrets within Caledon’s borders? Join us as we delve into the heart of this destination and treat you to a curated list of must try activities and hotspots within that should not be missed.
- Visit the Alton Mill Art Center Where Heritage Meets Creativity
- Explore the Natural Wonders at the Belfountain Conservation Area
- Hike on Canada's Longest Trail at the Bruce Trail Conservancy
- Celebrate Caledon with a Pint or 2 at the Caledon Hills Brewing Co.
- Witness A Geological Wonder at the Cheltenham Badlands
- Spend a Day Picking Fruits and Exploring Flower Fields at Dixie Orchards
- Experience a Century of Farm Fun at Downey’s Farm Market
- Explore the Natural and Historical Spots at the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
- Explore the Selection of Meats and Meals at the Heatherlea Farm Shoppe
- Browse for Blooms at the Plant Paradise Country Gardens
- Live the Equestrian Dream on the Rusty Jade Ranch
- Enjoy the Goods and Grounds of the Stonewell Lavender Farm
- Spend a Fun Day Outdoors at the Spirit Tree Estate Cidery
- Join the Maple Syrup Festival at the Terra Cotta Conservation Area
Visit the Alton Mill Art Center Where Heritage Meets Creativity
Address: 1402 Queen St W, Alton, ON L7K 0C4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 519 941 9300
Hours: Open from Wednesday to sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Located on the borders of Caledon, the Alton Mill Arts Centre is a huge property solely dedicated to celebrating art and culture. This used to be a huge mill complex until it was restored and rebuilt to house 25 art studios and several art galleries.
The best part is admission is free! So, just by visiting you can explore a variety of art from local artists working on site from paintings and pieces made from wood, glass, and clay. There are also seasonal exhibits like the annual Fire and Ice Sculpture Contest.
| Pro Tip: Apart from being the ultimate destination for art and history lovers, the Alton Mills Arts Centre is also located in a setting you should explore. If you walk around the perimeter, you’ll see a stream that leads to a small waterfall. |
Explore the Natural Wonders at the Belfountain Conservation Area
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Address: 819 Forks of the Credit Rd, Caledon, ON L7K 0E5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 800 367 0890
Hours: Open everyday 24/7, best with reservation
If you’re looking to get lost in the grandeur of nature, then the Belfountain Conservation Area is the place to be. The location is dominated by hiking trails that will take you to limestone cliffs overlooking the water and to a beautiful waterfall.
The suspension bridge is another vantage point for a bird’s eye view of the falls. There is also a river running through the area. You can walk along the riverside paths to catch views of the running water.
| Pro Tip: After spending a day at the Belfountain Conservation Area, if you have time left, explore the rest of Belfountain. Drop by the historic downtown district and check out the rows of restored buildings dating back to the 1850s. |
Hike on Canada’s Longest Trail at the Bruce Trail Conservancy
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Address: Bruce Trail, Milton, ON L9T 7L6, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 529 6821
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Aside from being the longest in the country, the Bruce Trail is also known as one of the country’s most beautiful ones. Measuring a total length of 890 km, the trail passes through the Niagara Escarpment and ends at the Bruce Peninsula in Tobermory.
The entire trail is cut up into 9 main sections, Niagara, Iroquoia, Toronto, Caledon Hills, Dufferin Hi-land, Blue Mountains, and Beaver Valley. The Caledon Hills portion takes you into hardwood forests where you can see glacial moraine deposits.
There are plenty of opportunities to spot some woodland creatures and birds here!
| Pro Tip: The easiest access point near Caledon is Chinguacousy Road in Inglewood. You;ll find a small area to park your car north of Chinguacousy with a sign pointing to the trail. This will take you to a section of the main Bruce Trail that runs for 7 km. |
Celebrate Caledon with a Pint or 2 at the Caledon Hills Brewing Co.
Address: 17219 Hwy 50, Palgrave, ON L7E 0K8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 416 988 2003
Website
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday to Wednesday from 12 pm to 8 pm
- Open from Thursday to Saturday from 12 pm to 9 pm
- Open on Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm
The Caledon Hills Brewing Co. is a family-owned brewery that sets itself apart from similar ones in the country because of the German heritage of the owners. They have over 30 years of experience and brought over German techniques into the area.
They have 11 beers on tap including pilsners, ales, iPAs, and other brews. There is also a collection of red and white wines, ciders, spirits, and mimosas. But, the most iconic one is the Vienna Lager made with Vienna malt directly sourced from Germany.
