Are you scouring the web, wondering what to do in Caledon, Ontario? If you’re like me – a frequent day tripper with a penchant for uncovering hidden gems in Ontario – you’re in for a treat. I’ll share my list of fun things to do in Caledon Ontario!
Nestled near Toronto, Caledon isn’t just a picturesque escape; it’s a destination for those seeking a day filled with charm, nature, and unforgettable experiences.
As a local explorer who’s made countless day trips with my dog to Caledon, I’ve come to appreciate the unique allure of this tranquil corner of Ontario.
So, if you’re anything like me and love day trips in Ontario, stick around. In this guide, we’ll find scenic trails and discover charming local spots that make Caledon an ideal day trip destination. I promise you’ll leave with a list of amazing Caledon attractions.
So pack the car, and let’s take a road trip together! Caledon, here we come!
Table of Contents
Caledon Tourist Attractions
1. Cheltenham Badlands
Let’s start with the place that has put Caledon on the map – the Cheltenham Badlands! Of all attractions on the things to do Caledon list, this one is hands down the coolest thing you’ll ever see in southern Ontario.
It is considered to be the geological gem that was formed at the base of an ancient sea over 450 million years ago. The rolling red rock will make you feel as if you’ve landed on the moon.
I use the dog-friendly trails often and it never ceases to amaze me every time I see it. It’s a Toronto bucket list for many!
📍20073 Porterfield Road (Regional Road 136) Alton | 🌐 Reservations are required
2. Alton Mills Art Centre
You don’t have to be just an art lover to enjoy a visit here. Hidden gem explorers, architectural admirers, history buffs and culture seekers this is one of those Caledon places to visit that appeals to just about everyone.
What’s there not to love about art set in an 1880s stone mill turned art gallery? You’re bound to find several artists on-site too. I got to chatting with one of them (shout out to Julia Vandepolder) where she happily talked about what inspires her.
📍1402 Queen St. West, Alton | 🌐 Alton Mill Arts Centre
Things to Do in Caledon Ontario
3. The Villages of Caledon
There are so many quaint hamlets and villages to visit in Caledon. Each one offers something uniquely different. You won’t need to spend a lot of time at each one, which means you can visit a few of these in one day.
Places to Caledon you’ll want to visit:
- Alton: settled in 1820, this historic village lies on the banks of Shaw’s Creek and almost every home was built pre-1900s and has loads of character.
- Belfountain: settled in 1825, this pretty little village lies on the Forks of the Credit Road and features a beautiful conservation area.
- Caledon East: settled in 1820, this tiny hamlet lies at the crossroads of the busy Hwy 10 and Regional Road 24. Blink and you might miss it, but it’s worth a stop. A post office from 1839, the first log schoolhouse from 1828, and the first acetylene gas station to provide gas for street lamps are just some of the interesting facts you’ll find here.
- Cheltenham: settled in 1822, is best known for its dramatic landscape of the Cheltenham Badlands and Caledon’s only general store, the historic Cheltenham General Store of 1887.
- Inglewood: settled in 1883, this rural hamlet features the original general store and railway hotel amongst the scenic hills. Inglewood is known for its premium golf courses and fish-stocked ponds.
- Terra Cotta: settled in 1855, is located on the banks of the Credit River and features a Grist mill and sawmill, along with brickworks from the local red clay. A former blacksmith shop can be found by visiting the Forge Park Picnic Shelter.
4. Hiking in Caledon
What to do in Caledon Ontario? It’s got to be the amazing outdoor adventures!
Nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and adventure enthusiasts know this area as offering some of the best outdoor activities in Ontario.
It’s where the Niagara Escarpment and the Oak Ridges Moraine collide producing rolling hills, vistas, waterfalls, and caves. The ever-popular Bruce Trail runs through here and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve hiked on it with my dog. He loves it just as much as I do!
