Over 20 ‘ghost hamlets’ and a geological gem await just one hour from Toronto

You won’t have to leave the Greater Toronto Area to check an epic experience off your summer bucket list. Caledon is home to over 20 “ghost hamlets” and a geological gem that makes for some gorgeous photos – all just one hour away from the city by car.

A quick visit to Visit Caledon puts you right in the know, stating that the municipality consists of urban centres as well as rural hamlets.

As for the ghost hamlets in Caledon and the surrounding area, there are 21 to check out. What is a ghost hamlet? Places that were once home to small communities and were “unable to sustain a large enough population to maintain village status.”

According to the Town of Caledon, many of these communities were built for important facilities back in the day, like general stores and churches.

The Cheltenham Badlands are another popular stop in Caledon, one of the most recognizable and visited natural heritage landmarks in Southern Ontario.

This “geological gem” was first formed at the base of an ancient sea over 450 million years ago. Visitors can take in the view from an accessible boardwalk, educational and interpretive signs and trails. The Cheltenham Badlands span a whopping 36 hectares (91 acres), so you certainly won’t run out of things to explore.

To end your day in Caledon, I recommend stopping at one of my favourite places: Caledon Hills Brewing Company. The home brews are incredible (the mango wheat ale is my top pick), and the food is 10 out of 10. You can’t go wrong with the nachos, giant pretzel or the chicken schnitzel sandwich. They also have an adorable patio, which is perfect for dining on a warm summer evening.

Your Caledon itinerary is set!

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