Caledon Travel Guide

From hiking and biking to indulging in local food and culture, this guide covers everything to make your trip to Caledon, Canada, a memorable experience.


Are you looking for a charming town in Canada for your next vacation? Caledon, located in Peel, is an excellent choice. Caledon is part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Ontario and offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities, local culture, and historical landmarks. You will fall in love with this town’s stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and mouth-watering food. In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about Caledon, including places to visit, things to do, and local customs.

Introduction to Caledon

Caledon is a small town that boasts scenic landscapes and a laid-back lifestyle. It covers an area of more than 680 km², making it the largest municipality in the GTA in terms of land area. Caledon is home to a diverse population that is proud of its history and heritage. The town is a great example of how urban and rural lifestyles can coexist and complement each other.

List of Places to Visit in Caledon

Caledon has many places to visit, ranging from museums to scenic nature trails. Here are some of the must-visit attractions in Caledon:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Alton Mill Arts Centre: This art center features the work of local artists and has several studios, galleries, and exhibition spaces.
  • Cheltenham Badlands: These are rare terrain formations formed by erosion. It’s a great destination for hikers and geology enthusiasts.
  • Terra Cotta Conservation Area: A picturesque natural area featuring Cedar Trail, which is excellent for hiking and bird watching.
  • Caledon Trailway: This historic trail is frequented by visitors for biking, hiking, and horseback riding.

Natural Attractions of Caledon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Belfountain Conservation Area: An ideal picnic spot, featuring a beautiful waterfall and scenic ponds.
  • Forks of the Credit Provincial Park: A haven for hikers and nature lovers, with various trails for all skill levels.
  • Bruce Trail: This iconic trail is perfect for hiking and exploring Caledon’s natural beauty.
  • Caledon Hills State Park: An excellent bird watching destination, and great for activities like fishing and cycling.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Caledon

Caledon is renowned for its hiking and biking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Regardless of your hiking or biking skills, you will find a suitable trail in Caledon. Here are some of the most remarkable trails to explore in Caledon:

  • Caledon Trailway: This trail stretches 35 km from Terra Cotta to Tottenham and is ideal for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
  • Bruce Trail: This 890 km trail runs through Caledon and features breathtaking scenery.
  • The Great Trail: It’s a 24,000 km trail network and is ideal for hiking, biking, skiing, and snowmobiling. The trail passes through Caledon, including former railway corridors that offer gentle hikes for visitors who prefer a leisurely pace.

Best Things to Do in Caledon: Activities and Tours

Caledon offers a unique mix of activities, tours, and experiences that appeal to various interests. Here are a few activities to try during your stay in Caledon:

  • Horseback Riding Tour: Experience scenic views of Caledon on horseback. Several stables offer guided horseback tours, and some even offer lessons for beginners.
  • Wine Tasting Tour: Visit the local wineries and indulge in some wine tasting. You can enjoy a bottle of wine while taking in Caledon’s scenic views.
  • Spa Day: Unwind at one of the many award-winning Spas in Caledon, including Caledon Spa.

Week-Long Itinerary for Caledon

If you’re planning on staying in Caledon for a week, we’ve created a comprehensive itinerary for you to make the most of your time.

Day Activity
Day 1 Hike through Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
Day 2 Visit Alton Mill Arts Centre and grab a bite at one of the local cafes.
Day 3 Go on a horseback riding tour and enjoy the scenic views of Caledon.
Day 4 Spend the day at Terra Cotta Conservation Area and enjoy the Cedar Trail hiking trail.
Day 5 Take a food tour and indulge in the local cuisine of Caledon.
Day 6 Visit the Belfountain Conservation Area and enjoy a picnic by the waterfall.
Day 7 Relax at one of Caledon’s Spas and enjoy a massage or other treatments.

Food and Drink Scene of Caledon

Caledon has a diverse food scene, offering several local delicacies to try. Here are a few must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Butter Tarts: These are a classic Canadian dessert, and you can find some of the best butter tarts at The Friendly Chef Adventures.
  • Maple syrup: Caledon produces premium organic maple syrup that you can use to sweeten your coffee or drizzle over your pancakes.
  • Peameal Bacon: This bacon is made from lean pork loin and coated in cornmeal and is a must-try if you’re a meat lover.

Local Beverages

  • Caledon Hills Brewing Company: This microbrewery produces unique beer flavors and uses local ingredients.
  • Spirit Tree Cidery: They produce organic cider and apple brandy, using locally grown apples.
  • Downey’s Estate Winery: A family-owned winery that specializes in fruit wines and red and white wines made from local grape varieties.

