Caledon

Caledon is a delightful area located less than an hour from downtown Toronto. With a population of 65 000, it offers residents the perfect blend of country living and the conveniences of urban life. Situated in the Municipal Region of Peel, Caledon is considered part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The name Caledon is a shortened form of Caledonia, the Roman name for North Britain. Caledon is regarded as a developing urban area, although it remains primarily rural. As a well-known tourist destination and popular year-round with outdoor enthusiasts, this tranquil region sprawls out from the main town over 700 square kilometers and offers breathtaking views, excellent real estate opportunities and a “country-quality” life for its residents. Those who visit always wish they could stay.

Attractions

Known for its stark, red rocks and unusual topography, the Cheltenham Badlands draw photographers and visitors to Caledon. As a favourite setting for bridal photo shoots, this site is so popular that conservation efforts had to be put in place to protect this unique setting from overuse. Protected now by fenced off viewing platforms, the Badlands are worth the visit. The spectacular Forks of the Credit are another drawcard in the region and garner the most attention in the Fall when the leaf colouration is at its most striking. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, skiing or horseback riding on Caledon’s many scenic trails. The Caledon Trailway runs the length of the region and provides spectacular views and a chance to unplug and unwind in nature. Major river systems including the Humber River traverse the Caledon region. The ever popular and environmentally important Oak Ridges Moraine and the spectacular Niagara Escarpment shape Caledon’s beautiful landscape. With many Conservation Areas and thousands of acres to explore, Caledon offers residents and visitors year-round outdoor enjoyment. Trails, fishing, bird watching, camping, and RVing are all on offer.

Neighbourhoods

The main urban centres in Caledon are Bolton, Caledon East, Caledon Village, and Mayfield West. Caledon also includes numerous rural hamlets and smaller villages.

Bolton is Caledon’s largest and most urban area with a population of 30,000. A variety of shops, restaurants and hotels are all located here. Once known as Bolton Mills, and named after George and James Bolton, who built the first water-powered grist mill in 1822, many of the heritage buildings remain and provide this village with historic charm. Caledon East is a smaller community of approximately 5000 and is part of the Caledon Trailway. Inglewood is a charming historic village and the site of the original general store in 1883. It can still be seen today. Palgrave is a small village, in the north-east part of Caledon, and home to the Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Area, and the Caledon Equestrian Park. Cheltenham, a quiet, historic hamlet, was named by the first settler in the area after his birthplace in Cheltenham, England. You can still visit the stone structured Cheltenham General Store, built in 1887.

Opportunities

Caledon is a successful, fast-growing, community. It encompasses urban and rural elements and has a thriving agricultural sector. Its proximity to Toronto and other major GTA cities means that residents can easily enjoy the benefits of country living while still working in the urban centres. There are both Public and Private schools in Caledon, so residents have an abundance of choice when it comes to their children’s education. Caledon’s high schools have been rated among the top third in Ontario in the rankings from the Fraser Institute.

Caledon has something for everyone. Its picturesque landscape and conservation areas are revered by cyclists and hikers. Residents love the historic charm and country-quality way of life, together with the convenience of being close to all urban centres, hospitals, major highways, and the Pearson International airport. If you’ve never visited Caledon, now is the time. You may find yourself wanting to stay.