The brewery is located in a restored church that hosts events throughout the year, like live band performances and concerts. The acoustic and decor makes for a fun night!
| Pro Tip: They also have a patio on site where you can enjoy your drink. Make sure to ask for their menu for snacks they make in house. Some of the must try items are the spicy schnitzel sandwich, giant pretzels, and bavette steak and poutine. |
Witness A Geological Wonder at the Cheltenham Badlands
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Address: 1739 Olde Base Line Rd, Caledon, ON L7C 0K6, Canada
Phone Number: +1 800 367 0890
Hours: Open from April to october from 8 am to 7 pm
The iconic Cheltenham Badlands is Caledon’s most popular spot to visit. The area features a captivating landscape of hill-like structures which were formed by both natural erosion and farming activities that goes back decades.
The rows of mounds are made from eroded Queenstone shale which gives it the reddish brown color. To preserve this area, you can only view the badlands from observation decks and viewing areas, but the views are still amazing.
| Pro Tip: To get to the Cheltenham Badlands, make your way to the Olde Base Line Road. The entire trip just takes around 15 minutes from Caledon to the parking lot. You can Just a short walk from there will take you right to the main viewing platforms. |
Spend a Day Picking Fruits and Exploring Flower Fields at Dixie Orchards
Address: 14309 Dixie Rd, Inglewood, ON L7C 2M8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 838 5888
Hours: Open everyday from 10 am to 5 pm
If you think orchards are boring, then you’ve never been to the Dixie Orchards in Caledon. This family run haven offers a lot of activities you can enjoy with friends and family. The things you can do here vary every season.
During the fall, they open up their pumpkin fields where you can pick and choose your own pumpkins and participate in carving classes. The sunflower fields are also open and in full bloom during this time. The fields filled with flowers are great for photos!
Other activities that are popular here are apple and hazelnut picking. Apple season offers 20 kinds during the fall, while hazelnuts season lasts from September to October.
| Pro Tip: Before leaving, drop by the porch market where you can buy some freshly picked apples, hazelnuts, pumpkins, and flowers to take home with you. They also have baked goods, fruit james, syrups, and gelato! |
Experience a Century of Farm Fun at Downey’s Farm Market
Address: 13682 Heart Lake Rd, Caledon, ON L7C 2J5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 838 2990
Hours: Open everyday from 11 am to 4 pm
Downey’s Farm has been owned and run by the same family for over 150 years. Because of the constant expansions and improvements, the popular location has transformed to way more than your typical farms.
There’s a barn on site with farm animals that you can interact with, as well as a Kritter Koral where you can play with baby goats and ponies. You can also try milking cows!
They also have non-animal related activities to do like an entire kids playground filled with wooden structures like a play train, monster trucks, mini ziplines, rope courses, and slides.
| Pro Tip: If you’d rather not explore the entire grounds of Downey’s Farm, you can opt to go for wagon rides at 11 am and 2 pm. These take you around the entire area. For restless kids, you can rent some pedal karts and trikes that they can ride until the end of day. |
Explore the Natural and Historical Spots at the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
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Address: 17760 McLaren Rd, Caledon, ON L7K 2H8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 705 435 2498
Hours: Open everyday from 8 am to 5:30 pm
The Forks of the Credit Provincial Park is one of the spots in Caledon that we enjoyed the most. We spent an entire day here exploring most of the 5 hiking trails you can go on here. The Dominion Trail follows the Credit River and ends at the Cataract Falls.
Right beside the top of the falls is an 1820 mill that was restored to its original beauty. Other historic spots in the park are scattered throughout the area. The old railway tracks that were laid in 1879 run through a portion of the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park.
If you’re spending the entire day here, we highly recommend packing your own snacks and water to fuel up. Wearing long pants and tweezers is a must for the ticks here.
| Pro Tip: Because of the high number of visitors, the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park has enforced a vehicle permit system. You can reserve a permit in advance on the website. On the day of your visit, you scan the barcode at the electronic gate to enter. |
Explore the Selection of Meats and Meals at the Heatherlea Farm Shoppe
Address: 17049 Winston Churchill Blvd, Terra Cotta, ON L7K 1J1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 519 927 5902
Hours:
- Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm
- Open on Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm
The Heatherlea Farm Shoppe is the place locals go to and visitors plan trips to when looking for high quality meats and artisan snacks and treats. They raise their own livestock here. The Butcher Shop offers cuts of beef, pork, chicken, and other meats.
If you’d rather enjoy prepared meals already, then the Heatherlea Cafe can satisfy your cravings. Serving literal farm to table meals like hearty sandwiches, rich desserts, and fresh vegetable and fruit salads, everything here is made with the best ingredients.