I also love the Belfountain Conservation Area. Its easy, yet scenic hiking trails, make this a great spot for families, with or without a dog. A suspension bridge with a view of a beautiful waterfall and an instagrammable “belle” fountain are all reasons to go!
The Forks of the Credit River is where you will find those infamous hikes on the Bruce Trail and Trans Canada Trail. This is a must-visit spot for hikers.
It’s also where you’ll find biking and fishing as well as the beautiful Cataract Falls. I love coming here in the late spring and early fall as there are fewer crowds, otherwise, you need to book your daily access to the Provincial Park.
The Terra Cotta Conservation Area is 485 acres of the Niagara Escarpment where you’ll find mature forests, babbling brooks, wetlands, and ponds. Dog-friendly trails for hiking and biking trails turn into cross-country ski trails in the winter.
5. Food in Caledon
There is just something so charming about eateries in small Ontario towns. There’s just something so heartwarming about these family-run businesses. The food is often simple, but oh-so tasty. Or they are chef-run restaurants looking to make a simple life for themselves but still doing what they love to do- make delicious food!
Here are just some of the places I’ve been to over the years and highly recommend them for you.
- Gather Café: go for their lattes (chai latte for me), but this cafe offers choices for breakfast, lunch (for their wraps) and dinner (wood-burning pizza) 📍19793 Main St, Alton
- Higher Ground Café: go for their coffees and baked goods. I can never resist the temptation of a butter tart, nor should you! It’s also the spot to get your ice cream in the summer 📍17277 Old Main St, Belfountain
- The Common Good: go for just about everything from baked goods (love the carrot cake loaf) to lunch (quiche of the day or sandwiches) and it’s dog-friendly and features a charming outdoor terrace beside a babbling brook 📍10 Credit Park St, Belfountain
- Rays 3rd Generation Bistro Bakery: go for their legendary cinnamon buns, but get there early as they do sell out with the locals fast📍1475 Queen Street, Caledon
- Terra Cotta Country Store: go for their baked goods, and get one of each of their giant cookies and carrot cake with cream cheese icing 📍119 King St, Terra Cotta (Local’s tip: this country store is seasonal and doesn’t always keep regular hours)
- Headwaters Restaurant at Millcroft Inn & Spa: for that special romantic dinner this is it, I’ve enjoyed my birthday and anniversary dinners here amongst the backdrop of the falls from the floor-to-ceiling windows 📍 55 John St, Alton
6. Drink in Caledon
This might surprise you, but there is a great microbrewery scene in Caledon. For things to do in Caledon this weekend the spot to go is Spirit Tree Estate Cidery where on the weekends only, they offer outdoor entertainment in the summer.
Picnic-style dining on the lawn from their on-site grill restaurant and be sure to visit their store for the delicious homemade bread.
Here are others to check out too:
- Spirit Tree Estate Cidery 📍1137 Boston Mills Road, Caledon, Ontario
- GoodLot Farmstead Brewing Co. 📍18825 Shaws Creek Rd, Caledon
- Badlands Brewing Company 📍13926 Chinguacousy Rd, Caledon
- Caledon Hills 📍17219 Highway 50, Palgrave
8. Hidden Gems in Caledon
On the outskirts of the village of Belfountain, visit the Melville White Church and cemetery dating to 1837. Isn’t is so eye catching, that it makes for a great photograph!
A couple more cultural hidden gems include:
- The Caledon Downtown Hall Players: a community theatre in the old township hall built in 1875📍18365 Hurontario St, Caledon
- Great War Flying Museum: learn more about WWI aviation through its collection of planes and artifacts📍13961 McLaughlin Rd, Cheltenham
- Cory Trépanier: an art gallery featuring Cory’s paintings inspired by Wild Places 📍16662 The Gore Rd, Caledon
9. Orchards in Caledon
You can’t help yourself but stop along the scenic road at least one of the farms in Caledon.
These large on-farm markets are the best way to support local farmers but also know that you are getting the freshest produce in return.
And, they are not just for locals. They draw many from afar and has become one of the best things to see in Caledon.