Where to Stay in Caledon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Caledon offers several accommodation options that suit all budgets. You can find hotels, motels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals. Here are some of the best places to stay in Caledon:

  • Millcroft Inn & Spa: A luxurious hotel and spa located near Alton Mill Arts Centre and Caledon Trailway.
  • The Caledon Inn: A boutique hotel located in the heart of Caledon Village and close to many of Caledon’s landmarks and attractions.
  • The Trailhead: A lodge-style accommodation option perfect for hikers and adventurers, located near the Caledon Trailway.

What to Buy in Caledon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for some souvenir ideas or local products to bring back home, Caledon has several options for you to choose from. Here are some of our recommendations:

  • Maple syrup: As mentioned earlier, Caledon is known for its organic maple syrup.
  • Caledon Hills honey: You can find Caledon Hills’ premium honey from local stores or at the farmers’ market.
  • Artwork: Caledon has a vibrant art scene and offers a range of artwork from local artists that you can take back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Caledon

Caledon has a rich history and cultural heritage; you will find that the locals pride themselves on their traditions and customs. Here are a few things to know about Caledon’s culture:

  • Threshing Day: Threshing Day is an annual cultural event that celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage. The event includes a parade, live music, and a farmers’ market.
  • Minto Cup: The Caledon Bandits, a local lacrosse team, has won several Minto Cups. The Minto Cup is Canada’s national Junior ‘A’ box lacrosse championship for the best Junior ‘A’ teams.
  • Caledon Fair: The Caledon Fair is an annual event that features various activities, including carnival rides, live music, and animal shows.

Best Time to Visit Caledon

Caledon is beautiful all year round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. If you enjoy hiking and outdoor activities, summer and fall are ideal seasons. Winter offers an excellent opportunity for snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Caledon

Do:

  • Respect nature and wildlife.
  • Be polite to locals and fellow visitors.
  • Enjoy local food and drinks.
  • Take care of the environment by disposing of waste responsibly.

Don’t:

  • Disturb animals or damage the environment.
  • Litter.
  • Be disrespectful to local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Caledon

Caledon is generally a safe town, but visitors should be cautious when hiking or biking in remote areas. Always carry a map, a first aid kit, and enough water when venturing out into nature.

Health in Caledon

Caledon has several pharmacies and medical centers in case of any health emergencies. Ensure that you have adequate travel insurance to cover any medical expenses.

Getting to Caledon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Caledon is easily accessible by car, train, and bus. The nearest airports are Toronto Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

Airports Near Caledon

  • Toronto Pearson International Airport: The airport is located 27 km from Caledon and is the busiest airport in Canada.
  • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport: The airport is located 55 km from Caledon and serves regional flights.

Bus Stations Near Caledon

  • Brampton Bus Terminal: The terminal is located 30 km from Caledon and serves bus routes from various locations across Canada.
  • Orangeville-Bolton Bus: The terminal is located in Orangeville and serves routes to Bolton, Caledon East, and Palgrave.

Other Options

If you prefer to drive or take a train, Caledon is well-connected to GTA and other parts of Ontario.

How to Get Around in Caledon

Caledon is a small town, and it’s easy to navigate using a car or a bicycle. However, if you prefer not to drive, you can use public transportation or ride-hailing apps.

Where to Go Next from Caledon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Caledon is a great starting point for day trips and exploring nearby attractions. Here are some of the best destinations to visit near Caledon:

  • Niagara Falls: A three-hour drive from Caledon, Niagara Falls offers a spectacular sight of the falls and has several attractions for visitors.
  • Toronto: GTA’s largest city, Toronto, is only a 45-minute drive from Caledon and offers several attractions such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum.
  • Elora: A charming town, Elora, features the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, which is perfect for a day trip to explore nature.

Conclusion

Caledon, Canada offers a perfect blend of nature, local culture, and adventure. Whether you plan to hike on scenic trails or indulge in local cuisine, Caledon is an excellent destination for a relaxing holiday. We hope this guide has given you insight into what Caledon has to offer and inspires you to plan your next trip to this scenic town.

Forks of the Credit Provincial Park Forks of the Credit Provincial Park Cheltenham Badlands Cheltenham Badlands Fountain at Belfountain Fountain at Belfountain A view from inside the cave at the Belfountain conservation area A view from inside the cave at the Belfountain conservation area