The Farmer Gord’s Steak Sandwich made with Heatherlea grown angus steak, mushroom aioli, and peppers is a must try.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the high quality baked goods from the Shoppe & Bakery. Try any of their hand rolled pastries made with their self produced butter, milk, eggs, and flour. The most popular items are cookies and pies. |
Browse for Blooms at the Plant Paradise Country Gardens
Address: 16258 Humber Station Rd, Caledon East, ON L7E 0Y9, Canada
Phone Number:+1 905 880 9090
Hours: Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm
Plant Paradise Country Gardens is a botanical garden in Caledon East where you can find over 150 species of flowers that bloom during different parts of the year. To drop by for a visit, you need to schedule a time slot by calling or on the website.
Once you get there, you can ask the staff for assistance in finding the flowers you’re looking for. If you don’t have anything in mind, you’re free to explore the outdoor fields or the greenhouses they have on site.
They put extra care in what they do by only using organic gardening methods with no need for pesticides and herbicides.
| Pro Tip: For a more educational exploration, you can opt for one of the guided tours offered from May to October. The staff guiding you will share insights into the flowers as well as advice and tips for your home garden. |
Live the Equestrian Dream on the Rusty Jade Ranch
Address: 18070 Duffy’s Ln, Palgrave, ON L7E 3C4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 880 3222
Hours:
- Open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Open on Saturday from 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Open on Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
The Rusty Jade Ranch was an unplanned spot added to our Caledon travel list after it was recommended by one of the locals we met while hiking. This place is perfect for you if you want to try horseback riding but aren’t quite sure where to start.
Offering immersive one-hour trail rides, you’re paired with a horse and guided by knowledgeable experts along the scenic Caledon trails. Depending on which time of the year you drop by, different trails are available to choose from.
The Private Greenhorn Trail is perfect during the winter! If you’re interested in honing your equestrian skills, they have riding lessons too!
| Pro Tip: If you enjoy your time here and want an extended stay, they have a spot within the grounds with private cabins for overnight guests. In the morning, you can participate in unique activities like horse and goat yoga classes. |
Enjoy the Goods and Grounds of the Stonewell Lavender Farm
Address: 9762 Wellington Rd 42, Erin, ON N0B 1T0, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 757 8781
Hours: Open on everyday from 9 am to 3 pm during the season
The Stonewell Lavender Farm centers on the collection of lavender plants, but once you see the wide fields of purple stretching out, you’ll understand why this place is so special. You’ll enjoy exploring over 4000 plants and a line of lavender goods.
This family-run farm offers intimate group tours through lush lavender fields, providing a glimpse into the intricate process of planning and planting the lavender. The guides will also share the care these plants need up until the distillation process.
Right after, you should drop by the shop to see the scrubs, lotions, scents, and oils they make from the lavender. Try the Lavender Blend Tea and the Shortbread Cookies!
| Pro Tip: One of the main features that most visitors miss is the Farmhouse. Constructed in 1872, the Gothic Revival structure is a sight to see among the sea of purple. You can visit it or book it for an overnight stay at the Stonewall Farm. |
Spend a Fun Day Outdoors at the Spirit Tree Estate Cidery
Address: 1137 Boston Mills Rd, Caledon, ON L7C 0N1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 905 838 2530
Hours:
- Open on Thursday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
- Open on Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm
You can enjoy a full day of fun at the Spirit Tree Estate Cidery. The main attraction here is a tour that lets you get a glimpse of the behind the scenes process of how they make their award winning ciders. It includes a tour of the orchard, distillery, and the cellars.
This usually takes 45 minutes that pass right by as they let you sip on their cider while walking around. If you’d rather enjoy your drinks in peace, you can just opt for a cider tasting.
| Pro Tip: Don’t worry about lunch. The Spirit Tree Estate Cidery has an on site restaurant that serves wood oven pizzas. There are also regular live music performances in the cider gardens that you can enjoy with your meal with a glass of cider. |
Join the Maple Syrup Festival at the Terra Cotta Conservation Area
Address: 14452 Winston Churchill Blvd, Halton Hills, ON L7G 0N9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 800 367 0890
Hours: Open everyday from 8 am to 6 pm
One of the most popular events in the area is the Maple Syrup in the Park which is held on the grounds of the Terra Cotta Conservation Area. You can collect your own syrup from the trees there.
Terra Cotta Conservation Area offers more than just being the venue for this fun event. Spanning 485 acres within the Niagara Escarpment, this conservation area boasts over ten kilometers of trails, where you can encounter wildlife too.
| Pro Tip: Other activities to try during the winter are cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. Just make sure you dress warmly so you don’t get sick from the cold. |