Albion Orchards: voted as one of the top 4 apple orchards in Canada by both the Food Network and Chatelaine Magazine how can you not visit here? This family-run farm offers you a pick-your-own-apples experience, a pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm, and a country store featuring all things apple.
📍14800 Innis Lake Rd, Caledon East | 🌐 Albion Orchards | Open from September to December (not dog friendly)
Dixie Orchards: along with apple picking and a pumpkin patch you’ll be able to experience one of the most unique things to do in Caledon. Nut picking. That’s right, learn how to pick your nuts in their hazelnut orchard. Visit in August and you will be able to get one of those instagrammable photo ops in their sunflower fields.
📍14309 Dixie Rd, Inglewood
Downey’s Farm: known as a strawberry apple farm, but is now open from spring to fall selling other local produce like corn and pumpkins. The onsite country store sells its preserves and wine (Grumpy Old Goat). Starting in June, this is a pick-your-own strawberry farm, then corn into July-August and a popular pumpkin patch come fall.
📍13682 Heart Lake Rd, Town Of Caledon (not dog friendly)
10. Places to Visit Near Caledon
And lastly, things to do near Caledon include a visit to the Village of Erin Ontario which borders Caledon to the east.
Founded in 1820, Erin has a charming main street lined with typical shops you expect to find in a small town. It reminded me of St Marys with its small downtown shops and nearby river.
Start your tour of the downtown at the quaint Maddie Hatter Tea Shop Café. I enjoyed a lovely high tea. The service was warm and friendly, and the array of sweet and savoury selection was delicious.
Debora’s Chocolates is a long standing favourite as are the couple of gift shops that will leave you persuring for hours.
Places to See in Caledon via Guess Where Trips
Have you heard of Guess Where Trips yet? They are a Canadian company that creates surprise itineraries bringing you to places that you’ve never heard of before, just like this one! They are hidden gem explorers, just like me!
Guess Where Trips specializes in taking you to places that are off the beaten path. One of their day trips called Vistas, Falls & Caves includes visiting places in Caledon as part of their surprise itinerary.
Some of the places to go in Caledon that are included in the Vistas, Falls & Caves day trip include:
- an adorable hamlet as your first stop. I won’t tell you which one, but I will say it’s my favourite on my full list!
- a short hike and discover the undiscovered
- refuel at one of the recommended places to eat and drink
This is where this adventure continues, but leaves Caledon and takes you to the Halton region for more.
To get 10% off any Guess Where Trips adventure, use this link and the coupon code of RENEE10.
FAQ About Caledon Things to Do
When is the best time to visit Caledon, Ontario?
The best time to visit Caledon is summer for its popular hiking and biking trails, while autumn transforms the area into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours. Winter welcomes snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, with wildlife sightings likely. Late winter and early spring bring the sweet allure of Caledon’s renowned maple syrup harvestings.
What are the best picnic spots in Caledon?
Some of the best picnic spots in Caledon are Glen Haffy Conservation Park, Belfountain Conservation Area, Terra Cotta Conservation Area and Forks of the Credit River.
What are some date ideas in Caledon?
Start with a walk in nature at Belfoutain Conservation Area, next, enjoy a picnic lunch and wine tasting at Spirit Tree Cidery followed by a visit to Alton Mill Arts Centre to admire some art.
What are tips for visiting Caledon, Ontario?
Plan you visit to Caledon, Ontario by booking in advance at the Conservation and provincial parks. Be cautious with scenic landscapes, as some may be private property and respect local residents by parking only in permitted areas. Support local businesses by buying goods locally.
As a Holidaymaker
I just know you’ll enjoy this action-packed day(s) in Caledon Ontario as much as I did! I’m always looking for dog-friendly day trips near me and Caledon and this is one of our favourites!
Caledon, Ontario reminded me a bit of Norfolk County, another great option for a day trip, offering beautiful beaches, orchards, and vineyards to explore.
